Hen parties these days can be made up of a motley crew, including pregnant guests, mums, grannies, aunts, non-drinkers, or younger guests who can't or won't appreciate clubbing, bar hopping, endless shots and, em, “novelty” straws. Or maybe your bride simply doesn't drink alcohol, full stop.
As a bridesmaid planning a hen, it's important to take into consideration your bride's wishes as well as those attending in order to plan the perfect hen night for all. It can be very frustrating when searching for hen party activities to do that don't include alcohol (and that aren't boring), so with that in mind we have came up with a list of Fab Alcohol Free Hen Party Ideas with options in both Ireland and the UK.
1. Enjoy A Spa Day
Because it’s all about the bride, not just the cocktails, surprise her with a Hen Party that’s the perfect mix of fun and relaxation. Treat her to beauty treatments, massages, and plenty of R&R before the big day. Hen-friendly spas across Ireland and the UK offer fantastic pamper packages — perfect for the rise of the zen hen!
2. Indulge in Afternoon Tea
Beautiful china, yummy cake, and never ending tea - afternoon tea hen parties have become quite a popular hen party choice as it is suitable for everyone, even Granny! Choose from the full afternoon tea treatment at a beautiful hotel, a beautiful vintage experience at tea rooms or in the comfort of your own home or hotel room with tea party extraordinares Oh So Sweet Occasions who can travel to various locations in Ireland. We've gathered 38 of our Favourite Afternoon Tea Spots in Ireland, as well as Spots for the Perfect Afternoon Tea Hen Party in London.
3. Take a Perfume Making Class
Would could be more girly than a perfume making class with your girls? After learning about the history behind perfume and the creative process, each guest then gets to create their own unique signature scent. A beautiful keepsake to remember the day. In Ireland, check out The Burren Perfumery, Valley of Roses, and Waters & Wild. In the UK, check out The Perfume Studio, The Cotswold Perfumery, and Experimental Perfume Club
4. Host An Old-School Slumber Party or Movie Night
A grown-up sleepover is a fun, budget-friendly and stress-free hen party idea — perfect for an alcohol-free celebration! It’s the ultimate excuse to chill out, pamper, and share plenty of giggles before the big day. Pick a few wedding-themed movies like Bridesmaids, Father of the Bride, or Muriel’s Wedding, and stock up on popcorn, ice cream, chocolate, and savoury nibbles. Add a cute photo backdrop with bunting or tassel garlands for keepsake snaps, and don’t forget the party games! Go old-school with a pamper basket filled with nail polishes, face masks, and files — or treat everyone to mobile beauticians for the full spa-at-home experience.
5. Have a Crafty Party
Is your bride the ultimate DIY queen? Then she’ll love getting hands-on with an arts-and-crafts-filled weekend! Choose from fascinator or French knicker making, flower arranging, pottery painting, candle making, flower crown making, or even wedding bunting workshops in craft studios across Ireland and the UK. From the bride’s besties to her mum and auntie, everyone can join in, have a giggle, and create something beautiful to take home. This is also a great DIY or budget-friendly option, as bridesmaids could easily host their own crafting session at home or in a hired space.
6. Whip Up Fun at a Cookery or Baking Class
For an alcohol free hen party with plenty of flavour, why not learn some cooking secrets, baking tips, or sushi tricks from the pros? Or, what bride (and her best gals!) wouldn’t love an evening spent making and eating chocolates? Indulge in total chocolate heaven as you learn the tricks of the trade — with treats so good, no one will even miss the alcohol! It’s a fun, hands-on way to celebrate — and the best part? You get to enjoy everything you make together!
7. Roller Disco Queens
Grab your leg warmers and step back into the ’80s with a seriously fun Roller Disco! It’s a guaranteed laugh as you and your hens hit the dancefloor on roller skates — the perfect retro, alcohol-free hen party to remember.
8. Go to a Concert or West End Show
Is there a better alcohol-free hen party idea than catching a West End show, a stunning ballet, or a concert by one of your favourite artists? With performances running all year, the hardest part will be choosing just one! Go all out, get dolled up, and make it a night to remember.
9. Take a Theme Park Trip
If your bride is an adrenaline junkie or a huge Disney fan (like me!), why not splash out on a trip to a top theme park? Hen parties aren’t just for kids — many parks across the UK and beyond offer special hen packages, along with luxury amenities like spas and delicious restaurants. Pro tip: choose an off-peak time to avoid long queues and make the most of the day!
10. Get Your Groove On at A Dance Class
If you and your hens love to boogie, a dance class is the perfect way to kick off the night! Whether it’s sassy Moulin Rouge moves, retro swing, Lindy Hop, or even cheerleading, grab the girls, put on your dancing shoes, and get ready to have a blast.
11. Host a Blissful Zen Hen
With the growing trend towards alcohol-free, health-focused lifestyles, a Zen Hen Party weekend with your besties can be far more appealing to some brides and their parties than a traditional night out. This could mean heading a cosy cabin in the woods for a serene, revitalising experience, or simply including a wellness-focused activity as part of your itinerary. Start the day with yoga or a rejuvenating Pilates session, followed by a refreshing sea swim to energise body and mind. Finish with pampering, healthy treats, and quality downtime with your nearest and dearest — a blissful, alcohol-free way to celebrate the bride-to-be.
12. Take a Mocktail Masterclass
Many cocktail-making classes can be enjoyed completely alcohol-free while still bursting with flavour. The perfect way to share laughs, learn new skills, and master some tasty non-alcoholic cocktail recipes. As well as new creations, you’ll also learn how to mix non-alcoholic alternatives to some old-school classics of your choice!
13. Book a Nail Appointment
Treat the bride and her crew to a relaxing nail appointment — a perfect alcohol-free hen party option! Great for all ages, especially if you have younger guests in the group, this is a fun way to unwind, pamper yourselves, and enjoy some quality time together. Whether you go for classic manicures, trendy nail art, or pampering pedicures, everyone will leave feeling fabulous and ready to celebrate.
14. Go Glamping
Forget soggy sleeping bags and midnight dashes to the nearest tree! Combine comfort and the great outdoors with a glamorous glamping trip. Many sites offer luxury tents, yurts, and caravans, along with delicious BBQ cookouts, picnics, and even on-site spas or hot tubs. Add in breathtaking views, outdoor settings, and plenty of activities — if you can tear yourself away!
15. Rent A Private Cinema
Take your hen celebration to the big screen! Rent out a private cinema for you and your friends and enjoy a cosy, alcohol-free evening filled with your favourite films. From romantic comedies to wedding classics, it’s a fun, relaxed way to celebrate the bride, complete with popcorn, snacks, and plenty of giggles. If your hen is fanatical about a certain TV show or film, you can find fun ways to incorporate this into the theme. For more information, check out our guides to private cinemas in Dublin and around Ireland.
16. Go Wild on An Adventure Weekend
Perfect for hens who are true adrenaline junkies and crave a fully-loaded and action-packed weekend or activies. Check out our recent post with 19 Amazing Adventures for Hen Parties across Ireland from ziplining and zorbing to whale watching and windsurfing there is definitely something for all the adventure loving hens out there!
17. Host a Picnic or Beach Party
Planning an al fresco hen party in cool climates is definitely a risk, but it's worth taking the gamble. This is an opportunity to let your imagination run wild in terms of décor, food and drinks, but the beautiful surroundings will go a long way towards creating the atmosphere you're after.
Having a solid Plan B is crucial for this one - you've got to be able to pack up your spread and head indoors if the weather doesn't play ball - so make sure to secure a bridal party member's home, rental apartment, or an event space nearby that works with your theme.
Top Tips
- It’s important to raise a toast to the bride, even without alcohol, so keep the drinks exciting — don’t just offer soda! Tasty non-alcoholic cocktails, old-fashioned lemonade, and fancy sparkling pressés will go down a treat and keep the celebration feeling special.
- Make sure your chosen venue is aware of your no-alcohol preference, so instead of a complimentary glass of champagne or cocktail, they can provide a tasty alternative.
- When searching for alcohol free hen party ideas, it might be a good idea to search for bridal shower ideas instead. A term by our American friends, these are more reserved parties than the traditional Irish and UK Hen Parties with lots of great non-alcoholic options.
For lots more info on how to plan the perfect Hen Party check out our previous Hen Party posts - 13 Rules That Make the Perfect Bridesmaid , Advice on Hosting the Perfect Hen Party and our Ultimate List of Hen Party Ideas.
