Wedding, hen and stag party ideas
A wedding is rarely just one party. There is the engagement celebration, the bridal or couples' shower, the hen and stag dos (bachelorette and bachelor parties), the rehearsal dinner, the big day itself and often a relaxed brunch the morning after. This collection covers all of them.
You'll find low-key options that suit every guest, such as garden brunches and barbecues, as well as bigger celebrations like festival-style weddings, barn receptions, cocktail classes and adventure days. Each plan includes timings, food and drink, and the bookings to make early.
23 ideas
Backyard wedding reception
A relaxed garden reception with festoon lights, a long table dinner, lawn games and a dance floor.
Boat party
Charter a river cruiser or canal boat for a sail with drinks, a buffet and a sunset playlist.
Bridal shower garden brunch
A floral brunch with a mimosa bar, a flower crown station and games that test how well guests know the couple.
Candle making party
Pour scented soy candles in jars, choose fragrances and colours, and take home a candle and a wax melt.
Ceilidh party
A live ceilidh band and caller lead everyone through Scottish country dances, with a hearty supper and a dram.
Dance class party
A dance teacher leads a routine to a favourite song, finishing with a filmed performance for parents.
Day-after wedding brunch
A relaxed brunch the morning after the wedding, with a bacon roll station, coffee bar and the couple's favourite photos.
Engagement party
Celebrate the newly engaged couple with a toast, a love story slideshow and a guestbook of date ideas.
Festival-style wedding
A field wedding with bell tents, food trucks, a live band stage, flower crowns and festoon lights.
Gin tasting party
Taste four craft gins neat and with matched tonics and garnishes, then build a signature G&T.
Glamping weekend
A weekend in bell tents or pods with a campfire feast, a hot tub and woodland walks.
Golf day
Book tee times for a friendly scramble, add nearest-the-pin and longest-drive prizes, then dinner at the clubhouse.
Hen party cocktail class
A hands-on cocktail-making session at home, with a bartender or a step-by-step guide, games and a glam photo booth.
Paint and sip evening
Everyone follows the same step-by-step painting with a drink in hand, and goes home with a canvas.
Poker and steak night
A stag or birthday night with a steak dinner, a Texas Hold'em tournament with chips, and whisky.
Pottery workshop party
Hand-build mugs and trinket dishes with air-dry clay or book a pottery studio throwing session.
Rehearsal dinner barbecue
A relaxed night-before barbecue for the wedding party, with a slideshow and lighthearted toasts.
Rustic barn wedding
A barn reception with long trestle tables, hay bales, jam jar flowers, a ceilidh or band and a dessert table.
Silent disco
Wireless headphones with three DJ channels, so everyone dances to their own choice without disturbing the neighbours.
Stag adventure day
An active day out with axe throwing or paintball, a barbecue and a pub quiz about the groom.
Vow renewal garden party
A short, heartfelt vow renewal under a flower arch, then a relaxed garden party with afternoon tea or a barbecue.
Wine and cheese tasting
A guided tasting of four wines with matched cheeses, score cards and a blind-taste guessing game.
Yoga and brunch party
A private yoga class in the garden or a studio, followed by a healthy brunch spread and smoothie bar.