Cosy and cool: Winter hen’s activities to warm you up

So, you’re planning a spring wedding? Although the weather will be warming up by the time you exchange vows, the pre-wedding activities will probably happen when the mercury has dropped. Don’t worry though, we’ve got some winter hen’s activities that will warm up you and your girls.

Whatever your vibe is, snowy mountains paired with strong martinis, staying indoors in your PJs sipping prosecco, or scratching that creative itch with some painting and pinot, nothing says winter warmer like a glass of red wine and bringing your inner Picasso to life.

Don’t know what a wedding squad is? Don’t worry, we break it down!

Come with us and explore our favourite winter hen’s activities – time to take some notes!

Snow trip

A bit of Après Ski might be on the cards for you and your bride squad—because who says you need an actual ski pass to live your chic snow bunny fantasy? Sure, if you’re a Brisbane bride, chasing snow might be about as easy as getting through a group chat with 10 bridesmaids without someone going MIA. 

But for our chilly-climate queens in Tasmania, Victoria, or the alpine pockets of New South Wales, it’s entirely possible to pull off a glam, snow-dusted celebration. Looking for some ideas to complement your mountains and martinis? How about some faux fur, mulled wine, hot tubs, ski-lodge vibes, and maybe even a cheeky round of prosecco pong in front of a roaring fireplace? Watch the winter magic unfold.

 

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Spa day

Winter can wreak havoc on skin and even joints, and it can also bring a bit of seasonal depression. You know what the perfect antidote to all these winter blues is? A spa day! Massages, facials, nails, hair — whatever your preference, you’ll need the time to relax. 

Planning a wedding isn’t always a piece of cake, although you’ll likely be looking at cakes. So, take some time for you and your girls. Spa day it is!

Hot springs

Soak those troubles away in beautiful hot springs. Robes on, wine in hand, there’s no stress – and that’s how a hen’s party should be. Our favourite hot springs are in Daylesford, on the Mornington Peninsula or in Tasmania, and these hidden gems aren’t just a relaxing day; they’re nestled in incredible natural environments. This activity is a dreamy spa-meets-nature day out, bonus points for a group selfie with the mist rising all around you.

Need to propose to your bridesmaids in a fun way? Here’s our favourite bridesmaid boxes!

Hot yoga/Pilates

Whether they’re a yogi or don’t know their downward dog from their malasana squat, hot yoga or Pilates isn’t about skills, but bonding, stretching, and a bit of meditation. 

This activity is a great way to warm the group up, literally, while working on those pre-wedding glows and giggle fits when someone falls out of tree pose. It’s the kind of wholesome fun that still counts as ‘productive’ while giving the hens a solid excuse to go full relaxation mode post-savasana.

 

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PJ party

Watch out, Peter Alexander, there’s a hen’s party looking to relax in their fluffiest, comfiest and cutest PJs! Grab the face masks and fairy lights — because this winter hen’s party is about to get cosy. Think matching robes, charcuterie boards, and the all-important playlist.

It’s basically the slumber party from when you were 13, but this time with adult beverages and better skincare.

 

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Cosy movie night

Hang those stilettos up and put away the faux fur, for this hen’s party there are no clubs calling. We’re settling in for a night of popcorn, wine, and the all iconic rom-coms (or maybe some trashy reality TV, did someone say Love Island?). 

It doesn’t matter if you’re more of a When Harry Met Sally vibe rather than Anyone But You, there are no rules that say you can’t do a movie marathon and then create a rating system for every love interest on screen.

 

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Pasta-making class

Time to make your Nonna proud and carb-load your way to happiness with a pasta-making class. From spaghetti to linguine or even a ravioli, a pasta-making class is a skill that you can bring home from the hen’s party.

There’s something ridiculously wholesome and laugh-inducing about flour flying everywhere while you attempt to make tagliatelle from scratch. Plus, you get to eat your creations afterwards.

Ice skating

Whether you’re a beautiful swan or a little more Bambi on ice, there’s something so fun and romantic about ice skating. Perhaps based off our years of watching Hollywood films end up with couples and friends glide across the ice in Central Park, but we just think that ice skating is an ideal choice for a winter hen’s activity.

Ice skating is the kind of hilarious group activity that ends in belly laughs, arm-in-arm support, and possibly a few dramatic, made-for-Insta falls. Bonus points for finishing the night with mulled wine and rosy cheeks.

 

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Winery

Perhaps “winter at a winery” or “hen’s party at a winery” would be met with a scathing Miranda Priestly style “groundbreaking”, but if it’s not broke, don’t fix it! Wineries in winter are the epitome of a good time, with rustic fireplaces, moody vineyard views, deep hearty reds, and the all-important grazing platter.

Bonus points if you know about tannins, even more bonus points if you don’t but pretend you do.

Cocktail making

Shaken or stirred, dry or dirty, on the rocks or neat. Do these words mean nothing to you? Never fear! After an artisanal and classy cocktail-making class, you’ll be making a James Bond-style “shaken, not stirred” martini in no time. 

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