The gang over at Polestars are hula hooping around the office, with the warm breeze fluttering through the open windows – FINALLY! In celebration of the arrival of warm spring evenings, they decided to treat us to the details of some of their more summery products…

Forget about being tied to the kitchen sink, very soon it could be time to take Vintage Afternoon Tea and Cupcake Decorating out into the garden. Settle down in a deliciously vintage setting and be greeted with beautiful crockery and cake stands crammed with scones, jam and fresh clotted cream, which you can enjoy after learning the fashionable art of sugar-craft in our cupcake decorating class. Why not don a few vintage accessories or slip into a Swing dress, complete with a squared neckline, floral prints, flared skirt and oversized bows – perfect for a girly day out!

What with the prospect of warm summer evenings, it’s time to forget about spending a night in some poorly-lit basement club! Trade in sweaty sofas and sticky floors for grassy knolls and starlit skies. Nothing quite says Glamorous Camping like an old school game of rounders, followed by a batch of Chocolate Orange campfire muffins whilst the sun sets. Bliss!

The cost of a hen do has skyrocketed over the last 10 years and if you have a lot a friends getting married in the same year it can put a real strain on your family coffers.

However, a great hen party needn’t cost a fortune so don’t get carried away by expensive package deals. If you think DIY you could get far more for your money.

Hotels

If you fancy staying in a hotel there are some simple ways to reduce the bill. If you don’t mind sharing beds. Book a triple or family room. This will bring the cost per person right down. You can also save a lot by booking a room only rate, lets face it you probably won’t be awake in time for breakfast anyway!

The other big way to save is to be organised. Book rooms on flexible rates. This means you can cancel them without losing money which as anyone who has organised a hen do will tell you is the biggest nightmare.

Travel

Shop around for train tickets and be organised. Train tickets are released 3 months in advance and tend to be cheapest just after they are released so put a date in the diary and you could save a packet.

Self-Catering

If you are going away as a group this is a great way to do it.  Not only do you save money of the cost of the accommodation. If you get somewhere with good social space you can stop in on the Friday night and play some fun games, do a homemade pamper night or hire the hens favourite DVD.

Or, ask all of the girls to arrive with a surprise dish for a ‘pot luck supper’.

Activities

Try booking your activities directly with the suppliers and you could save a lot on agency prices. Like anything, you can save if you are prepared to spend the time shopping around.

Meals

Try and find a venue with a set party menu. This means you can all have a look at the menu in advance and everyone knows the cost. This also means no awkward moments when it comes to splitting the bill.

Pubs & Clubs

It is a competitive market out there in bars these days and venues are very keen to have you and also to keep you. On the night it will be easier if you do not have to move between too many venues so ask if they can reserve you an area or booth. It makes it feel special and many venues are more than happy to oblige.

If you need any help, advice or hen party ideas then please do not hesitate to ask. We are more than happy to help.

Written by Matt Kirby of Comparestagandhen.com.

If you or one of your bffs are about to tie the knot, it's last chance saloon for freedom frolics. Some hens want to be pampered, some crave adrenaline, but if you’re reading this, we’re willing to bet your seeking a monumental blow out. Whether you’re a loved up lovely or a bad gal diva, we know you’ll want to clink glasses in style. Oceana Bristol have thrown some of the best hen parties in the South West. Read on for our accessory recommendations to amplify your hen night out.

Bag of Tricks

Nobody wants to imitate Beyoncé whilst holding a zillion props in their hand; forget teeny-tiny clutch bags, hen party bags have arrived. If you don’t know what hen goodie bags are, emerge from the rock you’ve been hiding under. Think kids-party meets grown-up accessory heaven and you're halfway there. All the modern brides to be are coveting them and they make the easiest thank you gifts. Match bags to your shoes and lipstick, buy everyone’s favourite colour or if dressing up, pattern match. Whether you want to stuff bags with eyelash falsies, garters or just the usual phone and make-up combo, one size fits all.

Say Hello to My Little Friend

If you’re thinking of taking a dip in the ocean on your hen do, it’s likely you’ve already heard of Pleasure Ladies Night. With not one, not two, but three strippers in the buff and the special bride-to-be receiving a chair dance, this is one for women who are wild at heart. If this is a locked down surprise planned by the bridesmaids, why not provide some subtle hints? Before the night out, pre-drink with Willy straws, naughty nibbles and Willy moulding kits. Alternatively, if you’ve got a mate who would be mortified by all of the above, why not play a harmless game of pin the tail on the male blow up doll?

Daisy Chains and Hen Party Games

Before heading to the land of disco balls, you’re going to want to get on the booze train, there’s no better way to travel than via themed hen party games. Kick the proceedings off with bad gal hen pong, a modern approach to old fashioned beer pong. Once the wine is flowing and planet tipsy is honing in, dig the dirt with a game of 'have you ever?'. Take some man rating cards out with you, from ‘complete mingers’ to ‘total hunks’, you’re going to need some dutch courage for that one. Don’t forget to take some hen dare scratch-cards for when you’re well and truly sloshed - Houston, we may have a problem.