8 Hens Night Ideas on a Budget

Not every hens night has to come with a price tag that rivals the wedding. If you’re planning a celebration for your bride-to-be that’s big on fun but light on spending, you’re in the right place. Whether you're working with a tight budget or just love a good deal, there are plenty of hens night ideas that don’t require maxing out a credit card.

Here are eight hens night ideas on a budget that deliver unforgettable memories, without the financial headache.

1. DIY spa night at home

Treat the bride and your crew to a night of pampering without booking into a day spa. Set up face masks, mani-pedi stations, fluffy robes, soothing playlists, and bowls of cucumber water. You can pick up affordable pamper packs from Kmart, Chemist Warehouse, or even DIY your own.

What makes it special is the vibe. Think candles, fairy lights, and a few well-chosen cocktails (hello, espresso martinis in a jug). Everyone gets to relax, bond, and spoil the bride, minus the bill.

Budget tip: Ask each guest to bring one item - face masks, nail polish, bath bombs — and build the spa from there.

2. Movie marathon and wine night

If your bride is a film buff or just loves a cosy night in, create a movie night experience with all the bells and whistles. Project a rom-com marathon in the backyard, or clear out the lounge room for a ‘Bridesmaid’ style night of laughs, snacks, and vino.

Choose a theme — chick flicks, bad wedding movies, or nostalgia favourites, and line up a schedule. Add grazing boards, popcorn bars, and DIY cocktail pitchers to bring it all together.

Budget tip: Use a free trial of a streaming service or borrow DVDs from guests. Ask guests to bring snacks or drinks to share.

3. Picnic in the park

A picturesque outdoor picnic is one of the most underrated hens night ideas, especially if your bride loves a chilled, nature-filled vibe. Pick a local park or botanical garden, pack a few rugs and baskets, and let everyone BYO their own grazing box or drink.

Add in a few fun extras like:

• Lawn games

• Disposable film cameras

• Themed playlists

• Group games like “How Well Do You Know the Bride?”

Budget tip: Head to your local dollar store or Kmart for cute cups, serviettes, and picnic props that feel luxe without the markup.

4. Game night with a twist

Game night doesn’t have to mean Monopoly. You can go full hens party with themed games like “Pin the Kiss on the Groom,” “Never Have I Ever,” or “Truth or Dare - Bridal Edition.” You can even personalise trivia questions based on the couple.

This is a great choice for a low-key bride who still wants to laugh till she cries. Pair it with some cocktails, snacks, and cheeky prizes and you've got an unforgettable night for under $100 total.

Budget tip: Print your games at home and raid your cupboards for classic board games to mix things up.

5. Cocktail-making class with House of Hens

Here’s where we bring in some House of Hens magic. Cocktail-making classes are a favourite for hens nights, and we know how to make them feel bougie without breaking the bank. We’ll help you choose a venue, supply everything you need, and guide you through a fun, interactive class with a pro mixologist.

Not only do you learn how to shake and stir like a legend, but you’ll get to drink your creations too, win-win.

What makes it budget-friendly is that it replaces bar hopping and buying individual drinks. It’s your night’s activity and your drinks all in one.

6. Private paint and sip party

A paint and sip session is a cheeky, creative way to celebrate. And with House of Hens, we can organise a private session just for your group that fits your budget. Whether you're painting your own “masterpiece” or doing something more bridal-themed (like nude life drawing — oh yes), the focus is on having a laugh and a glass in hand.

It’s BYO-friendly, relaxed, and no one has to be an artist to enjoy it. Plus, everyone walks away with a memento from the night.

Budget tip: Choose a daytime session to save on venue hire, or go off-peak.

7. Bottomless brunch booking

Brunch is the sweet spot for hens nights. You get delicious food, a couple of drinks, and time to chat before the rest of the day kicks in. House of Hens partners with heaps of venues that offer affordable bottomless brunch packages, think two hours of mimosas, share plates, and girl talk.

It’s classy without being formal, and it’s over before the hangover sets in. Perfect for a bride who likes her prosecco before noon and wants the rest of the day free.

Budget tip: Book a midweek or off-peak session to unlock extra value or upgrades.

8. Custom package from House of Hens

Not sure what the bride will love, or how to pull it all together within budget? We can help with that. House of Hens can design a tailored experience that includes multiple activities, transport, or even accommodation, all within your budget range.

From fun low-key nights to creative daytime adventures, we’ll keep things stress-free and affordable. You tell us what kind of vibe the bride’s after, and we’ll match it with the right locations, activities, and extras.

Spoiler: It doesn’t cost extra to get help from us, and we often save you money by bundling better.

FAQs about budget-friendly hens night ideas

What is the traditional hens night?
Traditionally, a hens night is a party held for a bride-to-be to celebrate with her close friends before the wedding. While it used to be all about clubbing and bar hopping, today it’s much more varied. From low-key nights in to weekend getaways, anything goes.

What normally happens at a hen party?
You’ll usually find some kind of group activity (like cocktail making, games, or a spa day), food and drinks, a few toasts or speeches, and plenty of laughs. The goal is to celebrate the bride and let her feel loved and spoiled by her friends.

Who gets invited to a hens night?
Generally, the hens night includes the bridal party, family members, and close friends. It’s up to the bride who she wants there. Some brides keep it tight, while others open it up to a bigger circle.

Do you get the bride a gift for the hen party?
It’s not required, but it’s a sweet gesture. Some guests chip in for a group gift, while others bring a small token like a photo book, personalised robe, or something cheeky. Always check what the organiser suggests.

What makes a bride happy at her hens night?
Feeling loved, laughing a lot, and having her favourite people together. It doesn’t need to be extravagant — just thoughtful, relaxed, and personal to her style. A stress-free night with good vibes is always a win.

Final thoughts on hens night ideas on a budget

Planning a budget-friendly hens night doesn’t mean compromising on fun. With a few clever choices, creative thinking, and the right people by your side, you can throw a celebration that’s full of love, laughter, and unforgettable moments — all without blowing the bank.

And if you want someone else to help handle the logistics, House of Hens is ready to step in. From activity ideas to venue bookings and everything in between, we’ll help you build a hens night that’s fun, affordable, and stress-free.

Let’s make the bride feel special — without maxing out anyone’s credit card.

Start planning your budget-friendly hens party with House of Hens

If you’re after something relaxed, cheeky, creative or full-on fun, we’ll help you create a party that feels completely personalised. Just tell us the vibe, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Whether you're dreaming of something cheeky like drag queen-led erotic pottery or want to unleash your competitive side with axe throwing, we’ve got it covered. Fancy a sophisticated afternoon of flower crown workshops or a winery tour? Maybe a private yacht cruise or a murder mystery dinner is more your style. 

From VIP nightclub packages to relaxed pop-up picnics, we specialise in tailoring unforgettable experiences that suit every bride-to-be and her crew. Whatever your vibe, we’ll help you create a celebration that’s anything but ordinary.