5 Reasons to Book a Fun and Creative Embroidery Workshop for Your Hen Do in Manchester

5 Reasons to Book a Fun and Creative Embroidery Workshop for Your Hen Do in Manchester

As I’m typing this blog post, it’s January 2025, and I’ve seen so many engagements happen over Christmas—I’m sure you have, too! 2024 was a bit of a weird year for me; it had an incredibly tough act to follow, as I got married the year before.

Weirdly, my post-wedding blues didn’t hit until spring last year. That’s when I started thinking, “Oh, this time last year we were...” Ooft, that was tough. You see, I LOVED the run-up to my wedding.

I was a chilled-out bride when it came to planning the big day, but arguably, my sister and Maid of Honour had a much more stressful job: organising not one but two hen dos. One for my friends and one for my family (there were too many of us to bring together for just one). But she smashed it!

Coming up with activities that suit the bride, bring a mixed group together, fit the budget, and slot into the timetable is no easy task. If you’re in the middle of planning a hen do in Manchester (or anywhere else!), let me make my pitch for why you should consider booking an embroidery workshop or craft hen party activity as part of the itinerary...


1. Break the Ice

One of the biggest stresses of planning a hen party is bringing everyone together. Often, the group is a mix of relatives, friends from home, and work friends—different groups who all adore the bride but may not know each other!

A craft hen do activity is perfect for breaking the ice and easing everyone into the plans. When people are busy creating something with their hands, it takes the pressure off making conversation. No one’s overthinking what to say, and they can ask each other questions about what they’re making. Embroidery workshops help people relax and take away any social anxiety.

Plus, with a workshop teacher (like me!) guiding the session, there’s a neutral facilitator on hand. That way, the bride and Maid of Honour can focus on enjoying the group as a whole instead of trying to forge individual connections.


2. The Ideal Activity for a Multigenerational Group

Even though I had separate hen dos for my family and friends, both had a mix of ages involved!

On Instagram the other day, I saw someone share a hen-do theme of "Girls Gone Mild," which was very much me as a bride-to-be! So if you’re planning a hen do that needs at least some family-friendly elements, then an embroidery or craft workshop is perfect.

If you have people in your group who might struggle with a super physical activity (you won’t get me near a zip line) or want to avoid awkward, risqué content in front of the mother-in-law-to-be, booking a craft hen do workshop gives you a couple of hours where everyone can relax, chat, and create together.

It’s also lovely to see different generations sharing their abilities and experiences. Whether it’s a grandmother teaching a young bridesmaid how to thread a needle or someone reminiscing about their own crafty hobbies, it’s a beautiful way to connect.


3. It’s Non-Competitive

Crafting is inherently collaborative rather than competitive, making it ideal for a hen party. While some people in your group may have more creative experience, embroidery is beginner-friendly and all about taking your time.

At my hen party embroidery workshops, I design the sessions so that everyone can create at their own pace while still coming together as a group. There’s no pressure to “win” or “finish first”—just a relaxing and enjoyable creative experience for everyone.


4. It Doesn’t Have to Involve Drinking

While I love a good sip-and-stitch session, planning a hen do activity where drinking is entirely optional is a smart move for diverse groups. It’s perfect for creating an inclusive atmosphere where no one feels singled out for what’s in their glass.

An embroidery hen party is ideal because everyone gets so absorbed in what they’re making that they won’t even notice who’s sipping on bubbles and who’s sticking to tea.


5. Make Something for the Wedding

A unique aspect of booking an embroidery hen do workshop is that you can use it to create something for the wedding itself! Imagine the group stitching individual love-heart hoops to decorate the venue, creating floral-printed bunting, or hand-stitched table numbers that match the wedding theme.

Another adorable option is to stitch personalised tote bags—perfect for holding everyone’s flip-flops for late-night dancing! It’s a thoughtful way to tie the hen do to the big day and create memories that will last long after the wedding.


Interested in Finding Out More?

OK, that’s my pitch! Hopefully, I’ve convinced you that adding a craft activity to the hen-do plans is a must. You can find out more about my hen-do embroidery and craft workshops here]. Everything from activity sessions to the nitty-gritty logistics is covered!

And hey, if you’re sold on the crafting but not necessarily the embroidery, that’s OK too! It’s all about what’s right for the bride-to-be. If you’re looking for other craft workshop ideas in Manchester, drop me a message on Instagram, and I can recommend some fantastic teachers who’ll fit the bill.

Love,
Stephie

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