Anything goes. Whether you fancy escaping for a weekend of adrenalised action or some dreamy downtime with fine food and relaxation, let your whims dictate the way. Stage a series of mini hen dos, from afternoon tea parties and beach barbecues to crafty classes - or organise a weeklong, jam-packed jamboree.
We've scoured the South West for the latest hen trends to help get the party started...
MAKE LIKE A MILLINER
Milliner Holly Young creates dazzling designs that form the crowning glory to many a fashion-forward outfit. Producing a stunning range of hats, fascinators and headbands to hire, commission and purchase, her heavenly headwear packs a stunning sartorial punch. You and your ladies can dabble with your inner creative and have a go at crafting your own stylish fascinators or hair accessories to wear on a night out - or the wedding day itself - at one of Holly's workshops. You'll learn to make a headpiece by choosing the design of the base and all the decorative trimmings; incorporate some of your own old or heirloom jewellery or simply craft it from scratch using feathers, ribbons, silks, buttons and beads. Holly also supplies fascinator kits - available in a range of gorgeous hues from pastels to colour-pop - as well as brooch kits so that hens can enjoy an endlessly enjoyable and artistic hen day at their leisure.
www.hollyyoungboutique.com
BAKE LIKE MARY BERRY
Has the Great British Bake Off inspired your sweet whimsies? Unleash your inner baking queen at a cupcake decorating class. Creating lip-smacking cakes of the highest calibre, Cupcakemama are experts in all things sweet, baking beautiful treats that guarantee a show-stopping centrepiece for your day. Enjoy a glass of bubbly as they teach you and your girls how to decorate cupcakes in prettily professional style. Round off the culinary fun by taking home a box of cupcakes to devour - the ultimate afternoon of fun for sweet-toothed hens!
www.cupcakemama.co.uk
HAVE A HOUSE PARTY
Fancy a generous dose of private and exclusive luxury for some kick back time? Polpier House sits within two acres of landscaped gardens, presenting uninterrupted views over the ancient fishing harbour of Mevagissey on Cornwall's south coast. Comprising two beautiful houses, Polpier (which sleeps 16) and Penpol (which sleeps 10), a large number of hens can join you in lapping up the style and comfort of this picturesque location. Polpier boasts its own private suite, tennis court and garden pool, while Penpol takes the fine form of a glorious Garden House. For active hens, sailing, fishing, golf and clay shooting are all available nearby, or you can arrange your own in-house table tennis or snooker tournaments. For a day of sheer indulgence, schedule a massage and lounge by the pool followed by a wine tasting session and professionally cooked meal washed down with cocktails; round off the celebrations by staging an in-house private disco. A fun and sophisticated seaside hen weekend starts here.
www.polpier.co.uk
DANCE LIKE BEYONC�
Don your dancing shoes and get stuck into an expertly choreographed routine courtesy of the Big Dance Company. Whatever your age, level of fitness or ability, you can hit the dance floor, pull some shapes and have some serious fun. Simply select your theme and the instructors will stage a workshop that will take you through the steps from warm-up to professional-looking routine. Go for Grease and dance like a pink lady, work the dance floor like Beyonce or sizzle with a burlesque showgirl routine - whatever theme takes your fancy, the team will help you to master your chosen moves. You might even perform the dance at the wedding as a fabulous and unforgettable finale to your day.
www.thebigdancecompany.com
LEARN TO FLY
Can there be anything more exhilarating than taking to the skies on your hen do? Based on the North Cornwall coast, Cloud 9 offers hang gliding and paragliding sessions for hens, which combine basic theory, safety and practical tuition with the aim of getting everyone flying solo - depending on conditions and ability - by the end of the day. A thrilling ride from start to finish, get set to soar above the breathtaking Cornish landscape and bid farewell to singledom in adrenalised and oh-so memorable style.
www.flycloud9.co.uk
GET CRAFTY
Aggie Arts provide a fabulously fun and creative hen occasion. Presenting tailor-made workshops and accommodation packages in the stunning setting of St Agnes, a spectacular setting flanks what promises to be a distinctive day's doings. Base yourself within pebble-hurling distance of the beach and enjoy the exclusive array of hen party workshops that include celebration bunting, Cornish pasty making, fascinator making, silver jewellery making and wine tasting. The Aggie Arts team will tailor a day of activities and partying to specifically suit your every whim, leaving you to get making and kick back in unforgettably fun-filled and scenic style.
www.aggiearts.co.uk
UNWIND AT THE SPA
Luxurious treatments, fabulous food, a Jacuzzi with sea views and a champagne bar - Carbis Bay Hotel's state-of-the-art C Bay Spa is the stuff of hen fantasy. Beautifully designed to embrace its sublime location - boasting dreamy views across the hotel's Blue Flag Beach and St Ives Bay - this tranquil space is designed for relaxation and heady indulgence. Choose from the extensive range of treatments, take a dip in the heated outdoor pool, tuck into a delectable lunch and unwind in the Jacuzzi with a glass of fizz for an utterly sumptuous experience. Opt for exclusive-use and the team will create a hen session tailored entirely to your requirements.
www.carbisbayhotel.co.uk
words Hannah May
Copyright Wed magazine 2014
