You’re wearing the ring, planned the wedding, and chosen your dress. So now what? That’s right, it’s time to gather the bride tribe together and have some fun! Whilst brides-to-be are like snowflakes — each one is different — there are so many options available now for celebrating a hen’s night which cater to everyone.
In Australia, hen’s nights have moved beyond just a pub crawl or one big night out. Today, the options are as diverse as the women celebrating them. From indulgent spa sessions with close family to bold outdoor adventures with your best friends, there’s something to suit every taste. Whether the bride prefers sophistication, fun, relaxation, or a cheeky twist, the following ideas offer plenty of inspiration.
1. Sip & Paint Night
A sip and paint evening combines creativity with plenty of laughter. These events are hosted at art studios or can even be organised in private venues, with a local artist guiding the group through painting a picture step by step. Glasses of wine, bubbly, or cocktails make it all the more fun, lowering inhibitions and ensuring that nobody feels pressured to be Picasso. At the end of the night, every guest has a personalised artwork to take home — often with a hilarious story behind it.
Sip and paint nights are popular across Australian cities, with venues in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and beyond offering packages for groups. They are particularly suitable for a mixed-age group, giving mothers and aunties a comfortable way to join in while friends bring the laughter. It’s light-hearted, social, and memorable, making it an ideal activity if you want to start a hen’s night on a creative yet relaxed note.
2. High Tea Affair
A traditional high tea provides a touch of class and indulgence. Think tiered trays filled with scones, delicate sandwiches, mini pastries, and petite desserts, all paired with loose-leaf teas or glasses of champagne. Across Australia, high tea has become an elegant daytime option, with many boutique hotels and heritage venues offering beautiful settings.
For brides who love refinement, this is a perfect way to mark the occasion in style. It’s also versatile: invite mums, grandmothers, or young cousins for the early afternoon session, before continuing the party elsewhere with friends in the evening. To personalise the experience, consider adding themed decorations or even a dress code, such as floral dresses and fascinators.
The unhurried pace of a high tea gives everyone a chance to mingle and connect while enjoying delicious food. For brides who prefer elegance over wild antics, this can easily be the main event. For others, it’s a wonderful prelude to more lively activities later in the night.
3. Pampering Spa Day with Champagne
For brides who love to be pampered, a spa day is an indulgent choice that combines relaxation with bonding time. Many spas across Australia offer packages for groups, including massages, facials, manicures, and pedicures. Add a glass of champagne, a light buffet-style grazing platter, and a calm setting, and you have the makings of a blissful afternoon. What makes this idea stand out is its inclusivity — you can invite friends, mums, aunts, and even future in-laws to share the experience.
Everyone leaves feeling relaxed and glowing. Some groups choose to book a spa within a hotel, meaning they can transition seamlessly into cocktails, dinner, or an overnight stay. Others bring in mobile therapists to set up at home for a more intimate vibe. Either way, a pampering session ensures the bride is at her most radiant, while the group enjoys calm, laughter, and luxury together.
4. Cocktail Masterclass
If the bride loves experimenting with flavours, a cocktail masterclass is the perfect way to combine fun, learning, and indulgence. Bars and mixologists across Australia offer classes where groups can learn to shake, muddle, and garnish their own drinks under expert guidance.
Typically, guests each make a couple of different cocktails, taste one another’s creations, and often compete in mini challenges such as “most creative garnish” or “best group cocktail name.” This experience offers lots of laughs, plenty of photos, and new skills to take home. The relaxed atmosphere makes it ideal for groups who want something interactive without being too physical.
To make the evening extra special, you can request customised cocktails named after the bride, the wedding venue, or even the couple’s story. Some masterclasses also cater with snacks, making it a full evening. Whether the group prefers fruity concoctions or elegant classics, this activity is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
5. Glam Photoshoot Session
For a bride who loves style, a group photoshoot offers the chance to feel like a celebrity for the day. Professional photographers can create tailored packages that include hair, make-up, and styling. Locations can vary from studio settings with props to outdoor shoots in scenic parks, beaches, or city laneways.
The result is not only a fun experience but also a set of professional photographs that the bride can treasure forever. Guests often love the excuse to dress up, and the shared laughter during group poses creates natural, joyful moments. Some packages even include a theme — Hollywood glam, retro chic, or boho vibes — to bring a creative edge.
Beyond the fun, this activity provides a keepsake that outlasts the night, offering memories that the bride can revisit for years. It’s also a thoughtful option if some guests prefer to avoid alcohol-heavy activities but still want a sophisticated and memorable experience.
6. Wine or Craft Beer Tour
Australia’s wine regions and craft beer scenes are thriving, making a tasting tour a delicious idea for a hen’s night. Options range from boutique wineries in the Hunter Valley and Yarra Valley to brewery trails in Byron Bay or Fremantle.
Groups can charter a private minibus with a driver, ensuring safety and convenience, and spend the day sampling local produce. Tastings are usually accompanied by grazing platters, cheese boards, and stunning scenery. The relaxed pace allows guests to chat between stops, while the shared guest experience of discovering new drinks brings everyone together.
For brides who appreciate quality food and drink, this makes an excellent daytime activity that can transition into an evening celebration. Many operators also offer custom itineraries, meaning you can select stops that best suit the group’s taste. Whether the focus is on elegant wines, craft ciders, or bold ales, a tasting tour combines indulgence with exploration.
7. Beach Picnic & Bonfire
Australia’s coastline offers the perfect backdrop for a relaxed yet magical hen’s night. A beach picnic at sunset, complete with rugs, cushions, fairy lights, and grazing platters, creates an unforgettable atmosphere. For locations where it’s permitted, a bonfire can add warmth and ambience as the night continues. Guests can bring acoustic guitars, a portable speaker, or even hire a small entertainment act to make it extra special.
This idea works best for brides who love the outdoors and want something a little different from the traditional. It can be tailored to suit mixed groups, with mocktails and light snacks for family members, and cocktails for friends. The natural setting creates a laid-back, joyful environment, while the glow of the sunset and fire makes for incredible photos. A beach picnic captures the essence of celebration without requiring an expensive venue — it’s all about atmosphere, company, and a little creative planning.
8. Glamping Weekend Away
For brides who adore nature but don’t want to compromise on comfort, glamping is a superb choice. Across Australia, there are countless luxury camping sites offering beautifully furnished tents, real beds, electricity, and even private bathrooms! These retreats often come with extras like firepits, outdoor baths, or spa treatments.
A glamping hen’s weekend allows the group to escape the city and spend quality time under the stars. During the day, activities might include bush walks, local market visits, or simply lounging together with good food and drinks. Evenings can be spent around campfires, engaging in storytelling, or playing themed games. The slower pace encourages deep conversations and bonding, making it ideal for close friends and family.
Unlike a single evening, a weekend away offers plenty of time to celebrate without feeling rushed. It’s a chance to create a relaxed holiday vibe while honouring the bride in style.
9. Outdoor Adventure (Zip-Lining, Rafting, or Hot-Air Ballooning)
For an adventurous bride, a high-energy activity can set her hen’s celebration apart. Australia offers a wealth of thrilling options: zip-lining through rainforest canopies in Queensland, white water rafting in Victoria, or a sunrise hot-air balloon ride over the Hunter Valley or Gold Coast hinterland.
These experiences are unforgettable, bonding the group through excitement and sometimes a touch of fear. While adrenaline activities aren’t for everyone, they’re perfect for a bride who loves adventure and wants something more unusual than cocktails and dancing.
To balance the intensity, many groups pair a daytime thrill with a relaxed dinner afterwards, giving everyone a chance to recover and share stories. Safety is always a priority, and reputable operators ensure that groups are well looked after. For the right bride, this type of experience becomes a memory that lasts a lifetime, standing out from every other hen’s night.
10. Foodie Crawl / Progressive Dinner
Australia’s cities are renowned for their vibrant dining scenes, and a progressive dinner offers the chance to experience several in one night. Groups start with cocktails at one venue, move to entrées at another, mains somewhere else, and finish with dessert in a final location. This format keeps the night moving, adding variety and excitement. For brides who love good food, it’s an ideal way to celebrate with flavour.
It also allows groups to experience new cuisines together, perhaps even with a surprise itinerary crafted by one or two organisers. Some choose a theme, like “Italian trail” or “Asian fusion,” while others mix casual bites with fine dining. The format encourages conversation as people swap seats between venues, ensuring everyone gets to mingle. A foodie crawl is versatile, working well for groups large or small, and creates a sense of adventure without needing to leave the city.
11. Movie Under the Stars
For a bride who loves cinema, an outdoor film night creates a cosy and nostalgic atmosphere. Backyard projectors are affordable to hire, and venues across Australia also offer “movies under the stars” experiences. Guests bring cushions, beanbags, and blankets, while organisers set up fairy lights, popcorn, and perhaps a grazing table with wine. The group can choose a classic rom-com, a quirky indie film, or even a set of the bride’s favourites.
Unlike going to the cinema, this format allows chatting, laughing, and enjoying drinks together in a private space. It’s particularly suited to mixed-age groups or those who want a relaxed, alcohol-light evening. If you want to elevate the event, add a themed dress code based on the film, or create movie trivia games before the screening. The relaxed, inclusive nature of this idea ensures it appeals to a wide range of guests while still feeling unique.
12. Karaoke & Dinner Night
Karaoke is a timeless hen’s night favourite, guaranteed to get everyone laughing. Many Australian cities have private karaoke rooms where groups can sing without fear of strangers overhearing. Combined with a dinner at a favourite restaurant beforehand, the night flows naturally into hours of entertainment. Guests can create playlists featuring classics, guilty pleasures, and songs with special meaning for the bride. Props like feather boas or sparkly microphones add to the atmosphere.
Karaoke nights are flexible: they can be as low-key or as outrageous as the group desires. They work well for larger groups, with the energy lifting as more people join in. For brides who want a playful, musical celebration without needing a dance floor, karaoke offers the perfect mix of fun and interaction. It’s also a budget-friendly option, with packages often including food and drinks as part of the deal.
13. Themed Party Night
Themed parties remain a staple because they’re endlessly customisable. Popular choices include decades themes like ‘80s neon or ‘90s nostalgia, masquerade balls, Hollywood glamour, tropical luaus, or even something quirky tied to the couple’s interests. Once a theme is chosen, decorations, outfits, and music all fall into place. Themed parties allow everyone to participate actively, adding energy and excitement before the night even begins. Guests love dressing up, and the photos become even more memorable.
The event can be hosted at a private venue, function space, or even at home, with catering and entertainment to match. A themed hen’s party can be as cheeky or as classy as you like, depending on the bride’s preference. The shared creativity sparks conversation and laughter, making it easier for guests who may not know one another to connect. This idea never goes out of style because it can be tailored to suit every bride.
14. Burlesque or Cabaret Class & Show
For something playful and risqué, a burlesque or cabaret class is a fantastic option. Many studios and performers across Australia offer hen’s packages that include a lesson in sultry moves, costuming tips, and sometimes even a mini performance for the group. The focus is always on fun and empowerment, giving guests the chance to step out of their comfort zones in a supportive environment.
Afterwards, the group can attend a professional burlesque or cabaret show to keep the theme going. This option works best for brides who enjoy a cheeky laugh and want something a little daring without crossing into discomfort. The experience is full of laughter, with photos and stories that will be shared long after the wedding. It’s a great way to mix elegance with spice, making it memorable for both the bride and her guests.
15. At-Home Pampering with Family & Friends
Sometimes, the most meaningful celebrations happen at home. An intimate gathering with close friends and family can be just as special as an elaborate night out. Set up a DIY pamper station with face masks, nail painting, and hair styling. Add cocktails or mocktails, grazing platters, and perhaps a signature dessert. For entertainment, consider hiring an acoustic act for favourite songs, include games such as trivia about the bride, memory jars where guests write down favourite stories, or even a slideshow of photos.
This type of hen’s night allows older relatives and younger guests to join in comfortably, making it feel inclusive. The relaxed environment encourages storytelling and bonding, creating a warm and supportive atmosphere. For brides who want closeness and comfort over extravagance, an at-home pampering night is both thoughtful and joyful. It’s a chance to pause, reflect, and celebrate in a truly personal way.
Tips for Choosing the Best Hen’s Night
As maid of honour, planning the hen’s night is one of your biggest responsibilities, and it helps to think carefully about what will truly make the bride happy. Start by considering her personality: does she love being the centre of attention, or would she prefer something more intimate and relaxed? A bride who enjoys adventure might prefer zip-lining or a weekend glamping trip, while someone who loves sophistication may lean towards high tea or a wine tour.
- Budget is another important factor. Check in with the group early to set realistic expectations, so nobody feels pressured. Location matters too: try to choose somewhere convenient for most guests, or consider transport options if travel is required.
- Think about the guest list and who will be attending. If mums, aunties, or younger relatives are involved, opt for something inclusive like a spa day or at-home pampering. If it’s just the younger friends, karaoke or a themed night could be ideal.
- Finally, decide whether to surprise the bride or involve her in the planning. Some brides love the mystery, while others would prefer input. Either way, your goal is to create a celebration that feels personal, memorable, and perfectly suited to her.
Cheers to the Bride!
Hen’s nights are about celebrating the bride in a way that feels right for her. Whether that means cocktails and dancing, a calm spa day, a cheeky burlesque class, or an adventurous weekend away, the goal is to create memories that everyone will cherish. With so many options available across Australia, it’s easy to design something unique that reflects the bride’s personality.
At Onstage, we understand the importance of getting the details just right. From entertainment bookings to theming and logistics, our team can help take the stress out of planning so you can focus on enjoying the celebration. Whether you want a simple afternoon or a full weekend of events, we’ll help bring your vision to life. Contact us today to start planning a hen’s night that the bride — and the whole group — will never forget.
