Here comes the bride!
Here comes the bride!
Listen up bridesmaids and bridesmen – we’re here to dish the deets on the places you need to know about to plan the hen’s celebration your bestie will never forget! Well, depending on how many Fish Bowls she sinks, the ‘never forget’ part may not be entirely accurate, but whatevs, we digress…..
Not everyone wants to hit da clubs in a sash with an inflatable male appendage, so we thought we’d present some other options to help make your party planning a breeze on the Gold Coast.
Live Entertainment
Nothing says I’m getting married like some cabaret, burlesque, comedy, acrobatics and drag! Choose from five world-class shows at The Pink Flamingo, one of which is simply titled ‘Ripped’ at Pink Flamingo in Broadbeach. This is not an accident, and you can pretty much surmise that every performer is Channing Tatum. Or, go all out and book the Boujee Birdcage (available for the ‘Suave’ Vegas Cabaret show only) which includes your own private bar, plush pink lounges and exclusive bartenders. The hen will also of course score a bridal headpiece for the duration of the performance, plus for groups of 8 or more they’ll throw in a free ticket. Sweet! But if you are looking for more live entertainment options, check them out here.
Where: The Pink Flamingo, Corner of 88 Surf Parade &, Victoria Ave, Broadbeach
Get Creative
One thing springs to mind when we say ‘creative.’ And that is a Paint & Sip session of some sort. I mean, who doesn’t want to get tipsy and paint right? With special Hen’s Night packages for $65 per head or the option to organise your own private do, Pinot & Picasso is a no-brainer. Popular sessions like ‘Paint the Bride’ are the perfect way to farewell the single life, with lots of other artwork themes to choose from and the option to throw in a topless waiter (cue giggling). It’s BYO, so there’ll be plenty left in the kitty for any after-party shenanigans and if organising catering seems too-hard-basket, they’ll sort you out with a *chefs kiss* grazing platter. Thinking of arts and crafts of another variety? Here are some more ideas to get creative.
Where: Pinot & Picasso – Broadbeach, Palm Beach, Southport
Relax & Unwind
Find me a bride who wouldn’t appreciate a pamper sesh. Endota Spa will bring a touch of bliss to your hen’s and trust me, you’ll be the most popular bridesmaid, like, ever for proposing (he he – “proposing”…) something like this. Specialising in group bookings, your tribe are invited to enjoy beautifully choreographed signature combinations of massage and facials. The therapists here are like angels sent down from above to replenish your mind, body and senses and oh, can someone in our fold please get married so we have an excuse to go book this! Other options to float and soak are here too!
Where: Endota Spa – Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Coolangatta
Hit up a Bottomless Brunch
Is it really a hen’s without a boozy brunch of some sort? Yes, you may need to fit into the dress, but we think this celebration calls for a little bit of a relaxed take on the diet. Because you only get married once, right?! Whether it’s sea-side or sky high, here is the list of the best in town to gather the girls and eat and drink to your heart’s content!
Where: Various locations on the Gold Coast
Sing your heart out at a Karaoke Bar
Ladies, take this opportunity to leave all inhibitions behind and belt out some of your favourite songs at a Karaoke Bar. Need we remind you that there’s a reason “The Wedding Singer” movie exists? Take a look at the best banger locations to get those vocal cords going here.
Where: Various locations on the Gold Coast
Get fancy with a High Tea
Yes, the ring finger may be the centre of attention at this time, but we think the pinkies should be the one that gets the most action during your hen’s. Where you raise them at a gorgeous High Tea of all things dainty and sweet. You can’t go past our list of the best High Teas on the Coast here!
Where: Various locations on the Gold Coast
Stay in a luxe Airbnb
Making an occasion out of the typical ‘hens weekend’ can be a bit of a feat to coordinate where you are staying that’s central to all activities that have been planned. That aside, getting accommodation that has enough space for your whole tribe is the next hurdle. Look no further ladies, we are here to serve you up (on a silver platter – because you’re worth it) a list of swoon-worthy Airbnb’s that will easily play host as your home base for your hen’s festivities. The bonus is, these places are right across the Coast, so wherever you want to stay, you’re covered. Aaand, you’re welcome!
Where: Various locations on the Gold Coast
Feast on an epic charcuterie board
Arming yourself with top-shelf cheese and biccies for all celebrations should be a no-brainer. Because let us remind you, sweet dreams are made of brie! We have done a roundup of the creme-de-la-creme of deli’s on the Coast so your bride tribe can hit these places up with baskets in hand to get all your favourite grazing food. Check out the list here!
Where: Various locations on the Gold Coast
Hit up some grape wineries on a tour
Planning a full day of activities that everyone in the bride’s tribe will enjoy can sometimes be a little hard. (And not of the good kind – winky face). So, take the pressure off and let someone else pick up the slack and do the planning of the day with a winery tour organised by Pineapple Tours. Specialising in tours across Gold Coast, Mount Tamborine & Brisbane, whichever location you and the tribe wish to take, they’ll be prepared. But for some inspo of local wineries, we suggest you start here.
Where: Various locations on the Gold Coast
Words by Bianca Trathen.