​On Tuesday we were invited to a primary school in Bournemouth to talk to some of the students about how we set up Crafts and Giggles, and why. It was a great morning, and we hope we inspired some of the children to one day set up their own business in the future. One of the student’s questions was “What is a hen party?” As a 10 year old we don’t think we would have known what a hen party was either! This has made us look a little further into the term “hen party” and what it really means…

The term hen/bachelorette party came after the “bachelor party”, which is historically a dinner given by the groom to his friends shortly before his wedding. A bachelorette's party is simply a party, given in honour of the bride-to-be a time of fun with her friends and family.

Prior to its use as a term for a pre wedding party "hen party" was used in the United States as a general term for an all-female get together usually held at the hostesses home. The practice of giving a party to honour the bride-to-be goes back for centuries, though the newer term may have begun during the revolution of the 1960s, and it was uncommon. Now hen parties are so popular and it is a big industry in the UK. It is said that well over 200,000 hen parties will take place in the UK across the year!

Our craft hen parties are growing in popularity every year. When we attend hen parties we love to hear about all of the activities they have ahead of them. Having enjoyed my own hen party weekend I know just how special it is, spending quality and fun time with close ones is priceless. We hope that the term “Hen Party” continues to grow year on year!

The daisies colours white and yellow are fresh, giving any wedding day a clean and pretty feel. It is said that the daisy represents purity and innocence. As well as looking pretty the daisy leaves can make a tasty addition to salads (they're closely related to artichoke and are high in Vitamin C).

There are many beautiful daisy themed fabrics, and trimming to choose from. We are enjoying researching these and looking forward to our craft parties making stunning keepsakes!

When we hear the word nautical we can almost smell the salty sea air, and hear those familiar calls from roaming seagulls. Now this might be because we are writing this from a location that is a stones throw away from the sea that makes these senses all too real! Whether it is childhood memories of building sandcastles on the beach, or a tropical boat trip on a summers holiday there is no doubting the wonderful feelings that the term nautical conjures up!

Nautical inspired craft parties are a familiar occurrence here at Crafts and Giggles once we say goodbye to dreary January. As the sunshine begins to make an appearance so does all things red, white and blue. With seaside inspired wedding themes being popular throughout the Spring and Summer months our Bunting Workshops provide the perfect way to create a themed decoration to be used on the wedding day.

​There is nothing better than having a good giggle with your crafty hens whilst creating something with sentimental value to be treasured long after the I do’s are exchanged. To book your very own nautical (or any theme of your choice of course) Bunting Workshop simply get in touch. 

,The History-
The history of garters goes back to the Dark Ages where unbelievably guests would accompany the newly-weds to their bedroom to ensure they got there safely! During this time it was deemed lucky for the guests to take a piece of the brides clothing. As this tradition evolved over the years, it ended with guests tearing off her clothes in the hope for a piece to take away… What we do for good luck aye! It was then at this point that the garter (which traditionally was used to hold up ladies’ stockings), would get tossed, and it was considered who ever caught it would be next to wed! And the rest I guess is history!
 
The Tradition- Said to be one of the oldest wedding traditions around, there are few brides that go garter-less on their wedding day. Thankfully the tradition of following the new Mr and Mrs to their bridal suite has faded over the years, and now it has simply become more of a tradition to wear on the big day.
 
Something Blue – At Crafts and Giggles we have to admit we are slight fans of tradition which is why we love our Garter Workshops. The Garter Craft Parties not only provide a memorable day, but also the opportunity for the bride-to-be to make her very own garter with something blue (or what ever other colour she picks of course). From pearls to tartan ribbons, we provide a vast array of embellishments and materials for you to personalise your very own handmade garter. Not only this, but of course you will have lots of fun with your fellow hens.

Keep sake –
Small, simple and super easy to stash away, garters are not only a perfect wedding day addition, but a perfect keep safe to remember a hen party as well…. memories that can be kept for a lifetime.

For more information on about your own Garter Craft Party Workshop get in touch with us at katie@craftsandgiggles.com and we will happily assist you with any questions.