If there’s one thing ABBA knows how to do, it’s throw a party! Amazingly catchy songs, outrageous outfits, dancing, romance, movies and massive platform footwear have made the Swedish supergroup a firm favourite for generations. So, if the bride is an ABBA fan, why not give her the hen party theme she’ll love!
An ABBA hen party is a fantastic way to get everyone involved, whether your group has known every word to Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! since school or you’re just here for the glitter and good times. There are loads of ways to bring this theme to life, so we’ve rounded up some of the best ABBA hen party ideas to help you plan an ABBA-solutley amazing event!
Why Have an ABBA Themed Hen Party?
There’s a reason ABBA keeps coming back around. The Swedish supergroup are totally iconic. An ABBA hen do is incredibly easy to get everyone excited about. You don’t need to spend weeks explaining the dress code or finding obscure props that nobody understands. Most people know the songs, everyone can join in and it’s irresistibly fun.
It’s also a great choice if you’ve got a mixed group of friends. Hen parties can bring together people from completely different parts of the bride’s life, from school friends and university mates to work colleagues and family members. Not everyone will know each other, but a bit of ABBA can break the ice surprisingly quickly. Give everyone a drink, put on a few classic songs and suddenly you’ve got a room full of people who were strangers an hour ago shouting the same chorus.
The Best ABBA Hen Party Activities
1. ABBA Dance Class
Get the hen party moving with an ABBA dance class led by a professional dance teacher. You’ll learn a choreographed routine to one of the band’s biggest hits, with the teacher taking you through the moves step by step.
Don’t worry if your group has the collective dancing ability of a confused flamingo. These classes are designed to be fun, so you won’t need years of dance experience to join in. The teacher will guide you through the routine, giving everyone a chance to learn the steps before putting everything together.
It’s a particularly good ABBA hen party activity because it gets everyone involved from the start. You’ll probably have a few people taking it very seriously, one person going completely off script and at least one hen who’s convinced she should’ve been an ABBA backing dancer.
Choose a classic like Dancing Queen for maximum singalong potential, or go for something with a bit more attitude if the bride has a favourite ABBA track.
2. ABBA Themed Bottomless Brunch
Brunch and ABBA were practically made for each other. Add bottomless drinks and you’ve got yourself a very strong contender for one of the best ABBA hen party ideas.
An ABBA themed bottomless brunch usually combines a brunch dish of your choice with unlimited drinks while a DJ plays the biggest ABBA hits throughout the session. Depending on the venue, you might even get a live ABBA tribute act performing while you eat and drink.
It’s a great option if you’re looking for an ABBA hen do activity that doesn’t require everyone to get involved in something particularly energetic. You can sit back, enjoy your food, sing along to the music and raise a glass to the bride.
Of course, the phrase “just one more song” tends to be dangerous when Dancing Queen comes on for the third time, so don’t blame us if everyone ends up out of their seats.
3. ABBA Karaoke
Forget choosing from a massive karaoke menu. For an ABBA hen party, there’s only one rule: ABBA songs only.
ABBA karaoke is exactly what it sounds like. You and the girls take turns grabbing the microphone and singing your favourite ABBA tracks, from Mamma Mia and Waterloo to Take a Chance on Me and Does Your Mother Know.
You can make it competitive if your group enjoys a bit of friendly rivalry, or simply let everyone have their moment in the spotlight. Give the bride a special performance and encourage the rest of the group to join in for the chorus.
It doesn’t matter whether you can actually sing. In fact, questionable vocals are arguably part of the fun. By the time everyone’s shouting along to Dancing Queen, nobody’s going to care who hit the right note.
4. ABBA Quiz
Fancy testing your knowledge of Sweden’s most famous musical export? Host your own ABBA quiz as part of your Mamma Mia hen party.
You could include questions about the band, their biggest hits, their Eurovision win, famous performances and the films and musicals inspired by their music. Add a few music rounds where you play short clips and see who can name the song first.
For a more personal touch, throw in a few questions about the bride. You could ask which ABBA song best describes her, which member of the group she’d be most likely to marry or which song she’d choose as her entrance music.
Split everyone into teams and award a suitably ridiculous prize to the winning group. A bottle of fizz, some ABBA themed sweets or a tiny plastic trophy should do the job nicely.
5. Mamma Mia Movie Night
Sometimes the best Mamma Mia hen do ideas are the simplest ones. Get the girls together, stock up on snacks and drinks and settle down for a Mamma Mia movie night.
There are two films to work your way through: Mamma Mia! and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. Both are packed with ABBA songs, sunshine, romance, questionable decisions and enough singing to keep any ABBA fan happy.
Make the evening feel a little more special by creating your own cinema setup. Get some comfy blankets, prepare bowls of popcorn and sweets and serve drinks inspired by the films. You could even create a little Mamma Mia themed cocktail menu for the evening.
This works particularly well as part of a bigger weekend. After a busy day of activities, everyone can change into their comfiest clothes, grab a drink and settle in for a couple of films with the bride and her favourite people.
6. ABBA Fancy Dress
If you’re having an ABBA themed hen party, you might as well commit to the look. ABBA fancy dress gives everyone the perfect excuse to embrace glitter, sequins, flares, oversized sunglasses and ridiculously glamorous outfits. You can dress up as the band themselves or simply take inspiration from their iconic 70s style.
For an easy group look, split everyone into pairs and recreate the famous Agnetha and Frida style. Or let each hen create her own interpretation of ABBA. The more outrageous, the better. You could also give the bride a special outfit so she stands out from the rest of the group. A sparkly jumpsuit, dramatic accessories and a fabulous pair of boots should do the trick.
The outfits can start from the moment you leave the house, or you could save the big reveal for your evening plans. Either way, expect a lot of attention once the sequins come out.
7. ABBA Voyage
For something seriously impressive, make ABBA Voyage part of your ABBA hen party.
Held in London, ABBA Voyage is a spectacular concert experience featuring digital versions of Agnetha, Björn, Benny and Anni Frid performing some of the band’s biggest songs. It’s designed to feel like a live ABBA concert, complete with an enormous purpose-built venue and a show packed with classic tracks.
It’s a great choice if the bride is a serious ABBA fan and wants something a little more memorable than your average night out. You can make a whole day of it by having lunch beforehand, getting dressed up for the show and heading somewhere for drinks afterwards.
There’s also something rather satisfying about having a whole hen party singing along to ABBA with thousands of other fans. Just make sure everyone knows the words because there’ll be absolutely no excuse for standing there silently during Dancing Queen.
8. Mamma Mia! The Party
For an ABBA hen party with a serious wow factor, Mamma Mia! The Party is another fantastic option for hen parties in London.
It combines a theatrical show with a dining experience, taking guests into a Mamma Mia inspired Greek taverna setting where you’ll enjoy food, music and entertainment throughout the evening.
Rather than simply sitting down to watch a performance, you’re part of an entire experience. There’s a story, characters, music and plenty going on around you, making it a brilliant choice for a group celebrating a bride who loves all things Mamma Mia.
It’s really well suited to a hen party because you can get dressed up, enjoy dinner together and have an evening that feels completely different from a standard restaurant visit or night out.
9. Mamma Mia! The Musical
For a seriously fun Mamma Mia hen party, why not book tickets to see the musical in London’s West End? You’ll get an evening packed with ABBA classics, plenty of laughs and a feel good story set against a gorgeous Greek island backdrop. Expect to hear all the favourites, including Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, Super Trouper and Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to sing along from your seat.
The musical also tours around the UK and Ireland, making it a great option if you’re not heading to London. Get the girls dressed up, grab dinner and drinks beforehand and make a proper night of it. It’s a brilliant ABBA hen party activity for music-loving hens who want something a little different.
10. ABBA Drag Brunch
If your ABBA hen party needs a bit more sparkle, sass and singing, an ABBA drag brunch is always a good choice and they’re available around Ireland the UK. Tuck into a tasty brunch while a fabulous drag queen brings the entertainment, with ABBA classics, cheeky comedy, audience participation and plenty of opportunities to get involved. Depending on the event, you might also get live singing, dancing, games and some seriously fabulous performances throughout the afternoon.
It’s a great way to get the whole group together, especially if you want your ABBA themed hen party to feel like a proper celebration rather than just another meal. Get the girls dressed in their best sequins, order the cocktails and prepare to sing along to Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia and all your favourite ABBA hits.
ABBA Hen Party Decorations
If you’re going all in on an ABBA hen party, the decorations are where you can really have some fun. You don’t need to turn the entire venue into a 1970s disco, but a few well-chosen touches can make the theme obvious as soon as everyone walks through the door. And let’s be honest, if there’s ever a good excuse for glitter, sequins and a disco ball, it’s a hen do.
Start with the obvious ABBA favourites. Silver and gold balloons, metallic decorations, disco balls and plenty of sparkle will instantly give the room that glamorous disco feel. You could create a balloon display around the bride’s chair, spell out her name or simply have a big “Dancing Queen” decoration waiting for her when she arrives.
A few strategically placed disco balls can make a surprisingly big difference too. Hang them from the ceiling, put smaller ones on tables or use them around your drinks area. Add some fairy lights and shiny table decorations and you’ve got a party space that’ll look great in photos without needing to spend a fortune.
Go Big on the Glitter
An ABBA themed hen party is definitely not the time to be shy with the sparkle. Glittery table runners, metallic confetti, sequinned decorations and shiny balloons can all work brilliantly together. You could even put out little pots of cosmetic glitter for everyone to use before heading out.
For a more colourful look, take inspiration from the bright 1970s style associated with ABBA. Think bold colours, funky patterns, flares and retro details rather than sticking entirely to silver and gold. You can mix these with more glamorous decorations so it feels fun and colourful rather than like someone’s raided a fancy dress shop five minutes before the party.
Create an ABBA Photo Area
A photo area is another easy way to bring your ABBA hen party decorations together. You could create a backdrop using metallic curtains, balloons, fairy lights or a sparkly sequin wall and then add a few ABBA inspired props.
Oversized sunglasses, microphones, glittery hats and 1970s style accessories will give everyone something silly to play around with. You could also add speech bubbles with phrases inspired by ABBA songs or make a sign featuring the bride’s new “Dancing Queen” title.
If you’re staying in accommodation before heading out, this can be as simple as hanging a sparkly backdrop against a wall and putting a basket of props nearby. It’ll give everyone somewhere to take those obligatory getting ready photos before the evening properly begins.
Give the Bride the Star Treatment
Of course, the decorations should make it very clear who the most important person in the room is. Give the bride her own special spot with a personalised chair, balloons, sash or sign.
You could have a sign saying “Dancing Queen” above her seat or create a little table filled with her favourite drinks and snacks. If you’re having a Mamma Mia hen party, you could also decorate her space with blue and white details to give it a Greek island feel.
Personalised decorations are a nice touch too. Add the bride’s name, wedding date or a funny nickname to balloons, banners or signs. You don’t need to personalise everything, but one or two details will make the decorations feel much more special.
Bring in Some Mamma Mia Style
If you’re going for a Mamma Mia hen party rather than a straight ABBA theme, you can take the decorations in a slightly different direction. Think Greek island vibes, blue and white decorations, flowers, lanterns and plenty of sunshine-inspired colours.
You could combine this with ABBA touches, creating a mix of Mediterranean holiday and 70s disco. It sounds like an odd combination on paper, but somehow it works. Add a few disco balls to a blue and white decorated space and you’ve got yourself a very fun Mamma Mia inspired party setup.
This works particularly well if you’re having the hen party at home or staying in a holiday house. You can decorate the kitchen and living areas, create a drinks station and give everyone somewhere to sit and relax between activities.
Don’t Forget the Table Decorations
If you’re sitting down for food, the table is another opportunity to have a bit of fun with the theme. Metallic tableware, glittery napkins, candles, flowers and small disco balls can make a simple table look much more special.
For a Mamma Mia inspired hen do setup, use blue and white table decorations with flowers and Mediterranean-style details. You could add little name cards for everyone with an ABBA song instead of their actual name, so guests might be seated at the “Dancing Queen” table or the “Voulez Vous” table.
If you’re making your own decorations, you could even print out ABBA song titles and use them as little table signs. It’s inexpensive, easy and gives everyone something to laugh about when they sit down.
You Don’t Have to Spend a Fortune
The good news is that you don’t need a huge decoration budget to create an impressive ABBA themed hen party. A few balloons, some fairy lights, a disco ball or two and a homemade sign can go a surprisingly long way.
If you’re feeling crafty, get the group involved before the hen party and make some decorations together. You could create a personalised Dancing Queen banner, decorate glasses or make ABBA inspired signs for the photo area.
The aim is to create a fun space where everyone immediately knows they’re at an ABBA hen party. Add some music, a bit of sparkle and a group of very excited hens and you’ll already be most of the way there.
What to Wear to an ABBA Hen Do
There’s really no such thing as too much sparkle when it comes to an ABBA hen party. Sequins, flares, platform boots, glittery tops, colourful jumpsuits and oversized sunglasses are all fair game. The great thing about an ABBA themed hen do is that you can decide how far you want to take it. You could go completely over the top and dress as if you’ve just stepped off a 70s dance floor, or keep things subtle with a few ABBA inspired accessories.
Go All Out With ABBA Fancy Dress
If your group loves a theme, this is your chance to really go for it. Think glitter, sequins, flares, metallic fabrics, huge sunglasses and platform boots. You could even recreate some of ABBA’s most famous looks, with everyone choosing their favourite era or member to channel.
A full 70s look is a great option if you’re heading out for the evening. Sparkly jumpsuits, wide-leg trousers, colourful tops and statement accessories will have you looking like your own slightly chaotic version of ABBA. Matching outfits can work brilliantly too, particularly if you want those group photos to look properly coordinated.
The bride could have her own standout outfit, perhaps a white or silver jumpsuit, while the rest of the hens wear different colours. Or, if she’s happy to embrace the silliness, give her the biggest pair of platforms and the most outrageous outfit of the lot.
Keep It Subtle
Not everyone wants to spend an entire weekend dressed like a 70s pop star, and that’s absolutely fine. You can still have an ABBA themed hen party without requiring everyone to wear head to toe sequins.
Pick one ABBA inspired detail and make that the dress code. Glittery tops, flared trousers, metallic accessories, oversized sunglasses or a pair of platform shoes can be enough to give your outfits a nod to the theme.
You could also choose a colour scheme, such as silver, gold and white, and let everyone decide what they want to wear within those colours.
Give Everyone an ABBA Accessory
If you’ve got a mixed group and aren’t sure everyone will be keen on full fancy dress, accessories are an easy compromise. Give each hen a pair of oversized sunglasses, glittery hair accessories, a sparkly sash or some 70s inspired jewellery.
You could even have matching accessories made for the whole group, such as personalised sunglasses or hair clips featuring the bride’s name. They’re easy to pack, won’t take up much room in your suitcase and can instantly make everyone’s outfits feel more connected.
Try a Mamma Mia Inspired Look
If you’re planning a Mamma Mia hen party, you’ve got another whole wardrobe to play with. Take inspiration from the sunny Greek island setting with floaty dresses, blue and white outfits, sandals, floral prints and relaxed holiday clothes.
This is a particularly good option if your hen party is taking place during the warmer months or you’re having a daytime celebration. You could ask everyone to wear blue and white and let the bride stand out in white, creating a really easy group look without anyone needing to buy a costume.
For an evening Mamma Mia theme, you can add a little more glamour with flowing dresses, statement jewellery and plenty of sparkle.
Dress Like the Dancing Queens
For the ultimate ABBA hen do, why not have everyone dress as a different version of a Dancing Queen? You could assign each hen a colour, style or ABBA inspired look and let everyone interpret it in their own way.
One person might turn up in flares and a glittery top, another might choose a sequinned jumpsuit, while someone else goes for a colourful dress and enormous sunglasses. The outfits don’t need to match perfectly. In fact, having everyone put their own spin on the theme can make the final group look much more fun.
Dress for the Activity
It’s also worth thinking about what you’ve actually got planned before deciding on the outfits. If you’re starting with an ABBA dance class, nobody’s going to thank you for making them attempt choreography in a skin-tight sequinned jumpsuit and six-inch platforms.
Wear something you can move around in for daytime activities, then save the more glamorous outfits for later. If you’re having an ABBA themed bottomless brunch, a sparkly top with jeans or flares could be perfect. If you’re heading out for the evening, that’s when you can bring out the sequins, platforms and statement accessories.
And if you’re doing ABBA karaoke at your accommodation, there’s absolutely nothing stopping everyone from changing into ridiculous outfits just for the occasion. In fact, that might be the best excuse of all.
Don’t Forget the Bride
Whatever dress code you choose, make sure the bride gets her moment. She doesn’t necessarily need to wear a completely different outfit, but giving her a special detail will make her stand out in photos and make her feel like the star of the show.
White and silver work particularly well for the bride, especially if the hens are wearing brighter colours. You could also give her a glittery crown, statement sunglasses, a personalised jacket or a sash featuring an ABBA inspired phrase.
Most importantly, make sure she actually likes what she’s expected to wear. There’s no point choosing the most elaborate outfit imaginable if the bride hates wearing fancy dress. The theme should add to the fun, not leave her feeling uncomfortable.
Whether you go full ABBA fancy dress, keep things simple with a few 70s touches or opt for a glamorous Mamma Mia inspired look, there’s no wrong way to dress for an ABBA hen party. As long as you’re having fun, feeling fabulous and there’s at least a little sparkle involved, you’re doing it right.
ABBA Hen Party Food and Drink
No ABBA hen party is complete without some seriously good food and a few drinks to keep those Dancing Queens fuelled. Whether you’re having a full day of activities, staying in for a Mamma Mia movie night or simply want to bring the theme into your meals, there are loads of easy ways to make the food and drink part of the fun.
For a Mamma Mia inspired hen party, take a little inspiration from the Greek island setting and serve up some Mediterranean favourites. Think sharing platters loaded with olives, feta, hummus, pitta, fresh salads, grilled meats and plenty of tasty little bits everyone can help themselves to. It’s great for a hen party because nobody needs to sit down for a formal meal when there’s gossiping, music and cocktails to get on with.
You could also go for a Greek inspired barbecue if you’re celebrating at home or staying somewhere with outdoor space. Get some chicken or halloumi on the grill, add some salads and dips, pour the drinks and let everyone help themselves. It’s relaxed, easy and means you won’t be stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is having fun.
For a DIY ABBA brunch, put together a spread of pastries, pancakes, fruit, eggs, bacon, pastries and plenty of coffee for anyone who needs a little help getting going. Add some sparkling drinks, cocktails and fresh juices and you’ve got a brunch fit for a group of queens.
ABBA Themed Cocktails
Now for the important bit. The drinks. An ABBA themed hen party gives you the perfect excuse to give your cocktails some ridiculous names based on the band’s biggest hits.
You could serve a Dancing Queen cocktail, a Mamma Mia Martini or a Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! spritz. The actual recipes are completely up to you, but adding a little name card beside each drink instantly makes your bar setup feel more themed.
If you’re staying in, create your own mini cocktail station with bottles, mixers, fresh fruit, glasses and some sparkly decorations. You could even have everyone make their own cocktail and vote for the best one. Just be prepared for somebody to get very competitive about their garnish.
Don’t forget the non alcoholic options either. Mocktails, soft drinks, juices and sparkling water mean everyone can join in, whether they’re drinking or not.
Mamma Mia Movie Night Snacks
Planning a Mamma Mia movie night? Then you’re going to need snacks. Lots of snacks. Set up a table with popcorn, sweets, crisps, chocolates and other easy to grab treats so nobody has to pause the film every five minutes because someone’s hungry. You could also add Greek inspired nibbles to keep with the Mamma Mia theme, such as olives, feta, dips, pitta and fresh fruit.
For an extra bit of fun, give the snacks ABBA inspired names. Suddenly ordinary popcorn becomes “Dancing Queen Popcorn” and a bowl of sweets is “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! Sweets”.
Make the Cake Part of the Theme
If you’re ordering a cake for the bride, this is another opportunity to bring the ABBA theme into the celebration. A simple cake decorated with silver stars, glitter, disco balls or musical notes can look fantastic without being too over the top.
For something more Mamma Mia inspired, go for blue and white decorations, flowers and a Greek island theme. You could also have the bride’s name or a fun ABBA reference written across the cake.
And if you’re having a smaller hen party, cupcakes can be a great alternative. Decorate them with edible glitter, colourful icing or tiny musical decorations and put them out as part of the food table.
Make the Food and Drink Part of the Entertainment
You don’t need to treat food and drink as something that happens between the “real” activities. They can be part of the entertainment too. Put ABBA on while everyone eats, create a themed cocktail menu, have an ABBA quiz running during dinner or turn dessert into a competition.
You could even give each hen a different ABBA song and ask them to come up with a cocktail inspired by it. The bride gets to judge the entries! The main thing is to keep it relaxed. Hen parties are all about spending time together, having a laugh and celebrating the bride, so choose food that people can enjoy without too much fuss.
How to Plan the Perfect ABBA Hen Party
Once you’ve decided that an ABBA themed hen party is the way to go, it’s time to get organised. And while planning a hen do can feel like a bit of a mission, having a theme can actually make things much easier because it gives you a starting point for the whole celebration.
Start a Hen Party Group Chat
First things first, get the group together. Set up a WhatsApp chat with everyone who needs to be involved and give it a suitably ABBA inspired name. You could keep it simple with something like “Dancing Queens” or go for something a bit more wacky. The group chat will become your main hub for sharing ideas, checking dates, discussing outfits and, eventually, sending far too many GIFs and song recommendations.
If the bride doesn’t know you’re planning an ABBA hen do, don’t add her to the chat if you’re trying to keep the theme secret. You can always have a separate chat with her for the bits of planning she does need to know about.
Find a Date That Works for Everyone
Before you start booking anything, get a date sorted. This is probably one of the trickiest parts of organising any hen party, especially if you’ve got a big group coming from different cities.
Send a few potential dates into the group and ask everyone to confirm which ones they can make. It’s much better to do this before booking an activity or accommodation because trying to rearrange everything later can quickly become a headache.
If not everyone can make the same date, don’t panic. The most important thing is making sure the bride’s closest friends and family can be there. You can then build the rest of the plans around the people who are definitely coming.
Check Everyone’s Happy With the ABBA Theme
Before you go completely wild with sequins, make sure everyone’s on board with the theme. You might think an ABBA hen party is the best idea since sliced bread, but it’s worth checking that the rest of the group feels the same.
This doesn’t mean everyone needs to be an ABBA superfan. The theme can be as subtle or as over the top as people are comfortable with. You could ask the group whether they’re happy with ABBA inspired activities, fancy dress and music, or whether they’d prefer a more relaxed take on the theme.
It’s also worth checking whether there are any accessibility requirements, dietary needs, budgets or other practical considerations before you start booking. A brilliant hen party is one where everyone can actually enjoy themselves, not one where half the group is quietly stressing about the plans.
Decide How Much You Want to Spend
Money can be an awkward subject, but it’s much easier to discuss it at the beginning than after you’ve booked everything. Work out roughly how much everyone is comfortable spending and remember that the total cost can include more than just the activities.
Think about accommodation, travel, food, drinks, outfits and any extras you’re planning for the bride. If you’re booking several activities, make sure the group knows the expected cost before committing to anything.
You don’t need to spend a fortune to create a fantastic ABBA hen do. In fact, some of the best parts can be completely free, such as creating an ABBA playlist, decorating the accommodation or organising your own quiz.
Decide Whether You’re Keeping the Theme Secret
If the bride knows she’s having an ABBA hen party, you can get everyone involved in the planning and start dropping hints in the group chat. If you’re keeping the theme secret, though, you’ll need to be a little more sneaky.
Think about how much you actually want the bride to know. She might know the date but have no idea what you’ve got planned, or she might simply be told when and where to turn up.
If you want to tease the theme without giving it away, start dropping subtle clues. You could send a mysterious photo of a glittery pair of sunglasses, play an ABBA song when you’re all together or casually mention something about “the bride’s new Dancing Queen era”. Just don’t make the clues so obvious that she works it out immediately.
For a really elaborate surprise, you could give each hen a secret part of the theme to organise, so nobody accidentally lets the cat out of the bag.
Work Out the Itinerary
Once you’ve got the date, guest list and budget sorted, you can start putting the actual plans together. This is where having an ABBA theme becomes particularly useful because you’ve already got a clear direction for the day.
Think about how you want the hen party to flow rather than simply booking as many things as possible. You might want to start with brunch, have an activity in the afternoon, give everyone some time to get ready and then head out for the evening.
If you’re planning a whole weekend, leave some gaps in the schedule too. Nobody wants to spend the entire weekend rushing from one booking to another. Allow time for getting ready, grabbing food, having a drink and generally hanging out together.
Get the ABBA Outfits Sorted
If you’re doing ABBA fancy dress, don’t leave it until the last minute. Decide whether everyone’s wearing their own interpretation of the theme or whether you want the group to coordinate.
You could go for a classic 70s look with flares and platforms, make everyone wear sequins or choose matching accessories such as sunglasses and glittery tops. If you’re planning a surprise outfit for the bride, make sure somebody knows her size and style well enough to choose something she’ll actually be happy wearing.
If fancy dress isn’t everyone’s thing, keep it simple. You could ask everyone to wear one ABBA inspired item rather than expecting the whole group to turn up looking like they’ve just stepped off a Mamma Mia set.
Keep Everyone Updated
As the date gets closer, use the group chat to keep everyone updated with the important details. Send over the itinerary, booking information, addresses, travel plans and anything people need to bring.
It can also be useful to send reminders about payment deadlines, particularly if you’ve got several activities or accommodation to pay for. Nobody wants to spend the morning before the hen party chasing six people for their share of the hotel.
Most importantly, don’t feel like you have to organise every tiny detail. Once the main plans are booked, let everyone get excited about it. Share the playlist, talk about the outfits and drop the occasional ABBA reference into the chat. The anticipation is part of the fun.
By the time the big day arrives, you should have the date sorted, the group ready, the outfits planned and the ABBA soundtrack queued up. All that’s left is to get together, celebrate the bride and have the sort of hen party that’ll have everyone singing Dancing Queen long after the weekend is over.
Make Your ABBA Hen Party One to Remember
The beauty of an ABBA hen party is that you can make it as big, glamorous, silly or relaxed as you like. Whether you’re planning a full Mamma Mia hen do packed with dancing, bottomless brunch and fancy dress or you’re keeping things simple with karaoke and a movie night, there are so many ways to bring the theme to life.
The best ABBA hen party ideas are the ones that suit the bride and the group. Whatever you choose, don’t be afraid to lean into the theme. Get the glitter out, turn the music up and encourage everyone to embrace their inner Dancing Queen. After all, you only get one hen party, so you might as well make it a good one! Browse our hen party activities and accommodation listings now, available in a huge number of Irish, UK and European cities!