Jessica O'Sullivan
There’s an endless array of hen party trends to choose from, but there is one that's ideal if you're no longer able (or willing) for a full hen weekend of wild antics and the inevitable hangover that comes with it. Let us introduce you to the Zen Hen, or Zen Do as it’s also known. 'Girls gone mild' might be trending all over TikTok, but as it turns out, the move towards including a grounding moment of quiet in a hen party itinerary has been gaining popularity in Ireland for a while now, making the Zen Hen an attractive option for many brides-to-be. Here we dive into the why, what and how of this alternative hen party idea for ladies who want to bliss out, but not miss out on the fun. Considering the growing trend towards alcohol-free, health-focused lifestyles, a wellness-retreat style hen weekend with your besties may be far more appealing to some brides and their bridal parties than a crazy night away. This might involve heading to a spa hotel or a cosy cabin in the woods for a serene and revitalising experience that is a million miles away from the traditional hen party. Or you could also opt for a wellness-focused activity as part of the itinerary. While the usual hen party formula consists of say, a boozy fun activity like a cocktail making class or nude life drawing, followed by a boozy dinner, followed by a boozy night of dancing, a zen hen will involve a relaxed wellness-related activity and might also be alcohol-free. A Zen Hen would work for any bride who wants a more relaxed or restorative celebration with her friends, anyone who is alcohol-free or sober curious, a pregnant bride-to-be or a party that includes pregnant people. The average age of brides in Ireland is 3X for brides opposite sex couples and 3X for brides same-sex couples. People are getting married later in life, so they might feel they have gone past their wild twenties and don’t have the appetite or energy for a traditional hen. In Ireland the best places to check out when planning a Zen Hen are Yoga Mara, or CABÜ by The Lakes, The Wicklow Escape, Rock Farm Slane, Loughcrew Estate, The Elbow Room, Fitz of Inch or Wild Wave Yoga who organise bespoke wellness weekends with treatments, yoga flow sessions, breathwork, meditation, sound baths gourmet food, sea swims, and more. For a Zen hen yoga session at your own venue, consider Yoga Parties, a One Fab Day recommended vendor. They can either bring the session to your chosen venue or we can help organise it for you. Looking for hen party ideas? Check out dedicated hen party section here
Image by The Harpers Wedding via One Fab DayWhat is a Zen Hen
Image by Paul McGinty Photography via One Fab DayWho Would a Zen Hen Work For?
How to Plan a Zen Hen
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