In June 2023, Rose celebrated her hen party in Cornwall planned by her bridesmaids including Esme, who works with us as a writer on Hens with Heart!

Amy spoke to Esme about Rose’s hen and the lovely aspects they incorporated to make it a positive impact while they celebrated together.

AS: Thanks for taking the time to tell me about Rose’s hen do - it looked gorgeous. Can you tell me a bit more about what you did over the hen weekend?

ED: We made the trip down to Fowey for a weekend staying at Tremeer Farm in beautiful boutique yurts. It was such a gorgeous location with rolling green hills, wild flowers and old farm buildings setting the backdrop for our celebration. We spent the first evening making pizza with our hosts (delish) and relaxing in the wood fired hot tub. Then went canoeing the next day followed by a full on dress up party and homemade feast!

AS: Esme, you planned a collection at the hen to make a donation for Beauty Banks. What inspired you to do that, and how do you think it made everyone feel at the hen party?

ED: I think makeup, skincare and toiletries are something we really take for granted, just having our fave products on hand when we need them. So I was keen to get everyone adding something to their shopping list that could go to someone else. Everyone loved the idea and brought lots of lovely items as well as the everyday essentials! I also liked how convenient it was to drop off our items at my local Superdrug!

AS: Was there anything else you did with sustainability in mind over the weekend?

ED: We knew we’d get dressed up on Saturday night in OTT outfits. For Rose the girls sourced a fab extremely OTT vintage dress in hot pink which she wore for the celebration from eBay which can be resold to its next home! I didn’t buy anything new for the party and enjoyed getting out some old festival outfits for the occasion!

Rose wears a pink second hand wedding dress on her hen party.

AS: Esme I know you’re a big thrifter - what are your favourite places to go to source fab second-hand fashion for events?

ED: I do love second hand shopping and really enjoy using vinted! It’s cheap and cheerful, the app works well and I prefer scrolling there than on an online retail site! I’ve also used thrift in the past which is great for items that you want to donate rather than sell as they still get sold to new homes and you can donate the profits to charity.

AS: And last, I like to ask everyone - What’s a charitable cause that means something to you? Could you imagine a way to support them at a hen party?

ED: I love collecting items and knowing that they’ll go to a good home, whether that’s clothes, practical items or food - bringing people together to provide for others is such a simple way to collectively make a huge difference to someone’s life. The causes close to my heart are those that provide the items we need to live every day to whoever needs them, whatever their situation. Clothes to wear, food to eat, even practical items to use for school or work or around the house. Everyday essentials and little luxuries that make someone feel at home or part of our society are just one step in the right direction that many charities and causes can utilise.

Discover how your hen party can help in simple ways by donating to simple things we all have at home to charities.