You've booked the hen party house, sorted the activities, and confirmed the numbers. Now comes the bit that's easy to underestimate: packing. Nothing deflates a hen weekend faster than arriving at your beautiful group house and realising no one brought a bluetooth speaker, the first aid kit, or the bride's sash. Use this list and you won't forget a thing.
The Bride's Must-Haves
The bride shouldn't have to think about logistics — that's the MOH's job. But make sure she has:
- Her outfit for each event (and a backup if anything is dry-clean only)
- Comfortable shoes for the morning-after walk
- A special keepsake gift from the group (optional but lovely)
- Any personalised items (sash, veil, "Bride" accessories)
Decorations
- Bride-to-be banners and bunting
- Balloons (including a helium kit if your house is far from a shop)
- Personalised signs or table decorations
- Confetti (check the house's policy first — some charge extra for confetti clean-up)
- Flower wall or backdrop for photos
- Fairy lights for atmosphere
- Table runner and matching paper tableware if you're hosting a meal in
Group Outfits & Accessories
- Matching t-shirts, robes, or pyjamas for the group
- Bride's sash, veil, and tiara
- Name badges or personalised cups
- Matching swimwear if there's a hot tub or pool
- Dressing up accessories for the evening
Entertainment
- Bluetooth speaker (waterproof if you have a hot tub)
- Pre-downloaded playlists (don't rely on wifi)
- Hen party games (dare cards, prosecco pong, Mr & Mrs quiz)
- Photo props for group pictures
- Instant camera with spare film
- Activity confirmation emails / booking references printed or saved offline
Food & Drink
- Prosecco/champagne for the arrival toast
- Snacks for the journey and first night
- Breakfast supplies (the house may not provide these)
- Hangover snacks — crisps, chocolate, bacon
- Reusable water bottles for activities
- Any dietary-specific items for guests with requirements
If you've booked a private chef, they'll handle most of the food. Confirm what they need you to provide in advance.
Practical MOH Kit
The maid of honour should carry a small emergency bag with:
- Paracetamol, ibuprofen, rehydration sachets
- Plasters and blister pads (for heels)
- Safety pins and double-sided tape
- Portable phone charger / power bank for the group
- Cash for taxis, tips, or emergencies
- List of all booking reference numbers and supplier contacts
- Key code or contact details for the property
Before You Leave the House
Run through our complete hen party planning checklist to make sure you haven't missed any logistics, and double check everyone has paid their share using the tips in our costs guide. Sorted? Browse our available properties or speak to our team to find the perfect house.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bring banners, balloons, bunting, fairy lights, and personalised items like a bride-to-be sash and veil. Check the property's policy on confetti before packing it — some properties charge extra for confetti cleanup.
The MOH should carry an emergency kit with paracetamol, plasters, blister pads, safety pins, a portable charger, cash, and all booking reference numbers. Being prepared for the unexpected is the mark of a great MOH.
Most group houses provide basic kitchen equipment, bedding, and towels. They rarely provide food, toiletries, decorations, or entertainment. Always check the property listing for exactly what's included.
Popular hen party games include dare card sets, prosecco pong, Mr & Mrs quizzes, bingo with hen-themed forfeits, and Who's Most Likely To. Bring a backup of printed games in case the wifi is unreliable.
Absolutely — a good waterproof bluetooth speaker is one of the most important things to pack. Pre-download playlists before you travel as rural properties often have poor mobile signal. Don't rely on Spotify streaming.
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