I absolutely know that hen parties are for everyone. Stereotypes and imagery might suggest that they’re just for women marrying men, but a hen party is a mood and a spirit without limits.

Real hen parties don’t discriminate or exclude. They are just as much for queer folk, non-binary people, women who love women, trans people and anyone else. Whether you’re the person getting married or attending as a guest, there’s space for you and they can be a positive experience.

I know that, because I am part the ‘others’ that go to hen parties. I know what’s possible, and as a queer person I am a small part of the wedding industry that works to actively include our community in celebrating their love.

For me, as an entrepreneur and generally as a human, my sexuality isn’t something I usually feel a need to disclose, or that I feel makes a difference to my work.

But I do know that being part of the LGBTQAI+ community can signal an inclusive, safe and welcoming space for other queer people - and I’m not sure how much of the hen do industry leans into that tbh.

It can help queer people feel more understood and reassured that they are less likely to experience judgement or micro aggressions. Or, just avoid the honest mistakes made through the assumptions or language of people that provide them a service, who may be less educated about LGBTQ+ experiences.

I’ve been nervous that by being open about my own sexuality and support of LGBTQ+, that straight women might think my business isn’t for them. The reality is that they make up the majority of the hen party market - I very much support them and need them as customers too. So straight women, please keep reading even if just out of curiosity ;)

Your Queer Hen Party Planner 🌈

So, here’s a bit more about me:

I am a bisexual, cisgender white woman. I use she/her pronouns. I am British, and I speak native English and fluent Spanish. I came out later in life at 30, which I think leaves me with a particular lens through which I experience being LGBTQ+ (but that’s a different essay).

I am aware that I am very straight-passing, so pretty much no one ever assumes I’m queer - when you meet me you’d probably think I’m straight. That comes with heaps of privileges, but can also mean I am never fully seen unless I specifically come out to someone.

(And in case you were wondering - gay, queer or any other label doesn’t look a certain way. I shared some photos of myself above at weddings and hen dos, to help break that stereotype.)

I hope that helps you know me a little bit more and how I might support you - regardless of your sexuality, gender identity, or even just your favourite colour.

Hen Parties are for Everyone

I believe deeply in the core values of hen parties and it’s what motivates me to find the alternative activities we offer through Hens with Heart. To me, those are connection, friendship, making memories, and a celebration of love.

Strip it back to that and one thing I know is that hen parties are for anyone and everyone. If you want to celebrate getting married, and the mood and ethos of hen parties resonates with you, then you can throw one!

Whatever your interest, whatever your budget and whoever you are I really hope I can help you create a celebration that feels right for you.

Inclusive Hen Parties

If you pay attention to the language on this website you’ll notice that much of it is gender inclusive. I don’t always refer to the ‘bride’, but often to the ‘person getting married’ or ‘person you’re celebrating’.

It’s important to me that anyone who wants to celebrate, whether female, non-binary, or any other gender identity you choose, can feel like they’re included of here. Or maybe the word ‘bride’ just doesn’t feel right for you, and I want to support that too. (If you know a good neutral word to replace bride please share it because I’m yet to find one!)

I work with other queer-owned businesses and offer some specific LGBTQ+ activities that are facilitated with that in mind. If you want to do something that leans more into supporting LGBTQ+, I can help you organise that or find something to suit you.

What you wear to celebrate is also important. In my line of sustainable hen party t-shirts I make sure there are inclusive designs and styles. There’s a Rainbow Bride design (and other flag themes to come!), most designs are available in a gender-neutral fit, and they are size-inclusive up to 24 or 4XL.

If there’s a design you’d like to wear that’s missing please let me know and I’d love to work on it work with you.

Celebrate Being You

If you’re planning a hen party or any type of event to celebrate you or someone else getting married, I hope I can support you!

Who ever you are, whoever you love, and however you choose to identify, I am working hard to bring on partners, activities and ideas that can offer a safe space and resonate with your community or interests.

If you’ve got any questions you can get in touch - if there’s something you’re looking for or have an idea, I’d love to help you turn that into a reality for your hen do!