Hen dos are a classic pre-wedding ritual filled with laughter, questionable decisions, and memories that may or may not be hazy the next morning.
It’s a celebration of the bride-to-be, a last hurrah before she takes the plunge into married life. Whether you’re a seasoned hen party pro or a first-timer, there are certain things that are practically guaranteed to happen at every hen do. So, grab your prosecco, put on your dancing shoes, and see how many of the following experiences you’ve had.
1. Someone will inevitably end up in tears.
Whether it’s from laughter, a heartfelt toast, or a bit too much bubbly, tears are a staple of any hen do. It might be the bride overcome with emotion as she reflects on her upcoming wedding, or a bridesmaid reminiscing about their shared adventures. Or, it could simply be someone who’s had one too many cocktails and is feeling a bit sentimental. Either way, tissues at the ready!
2. There will be a questionable fancy dress theme.
From Where’s Wally to Disney princesses, hen dos are notorious for their creative (and sometimes cringeworthy) fancy dress themes. It’s a chance for everyone to let their hair down and embrace their inner child. Just be prepared to see some truly outrageous outfits, and maybe even a few wardrobe malfunctions.
3. The dance floor will become a battleground.
As the night goes on and the drinks flow, the dance floor will inevitably transform into a competitive arena. You’ll witness epic dance-offs, questionable twerking, and moves that would make even the most seasoned choreographer blush. It’s a time to let loose and have some fun, even if your moves aren’t exactly award-worthy.
4. The bride-to-be will be showered with embarrassing stories and photos.
Source: Pexels No hen do is complete without a trip down memory lane, filled with embarrassing stories and photos of the bride-to-be. It’s a chance for friends and family to reminisce about shared experiences, from awkward teenage moments to drunken nights out. Just be prepared for some red faces and a lot of laughter.
5. There will be at least one questionable purchase made in the name of “hen do fun”.
Source: Unsplash From inflatable male companions to personalised sashes with suggestive slogans, hen dos are notorious for their questionable purchases. It’s all part of the fun, and these items often become cherished mementos of a wild and unforgettable night. Just be sure to set a budget beforehand, or you might end up with a credit card bill that’s as shocking as the bride-to-be’s dance moves.
6. The karaoke session will be legendary (or infamous, depending on your perspective).
Whether you’re a natural-born diva or a tone-deaf shower singer, the karaoke session is a hen do staple. It’s a chance to belt out your favourite tunes, unleash your inner rock star, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Just be prepared for some truly terrible singing, some surprisingly good performances, and a lot of laughter.
7. At least one person will have a little too much fun.
Source: Unsplash Let’s face it, hen dos are synonymous with overindulgence. There will always be at least one person who gets a little too carried away with the drinks, the dancing, or both. It might be the quietest member of the group suddenly transformed into a party animal, or the designated driver who ends up being the most intoxicated. Just be sure to have a designated responsible person (or people) to make sure everyone gets home safely.
8. There will be a sense of camaraderie and sisterhood that transcends any differences.
Source: Unsplash Despite any pre-existing tensions or differences, hen dos have a way of bringing people together. It’s a time to celebrate the bride-to-be, share stories, and create lasting memories. The shared experience of a hen do can forge new friendships and strengthen existing bonds, leaving everyone feeling like part of a special sisterhood.
9. The bride-to-be will receive an abundance of questionable advice about married life.
Source: Unsplash Everyone from the maid of honour to the bride’s great-aunt will feel compelled to share their wisdom (or lack thereof) about married life. You’ll hear tales of compromise, communication, and the importance of keeping the spark alive. Some of it might be helpful, some of it might be hilarious, and some of it might be downright bizarre. Just nod along, smile, and remember that you can take it all with a grain of salt.
10. The group chat will be flooded with photos and videos that will never see the light of day.
Source: Unsplash From embarrassing selfies to hilarious dance moves, the hen do group chat will become a treasure trove of memories (and potential blackmail material). But be warned, many of these photos and videos will never be shared beyond the confines of that chat. They’re too precious, too embarrassing, or simply too incriminating to risk public exposure. Consider it a secret archive of hen do shenanigans.
11. Someone will lose something important.
Source: Unsplash Whether it’s a phone, a wallet, a pair of shoes, or even their dignity, someone is bound to lose something important at a hen do. It might be a result of a drunken mishap, a misplaced item in the chaos of the night, or simply a case of forgetfulness. Just be sure to keep an eye on your belongings and help your fellow hens out if they find themselves in a pickle.
12. There will be a collective hangover the next day.
After a night of revelry, it’s almost inevitable that there will be a collective hangover the next day. You might find yourself nursing a sore head, craving greasy food, and swearing off alcohol for the foreseeable future. But hey, it’s all part of the hen do experience. Just remember to stay hydrated, eat a hearty breakfast, and take it easy.
13. The bride-to-be will feel loved and appreciated.
At the end of the day, the most important thing is that the bride-to-be feels loved and appreciated. The hen do is a chance for her friends and family to shower her with affection, support, and well wishes as she embarks on this new chapter in her life. It’s a time to celebrate her, make her laugh, and create memories that she’ll cherish forever.
14. There will be a newfound appreciation for a quiet night in.
After the whirlwind of the hen do, you might find yourself craving a quiet night in with a cup of tea and a good book. The excitement and chaos of the hen do will be a distant memory, replaced by a sense of peace and tranquillity. You’ll appreciate the simple things in life, like a comfortable bed and a good night’s sleep. And you’ll be grateful for the memories you made with your fellow hens, even if they’re a little blurry.
