Are alcohol free zen do's the new hen party for 2019?

Words by Maisie Bovingdon 

Wedding season is upon us, as Jude Law, Idris Elba and Sophie Turner have all tied the knot in the space of a week, and when there are weddings there are hen dos.

New research has found almost 80 per cent of British women find traditional hen parties 'tacky', especially when L plates, strippers, butler's in the buff and phallic inflatables are involved, with almost 50 per cent of people preferring a healthy alternative - a Zen Do - to a boozy long weekend.

The survey, conducted by Champyneys, has found 44 per cent of British women would prefer a yoga retreat, pamper day, spa weekend or chilled girls night to a wild three-day party, while 10 per cent of women are up for an alcohol free bash instead of a binge drinking fiasco to avoid hangovers and drunken rows.

Although hens may enjoy a little tipple, 53 per cent of females felt pressure to drink excessively while away with the girls - not cool.

A spokesperson for Champney's spa said: 'This research is fascinating as it shows just how much British women have moved on from the alcohol soaked hen parties of the past.'

The Champney's representative has revealed there has been a 25 per cent surge in customers booking trips to the hotspot for a girly weekend or pre-wedding package ahead of the wedding day.

They continued: 'These days, a relaxing and rejuvenating Zen Do is becoming much more popular, and we have seen a huge spike in bookings from women looking to celebrate their upcoming marriage with a healthier alternative. Classes such as meditative yoga and Pilates have also become much more popular with hen party bookings.'

Although there is a rise in tea-total hen dos, some women feel apprehensive about planning something alternative to the typical alcohol-fuelled celebrations in fear it would disappoint the bride and the guests.

The study has found over 30 per cent of the bridal party prefer to book a beach break, afternoon tea or healthy brunch, a massage, yoga session or fitness class, and even a theatre trip to celebrate ahead of the wedding.

Ultimately whatever the maid of honour plans for the bride, it's bound to be unforgettable with 78 per cent of women insisting their hen do was the best experience of their life.