Today’s hen party is a glorious mash-up of drunken crafts, questionable costumes, and a collective decision to forget the night before. You’ll find the bride wearing a sash that says “Bride-to-Be,” which is basically a bullseye for bad jokes and embarrassing dares.
And let’s not forget the “games.” There’s “Pin the Tie on the Groom,” which teaches you blindfolded spatial reasoning. Then there’s “How Well Do You Know the Bride?”—a test that reveals which friend knows her shoe size and which one remembers her embarrassing middle school nickname. Spoiler: the maid of honor always wins.
Here’S The Reason Why Pre-Wedding Celebrations Are Called Hen And Stag
The “Hen” Name Spawned Other Weird Animal Terms
If you’re in Australia, they call it a “buck’s night” for men and a “hen’s night” for women—and they take it very literally. In Ireland, they say “hen’s party” but sometimes call the groom’s bash a “stag party,” making the whole thing sound like a nature documentary. And in South Africa? They call the bride’s event a “kitchen tea,” which is adorable until you realize it’s just an excuse to get you to buy pots and pans. Hens love a good kitchen, apparently.
But the best alternative name comes from Scotland: a “hen’s night out” is often called a “do” (pronounced “doo”). As in: “We’re having a wee do for Margaret.” That’s it. No fancy name. Just a do. And somehow, that’s the most charming one of all.
