A hen party should be about the bride-to-be: her personality, her friends and the things she loves. That doesn't always mean wild nights out. Some of the best hen parties we've helped with were relaxed weekends in a holiday cottage, afternoon teas with a surprise singer, or themed nights in a private function room.
Here are entertainment ideas that work for every kind of hen.
Start with the bride
Before you book anything, ask yourself:
- Does she love being the centre of attention, or would she prefer to watch?
- What music does she love?
- Will the group include her mum, grandmother or future mother-in-law?
- What's the budget for the group?
The answers will narrow down the right type of entertainment quickly.
Tribute act ideas
ABBA and Mamma Mia
The classic hen party choice. A Mamma Mia tribute or an ABBA show such as ABBA Dreamgirls brings singalongs, dancing and a great excuse for 70s fancy dress.
Girl power
A Spice Girls tribute or Little Mix tribute is perfect for a group of friends who grew up with the music.
Boy band and Robbie
A cheeky Robbie Williams tribute or a Take That show is a great choice for hens who love a singalong and a bit of banter.
Divas
Whitney, Cher, Beyoncé or P!nk tributes bring glamour and energy. See our diva tribute guide.
Surprise and speciality ideas
- Singing Waiters: perfect for a hen dinner. The Singing Waiters pose as staff before bursting into song.
- Comedy: a comedian like Jo Little can make a hen night hilarious.
- Themed duos: the Gatsby Dreamgirls suit a 1920s-themed hen party.
- Casino night: casino tables with fun money for a glamorous evening.
- Photo booth: a magic mirror for souvenir photos.
Hen party formats
A night in a private function room
Hiring a private room at a pub, club or hotel gives you control over the entertainment. Book a tribute act, add a buffet and decorations, and you have a party without the hassle of a crowded town centre.
A weekend away
Many hens rent a large house or lodge. Some properties allow entertainers; check the rules first, particularly on noise and numbers.
Afternoon tea or lunch
A gentler option, particularly for mixed-age groups. A vocalist or singing waiters during an afternoon tea is lovely and inclusive.
A night out with a show
Some groups go to a public tribute night at a club or theatre. Check the act's public shows on their profile page.
Keeping everyone included
Hen groups often mix friends, family and colleagues of very different ages. A few tips:
- Choose music with broad appeal, such as ABBA or Motown
- Plan one or two activities everyone can join
- Avoid anything that might embarrass the bride or older relatives
- Make sure the costs are clear to everyone up front
Practical tips
- Book early, especially for summer weekends
- Check the venue allows entertainers and has space and power
- Tell the act about the bride so they can personalise the show
- Agree timings so the act fits around food and other plans
Hen party themes
A theme makes a hen party feel planned and gives everyone a talking point.
- Mamma Mia: 70s outfits, Greek-island decorations and an ABBA or Mamma Mia show.
- Roaring Twenties: flapper dresses, cocktails, casino tables and a 1920s duo.
- Girl power: Spice Girls fancy dress with a matching tribute.
- Diva night: sequins, feather boas and a Whitney or Cher tribute.
- Afternoon tea: vintage teacups and a vocalist singing swing and classic love songs.
Budgeting as a group
Hen parties are usually paid for by the group, so it's worth being clear about costs early. Decide on a realistic per-person budget before you book anything, and remember that entertainment is often the item that makes the biggest difference to the night. Splitting the cost of a tribute act or singing waiters across a group of fifteen or twenty can make it surprisingly affordable compared with an expensive night out in a city centre. Collect contributions in advance so the organiser isn't left out of pocket.
Yorkshire hen party ideas
Yorkshire is a popular hen destination in its own right. Leeds and York have lively city centres with plenty of bars and restaurants offering private rooms. Harrogate suits a more refined weekend of spa days and afternoon tea. Holiday cottages in the Dales and on the coast near Scarborough and Whitby work well for a weekend away. Wherever you choose, a private room with your own entertainment means the group can stay together and the bride gets a party built around her.
Timing the act
For an evening party, book the act for after food, when the group has settled in and the drinks are flowing. For a dinner, singing waiters work best between courses. For an afternoon tea, a vocalist can perform a relaxed set while people eat, with a few upbeat singalongs at the end. Make sure the venue knows the schedule.
Quick answers
Can the act involve the bride?
Yes, if she's happy to. Let the act know in advance.
Are there acts suitable for mixed-age hen parties?
ABBA, Motown, swing singers and singing waiters all work well for mixed groups.
Are there any hidden booking fees?
No Hidden Booking Fees. The price we quote is the price you pay. No additional agency booking fees or unexpected charges. We usually ask for a deposit to secure the date, and everything is confirmed in writing before your event.
Can I check if an act is free before I enquire?
Yes. Most act profiles have a live date checker, and Check your date shows who is available across our roster. Diaries change quickly in busy periods, so we always confirm availability when you enquire.
Ready to plan?
Visit our hen party entertainment page or request a quote with your date, venue and group size.
Ready to find your act?
Flair Entertainments has been booking entertainers for clients across the UK since 1984. Send us your date, venue and the kind of night you want and we’ll come back with acts that suit.
