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Games can turn a hen weekend from a nice time away into one everyone remembers. The best ones are simple to set up, easy to explain, and flexible enough that every guest can join in whatever their mood, budget or drinking habits. This guide covers games that are easy to organise, options that work without alcohol, ways to keep the whole group included, and the props you will actually need. It also covers how to fit games around a weekend away so the schedule does not feel crowded.
Which hen do games are easy to organise?
The easiest games need no more than a pen, some paper and a phone. If you are the organiser, you already have plenty to coordinate with travel, rooms and meals, so choose games that run themselves. These are reliable options:
- How well do you know the bride? Prepare ten to twenty questions about the bride, such as her first job, favourite film or what she would take to a desert island. Guests write their answers, then the bride marks them. It works for any group size and takes no setup beyond the questions.
- Bride trivia with the partner’s answers: Ask the partner to answer a short set of questions in advance, then see how closely the bride matches. Keep the questions light and affectionate, not embarrassing.
- Photo scavenger hunt: Split into teams and give each a list of photos to take, such as a statue pose, a group shot with a stranger who agrees, or a recreation of a famous film scene. Set a time limit and a meeting point. It also helps explore a new town or city.
- Hen bingo: Make bingo cards with things likely to happen over the weekend, such as someone taking a group selfie, a speech, or a song everyone sings along to. It runs in the background and needs no one to lead.
- Memory lane quiz: Gather a few old photos of the bride and ask guests to guess the year, place or occasion. This works well if you collect photos from friends and family in advance.
- Guess the baby photo: Ask each guest to send a childhood photo, then match the photo to the guest. It is a quick way to help people who have not met before get to know each other.
- Charades or dingbats: Choose themes linked to the bride, such as her favourite films, songs or holidays. Write them on slips of paper and play in teams.
- Wedding word challenge: Give teams two minutes to list as many wedding related words as they can. The team with the most unique answers wins.
A good rule is to have three or four games planned, and one or two spare. You will not use them all, but it helps to have options if a mood shifts or an activity runs short. Spread them over the weekend rather than packing them into one evening, so games feel like a treat, not an obligation.
What can I do without alcohol?
Plenty of hens do not drink, are pregnant, are driving or simply prefer not to. Games should never depend on alcohol, and alcohol based dares can leave some guests uncomfortable or excluded. Build the main games around skill, memory and humour, and keep any drink related extras optional and separate.
- Quizzes and trivia: Everything in the list above works without a drink in hand.
- Craft sessions: Many venues and local providers run cocktail and mocktail making, floral crowns, pottery painting or life drawing. Ask about alcohol free options when you book.
- Mocktail challenge: Have teams create a drink from a limited set of ingredients and judge on name, look and taste. Everyone can take part.
- Karaoke or lip sync battle: Needs only a speaker and a phone. Let people take part at their own comfort level, with group songs as an easy way in.
- Escape rooms and team challenges: A good way to spend a morning, and they bring people together without any pressure to drink. Check age, group size and accessibility rules before booking.
- Spa or wellness time: A calmer game free break, with a few relaxed quizzes in the evening.
- Treasure hunt: Create clues around the accommodation or a town centre, with a small prize at the end.
If you are planning a weekend in a house with a hot tub, our guide to hot tub breaks in the UK covers what to check before you book, including house rules and safety. Games that work in a relaxed setting, such as quizzes and bingo, suit that kind of trip well.
How do I keep everyone included?
Hen groups often include friends from different parts of the bride’s life, family members of different ages, and people with different budgets and comfort levels. A few small decisions make a big difference to how comfortable everyone feels.
- Ask the bride first. Find out what she wants and what she would hate. Some brides love being the centre of attention, while others prefer a lower key celebration.
- Mix up the teams. Put people who do not know each other together, and split close friends into different teams so no one is left out.
- Offer opt outs. Make it clear that anyone can sit out a game without explanation. A simple “no pressure, join in if you like” avoids awkwardness.
- Avoid embarrassing or risky dares. Anything that puts someone in an uncomfortable position, involves strangers without consent, or relies on nudity or humiliation can sour a group quickly.
- Think about accessibility. Check that games and venues work for anyone with mobility, hearing, sight or sensory needs, and for anyone who cannot stay up late.
- Keep costs transparent. Agree budgets in advance, share costs fairly and avoid surprise extras. Some guests may be stretching to attend, and games that cost nothing help keep things comfortable.
- Include remote guests. If someone cannot attend, a short video message or a question they set for the quiz is a nice way to include them.
What props do I need?
You can run most games with very little. A short kit prepared in advance keeps everything smooth:
- Pens and a stack of paper or index cards
- A printed quiz sheet or a shared note on your phone
- A small speaker for music and karaoke
- A bag or hat for drawing names or prompts
- Sticky notes for name games and labels
- A few small prizes, such as sweets, a voucher or a silly trophy
- Scorecards or a notebook to track points
- Any themed items, such as sashes, badges or crowns, if the group wants them
- A phone charger or power bank for photo based games
Many items are cheap and easy to pack, and some can be made at the accommodation. Avoid buying lots of single use items if you can. Reusable props and things the bride can keep make better souvenirs than a bag of plastic extras.
Fitting games into a weekend away
Games work best when they are woven into the weekend rather than scheduled like a timetable. A relaxed pace usually works better than a packed one. Here is a simple rhythm you can adapt:
- Arrival day: Something easy to settle everyone in, such as a baby photo match or bingo cards handed out with a welcome drink or snack.
- Main day: One organised activity, such as a class or scavenger hunt, with a quiz or game session in the evening.
- Departure day: A slow breakfast, a small award round for the weekend’s games and time to pack and say thanks.
If you are still choosing where to go, our guides to UK holidays, weekend breaks from Brighton and city breaks have plenty of ideas, from seaside towns to European cities. For a group trip, check that accommodation can sleep everyone, allows gatherings of your size and has clear house rules. If you travel abroad, make sure everyone has suitable travel insurance.
Planning tips for the organiser
- Set up a group chat early and share the plan, costs and any dress code.
- Give guests a rough schedule but keep it flexible.
- Ask about dietary needs and alcohol free preferences when you collect names.
- Assign a few small jobs, such as a photographer or a quiz scorer, so you are not doing everything.
- Keep a small fund for prizes and emergencies.
- Book activities and transport in good time, and check cancellation terms.
- Take a few moments to enjoy the weekend yourself.
Frequently asked questions
How many games should I plan for a hen weekend?
Three or four is usually enough, with one or two spare. Spread them over the weekend and leave plenty of free time.
What are good hen do games for a small group?
Quizzes, bingo, a mocktail challenge and a photo scavenger hunt all work well for small groups, and need almost no setup.
What are good games for a large group?
Team based games such as scavenger hunts, charades and quiz rounds scale easily. Mix the teams so people meet each other.
Are there hen do games that are not embarrassing?
Yes. Trivia, bingo, crafts and team challenges are fun without putting anyone on the spot. Always ask the bride what she would be happy with.
How do I run games if some guests do not know each other?
Start with an icebreaker such as a baby photo match or a two truths and a lie round, and use mixed teams for later games.
Can I run hen games on a budget?
Yes. Most of the games here need only paper and pens. Home made prizes or small treats are plenty.
Should the bride know the plan?
That depends on her. Some brides love surprises, and others prefer to know the outline. Ask a trusted friend or her partner if you are unsure.
Always check venue rules, age limits and local requirements before you book activities, and make sure everyone is comfortable with the plan. This guide is general information only.