One of the most important, stressful but also fun responsibilities of being a maid of honour or bridesmaid is organising the bride’s hen party. However deciding what to do in order to please as many people as possible, especially the bride-to-be, is no mean feat, therefore we’re here to make it that little bit easier. From booze-filled fun such as bottomless brunches and wine tours to creative activities like painting and perfume-making, we’ve rounded up some of the best ideas to help you plan a hen party in Manchester.
1. Get into the spirit of gin-making with this mixing masterclass
This activity is an absolute must for all the gin lovers at the hen do, as you head to the incredible Manchester Gin distillery. The bridal party will go on a gin-making journey which starts with a refreshing double G&T and four samples as you uncover the secrets of gin production. You can then handpick your favourite botanicals and distill your very own creation to take home – one way to remember the wild weekend. This experience allows you to not only make your own signature gin but potentially create memorable moments as a group ahead of the wedding day – what’s not to love?
2. On your marks, get set, bake inside The Great British Bake Off tent
For the competitive sorts and boss bakers, roll up your sleeves and don your apron at this fun baking experience in Manchester reminiscent of the popular baking TV programme, The Great British Bake Off. Known as The Big Manchester Bake, the 90-minute concept allows novice and enthusiasts alike to bake off against their friends in pairs, to be crowned winning bakers. Whether you know your sponges and soufflés or not, no baking experience is needed, all the ingredients and equipment provided, plus all the washing up sorted, it’s a real slice of baking heaven.
3. Put your feet up at Manor House Hotel & Spa
If you’re after more relaxing hen party ideas then a spa trip close to Manchester is the way to go. Let the bride switch off from wedding planning and chill with a glass of their tipple of choice at one of Manor House Spa‘s two swim-up bars. Yes, you read that right, two swim-up bars. Facilities at the spa also include a Himalayan salt shed, a Finnish sauna, a salt steam chamber, an aromatherapy steam room and a cold water plunge bath if you’re feeling brave – basically, everything you’d expect of a top UK spa and more. And if you want to make the event extra special, you can add on an afternoon tea or massage.
4. Sing your heart out at a silent disco
A silent disco is quite possibly one of the most fun hen party ideas you’ll find in Manchester. Join the Silent Adventures Team for a musical journey through Manchester’s streets with funky moves and pop star voices on display. Let lose by singing and dancing in a flash mob, silent disco and rhythmic riot through town with hi-tech headsets filling your body with beats. Plus, if you’re concerned about being embarrassed you needn’t worry as you’ll be part of fab group people all after a great time.
5. Make your own unique bling at this ring-making workshop
The bride may have an engagement ring already but what is the harm of having another ring on your finger? At this ring-making workshop at Manchester School of Jewellery, everyone can walk away with some unique bling made with your own blood, sweat and tears. The course covers a multitude of skills including shaping, stamping, hammering, texturing and silver soldering. Don’t fancy a making a ring? There are also workshops where you can create a bangle, necklace or earrings too.
6. Smuggle some booze into the Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Bar
Is there a better way to celebrate someone tying the knot than experiencing one of the most unique cocktail bars in Manchester? Alcotraz Cell Block Three-Four is an exciting speakeasy prison cocktail bar experience where once ‘convicted’, inmates are taken into Cell Block Two-One-Two. You can smuggle liquor past the Warden and hand it to the Alcotraz’s canteen working inmates who will serve up delicious cocktails.
7. Create your own signature scent at this perfume-making workshop
For those who after more of a creative hen-do rather than a boozy one (although you may be mixing alcohol with different scents), this perfume-making workshop at Kushbu Perfumery is a great activity to do as a group. Join Kushbu Perfumery, who do regular workshops in Ancoats, for an immersive experience and create your own scent where you’ll explore the intricate chemistry behind fragrance creation, where art meets science and your senses lead the way. And again, you have something to take home that you can remember the event by.
8. Embark on a guided wine tour around the city
Calling all wine-loving brides and bridesmaids! Manchester Wine Tours offer visitors a guided tour around the city centre, where they’ll visit some of the best places to drink and buy wine in Manchester along the way. You will be guided in small groups on a leisurely three-hour jaunt where you’ll be able to sample a few glasses en route, as well top notch nibbles. This is a great opportunity to try something new, learn the characteristics of different varieties of wine and even discover a new favourite.
9. Squeeze in all the drinks you can at bottomless brunch
Favoured by many, a bottomless brunch in Manchester tends to be an absolute winner when it comes to hen party ideas. Depending on where you go, you can fill up on hours of limitless drinks and food, with the intention of leaving a little more dishevelled than you came in. These brunches have had a renaissance in the city, with the majority of eateries and bars now offering them in some form or another, and usually come in at between £25 – £50 per person. Find the right vibe for you and you’ll probably not want to leave when your time is up, but thankfully there’s usually somewhere else to carry on to. Whether you’d prefer it classic, ‘Buff Bingo’ or themed, there’s a bottomless brunch for everyone.
10. Sing your heart out at one of Manchester’s many karaoke bars
If the bride tribe will take any opportunity to grab the mic and belt out a banger, then hitting a karaoke bar in Manchester is a great idea – whether it’s Bonnie Tyler or the Pet Shop Boys, the likelihood is everyone will love it, even if it’s awful. Whatever you decide to whip out of your ‘karaoke songs’ on your notes app, there are plenty of karaoke bars in Manchester to let loose and probably embarrass yourself with the best of them. Whether it’s a private booth with the gang or you’re happy to take to the stage to break into song, there’s a place for all to sing your heart out and half a laugh.