From Barbie to Bridgerton: 21 best hen party themes

Planning a bash for the bride-to-be? If you’re stuck for ideas, our guide to the best hen party themes is sure to spark some inspiration. Whether you go for a retro theme with your favourite bygone era, or have always dreamed of dressing up like a Disney character, you’re sure to find a hen do theme to suit every style down below.

We understand that not everyone gets excited by the idea of a theme, but there are lots of benefits to incorporating one into your bridal bash. A hen party brings together lots of the bride’s closest friends, but they might not all belong to the same friendship circle. Incorporating a theme can be a fun and helpful way to encourage bonding amongst pals, especially if you have lots of people on your hen do who don’t know each other. Adding a theme will give guests something to talk about, both in the run up to and on the day. There’s nothing like planning an outfit to get the group chat going!

Themes aren’t just about what you wear, either. They can function as a springboard for how you plan the entire hen party, from decor to games and activities. For example, if you’re thinking about hosting a Great Gatsby-themed hen party, then a few activity ideas could include drinking cocktails at a speakeasy-style bar, planning a murder mystery dinner or indulging in an afternoon tea with free-flowing Champagne!

Lastly, make sure whichever theme you choose is one the bride will love, and everyone else feels comfortable participating in. You might love the idea of dressing up as a superhero or celebrity, but others might find it overwhelming and embarrassing.

Now for the fun part: it’s time to choose the perfect theme for your hen do. Keep on scrolling to find hen party themes to suit every style, from Old Hollywood glamour to a pajama party!

Disney

This is your chance to make your Disney princess dreams come true! If you’ve always wanted to put on a ballgown and be Belle or Cinderella for the day, then now is your time. Of course, this theme allows you to be any one of your favourite Disney characters. Simba? Peter Pan? Mulan? The choice is yours. And if a trip to Disneyland Paris is slightly out of budget, then getting all dressed up and blasting your favourite Disney tunes all day is a close second.  

Through the decades

Do you have a favourite decade? There have been so many iconic eras over the years, from the fun-loving hedonism of the swinging sixties to the neon colours and larger-than-life shoulder pads of the 80s. You could ask everyone to dress up as their favourite decade, or choose one era to keep it simple and give everyone a brief to stick to. What would we go for? It's got to be the 70s for the groovy vibes (and flared trousers!). 

Barbie

Create your very own Barbie world with a hen do inspired by the iconic brand. It goes without saying there should be plenty of pink involved, although guests are encouraged to channel their own personal inner Barbie, from mermaid to president or weird Barbie. Decorate your venue with life-size Barbie and Ken cutouts and plenty of pink balloons.  

Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Planning a party for a classy bride? There's no one more elegant than Audrey Hepburn who played Holly Golightly in the classic film Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Her chic updo, iconic black dress and delicate strings of pearls is a timeless look that will never go out of style. Get the girls over in the morning for pastries and coffee, and of course, everything at your bash has got to be Tiffany blue.

Old Hollywood Glamour

When do you ever get the chance to put on a proper ballgown? Dress up as your favourite Old Hollywood icon, like Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Brigitte Bardot or Vivien Leigh. You’ll need a red carpet to feature somewhere in the day’s schedule, so you can strut your stuff with all your pals while snapping photos of your best pose. If you fancy really pulling out the stops, you could hire a limousine to cart you around town all day!

Masquerade Ball

Grab your mask – this bride is going to the ball! There’s something exciting and mysterious about a masquerade ball theme, with everyone getting dressed up in their most glamorous outfits before completing the look with a mask that (sort of) hides their identity. This theme ties in well with an art deco style, so you could decorate your venue with chandeliers, velvet curtains, mood lighting and glitzy touches.

All That Glitters

Sometimes, a versatile theme is the best kind, because it allows you to get creative with your own personal twists. Here, the theme is glitter, so all you have to do is don your sparkliest outfit and you’ve nailed the brief. This theme works well for winter hen dos when sparkly outfits are all over the shops.

Pretty in Pink

This one doesn’t need much explanation. A pink theme is always a winner, and you can guarantee you and your mates will stand out from the crowd when you’re all standing together. Pick your favourite hues, from cute pastels to hot pinks, for everything from your outfit to the decor. You could even choose a pink venue and book one of these pretty pink restaurants in London.

Pajama Party

If the thought of getting all dolled up in make-up and heels just doesn’t appeal, go the other way and throw a pajama party for guaranteed comfort – and a good time for all! This is a great theme for brides who aren’t really the party girl type, and instead prefer a night in with her best pals over drinks and pizza. Sounds pretty dream if you ask us. 

The Great Gatsby

Complete the experience with a show at The London Cabaret Club

This vintage hen do theme is always a popular one as you channel the Gatsby glamour of the roaring twenties. Dazzle in sequined flapper dresses, slap on a red lip, and style your hair in slick finger waves. Decor must be vintage too: drink from Champagne coups, create feather centrepieces and theme your colour scheme to be black and gold.

Superheroes

Celebrate the superwoman in your life with this appropriate theme. Maybe you're catering to a group of comic book fans or are passionate about the Marvel movies? Ask everyone to dress up as their favourite superhero, from classic characters like Superwoman, Cat Woman and Poison Ivy, to more modern heroes like Black Widow or Captain Marvel.

Spice Girls

Spice up your hen do and ask everyone to come dressed as their favourite Spice Girl. The iconic girl band is sure to spark nostalgia for anyone who grew up in the 90s. As a reminder, these are your options: Scary Spice (Mel B), Sporty Spice (Mel C), Baby Spice (Emma Bunton), Ginger Spice (Geri Halliwell) and Posh Spice (Victoria Beckham). Although the bride should probably get first dibs on that sparkly Union Jack dress... 

Cowgirls

Now’s the time to rock those cowboy boots you thought you’d never wear! Denim jeans, plaid shirts, bandannas and stetsons are all crucial cowgirl attire, then set the scene with rustic decorations, hay bale seating and a playlist of country classics. Keep the food on brand too with dishes inspired by the American South, from macaroni cheese to fried chicken.

Festival

Searching for the perfect theme for a free-spirited bride? Throw a festival-inspired party complete with boho-style outfits, a killer playlist, street food and plenty of dancing. Go one step further and hire a tent or tipi if you have the space, forego Champagne flutes for tinnies of G&T, and let the good times roll. A festival themed hen do works best during the summer when the weather is warm, and you can make the most of being outdoors.

Bridgerton

Cliveden House in Berkshire is as close as you'll get to being on a Bridgerton film set.

Super fans of the show are sure to go wild for a Bridgerton-themed hen do. And frankly, dear gentle reader, so would we. There are a plethora of ways you can channel this theme at your party, from calligraphy written invitations sealed with a wax stamp, to games where you have to guess who Lady Whistledown is. Eccentric headdresses and regency-style gowns should be the attire of choice.

Flower Power

Throwing a hen do in spring? Celebrate the season with a floral theme. You could book a flower arranging class or learn how to make flower crowns, all while wearing floral, flowy dresses in charming pastel hues of course. If you’re hiring a venue, decorate the space with leafy foliage and floral bunting. Or, to make life easier, simply book one of London’s most beautiful floral restaurants for a picture-perfect backdrop to your event.

Celebrities

Whether you’re keen to resurrect an iconic celeb from a bygone era, or do a killer impression that’ve always wanted to show off, a celebrity party has the potential to be a lot of fun. You could give an award to the best impersonation, or book one of London’s best fancy restaurants where you might even spot a celeb or two yourself.

Where’s Wally

Everyone knows the iconic character Where’s Wally and this theme is relatively easy to recreate. You’ll need a red and white striped top, blue trousers, a red and white bobble hat and a pair of round glasses, and the good news is that most fancy dress shops, or even Amazon, will sell the full set for a good price. You could even play your own real-life version of Where’s Wally – a bit like hide and seek.

Musicals

For the bride who loves the limelight, a musical theme will ensure she gets her time in the spotlight. You could dress up as your favourite character from a musical, or simply theme the day around iconic shows straight from Broadway and the West End. Make a playlist of the best musical numbers, have a go at creating your own choreographed routine, then round off the day with tickets to a show. Make sure to squeeze in a quick dinner beforehand with one of these pre-theatre London menus. 

Black and White

An oldie but a goodie, a classic black and white themed party embraces the timeless elegance of monochrome. Think little black dresses, smart tuxedos or even a full-length gown! This theme is perfect for a sophisticated hen party – you can’t go wrong with a simple but effective black and white colour scheme.

Whether you're keen to book a dinner with live music or like the idea of an activity-based meal, take a look at our pick of the best fun restaurants in London that will show you and your hen do a good time.