How to throw your bride to be an epic hens party in Christchurch!

Throwing my best friend an epic hens party was something I had always looked forward to planning but where to begin? Not all hen’s parties have to be filled with drinking and risqué activities, especially if the ‘bride to be’ would prefer something more low- key. It is a time to let loose and have some fun in whatever way you choose. So, to give you all some inspiration I thought I would collate some of my favourite ideas and hot spots in Christchurch to make it nice and simple. 

Good Gatherings boho box

Good Gatherings boho box

Good Gatherings Luxury Picnic
Start your day by getting everyone around to someone’s house and having one of our luxury picnics set up in your living room or backyard to set the scene for the day. It can bring the WOW factor to the bride and look like you have gone the extra mile when in fact we came and set everything all up for you! To add your touch, you could make a delicious platter for everyone or have a boozy brunch or afternoon tea and start the day in a relaxed beautiful atmosphere. It is also a good ice breaker, where you can all sit around, and play some games and put the bride in the hot seat. Plus, a great time to get some cute Instagramable pics while everyone is looking their best and before things get a little wild! Hire our flower wall to have a beautiful backdrop for your photos.

Good Gatherings Create and sip

Good Gatherings has a $20 per person activity where we supply you with everything you need for you and your guests to each paint a mini vase and create dried arrangements to put in them. This is the perfect activity if your bride-to-be is artistic or you need a chill activity. The other great thing about this activity as it can also double as a party favour.

To enquire about the availability of any of the above, check out our website at https://goodgatheringnz.com/

Next up is to choose a couple of fun activities: 

Life Drawing
Doing a life drawing class is a fun way to lighten the mood, get the heart rate up, and have a giggle at the same time! All drawing materials supplied, as well as some sort of games to lighten any mood. The most popular in Christchurch are https://www.barebutlers.co.nz/ and https://www.strikeapose.co.nz/

Do a Dance Class 
Put on your dancing shoes and learn some new moves for the dance floor. Dancing is a fun, intimate activity with absolutely no judgement and something everyone can enjoy. Some of the classes I recommend for hens parties are:

 Margarita Masterclass
Shake things up with a margarita masterclass! For just $40 per person, each person will have a go at making three different delicious margaritas.  It’s informative and full of entertainment. Check out https://www.mexico.net.nz/ for this activity!

 Wine Tours or Beer Tasting
On the outskirts of Christchurch is home to some of the most beautiful wineries in New Zealand and some delicious local breweries throughout the city.  There are a few tour companies out there to choose from which offer a wine and beer tours where you get to check out the grounds and of course to have a cheeky few samples. Most of these also have a place to get a bite to eat where you could order a beautiful platter to share between tables. 

 Beercycle
The beer bike is a unique way of doing a pub crawl on wheels throughout the city. With two bikes available in Christchurch which can hold 15 people per bike, it’s a fun way to see the city, with the music of your choice, however, no drinking is allowed on board. The tour goes for approximately two hours, with 3-5 stops along the way at an array of bars.  Check out https://www.beercycle.co.nz/

Paint’n’ Sip
If the ‘bride to be’  is someone creative by nature then this could be a fun activity to do. With no painting experience required, you will be given step by step instructions on how to create a masterpiece of art that may even be worthy of hanging on the wall, with lots of free-flowing wine. Check out https://paintnsip.co.nz/private-events/hens-party/ for more information.

Karaoke
Get your group a private Karaoke room. Midnight Shanghai is a great Karaoke spot because you can sing your heart out to 90’s and early 2000’s classics while cocktails and snacks can be ordered and bought up to your private room. If this sound like fun to you then check out https://www.midnightshanghai.co.nz/karaoke for prices, more information, and details on how to book.

Concerts and Musicals
If your bride loves a musical and loves a sing-along. Plan your hen’s party around a local gig or show that is on in the city. To see what shows are upcoming, check out the Ticketek and Ticketmaster websites.

Risqué Party Ideas
I am sure we all have a friend that is a little crazy and loves an event on the more risqué side. If your bride sounds like this, then these ideas are for you. Book your bride a male stripper, topless waiter, or striptease. They can also stay on and play 3-4 games of your choice, anything from risqué charades or the sex position challenge. If this is something your bride might enjoy checking out the packages from https://www.christchurchstrippers.co.nz/ or https://www.barebutlers.co.nz/


Also, when planning always consider these key factors: 

  • It’s about everyone being together

  • That it is not too expensive

  • Ensure everyone is introduced at the start of the day

  • The bridal party makes themselves known to the rest of the group so they can be the go-to people for the event

  • Enough food and drink – don’t want anyone getting hangry!

  • Bride's friends are together supporting her

  • Everyone has an open mind and letting their hair down

  • Everyone feeling involved

  • No dramas!

  • Cater for all budgets

  • Older ladies feel included (sorry to call you old mum!)

  • Not too many people there

  • It is a safe and fun night

  • Communicate with those going to the hen’s party. Let them know if they need a change of clothes etc

  • And lastly, ensuring someone is always looking out for the Hen so she has the best day with her loved ones!


    Planning can be a mission so hopefully, the above ideas will help anyone that is wanting to throw their bride to be an epic hens party. I would love to hear your ideas and suggestions below on what you did for a friend’s hens party and what activities you did that made it epic.  

 

updated in April 2023



event hireLana & ErinGood GatheringsEvent hire, boho picnic set up, boho, Party boxes, Christchurch event hireComment