Exhilarating water activities and lively nightclubs aren’t everybody’s cup of tea, so it is important to do your homework and find out what the main lady is really into!
A more relaxed and sophisticated weekend is a much better option for any older brides-to-be who cringe at the sight of a feather boa and shots. The team over at HenorStag.com have rounded up their top ideas for a more ‘grown up’ affair…
Afternoon Tea
Treat your bride-to-be to a delicious afternoon tea with her nearest and dearest by her side. A glass of champagne, finely cut sandwiches and a great selection of sweet treats, is sure to impress! You may decide to choose a theme for your afternoon tea such as vintage or a mad hatters tea party to name but a few. If you are heading to Dublin, be sure to visit Social Bee who offer everything you need for a fabulous luncheon. From homemade treats to quirky decor – sounds pretty much perfect!
Spa Day
A tranquil spa day is always an ideal choice if the bride-to-be happens to enjoy the finer things in life! Choose from a wide range of spa treatments to ensure the ladies are totally in their element and refreshed for the remainder of the celebrations! Be sure to check out the Shearwater Hotel in Galway where you will be pampered with a range of Elemis spa treatments – not to mention full use of the leisure facilities including the jacuzzi and sauna.
Get Crafty
Nothing gets those creative juices flowing like a good DIY workshop session. From making your own fascinator to flower arranging classes, sewing to painting, your best friend is sure to love you forever if up-cycling is her absolute passion! Make your own masterpiece with the Silverbirch Hotel in Tyrone who offer a wide selection of crafty hen weekend packages; including stylish accommodation, tempting dining and of course a lamp shade making or a sewing workshop!
Take A Cookery Class
Learn a new skill with a super fun and inspiring cookery class! With an experienced cook at hand, your troop will learn useful tips and information that they can take home with them! Afterwards, the whole gang will enjoy a well-deserved catch up as they taste their masterpieces! Orchard Acre Farm in Fermanagh offers spectacular cookery classes with a vast variety of themes to choose from, including Thai and Italian.
Day At The Races
Any excuse to get dolled up, eh? A day at the races is the perfect opportunity to wine and dine your pals with a succulent meal, private bar and possibly a cheeky bet or two! Fairy-house Racecourse in Meath is THE place to be! Impressive views of the race track and an exclusive private suite is sure to go down well with the gals.
Pottery Making
That famous scene from Ghost made everyone wanna try their hand at pottery classes – minus Patrick Swayze unfortunately! If, after all these years, your main ladies still swoon at the mere mention of your fave chick flick, then a pottery making class is the call of the day. The Slieve Aughty Centre in Galway is a prime lo-cation for the bride-to-be to unwind with a super relaxing pottery class followed by a whole range of other fun and creative activities.
Pamper Makeover Session
Treat your hen party to a glamorous makeover with your very own make up artist and hair stylist. You’ll be looking on fleek for all those Snapchat stories! You may even decide to opt for a theme such as retro vintage or plump pouts à la Kylie Jenner. Visit Real Makeover in Down for the opportunity to strike a pose in a personal photo shoot. They are also mobile meaning you can relax and enjoy your pampering in comfort.
So there you have it, 7 ladylike hen party ideas for the older bride-to-be that are guaranteed to be a success! Find more hen party ideas and inspiration on Ireland’s favourite hen party planning website HenorStag.com.
Image Credits: 1) Afternoon Tea – Claire Mossong via Made From Scratch; ;2) Afternoon Tea Plate- Archtype Studio via My True Blu; 3) Bridesmaids in Robes – Christie Graham via Bridal Musings; 4) Cookery Class – Jacquelyne Mae Photography via Ruffled; 5) Day at the Races – Paper Antler Photography via Southern Weddings; 6) Makeover – Erin McGinn via Style Me Pretty.