Hen Do Ideas for the Sporty Bride
When it comes to hen dos, you want to be able to tailor the day (or weekend) to the bride and their specific interests. While most hens dos seem to centre around cocktail making, spa weekends and beach getaways, there are alternative options for people who have interests in different activities, such as sports. If you’re a sporty bride and are looking for alternative hen do ideas to celebrate with your friends in advance of your special day, these are some fun suggestions for sport-themed events that are great for groups.
Learn some new moves at a dance class
For girls who love to hit the dance floor or enjoy a Friday night zumba class, a dance class could be a great way to kick off the hen do with a bang. And luckily, there are various options available when it comes to choosing something that will be fun for the whole group. Whether you’re into ‘90s hip hop, want to try your hand at belly dancing or you want to learn flamenco, there are various styles to choose from. All you have to do is don your comfy clothes, grab the camera and enjoy a fantastic night with your closest friends, making memories and learning new skills.
Take part in a golf weekend
Golf is a great activity for a sport bride, so whether you’re looking for a casual round of golf, or you want to focus the whole weekend to the sport, there are plenty of ways to get the most out of your hen do with challenging, picturesque courses around the country. Why not plan a weekend at a luxury golf resort where you and your guests can enjoy perfecting your short game, take advantage of some healthy competition with the girls and then later relax and enjoy the on-site facilities, from restaurants and bars to swimming pools and spa services.
Go to the races
The thrill of the race, the flowing champagne and dining facilities, the chance to dress up in finery – the atmosphere at the races is perfect for an exciting and memorable hen do with your besties. There is a packed calendar of events all through the year, and various types of racing to watch, so you're guaranteed to find somewhere to spend your weekend. Book your tickets for the premier enclosure so you get the best viewing facilities and access to all the public areas of the racecourse for a truly memorable experience. You might even get lucky with your bets and go home winners too.
Unwind at a yoga retreat
Just because you want an active hen do doesn’t mean it can’t also be relaxing and an opportunity to unwind. A yoga retreat is the perfect balance of movement and rest, and it’s also a great location to head to with the girls. You’ll have the chance to soak up the beautiful scenery, go for a dip in the pool and start off your day with yoga sessions and meditation. There are retreats all across the country, and indeed worldwide if you’re thinking of travelling further afield, that are tranquil and a wonderful chance to reconnect as a group before your big day. A yoga retreat is an alternative spin on a spa break, where you’ll have the chance to stay active and end your stay feeling completely renewed in preparation for your wedding day.
Take to the trails with a hiking hen party
What’s more active than a hiking trip? As a hen party idea, hiking trails might not be an immediately obvious idea but they’re a fantastic opportunity to catch up with your party, rack up some mileage and enjoy the beauty of the UK countryside. Once you return, you can enjoy a relaxing meal together and sip cocktails throughout the evening as the perfect end to an energetic day. There are plenty of beautiful hotels in the more remote areas of the British countryside where you can make the most of the facilities, and it’s a unique change from the usual hen party.
Buck the trend with a shooting weekend
If you’re an alternative bride who wants to stay away from the standard hen party ideas, a weekend of shooting practice could be the ideal solution. Perhaps air rifling has caught your interest, an activity where you use an air pistol to shoot moving targets and that is sure to be a challenge. Or maybe you want to try clay pigeon shooting that is guaranteed to spark some competition among you and your group. Fancy going old school? Paintballing is the answer, where you’ll work as a team to defeat the rival hens. Whatever your interest, a shooting weekend is great fun and the perfect group activity for you and your hen party.
Celebrate with active pursuits
A hen party should be memorable and fun, but it should also celebrate the unique interests of the bride. You don’t want a standard hen party that doesn’t speak to the personality of the woman getting married. If the bride-to-be is a sporty individual who loves staying active and trying new activities, why not focus the hen do around such pursuits? From hiking and dance to something more relaxed like watching horse racing or getting in touch with your inner zen at a yoga retreat, these are just a few sport-themed ideas to inspire you and your hen party planning.