For many of us a hen party conjures up images of pink party sashes, L-plates and sparkly head boppers – but society brides have other ideas when it comes to celebrating the end of life as a single woman.
From ‘Cecil Beaton-approved costumes’ to choosing the most exclusive of locations for your soiree, Tatler has revealed it’s guide to organising the perfect high-society hen.
Instead of rowdy holidays to Marbella or a night out at a packed club, the society bible suggests a yacht trip around the Greek coastline or perhaps a weekend in a ski chalet in the French Alps.
When it comes to food and drink, the finest champagne must of course be served over prosecco, while guests should be treated to a hen party tablescape designed specifically for the occasion.
Here, Femail reveals Tatlers top advice when it comes to planning the perfect upmarket hen party.
EXCLUSIVE LOCATION
Ivy Getty, 26. the great-granddaughter of oil tycoon Jean Paul Getty, celebrated her hen do in Mykonos over the weekend, ahead of her wedding which is set to take place in November
Sir Sean Connery’s granddaughter Saskia celebrated in Mykonos in August last year, the same month Made in Chelsea star Lucy Watson held her bachelorette party on the island
The first thing to consider while planning your elaborate celebration is the location, with a standard local nightclub firmly off the cards for high-society brides-to-be.
If looking for a sun-soaked getaway, the publication suggested a trip to Mykonos – where billionaire bride-to-be Ivy Getty and Sir Sean Connery’s granddaughter Saskia celebrated their bachelorette parties.
Other celebrities who have celebrated on the island include Made in Chelsea star Lucy Watson, who jetted off to Mykonos for a luxe hen party with her sister Tiffany and friends last year.
Tatler pointed to Pippa Middleton, who ahead of her wedding to James Matthews in May 2017 spent a weekend at an exclusive ski resort in the French Alps before holding a lavish dinner at her townhouse in Chelsea.
The Duchess of Cambridge’s own hen party was reportedly a low-key affair held at a friends house in London.
And if like Kate you’re planning on celebrating in London, Tatler has previously revealed its pick of favourite private members clubs including Oswald’s and Annabel’s.
FUN THEME
Princess Diana’s niece Lady Kitty Spencer led the glamour at a lavish Legally Blonde-themed London hen party for society bride-to-be Lady Jemima Herbert
For one evening of Jemima Cadburys’ hen weekend, the group each dressed up as Britney Spears, with the heiress opting for a red leather bodysuit, reminiscent of the one worn in Britney’s Oops I did it again video
Lady Clara Paget was thrown a lavish do dubbed ‘Claztonbury’ by famous pals including Cara Delevingne, where guests donned retro fancy dress
Having a theme is a must while throwing a high-society bash and guests are encouraged to dress as elaborately as possible.
Earlier this month, confectionery heiress Jemima Cadbury celebrated ahead of her wedding to boyfriend David Tollemache with a Britney Spears-themed bachelorette party.
For one evening of the hen weekend, the group each dressed up as Britney Spears, with the heiress opting for a red leather bodysuit, reminiscent of the one worn in Britney’s Oops I did it again video.
In July last year society bride-to-be Lady Jemima Herbert was treated to a Legally Blonde-themed London bash before tying the knot with insurance broker beau Hugo Davies.
Over the weekend Lady Jemima was joined by her nearest and dearest including sisters Lady Alice and Lady Katie, and BFF Lady Kitty Spencer, the D&G model daughter of Earl Spencer.
Keeping to the 90s theme, Lady Clara Paget was thrown a lavish do dubbed ‘Claztonbury’ by famous pals including Cara Delevingne, where guests donned retro fancy dress.
Clara, daughter of the 8th Marquess of Anglesey, donned a bridal gown while Cara dressed as Alicia Silverstone in the film Clueless.
PLANNED ENTERTAINMENT
Ahead of wedding her retail millionaire fiancée Michael Lewis, Lady Kitty Spencer spent the days leading up to the ceremony travelling around the Florence region
Booking out a venue and turning up in fancy dress isn’t enough for the ultimate high-society bash, with the publication advising planned activities to keep your guests entertained.
Ahead of wedding her retail millionaire fiancée Michael Lewis, Lady Kitty Spencer spent the days leading up to the ceremony travelling around the Florence region.
Kitty and the girls hired a fleet of vintage bikes with sidecars and stopped off at family-owned Luiano winery in Chianti where they sampled the wine and were given a tour of the estate.
Kate Moss’ legendary hen party in 2011 saw the iconic supermodel send her wedding party to the Isle of Wight music festival in stretch pink Hummers full of champagne.
Over the weekend, they reportedly drank their way through magnums of Cristal champagne, Grey Goose vodka, Tanqueray gin and 300 bottles of Mahiki rum, which were flown in by helicopter.
LAVISH MEALS
Along with delicious food, the evening’s tablescape must be perfect with many society brides opting for luxury table design business LAY London run by Lady Jemima Herbert and her sister Lady Alice
Pictured, hen party table favours created by Lady Jemima Herbert and her sister Lady Alice’s luxury tableware company Lay London
While hosting a glamorous hen party, food and drink must be flowing throughout the event, with the ‘finest champagne and impressive canapés circulating the room’ over prosecco and crisps ahead of the main meal.
Hosts should ensure their mela is of the highest quality, with Pippa Middleton reportedly asking avant-garde chef Heston Blumenthal to prepare a lavish four-course meal for her guests.
Supermodel Moss reportedly hired private chef to cater for her bridal party’s every whim over her boozy weekend, including fish and chips and fry-ups for breakfast.
The publication previously revealed their top picks of caterers, delis, restaurant deliveries which could be enlisted to provide delicious dining for your bachelorette party.
Recommendations include East London Italian food shop and restaurant Eataly which can provide the perfect no-fuss antipasti platter and French delicatessen Colette for a selection of cheeses, pies and pastries.
Along with delicious food, the evening’s tablescape must be perfect with many society brides opting for luxury table design business LAY London.
Lady Jemima Herbert and her sister Lady Alice are founders of the luxury table setting rental company, which provides hosts with everything they need for an exceptionally stylish dinner party.