Hen do ideas: cheeky nights out and adult entertainment

Cheeky hen do ideas that still feel classy

A burlesque or cabaret show is one of the easiest wins. It's glamorous, funny and flirty without being awkward, and everyone gets a proper night out with a drink and a seat. Many venues offer dinner and show packages for groups, which takes care of food and entertainment in one booking. Our guide to what burlesque is explains what to expect on the night.

Life drawing with a model is another favourite. A tutor guides the group, a professional model poses, and you all have a go at sketching. It's surprisingly relaxed, gets plenty of laughs and gives the bride a souvenir to take home. Classes for hen parties usually come with a glass of fizz and a choice of a male or female model.

If the group likes something more active, a pole fitness or burlesque dance class works well. You learn a short routine with a friendly instructor, nobody needs any experience, and you can film the finale for the group chat if everyone is happy with that.

Male strippers and butler-style waiters

Booking male strippers is still a popular hen do idea, either as a show at a venue or as a performer who comes to a private party. A strip show at a club is a ticketed event, so it's simple to book and the house rules are clear. A private booking needs more planning, so agree exactly what's included, how long the act lasts and what the space looks like before you pay.

For something gentler, butler-style waiters are a good middle ground. They serve drinks, play party games and pose for photos, usually in an apron and not much else, and they're used to mixed groups where not everyone wants the same level of cheek.

Whatever you book, check the bride is genuinely up for it. A surprise that embarrasses her isn't a good memory, and plenty of brides would rather have a cocktail class than a stripper.

Relaxed hen do ideas for mixed groups

Hen parties often bring together school friends, colleagues, sisters and mums, so it helps to build in something everyone can enjoy. A cocktail masterclass is ideal: a bartender teaches the group a few drinks, there's a bit of friendly competition and nobody feels left out.

A spa day or spa afternoon is a lovely way to start a weekend or to recover the morning after. Many spas offer group packages with treatments, use of the pool and a light lunch. Booking a daytime activity and a cheekier evening also lets guests choose which parts they join, which is kind on budgets and different tastes.

How to book a hen do

Start with the bride's wishes and a rough guest list, then pick the city and dates. Popular weekends in the summer book up months ahead, so get venues and accommodation confirmed early. Tell every venue it's a hen party when you book, as some have specific hen packages and a few don't accept large groups at all.

Get everything in writing: the date, the start time, how many people, what's included and the cancellation terms. For entertainers, ask for a contact number on the day, and check reviews from other groups. You can browse hen and stag entertainment across the UK to compare options in your area.

Ask for ID policies too. Shows with adult content are for over 18s only, and some venues set a higher age, so make sure every guest knows to bring photo ID.

Hen do budgets and paying fairly

Money is the most common cause of hen do stress. Agree a budget per person early, share a clear breakdown of costs, and collect deposits well before the booking deadlines. It's usual for the group to cover the bride's share between them.

Offer an optional or lighter version for anyone who can't stretch to the full weekend, such as joining just for the dinner or the daytime activity. Nobody should feel pushed out because of cost, and the bride will notice how inclusive it felt.

Consent and respecting performers

Performers are professionals doing a job, so treat them with the same respect you'd want at work. Follow the house rules, don't touch unless invited, and don't film or photograph without asking. If one of your group gets carried away, it's on the organiser to step in kindly but firmly.

Consent goes both ways. Don't drag a shy guest on stage or push the bride into anything she's not comfortable with. A great hen do is one where everyone, including the performers, leaves smiling. Our guide to consent and boundaries covers the basics, and if you're helping with the other side of the wedding, our stag do ideas guide has plenty to share with the best man.