3 Creative Hen Party Craft Ideas for Modern Brides

Planning a hen party that feels special, personal and genuinely memorable can be tricky. Many brides now want something more meaningful than novelty games - an experience that brings everyone together and leaves them with a beautiful keepsake.

If you’re looking for creative hen party ideas that are relaxed, social and perfect for Northern Ireland / Irish celebrations, here are three craft workshops that consistently delight brides and hens alike.

1. Personalised Canvas Tote Workshop

A stylish, modern hen party activity that guests will actually use long after the weekend.

In this workshop, each hen designs her own premium canvas tote using curated iron-on patches, paint pens and decorative details. The focus is on creating something chic and personal rather than overly crafty — think minimalist designs, meaningful words, initials or subtle motifs.

Why brides love it:

• Everyone leaves with a usable, everyday keepsake

• It suits all ages and abilities

• It’s relaxed, social and easy to chat while creating

• Perfect for city hens, house hens or pre-night-out sessions

  
  

Top tip: Encourage hens to add an inside joke, “alter ego” name or word that represents this chapter of life — it always sparks conversation and laughter.

2. The Crafty Hen Quilt – A Keepsake the Bride Will Treasure

If you’re looking for a truly sentimental hen party activity, this one is hard to beat.

Each hen creates a fabric square inspired by the Bride-to-Be — her personality, shared memories, or well-wishes for the future. Using a carefully curated selection of fabrics, ribbons, lace and embellishments, guests can design their square as simply or intricately as they like.

After the workshop, all the squares are professionally assembled into a beautiful patchwork quilt or set of cushions for the bride to keep forever.

Why this is so special:

• It creates a meaningful, collaborative keepsake

• Perfect for family-friendly or mixed-age hens

• A lovely alternative to physical gifts

• Often becomes a wedding-morning or first-home treasure

  
  

Top tip: Ask each hen to write a short note explaining their square — brides absolutely love reading these later.

3. Garter Making Workshop - Fun, Feminine & Light-Hearted

A classic hen party idea with a creative twist.

In this workshop, each hen makes her own garter using a gorgeous selection of lace, ribbons and decorative details. The Bride-to-Be can create a truly special garter — often incorporating her “something blue” - while the rest of the hens make one just for fun.

It’s playful, relaxed and full of laughs, without ever feeling awkward or over-the-top.

Why it works so well:

• No crafting experience needed

• Quick to learn and very sociable

• A lovely blend of tradition and creativity

• Ideal as a daytime activity or ice-breaker

  
  

Top tip: This pairs beautifully with prosecco, afternoon tea or a cosy hen house setting.

Choosing the Right Hen Party Craft Experience

When deciding which workshop is right for your group, think about:

• The bride’s personality (sentimental, stylish, playful?)

• Group size and age range

• Whether you want everyone to take something home, or one special keepsake for the bride

• The overall vibe of the weekend - chilled, creative, or celebratory

  
  

All three options are designed to be inclusive, relaxed and memorable - no pressure, no mess, and no awkward moments.

Planning a Hen Party?

If you’d like help choosing the perfect craft workshop or want more details on how each experience works, just get in touch via email angelinemurphydesign@gmail.com

I’m always happy to chat through ideas and help you create a hen party the bride will genuinely love.

✨ Enquiries welcome - dates fill quickly during peak hen season.