Hen Picked Want a hen party to remember? Try one of these creative ideas for your girlie night out.
SAY CHEESE 
Capture the moment forever with a studio photography session. If partying all night long leaves you cold and you have gentler pursuits in mind, what could be better than rounding up your hens for a relaxed studio portrait. A stylish reminder of you and your friends day together, you can mark the occasion with panache and have fun adopting wacky poses or working round a certain theme for an unforgettable day.
Have a consultation with the photographer and be sure to tell them exactly what you are looking for in the picture, for a shot that will really reveal your characters and set you all at ease. The photographer should be well used to group shots and will be able to guide you through the session and the result will be a one of a kind picture that you will treasure forever.
Venture is a network of photographic studios that cover Ireland with studios in Belfast and Lisburn and Swords and Dun Laoghaire in the Republic. Prices start from £115 for a 10”x 8” image, telephone 00 44 (0)845 121 1081 or visit http://www.thisisventure.co.uk/ for more information.
BLACK MAGIC WOMAN
Hire a tarot card reader to give the girls a glimpse into their fabulous futures. Depending on the company used, the tarot reader or psychic will visit your home with readings taking place in a private room. The first hen shuffles the cards and picks out ten cards that the Tarot believe highlights the most important aspects of their life and from this the reader can reveal a tantalising peek into your future.
 Other options include using a crystal ball, palm reading or even hand analysis. Each reading usually lasts 10-15 minutes and questions can then be asked about the session. A real talking point, fortune telling is a great icebreaker if there are hens that do not know each other as you can compare notes which will provide lots of hot topics of conversation for the rest of the night.
Quotes will vary depending on the company used but prices can start from £20/€30 plus depending on the package. Irish Tarot is based in Dublin and covers the whole of Ireland http://www.irishtarot.com/ or check the Golden/Yellow Pages under psychics and mediums.
POLE PARTY
Get out your hot pants, polish your dance steps and learn to pole dance with your hens. Depending on the class you choose, you could spend a whole afternoon learning your seductive moves or a one or two-hour blitz to hone your techniques.
 Many studios have special packages catered especially for hens with wine and nibbles to start your evening and strip tease and lap dancing lessons for naughty fun. The classes are designed to be fun rather than hard work.
To start there is the usual stretching and warm up and then your tutor can teach you pole tricks, a routine or different moves around the pole if you are not as agile as you would think. Wear comfortable clothes like a vest and shorts, nothing too restrictive and bare legs are best as you can grip the pole better.
These classes are always very popular so check availability and times before you book, prices will vary but to expect to pay £15/€20 and up. Studios include Polercise @El Studio in Belfast, Newry and Derry, http://www.polerciseltd.com/ , Polestars Dance Ltd in Naas, Co.Kildare http://www.polestars.ie/ and the International Dance Academy in Dublin.
AN AFFAIR TO DISMEMBER
Unlease your inner drama queen and take part in a fun filled murder mystery weekend .A murder mystery weekend is perfect for a big group of hens, especially as you all become the future cast for the dramatics that unfold. An interactive theme party, it offers plenty of drama and intrigue as you try to discover the killer from the various suspects.
Packages can get as over the top or as silly as you like. Have fun dressing in character, perhaps as a twenties flapper or gangsters moll, (many host venues will have contacts for fancy dress costumes) and plot the downfall of the secretly chosen murderess.
 One point to remember is to consider the guest list. A game like this will only work with ten people or more, otherwise you’ll have the mystery solved before you even get started because there are so few people involved. If you are there for the weekend most prices will include bed and breakfast, an evening meal and the hosting of your party, although many hosts will offer a single night of murder mystery.
Prices start from €150 per person and there is usually a minimum number required by the venue. There are plenty of locations across Ireland including the Dufferin Arms Coaching Inn in Killyleagh, Co. Down, the Foxford Lodge in Co. Mayo and the Royal Hotel and Leisure Centre in Co. Wicklow.
LADY OF LEISURE
Getting ready for bed has never been so much fun with a girlie pyjama party There’s nothing like lounging around in your pyjamas, drinking hot chocolate and sharing silly stories with friends. Pyjama parties are great for the bride who is more of a stay at home girl than one who likes to paint the town red as it’s a relaxed environment where you can indulge in a spot of pampering instead of drinking the town dry.
 Assign each girl with a special task, from becoming the chief make up artist to resident manicurist, so everybody gets a little indulgence.
Or if that is just too much hard work, hire a professional and have a make up artist or beauty therapist visit your home to pamper you without having to lift a finger. Check out the Golden/Yellow Pages but expect to pay £20-£30 an hour ex specific treatments.
What’s more you don’t even have to host the get together in one of your homes. Hotels like the Culloden in Holywood, Co. Down, Ten Square in Belfast and the Morrison in Dublin city centre host fabulous Pyjama Parties. The Morrison package for example includes champagne, movies, snacks from their award winning kitchen Halo and accommodation in the luxurious Penthouse with prices starting from €1,200 per night based on four people
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Planning 
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