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
Hot Tub Essentials
If your group house has a hot tub — and most hen party bookings specifically request one — a few extra items make a big difference:
- Waterproof bluetooth speaker (crucial — bring your own, don't rely on the property)
- Matching swimwear for the group photo (co-ordinated sets are a popular hen party tradition)
- Plastic champagne flutes or acrylic cups — glass is not allowed in most hot tubs
- Flip flops or pool slides for walking between the house and the tub
- Towelling robes or large bath sheets — bring at least one each
- Waterproof phone case if you plan to take photos in or around the water
The Group Organiser's Admin Pack
The maid of honour or main organiser should travel with a dedicated admin pack. This is not glamorous, but it prevents crises:
- Printed or offline copies of all booking confirmations — property, activities, restaurants, transport
- The property owner's direct phone number and a key code or access instructions
- A group WhatsApp or shared document with the full weekend itinerary
- A record of what each guest has paid and what is still outstanding
- Activity supplier contact numbers in case of lateness or changes
- Local taxi numbers or Uber in the area — don't assume central London service quality applies outside cities
- The nearest pharmacy and minor injuries clinic address
Destination-Specific Additions
What you pack varies slightly by where you're going. A few destination-specific additions:
- Brighton — A decent waterproof jacket (sea breezes even in summer), comfortable walking shoes for the Lanes, a beach bag and sun cream for good-weather days
- Cotswolds — Wellies or waterproof boots for morning walks, layers for cooler evenings, a casual day outfit for village exploring
- Cornwall — Sun cream, swimming gear, sandals, and a proper waterproof for coastal walks
- Lake District — Walking boots if anyone wants to do the fells, full waterproofs, thermals for cold evenings even in summer
Check our UK destination guides for more location-specific planning advice.
Packing for a Private Chef Evening
If you've booked a private chef for one of your evenings, there are a few things the organiser should prepare:
- Confirm dietary requirements for every guest and communicate these clearly to the chef
- Check the kitchen setup with the chef in advance — they need to know what equipment is available
- Have a good supply of bin bags, kitchen roll and washing-up liquid — chefs appreciate a tidy workspace
- Bring candles or fairy lights for table atmosphere — most chefs don't supply decoration
- Print or share a seating plan if your group is large enough to need one
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. The most important thing is to arrive with everything the group needs to have a great weekend — the logistics are handled by the MOH so the bride doesn't have to think about any of it. Looking for a property? Browse our hen party houses, filter by houses with hot tubs, or explore our destination guides to find the right combination of property and location for your group.
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. An offline copy of all booking confirmations is essential — don't rely on mobile signal in rural locations.
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, and confirm hot tub availability and any additional charges before booking.
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. For interactive activities, book a cocktail masterclass or life drawing session through our experiences partners.
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. A waterproof model is best if you're using it near a hot tub or pool.
Pack swimwear, plastic champagne flutes (glass is not allowed in most hot tubs), flip flops, towelling robes or large towels, and a waterproof bluetooth speaker. Matching swimwear for the group is a popular hen party tradition — organise this in advance.
