15 Brilliant Hen Party Ideas For Small Groups

Introduction

Planning a hen party for a small group? You’re in the right place! Whether you’re organising an intimate celebration or dealing with a limited guest list, there are so many fun and unique hen party ideas for small groups that will guarantee an unforgettable experience for the bride-to-be. From cosy nights in to adventurous days out, small hen dos can be just as memorable as a big bash—if not more so! Keep reading for a range of creative ideas to help you plan the perfect hen party for a small group.

Organising a hen party for a tight-knit crew can be challenging, but it also gives you the chance to personalise the celebration and focus on what the bride truly loves. So, let’s dive into some amazing hen party ideas for small groups that are sure to impress!

Hen Party Ideas For Small Groups

1. Relaxing Spa Day or Weekend Retreat

Spa Treatment Or Weekend Pamper Trip

One of the most popular hen party ideas for small groups is a spa day or weekend retreat. Smaller groups make this experience more intimate and enjoyable, allowing everyone to truly relax and connect. You can book a day at a local spa or opt for a luxury spa hotel for the whole weekend. Treatments like massages, facials, and mani-pedis will leave everyone feeling refreshed and pampered.

DIY Spa Day At Home

If a spa trip isn’t in the budget, why not create your own spa experience at home? You can set up face masks, DIY mani-pedis, and even hire a mobile masseuse to come to your location. Add in some calming music, fluffy robes, and a few bottles of bubbly, and you’ve got yourself a luxury spa experience without leaving the house.

Wellness And Yoga Retreats

For a more holistic approach, consider booking a wellness or yoga retreat. This is perfect if the bride is a fitness or mindfulness enthusiast. You can spend the day practising yoga, meditating, and enjoying healthy meals—ideal for a bride who loves a bit of self-care.

2. Themed Dinner Party

Choose A Theme That Suits the Bride

For an evening filled with laughter and great food, host a themed dinner party. Think outside the box and choose a theme that reflects the bride’s personality. Whether it’s a glamorous Great Gatsby night, a retro 80s bash, or a chic Parisian soirée, there are so many ways to make a themed hen party dinner party truly special.

Murder Mystery Dinner

A murder mystery dinner is perfect for a small hen party group because it’s an engaging and interactive experience that everyone can enjoy together, whether you’re hosting it at home or in a private room at your favourite restaurant. It’s the ideal way to add a bit of intrigue and fun to the evening, it’s suitable for any age and acts as a great ice breaker!

Book your Murder Mystery Dinner in any of our Irish locations!

Potluck or Catered Feast

If you’re a foodie group, consider a potluck dinner where each guest brings a dish that fits the theme. Alternatively, hire a private chef to prepare a menu inspired by your chosen theme. This adds an extra touch of luxury and ensures that no one has to worry about cooking or cleaning up.

Boho Backyard Hen Do Picnic

Why not create a deliciously boho foodie experience for the Bride? Each guest can bring a dish that fits the relaxed, boho vibe—think fresh salads, artisanal breads, and tasty finger foods. All you need is a low table (or palette crates), some cushions, gorgeous tableware and some boho decorations to pull off this classy hen do idea.

Activities to Elevate the Night

Add a few fun activities to keep the energy high. This could be a themed quiz about the bride, a DIY cocktail-making session, or even a little karaoke or a Lip Sync Battle. The key is to keep everyone engaged and entertained throughout the night.

You can book a Mr & Mrs Quiz activity with a professional actor that comes to your home or venue, or you can DIY your own Mr & Mrs Quiz too!

3. Adventure and Outdoor Activities

Adrenaline Activities

If your group loves a bit of adrenaline, there are plenty of hen party ideas for small groups that involve outdoors activities. From zip-lining to white-water rafting, these experiences can create lasting memories and strengthen bonds.

Find your fave UK and Irish destination to view all of our outdoor adrenaline activities.

Glamping and Camping Trips

For a more laid-back adventure, consider a glamping or camping trip. It’s a perfect way to get away from the hustle and bustle, spend some quality time together, and enjoy nature. You can plan fun activities like hiking, campfire storytelling, and stargazing to make the trip extra special.

Escape Rooms

For something that combines adventure with a bit of mystery, book an escape room experience. It’s a great for smaller groups because they only usually take a handful of people in each room and you’ll have heaps of fun working together to get out!

Find a fun escape room in our Irish and UK destinations.

4. Creative Workshops

Unleash Your Inner Artist

Creative workshops are fantastic hen party ideas for small groups because they offer a chance to bond over learning a new skill. From draw a nude classes to painting or flower crown making, there’s something for everyone. These sessions can be held at a studio or even at home if you’re looking for a more relaxed setting.

Cocktail or Cooking Classes

Food and drink workshops are always a hit. Book a cocktail making class where you’ll learn to mix, shake, and stir like a pro. Or, if the bride loves to cook, why not sign up for a group cooking class? You’ll get to eat your delicious creations at the end, making it a tasty and interactive experience.

Crafty Hen Do Keepsakes

Consider a craft workshop where you create keepsakes that can be taken home. Think custom jewellery, personalised candles, cheeky garters or even creating a scrapbook filled with memories of the bride. These kinds of activities are perfect for small groups as everyone can participate and leave with something special.

5. Travel and Mini Getaways

City Breaks and Countryside Escapes

Small hen do groups are ideal for quick getaways, whether it’s a city break or a countryside escape. Choose a destination the bride loves and plan a weekend filled with sightseeing, shopping, and dining. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Dublin or London, or relaxing in the peaceful countryside outside Bath or Galway, a mini getaway is a fantastic way to celebrate.

Beach Retreats

If you’re dreaming of sun, sea, and sand, consider booking a beach retreat. You can relax on the beach, have a beachside BBQ, or even try your hand at some water sports. Smaller hen party groups make it easier to find accommodation and plan activities, ensuring a seamless and stress-free trip.

We love a beach hen party in Marbella, Dingle, Carlingford, Bournemouth, Brighton, Newquay or Blackpool.

Book Unique Accommodation

Make your trip even more special by staying somewhere a bit out-of-the-box. Consider booking a quirky Airbnb, a charming cottage, a stunning villa in Marbella or even a luxurious yurt. The right accommodation can set the tone for the entire weekend and make it even more memorable.

6. Intimate Nights In

Movie Marathons and Pyjama Parties

Sometimes, the best hen nights are the ones spent in. Organise a cosy pyjama party or movie marathon with the bride’s favourite films, plenty of snacks, and maybe even a DIY cocktail station. This is a low-key but lovely way to spend quality time together, especially if the bride prefers a more laid-back vibe.

Games and Challenges

Plan a night filled with hen party games and challenges tailored to the bride’s interests. This could be a classic game night with board games and charades, or something a bit more personal like a ‘My Best Memory With The Bride?’. Add some friendly competition with small prizes for the winners.

Personalised Pampering Sessions

Turn your night in into a full-on pampering session. Set up a mini beauty bar with face masks, nail polish, and hair styling tools. You can even hire a professional to come in and do makeup or give massages. It’s the perfect way to unwind and enjoy each other’s company.

7. Hen Party Games and Activities

No hen party is complete without a few fun and memorable hen do games! For small groups, you can personalise the activities to make them even more special and interactive. Classic games like ‘Never Have I Ever’ or Wedding Vows Mad Libs are great for creating laughs and heartfelt moments. Since the group is small, everyone can get involved, making it more engaging.

FAQs: Planning A Hen Party For A Small Group

Q: How do I choose the right activities for a small hen party group?

A: The best activities for a small group are those that allow everyone to engage and bond. Think about the bride’s interests and choose something that fits her personality—whether that’s a relaxing spa day, an adrenaline activity, a crafty experience or a cosy night in with games and good food. Remember, it’s all about creating a memorable experience that everyone will enjoy.

Q: What’s the best way to manage the budget for a small hen party?

A: For smaller groups, communication is key. Discuss the budget with everyone beforehand to ensure everyone is comfortable with the costs. If you book with us, you can split the cost so everyone pays individually. And don’t forget to check out our deals and discounts that might be available for smaller groups to help keep costs down.

Q: How can I make a small hen party feel special?

A: Personal touches can make all the difference. Create custom invites, personalised decorations, or even a special playlist of the bride’s favourite songs. You can also include thoughtful activities like a ‘memory jar’ where everyone writes down a special memory with the bride, or a toast where everyone shares what they love most about her. These little details make the event feel intimate and meaningful.

Q: Is it harder to organise a small hen party compared to a large one?

A: Not necessarily! A smaller group can actually be easier to manage because there are fewer people to coordinate with and you can focus more on the details. It also allows for more flexibility in choosing activities and accommodation. Just make sure to check if any of the items you choose require a minimum group size – with us, you can book an item even if you have less than the minimum as long as you pay for the missing spots.

Q: What should I consider when choosing a location for a small hen party?

A: When selecting a location, think about the interests of the bride and what kind of atmosphere she would enjoy. For small groups, consider destinations that offer both relaxation and entertainment options. Whether it’s a city break, a beach retreat, or a countryside escape, make sure there are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained without feeling overwhelmed.

Check out our full list of hen party destinations for inspiration.

Conclusion

Planning a hen party for a small group doesn’t have to be challenging! In fact, it’s a wonderful opportunity to create a truly personalised and memorable experience for the bride-to-be. From spa days and themed dinner parties to creative workshops and adventure trips, there are countless hen party ideas for small groups that will leave everyone smiling.

Whether you choose a laid-back night in or an exciting weekend away, remember that it’s the thought and effort that count. No matter how big or small, the most important thing is celebrating the bride and creating memories that will last a lifetime.