So yes, from the title I had an ABBA themed Hen and it’s only my first one, why? Well in my eyes I’m only getting married once and I want to celebrate with every person I adore. I wanted the ABBA Hen Do to not only be celebrating that I am getting married but to celebrate all the special ladies in my life and for a chance to just let their hair down for one night. Who doesn’t love ABBA and Mama Mia?! I mean nothing get’s my feet moving than dancing queen or does your mother know? I didn’t stop dancing all night, myself and my maid of honour actually did a full on dance routine (stage school paid off mama!)
The venue was decided, luckily I work for a lovely company ‘Mikhail Hotel & Leisure Group’ and I work at the Lord Street Hotel, it has a HUGE screen and fantastic cocktails! The decor is plus, I work with the most loveliest people who I knew where going to go above and beyond. I decided on just Pizza’s as who doesn’t love pizza?! I didn’t take any photos of the pizza’s … because I definitely took a whole plate for myself, because Pizza is pretty much life!
So, the plan was to wack on Mama Mia 2 on the big screen, have themed cocktails and loads of pizza. Followed by dancing to 80s and 90s classics! I wanted the decorations to scream bright & colourful! I’d spent about 2 months collecting all my decorations, planning the party! So I am going to let you all know where my decorations where from, if you are going to organise a hen do, I would 100% recommend holding an event in one place and showing your favourite film! It was hands down THE best party I’ve ever hosted (if I do say so myself!) and everyone made a huge effort with their outfits, the theme was big hair/big flares! We had wigs, fancy dress, sequins, big hair, big makeup THE LOT! Below is the invite I had designed and printed by the ever so talented Replica Print in Southport. They are incredible!
I had been looking at Ginger Ray for decorations, very reasonably priced and I started using Etsy to see if I could get the products slightly cheaper (every little helps!) I came across this gorgeous little shop called the Super Sweet Party Boutique who stock Ginger Ray at a very reasonable price. The best thing is I tagged them in an Instagram story as I also bought something for the Wedding from them, the owner personally responded to thank me. Customer Service as a small business is key and I honestly believe that if you are kind and go that extra mile it makes all the difference. They even helped me when another Etsy company let me down (and shouted at me!) and got it delivered to me the next day, thank god for Super Sweet Party! Above is what I bought, so I wanted a guest book, sashes for all family and then I made a photo booth too!
My love for Etsy continued when I came across another little boutique called the Vintage Party Boutique who had a variety of Ginger Ray products (I became a bit obsessed!) I bought balloons, banners and bunting from them! All so reasonably priced I spent about £35.00 overall including postage and packaging. They really brought the room to life, I got so giddy when setting up (slightly stressy ha!) as It was everything I’d dreamed of! I mean just look how bright and wonderfully cheesy those colours are!
Me and My LUSH balloon! 
Maid of Honour & My gorgeous bridesmaid looking all ABBA-Esque!
Now, I didn’t think I had enough and I wanted my own personalised balloon bouquet for photos when people arrive (after a few Gin’s it became my dancing partner…) So I contacted a local balloon shop called The Pretty Party Boutique (based in Churchtown, Southport) they are literally the balloon wizards! How she makes them all look so gorgeous I have no idea! I was not specific at all and just said I want Rose Gold, a big balloon saying Emily’s ABBA Hen Do, team bride bouquets and for them to be really pretty. I mean I wasn’t fussed at all but when I arrived to set up I was blown away, just look at my gorgeous balloon! I want to keep it forever!! Everyone complimented the effort that where behind the decorations but the firm favourite was my personalised one, I definitely will always go to this little Balloon Boutique from now on!
On the night itself, everyone literally made such an incredible effort in their outfits! Yes by the end of the evening my loving fiance even gate crashed my own hen party! But you know what? It was a bloody good party and everyone was loving it! So I would welcome anyone with open arms. Sadly, we where missing a couple family members where sorely missed and I am sure we danced, singed and partied hard enough for the whole of the town!
I just want to personally thanks Lord Street Hotel for having the most gorgeous venue and allowing me to have the a party to remember! I also want to thank my guests, you guys smashed all the outfits out the park! You embraced my ABBA theme immensely! Also personally like to thank my girly Kaya and the wonderful Nathan, you guys travelled 8 hours to be with us and honestly I’m so so appreciative! 💖
My advice to Bride’s To Be is don’t be shy to have a party, whether 20 or 30 people turn up it’s all about quality not quantity! I chose ABBA because it’s such a fond childhood memory begging my mum for the CD’s and we danced in our living room non stop to it!
Now onto the Next Hen….
*Please note, the photos of the decorations where taken from Etsy. The photos of the evening where all taken myself.
Almost Grown Up 