Hen Party Accessories & Decorations
Key Takeaways
- The essentials: a bride sash, photo props, a themed playlist, and one signature decoration (balloons or banner)
- Buy in bulk from Amazon or eBay — hen party kits cost £15-30 for a complete set
- Quality over quantity: one good balloon display beats ten cheap items scattered around
- Skip anything the bride would find embarrassing — know your audience
- Personalised items (gift bags, badges with names) add a thoughtful touch for £2-5 per person
The right accessories turn a gathering into a hen party. You don’t need much — a sash, some balloons, and a few photo props transform any room or restaurant table into a celebration.
This guide covers what you actually need, where to buy it cheapest, and what to skip.
The essentials checklist
| Item | Cost | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Bride-to-Be sash | £2-5 | Amazon, Etsy, Party Pieces |
| Bridesmaid/team bride sashes (set) | £5-15 | Amazon (sold in sets of 6-10) |
| Balloons (letter or number) | £5-15 | Amazon, Ginger Ray |
| Photo props (set of 10-20) | £5-10 | Amazon, Poundland |
| Banner (“Bride to Be” or name) | £3-8 | Amazon, Home Bargains |
| Confetti (table scatter) | £2-4 | Amazon, Poundland |
| Matching sunglasses | £5-12 (set of 8-10) | Amazon, eBay |
| Badges or pins | £3-8 (set) | Etsy (personalised), Amazon |
| Hen party game set | £5-12 | Amazon, Etsy |
Total for a complete set: £30-75 for the whole group, not per person.
Sashes and wearables
The bride’s sash: White or gold with “Bride to Be” text. This is the one non-negotiable accessory — it identifies the bride and makes her feel special.
Group sashes: Matching sashes for the group (“Team Bride,” “Maid of Honour,” or each person’s name). Rose gold, blush pink, and champagne gold are the most popular colours in 2026.
Alternatives to sashes:
- Matching flower crowns (great for festivals and garden parties)
- Personalised badges or pins (subtler, good for classy hens)
- Matching sunglasses (fun for summer and beach hens)
- Temporary tattoos (“Team Bride,” ring designs)
- Matching scrunchies or hair ties (cheap and practical)
Balloons and decorations
Letter balloons: Foil letter balloons spelling “BRIDE” or the bride’s name. Hang on a wall or above a table. Cost: £5-10 for a set.
Confetti balloons: Clear balloons filled with metallic confetti. They look beautiful in photos and cost £5-10 for a pack of 10.
Balloon arch or garland: A DIY balloon garland (using a balloon strip from Amazon) creates a stunning backdrop for photos. Cost: £10-20 for 60+ balloons. Time: 1-2 hours to assemble.
Bunting and banners: A “Bride to Be” banner or custom bunting strung across the room. Cost: £3-8.
Table confetti: Metallic or themed confetti scattered on tables and surfaces. Cost: £2-4.
Keep it simple. One strong decoration (a balloon display OR a banner OR a table centrepiece) is more impactful than lots of small items. Don’t overdo it.
Gift bags for the group
Personalised gift bags for each bridesmaid and guest are a lovely touch. Fill them with:
Budget gift bag (£5-10 per person):
- Mini bottle of prosecco (£2-3)
- Face mask sachet (£1)
- Hair tie or scrunchie (£0.50)
- Sweets or chocolate (£1)
- Printed itinerary for the day (free)
Premium gift bag (£15-25 per person):
- Mini champagne or gin (£5-8)
- Lip balm or hand cream (£3-5)
- Personalised badge with their name (£2-3)
- Hangover kit (paracetamol, mints, plasters, eye mask) (£3-5)
- A printed photo of the bride and that person (free)
Presentation matters. A paper bag with tissue paper and a handwritten tag looks thoughtful. A plastic bag with loose items looks rushed.
Photo props and backdrop
DIY photo area: A plain wall or doorway with a balloon garland, fairy lights, and a sign. Add props: oversized sunglasses, speech bubbles on sticks, a veil, fake moustaches, feather boas.
Photo props set: Pre-made sets of 15-20 props on sticks cost £5-10 from Amazon. Include a mix of funny and glamorous.
Polaroid camera: If budget allows, an Instax camera (£60-80 to buy, £30-50 to hire) adds instant keepsake photos. Budget for film (£0.50-0.80 per photo).
What to skip
L-plates. Divisive. Some brides love them, some find them cringe. Ask first.
Novelty inflatables. The giant inflatable you-know-what might seem funny at the time but often embarrasses the bride in public.
Matching printed t-shirts (unless the bride specifically wants them). Most groups wear them once and never again. Coordinated colours are more flattering and less wasteful.
Excessive confetti. Venues hate it. Airbnb hosts charge cleaning fees. A small amount of table confetti is fine; a confetti cannon in a rented apartment is not.
Single-use props that won’t photograph well. Cheap plastic tiaras, feather boas that moult everywhere, and flimsy wands break within an hour. Invest in fewer, better items.
Where to buy (ranked by value)
| Retailer | Best For | Price Level |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Everything, fast delivery | Budget-mid |
| Poundland / Home Bargains | Basic balloons, confetti, banners | Budget |
| eBay | Bulk buys, variety | Budget |
| Etsy | Personalised items, premium quality | Mid-premium |
| Ginger Ray | Stylish, on-trend designs | Mid-premium |
| Party Pieces | Comprehensive range | Mid |
| Not on the High Street | Unique personalised gifts | Premium |
Further reading
- Hen Do Ideas — 50+ activity ideas
- Hen Party Games — games and icebreakers
- Budget Hen Party Ideas — affordable celebrations
- Classy Hen Do Ideas — elegant options
Frequently Asked Questions
What accessories do you need for a hen party?
The essentials are: a 'Bride to Be' sash or veil, matching accessories for the group (sashes, badges, or matching sunglasses), photo props (speech bubbles, oversized glasses, veils), and decorations for the venue (balloons, banner, or bunting). Everything else is optional. A complete hen party accessory kit costs £15-30 from Amazon.
How much should you spend on hen party decorations?
Budget £20-50 total for decorations — not per person. A balloon display (£10-20), a banner (£5-10), some confetti (£2-3), and sashes for the group (£5-15 for a set) covers everything. The venue itself provides the backdrop — you're adding accents, not redesigning the room.
Where do you buy hen party accessories?
Amazon and eBay have the widest selection and fastest delivery. Etsy for personalised items. Party Pieces and Ginger Ray for premium-quality decorations. Poundland and Home Bargains for budget basics (balloons, banner letters, confetti). Avoid dedicated hen party websites — they charge 2-3x the Amazon price for identical items.
Do you need matching hen party outfits?
It depends on the group. Matching t-shirts or pyjamas are fun for close friend groups and cottage weekends. For a night out or a classy hen, coordinated colours (everyone in black, bride in white) look better than printed tops. Ask the bride — some love it, some hate it.