Happy Hens

The wedding day is fast approaching, the dress is shimmering in anticipation, and now it’s time to whisk the bride away for her hen do.

She may be a traditional kind of gal and like nothing better than gossiping with her girlfriends over a glass of bubbly, but have you explored all the amazing possibilities that await you for a truly memorably hen celebration? Axe throwing maybe? Cold water swimming? Spooky ghost tour of a town? Cheese tasting? Push the boat out, exceed expectations and make a day or a weekend of it that no one will ever forget.

FOODIE HENS For the bride that appreciates the finer flavours of life, how about a foodie hen party? See the bride off in style with a hen party like no other. Sara Whatley investigates what’s on offer from the adrenaline packed to the ultimate relaxation, foodie delights and a bit of crafty madness!

Starting with the classics, you could opt for a tasting experience. There are so many options to choose from here, it’s really just a matter of what your bride would enjoy the most – cheese, coffee, chocolate, wine, whisky, a tasting menu at a restaurant, the list goes on…

You can also find tasting tours of cities, towns and

markets around the UK, where a guide will walk you around to various great eateries and talk to you about your surroundings. This would be a fantastic way to explore a new city and enjoy the delicious delights on offer too.

If you are after something more hands on why not try

a class? Discover a new skill and master something tricky like dim sum or sushi, or if you have a sweet-toothed bride perhaps a baking, cake decorating or chocolate making class would be more suited.

A fun way to get all your hens mixing is to try a cocktail or mocktail master class. And you can impress everyone afterwards with your deadly new skills.

Finally, for something a bit more relaxing an afternoon tea is always a delight and caters perfectly for hens young and old alike. Choose a decadent location, sit back and luxuriate in exquisite delicacies, endless cups of fine tea and maybe even a glass of bubbly too.

ACTIVITY HENS If your bride gets easily bored or you want to keep the hens on their toes perhaps an activity-filled hen do is your key.

01273 845939

DRY CLEANING

DELICATE GARMENT CARE LAUNDRY SERVICE

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• Dry Cleaning • Laundry Service •Repairs & Alterations •Household & Furnishing •Leather, Suede & Fur Cleaning •Wedding & Bridal wear •Carpet Cleaning Machine Hired Professional, Reliable & Convenient We offer free collection & delivery* (*Terms & conditions apply)

45 Keymer Road, Hassocks BN6 8AG mysmartys.co.uk • info@mysmartys.co.uk Popular projects to try are customising your own pair of knickers, making a garter, fascinator or bunting

WATERCOLOUR PAINTING

Weekly Classes and Monthly Saturday Workshops at Framfield, near Uckfield with professional artist JO HUDSON 01435 867982

johudsonpaint@gmail.com www.johudson.com

The Dandelion Clock

ANTIQUES CENTRE

The ideal place for that special present. Visit our centre for 100’s of unique gift ideas. Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm, Closed Sundays

Lewes Road, Forest Row, RH18 5ES

T: 01342 822 335 E: lindi.dandelion@gmail.com www.dandelionantiques.co.uk

For the energetic groups out there remember, adventurous activities are not only for the stags: sailing, biking, zip lining, hot air ballooning, track days, paddleboarding or how about a silent disco? All these activities will get the adrenaline pumping, be super fun and will be a brilliant bonding exercise for the hens.

Activities don’t have to be action packed though; there are plenty of relaxing and restorative options to try. To unwind a frazzled bride before her big day why not immerse yourselves with a gong bath? This is a form of meditation where you let healing sound vibrations wash over you from gongs and sometimes other instruments too such as singing bowls and didgeridoos. Let your conscious mind switch off and tap into your subconscious for deep relaxation.

A yoga workshop or longer retreat might be the perfect fit for your gaggle of

BLUEBELL VINEYARD ESTATES

Set in the heart of the idyllic Sussex countryside with the distant sound of the Bluebell Railway in the background lies the picturesque Bluebell Vineyard With the luscious vines all around you are totally immersed in the Vineyard and can drink in the views as you enjoy your wedding breakfast creating a perfect and memorable backdrop for your special day and perfect for photographs Bluebell Vineyard offers a relaxed setting to be able to enjoy your day whilst you and your guests enjoy the wine surrounded by its heritage

Bluebell Vineyard, Sliders Lane, Furners Green, East Sussex TN22 3RU 01825 791 561 | events@bluebellvineyard.co.uk Open daily including Sunday & Bank Holidays

hens. Combining movement and meditative qualities too, yoga is both relaxing and physically stimulating. Hens will walk away feeling like they have really served their bodies well. Finish off with a warm and nourishing meal together.

And for the ultimately relaxing experience look no further than a spa day. Enjoy being pampered and preened with your nearest and dearest while you restore all your energy in sumptuous settings.

CRAFTY HENS Are you a bunch of crafty hens? Tap into your artistic and creative side with an art or craft session, giving you all the opportunity to make together, chat together and have something to treasure at the end too.

If a needle and thread is your weapon of choice pick a sewing party. Popular projects to try are customising your own pair of knickers, making a garter, fascinator or bunting.

Or how about a jewellery making lesson? Get all the hens fashioning a fabulous pair of tassel earrings to wear that night, or some sophisticated bracelets or rings to wear at the wedding. To unwind a frazzled bride before her big day why not immerse yourselves a gong bath?

Another great option for making together is flower crowns. Perfect for bohemian style weddings and hens. Each hen can create their own beautiful crown out of either real, dried or fake flowers and then of course, all the hens must wear their crowns for the duration of the do!

If your bunch of hens fancy getting their hands dirty, how about a pottery lesson? You could each have your very own Ghost moment (Demi Moore eat your heart out) and maybe even produce some lovely ceramics while you’re at it.

And finally, for a truly memorable experience, why not get a little saucy with a life drawing class? Get up close and personal, on paper at least, with your life model and you may discover some hidden artistic talents. You can always keep your masterpieces for the enjoyment of your hen’s eyes only… after all, what happens on the hen, stays on the hen! l

Arabella Floral

Arabella Floral is a weddings and events florist covering Sussex, Kent and Surrey. We love using seasonal flowers and foliage to create beautiful, natural and wild designs. www.arabellafloral.com contact@arabellafloral.com 07870 271212

Expert care for your wedding dress. Sarah believes every wedding dress is unique, that’s why her personalised cleaning and boxing service is so popular with brides. 1 College Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 1QN 01444 416644 sarahlaceydrycleaning@gmail.com

Harpist – Margaret Watson

The ultimate romantic instrument! Margaret has a vast musical repertoire to suit all tastes and can arrange your “special song” for that extra personal touch. 01403 740102 07957 669504 goldharp23@gmail.com www.harpmusic.co.uk

Bolney Wine Estate

Make every moment of your special day memorable with Bolney Wine Estate. Arrange a tasting at our Sussex Estate and our team will find the perfect wine to suit your wedding style. www.bolneywineestate.com/weddings 01444 881 575

Felicity Hat Hire

Over 20 years experience helping ladies find the perfect headpiece for that special event. From our bespoke studio, we offer a flexible appointment service to suit your busy lifestyle. 01342 313665 / 07722 444417 www.felicityeastgrinstead.co.uk

The Paint Club

Have a creative hen party with a paint and sip party. We provide all the equipment and can host anywhere from hotel to field. Then keep your painting as the perfect memento. hello@thepaintclub.co.uk www.thepaintclub.co.uk

Ashdown Events

Ashdown Events provides a full event decoration and floristry service for weddings, parties and corporate events including bridal and reception flowers, chair covers, backdrops and draping. Unit 2, Moonhill Farm, Burgess Hill Road, Ansty RH17 5AH 01444 616090 sales@ashdownevents.co.uk www.ashdownevents.co.uk

Butterflies and Bows

Friendly professional company, based in Lingfield, with fourteen years experience. Bouquets, table centres, fairylight backdrops, chair covers, decorations and lighting. Discounted packages available. 01342 892392 / 07717 527923 info@butterfliesandbows.co.uk www.butterfliesandbows.co.uk

The Flower Shop

Floral artistry for your Wedding Day. Wedding floristry specialists offering free wedding consultation. Let us bring your wedding daydreams to life - and don’t forget your Valentine Flowers! 184 High St, Uckfield TN22 1AU 01825 765903 www.theflowershopuckfield.co.uk

Andy Kerr Photography

Authentic, dynamic and emotional memories for couples who value REAL. I do things differently from other photographers! You deserve real moments, real memories, with emotion. www.andykerrphotography.com 07580 772299

YOUR Wedding

Chair Cover Chic

High quality room decor for your affordable dream wedding, private party or corporate event. Chair covers and all styles of sashes, draping, lighting, backdrops, flower wall, blossom and topiary trees. 89 Hammerwood Road, Ashurstwood RH19 3RX 01342 824180 enquiries@chaircoverchic.co.uk www.chaircoverchic.co.uk

Martindale Centre in Horsted Keynes

Perfect Wedding Reception/Party Venue Main Hall seats 100. Stunning views and photo opportunities. Modern fully equipped kitchen. Parking, wheelchair access. Just £175/day or £12/hour. 01825 790375

Credit: Photo by Phillip Volkers

Forest Rose Flowers

The team at Forest Rose Flowers are dedicated to providing customers with the most stunning floral displays, for every occasion. We take pride in delivering creative designs, using a combination of classic and quirky blooms. Hartfield Road, Forest Row RH18 5DN 07703 583523 www.forestroseflowers.co.uk