Wedding: It's a ladies' night

Hen dos have almost become a staple part of getting married. It’s like a rite of passage for lasses across the land to don their garish pink sashes and parade through towns and cities up and down the country, brandishing their willy whistles and blow-up boyfriends for all to see.

However, others may recoil in horror at the thought of a big, boozy bash, instead opting for a little luxury and refinement, like a spa date or afternoon tea. It’s important to pick the right activities and getaways for the right hen. Whether you’re the hen herder or are organising your own do, remember it should be about the bride-to-be and making them happy. So if you’re detoxing or retoxing, we’ve come up with ideas for six different types of hen do. . .

Low-key lassie

If the future Mrs isn’t one for lairy all-nighters, keep the fun in full flow with a group activity instead. Why not channel Demi Moore in Ghost by getting stuck into a pottery workshop? You could craft a plate for all the hens to leave a lasting message on, creating a perfect memento for the bride-to-be. Or for something less hands-on, have a professional come and do your make-up. Cosmetics and pampering packages will leave you all feeling glam and gorgeous, without the effort of doing it yourself. Try clearcutweekends.co.uk, which offers pamper day packages across the UK.

Get-up-and-go gal

For those full of beans who want their weekend brimming with excitement and action, there’s plenty of group activities to go for. From ice skating, bowling, roller discos and dance classes to more off-the-wall choices like bubble football, trampolining and quad biking, there’s bound to be an activity out there to please everyone. Or if you don’t fancy getting all sweaty, try exercising your mind instead of your body with an interactive real-life escape game. Crystal Maze-style races are growing in popularity, with more puzzle-solving places opening up across the country. Visit theescaperoom.co.uk which offers four sites in the UK or just Google to find your desired location.

Proud and loud lass

If shots and strippers are exactly what you’re after, look at hen party packages online and seek the best deals for a night out. Going abroad is a good option, with hotel, flights, accommodation and activities often included. Why not also look into a pole dancing session or nude life drawing class to get the girls giggling? For international and UK-based options try gohen.com to get you going.

Countryside queen

We don’t all want a booze-fuelled bash, so why not seek out a quiet cottage complete with hot tub for the weekend? You can then pop open the Prosecco and go at your own pace, with picturesque views and fresh, country air. Website babesinthewoods.co.uk offers woodland hen parties for those seeking Champagne glamping in the wild. Or if you’re not one for tents and would like your own toilet (especially after a night of drinking) rent out a large cottage or country house. From Devon and the Cotswolds to the Lake District and the Scottish Highlands, there’s plenty of stunning spots to choose from. We found henpartyvenues.co.uk had a good array of country-based accommodation.

She’s a lady

For a more tasteful time, book the girls into a spa for the day or stay overnight in a luxury hotel. You’ll be able to choose treatments such as facials or manicures and get that much-needed relaxation before the big day. Add afternoon tea to the experience for a really fancy time. If you want some ladylike activities, have a go at cupcake making or try your hand at making your own mojito with a cocktail-making class. Try chillisauce.co.uk for a good range of luxury-like packages.

Off-the-wall woman

We’re all individuals and some future brides will want a break that’s a little more out of the ordinary. If that’s the case, how about a murder mystery night or even a zombie boot camp experience to keep everyone on their toes? If she’s a cocoa-nut, why not try swapping the bar crawl for a chocolate crawl instead? Test out your tastebuds at chocolateecstasytours.com. Or sometimes simply walking along the seaside, going on the rides and washing the day down with a glass of Prosecco and meal out is all every girl needs before the stress and onset of the wedding operation. Then, of course, there are always gin tasting festivals, comedy nights, belly dancing lessons and other non-conventional options, visit www.freedomltd.com for more ideas.

TOP TIPS: SURVIVE THE DO

While post-party hangovers may be inevitable, avoid any hen headaches with these top tips for your getaway with the girls. . .

1 Remember your budget. While you want your time to be fabulous, not everyone has high-flying jobs and everyone, unfortunately, has bills to pay. Consider location, hotel/accommodation costs and added extras such as activities and food when booking. Packages are often a good way to keep the costs down, while enjoying one night away instead of whole weekend can keep things more manageable.

2 Consider who to invite. While there’s friends and family members to think of, the mother of the bride and groom’s mum may want to join too. If the antics are a little too daring for some, consider having two events – one for the party animals and one more civilised.

3 Avoid turning into henzillas by remembering the reason you’re there. It’s a chance to have fun and spend quality time with girlfriends, plus you’ll probably see some new faces and get to know people before the wedding. And you may well find a hidden talent while trying your hand at the various activities, just don’t be afraid to try new things.

4 If you need some cheap pre and post-dinner evening activities, bring some party games along to keep spirits high. The app Head’s Up will guarantee laughs, there’s always classic charades or test how much she really knows her future husband with a Mr and Mrs Quiz.

5 Pre-plan, especially if the hen do is going to have a theme. Personalise the party with T-shirts and sashes, or consider a theme – from pirates to Pride and Prejudice, extra touches can make the event all the more memorable.