Oh I do love a good hen ‘do, don’t you? (That’s bachelorette party for our Stateside readers.)

I love that no matter what, it’s one of those occasions when everyone just lets their hair down, and gets into the spirit.

But as a former bridesmaid, I know how it feels to want to get things just right for your bride to be. Even if she’s the most laid-back lady around, you still want her to have a personalised night out, that feels truly special.

Feeling overwhelmed at the mere prospect? I’ve recruited some help from Natalie Punter of Drink Shop & Do.

Drink Shop & Do is one of my favourite places in London for a girls’ night out. A cute cafe by day, that turns into a disco bar at night (with killer tunes), they also specialise in throwing fun, relaxed and unique hen parties, with crafternoons, cocktails, decorations, and dancing – all in one place.

So who better to guide us through some gems of ideas for throwing a one-of-a-kind hen party, that’s tailored just for your bride – whether she loves the jet-set life or a weekend on the sofa?

Over to you Natalie…

Photo by Drink Shop & Do.

If the idea of L plates, butlers in the buff and willy straws, (not that there’s anything wrong with the odd naughty straw) give you the sweats just thinking about them, don’t panic, there’s endless alternatives out there to make your non-conventional hen smile for days.

Coming up with weird and wonderful ideas for organising a hen party needn’t be a headache, it’s all about twisting and tweaking some of those tried and tested hen traditions and making them your own.

For The ‘Non-bridal’ Bride: Piñata Making

If your bride is avoiding anything too bridal then this could be a sure-fire hit and maybe even double as wedding decor (if they can survive the night that is!).

Piñata making is fun, crafty and just kooky enough to have you and your party in stitches, as you put together the perfect pinatas. Serve up some margaritas and have the hen herself pick a winner to be your mascot for the evening wherever you go.

This definitely makes for top talking-point material at any place you move on to.

For the Crafty Boho Babe Bride: Floral Headbands

Embrace your inner flower-power and try your hand at creating your very own flower headbands!

A simple crafting activity that produces the most beautiful and eye-catching end results – floral headbands never go out of fashion and they’re the perfect way to make you and your squad stand out as you hit the dance floor and round off a memorable hen party night out.

The possibilities are endless of what you might take home with you and it’s an easy activity suitable for creative experts and crafty beginners alike.

For The Little Bit Cheeky Bride: Tassels & Dance Classes

The best way to release your inner perfect pop princess or rising R’n’B diva, is by far a dance class.

Whether you like to Shake it Off like Taylor or Lemonade with Beyonce, there’s always a class out there that’s just perfect for you. Who knows – maybe you can get your group’s Put A Ring On It routine perfected, then oh-so-casually break into it on the dance floor at the wedding.

For those London-bound babes, Drink, Shop & Do also gives bridal parties the opportunity to get cheeky with fabulously sequinned nipple tassel-making as part of a hen do. Great for hens who don’t want to take the night too seriously, but can make some risqué cover-ups to live up to your full siren potential.

For the Low Key Bride: Chickflicks & Cocktails

Sometimes the best gift for a bride who’s always on the go is a couple of moments of calm in the chaos.

Hold your own A-list film screening for a marathon of chick flicks and cocktails. You can go big with booking a private room or a swanky AirBnb or for a more intimate affair just invite people to your home for an evening of cocktails.

You can even theme the movie night anyway you’d like – parties like these can be extremely personalised to your bride to be’s tastes and top picks.

For the Wanderlust Bride: An Exotic Break

Photo via Dar Jaguar

Travelling is always a good idea for a hen, but going somewhere entirely exotic means you getaway will be memorable for all the right reasons.

Whisk your wanderlust bride-to-be away to the romantically picturesque, colour explosion of Marrakesh for a glamazon worthy weekend with Dar Jaguar.

With packages ranging from a day of yoga and facials to learning to cook traditional Moroccan dishes and belly dancing till dawn.

For the Adventure Bride: Camping

If your bride is less of a mani with champagne at the spa kind of gal, and more of a beers and s’mores by the fire sort of lady – what about an ultimate hen camping trip?

Picture this; an intimate, laid back, glamping party with a focus on good food, good drinks and of course, good company with the backdrop of the great outdoors.

Sounds like the perfect weekend.

For the Classic Bride: Vintage Makeover & Afternoon Tea

Nothing says a classic hen party like a pampering and a glam make-over alongside your main gals.

If you jump at the idea of victory rolls and barrel curls, then a vintage vixen make-over might just be the party for you.

Combine your experience with a the most quintessentially traditional of afternoon teas – Drink, Shop & Do reserve the weekends for gaggles of ladies looking to indulge in endless sandwiches, miniature cakes, scones and bubbles before rounding off the celebrations with further drinks and dancing!