Hen and stage parties or weekends are big business now, with companies looking to capitalise on those looking for their last hurrah before marriage. Gone are the simple meal or night out in town, instead they are getting more and more extravagant with hens seemingly wanting to outdo each other when they get married.
Most hen parties or weekends involve copious amounts of alcohol, clip on veils, and blow up dolls and humiliating activities for the bride. However according to new research, the tide seems to be turning on these kinds of shenanigans, instead brides to be and their hens would prefer a sophisticated hen weekend over a tacky one.
Research conducted by www.bluechipholidays.co.uk surveyed 2,065 brides, bridesmaids and anyone attending a hen weekend in the coming year, or who had attended a hen weekend within the last year, aged over 18; “Would you rather go to a classy or tacky hen party?” They found that a massive 85% want classy over tacky. This shows a shift in attitudes of this generation who seem to be shunning getting drunk for more practical activities. Investigating further Blue Chip Holidays also asked what the various reasons as to why they wanted to have or would prefer to attend a classy event, the main explanations were revealed as follows:
- To spend quality time with family and friends – 75%
- Did not want to get very drunk – 56%
- Be pampered – 31%
- Do something productive – 26%
- Not to be embarrassed – 18%
It seems most brides-to-be and their hens would prefer to spend quality time with their friends and family, being pampered, rather than getting sloshed. It is needless to say, however, a moderate amount of drinking still takes place at every hen party. Lots of people now look for spa weekends to be pampered. Also, the rise in activity websites offering bachelorette party ideas to do seems to be targeting this new wave of people who want to celebrate their last few days of freedom in a different way.
Alternatively, some hens also book venues to host a feast for showing their love towards their bride-to-be. This kind of celebration is luxurious in nature, wherein light drinking is prevalent. The hens arrange for different games for the attendees to take part in, which is followed by offering some party favors to make the guests and the would-be bride feel great. The list of favors can include items ranging from personalized wine glasses, customized candles, beauty products, phone cases, hangover kits, jewelry, and clothing items, etc — see more here at https://kitshe.co/best-bachelorette-party-favors/. Most of the time, this type of hen party is a surprise for the bride.
Additionally, some hens focus on getting indulged in thrilling activities such as a fun archery session by competing against each other to see who can hit the target. Similarly, escape rooms often provide an exciting experience. Otherwise, brides and hens can choose axe throwing denver or different surroundings to elevate their rush of adrenaline, while also showcasing their skills.
Research has shown that 76% of brides would be happy to take a surprise hen weekend away in the UK, spending time with family and friends, and doing something productive or being pampered. Furthermore, the majority of those taking part in the survey (57%) said that they would be happy to spend between 100 and 300 for a stay of one night with activities included. 33% would be happy to pay between 300 and 500 for a long weekend away, with activities and 10% would pay more than 500 for up to 5 days away and activities.
As how we celebrate our last days of freedom change, what sort of hen party would you like or do you wish you had done something more sophisticated for yours instead?