There’s an endless array of hen pary trends to choose from, but there is one that's ideal if you're no longer able (or willing) for a full hen weekend of wild antics and the inevitable hangover that comes with it. Let us introduce you to the Zen Hen, or Zen Do as it’s also known.
'Girls gone mild' might be trending all over TikTok, but as it turns out, the move towards including a grounding moment of quiet in a hen party itinerary has been gaining popularity in Ireland for a while now, making the Zen Hen an attractive option for many brides-to-be.
Here we dive into the why, what and how of this alternative hen party idea for ladies who want to bliss out, but not miss out on the fun.
What is a Zen Hen
Considering the growing trend towards alcohol-free, health-focused lifestyles, a wellness-retreat style hen weekend with your besties may be far more appealing to some brides and their bridal parties than a crazy night away. This might involve heading to a spa hotel or a cosy cabin in the woods for a serene and revitalising experience that is a million miles away from the traditional hen party. Or you could also opt for a wellness-focused activity as part of the itinerary.
While the usual hen party formula consists of say, a boozy fun activity like a cocktail making class or nude life drawing, followed by a boozy dinner, followed by a boozy night of dancing, a zen hen will involve a relaxed wellness-related activity and might also be alcohol-free.
Sisters Rachel and Hannah Healy, founders of wellness platform Yoga Mara (yogamaraescapes.com) have been inundated with enquiries about their Zen Hens package and explain the idea behind a Zen Hen. “Zen Hens are basically a different kind of hen party. It's a great way for all the group to get together, to feel present and realise the main reason why they're all here.”
“The hen party is all about the bride and her journey, but it's also about having fun together. It can be an energising yoga class in the morning, with a glass of Prosecco or maybe a sip of gin and tonic between the yoga poses. We have a very cheesy girly playlist as well, that goes down a treat, but it’s really about just coming back to having fun with your girls.'
What to Expect at a Zen Hen
Although a yoga class on your hen might seem like an unusual activity, Rachel and Hannah’s Zen Hen classes do include elements of the more traditional hen.
As well as enjoying some bubbles, groups have come to classes in themed dress up and Rachel and Hannah also like to give the bride a little gift bag, which usually includes a clip-in veil that is soon “flying around the place while as the bride does their vinyasa.”
They also admit it can get a little emotional. “There’s usually a bit of crying, and next they're laughing and rolling around the place and getting giddy. Then they're ready for the day. They feel really rejuvenated, and of course, they can go and drink themselves silly if they want to after that, but it’s lovely that the group gets to find their balance first and connect with each other.”
“There's such a lovely vibe and energy because it's light-hearted. You’re having a giggle, you’re bringing the group together, it's all laughter and it's such a joyous time.”
“It’s a lovely activity and for the bride especially, with her friends around her, to feel present in the lead up to the wedding, which can get so busy and chaotic. It reminds her to be more present and in the moment as she comes into this really exciting time of her life and also to be grateful for a moment with all her people around her - her key girls.”
Sounds great right? In fact, it’s so popular that YogaMara even get brides asking for a session on their wedding morning or the night before their wedding which Hannah and Rachel totally approve of. “Weddings can be chaotic, but you should prioritise having a bit of calm in the day and being centred. Everything can get crazy with the schedule, but you need to take a breath, recentre and remember that you’re marrying the love of your life. That’s what’s important.”
Who Would a Zen Hen Work For?
A Zen Hen would work for any bride who wants a more relaxed or restorative celebration with her friends, anyone who is alcohol-free or sober curious, a pregnant bride-to-be or a party that includes pregnant people.
As for why the sisters think the classes have taken off, they think there are two main factors that make a Zen Hen an attractive option – age and changing drinking habits.
The average age of brides in Ireland is 3X for brides opposite sex couples and 3X for brides same-sex couples. “People are getting married later in life, so they might feel they have gone past their wild twenties and don’t have the appetite or energy for a traditional hen.”
“Also, it’s becoming more common now that people don't drink. So it's nice to have a different activity that isn't built around that and is more inclusive.”
How to Plan a Zen Hen
In Ireland the best places to check out when planning a Zen Hen are Yoga Mara, or CABÜ by The Lakes, The Wicklow Escape, Rock Farm Slane, Loughcrew Estate, The Elbow Room, Fitz of Inch or Wild Wave Yoga who organise bespoke wellness weekends with treatments, yoga flow sessions, breathwork, meditation, sound baths gourmet food, sea swims, and more. For a Zen Hen abroad look to companies such as Maison de Lunel for a wellness destination hen in France.
Read our top tips on how to stayed relaxed and anxiety-free on your wedding day here.
