With the help of Eclipse Leisure, we've found the top five affordable destinations in Europe, inspired by celebrities, with ideas for activities and attractions you can include on your hen do that won’t break the bank.
Hen Party Inspiration: Kym Marsh
Where: Marbella, southern Spain
Where to stay: Kym spent her hen do partying at the exclusive Ocean Beach Club in Marbella’s stylish Puerto Banus area. Luxury hotels in this part of town don’t come cheap, but brides on a budget can find a bargain at the three star Aparthotel Pyr Marbella which starts at £23 a night and is located right in the centre of Puerto Banus, just 300m from the beach.
Theme: Kym’s hen do was all about champagne and glamour, with Kym and her hens dressed in their designer best for a night out in Marbella. Kym wore sky-high Louboutins and ordered the girls five bottles of Laurent Perrier pink champagne. But her hens didn’t let the holiday pass without Kym dressing up in the traditional fluffy pink boa and learner plates! Find out more: Book a treasure hunt, pole dancing lesson or guided bar crawl in Marbella with Eclipse Leisure.
Hen Party Inspiration: Kate Moss
Where: Isle of Wight, UK
Where to stay: Kate had one of the coolest hen dos in history, combining it with a trip to the Isle of Wight festival. Some of the most impressive stats from her hen do include 120 bottles of Mahiki rum being consumed and the guests spending most of their time at the festival’s fun fair or posh Priory Bay hotel. For a cheaper rate on tickets, check the Isle of Wight festival website for early bird prices.
Theme: Kate’s festival theme is set to be a huge trend for hen weekends in 2014, with more hens combining their last night of freedom with a festival. Find your perfect girly camping gear at The Glam Camping Company.
Hen Party Inspiration: Coleen Rooney
Where: Ibiza, Balearic Islands, Spain
Where to stay: Although Coleen’s own hen do was in Miami, she was pictured at her cousin-in-law’s hen do in the equally glamorous Ibiza. The hen party relaxed and partied at Ibiza’s swish Blue Marlin Beach Club. For those who can’t afford a five star stay in Ibiza, the Central Park Apartments are located in the party resort of San Antonio, a two minute walk from the shops, bars and nightclubs.
Theme: Coleen joined the hens in wearing personalised matching black bikinis, the perfect dress-up for a sunny hen holiday. Copy their style with a simple black halter bikini.
Find out more: Book nightclub entry, a party cruise or a waterpark visit inIbiza with Eclipse Leisure.
Hen Party Inspiration: Millie Manderson (nee Mackintosh)
Where: London, UK
Where to stay: For a Made in Chelsea inspired hen party, take in a classy afternoon tea at one of London’s posh hotels before hitting up Millie’s new husband, Professor Green’s new nightclub, INK, in Leicester Square. Save money on a London hotel by booking one located on the outskirts of the city and getting a taxi or tube to the city centre.
Theme: Elegant Millie surprised everyone with a cheesy hen dress up, complete with plastic willy straws and a pink fluffy tiara. Copy her style with these cheeky hen goodies from PartyPacks.co.uk. Find out more: Book a model makeover, party bus or roller disco with Eclipse Leisure London hen nights.
Hen Party Inspiration: Katie Holmes
Where: Rome, Italy
Where to stay: Katie defied tradition with a joint hen and stag do, taking along her soon-to-be husband Tom Cruise and their baby daughter Surie. The couple stayed at the five-star Hassler Hotel, complete with plush suites, rooftop restaurant, hair salon and spa. For a less extravagant trip to Rome, try the modest but chic Hotel Santa Pressedehotel, starting at €90 a night.
Theme: It was a thoroughly Italian affair with Katie and Tom enjoying a traditional meal of parma ham, pasta and tiramisu from their favourite Italian restaurant Dal Bolognese.
Hen Party Inspiration: Martine McCutcheon
Where: Paris, France
Where to stay: Take in the same cultural sights Martine did with a trip to the Louvre museum and a stroll along the River Seine. For shabby-chic accommodation, take the girls to the trendy Absolute Budget hotel with its funky décor and amazing location next to Paris’ bars and clubs in the Oberkampf district. And it really is budget friendly, starting at €30pp a night.
Theme: Martine went for a contemporary tuxedo dress-up, with her and her hens posing in tight fitting black suits and gorgeous high heels – a fun twist on the wedding theme! Copy her style with one of these black blazers. Find out more: Book a comedy club, guided bar crawl or spa and pamper session in Paris with Eclipse Leisure.
Hen Party Inspiration: Kerry Katona
Where: Manchester, UK
Where to stay: Before renewing her vows with then husband Mark Croft, Kerry Katona hit the town with the girls in Manchester. Stay at the luxurious Light Aparthotel, who offer hen party packages for brides-to-be. The hotel includes a 360 restaurant, private spa and is next to the best of Manchester’s nightlife. Their ‘Glitz’ package includes champagne on arrival, spa access and late check-out all for £139 for a two night stay.
Theme: Kerry opted for an angelic theme in a white dress complete with wings and a fluffy halo. Copy her heavenly style with accessories from Escapade.co.uk.
Find out more: Book cocktail making, a party boat or casino night in Manchester with Eclipse Leisure.