A weekend getaway in Paris, complete with private shopping experiences, river cruises, Michelin-starred dinners and nights that turned into mornings overlooking the Eiffel tower, takes the cake as the most lavish hen party excursion Dubai-based entrepreneur Amelia Smith has ever been a part of. “It was fabulously over-the-top but a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, which is what made it so memorable,” she tells MOJEH.
In the last year, searches for “hen party activities” on Google rose 90%, and according to research by UK events platform Fizzbox, almost one fifth of all hen parties take place in January. Once connoted with debaucherous celebrations of a woman’s independence before she ties the knot, hen parties, also known as bachelorettes, have become elevated, intimate affairs. “It’s truly that last unforgettable experience for the bride and her closest friends before the big day, making it a time to bond, laugh, and celebrate without limits,” explains Amelia. Earlier this year, she joined forces with Hollie Briant to launch Dazed & Engaged – a platform specialising in resources, gifts, accessories and décor for hen parties, which are increasing in importance, and in extravagance. “In the luxury space, they are leaning toward highly personalised and immersive experiences. Brides and their nearest and dearest are opting for themes with curated decor, custom attire, and memorable activities that reflect the bride’s personality,” says Amelia.
Customisation is key for brides, who want their events to be as personalised as their outfits are, and Hollie Briant, having founded You&I Bridal Boutique in 2023, is intimately acquainted with this desire for bespoke experiences that are tailored to a bride’s preferences. “Our mission is to empower women, celebrating their individuality through body positivity, stylist education, and an intimate, exclusive shopping experience,” she explains, only stocking select international designers to ensure exclusivity at You&I Bridal. During her first year in the business, Hollie discovered an untapped opportunity while working closely with brides-to-be. “I started to notice a recurring theme – many of them were struggling to find stylish, high-quality party supplies for their hen parties in the Middle East. They wanted unique, trendy items that aligned with their modern bridal vision, but the options just weren’t there,” she explains. “That’s when the idea for Dazed & Engaged was born.”
Selling essentials for brides and bride squads, the site stocks items such as silk hair accessories, embellished eyewear, beaded earrings and other memorable props and must-pack pieces for a memorable bachelorette. A quick scan of the site reveals numerous style statements for life-of-the-party brides – like a pearl-fringed white cowboy hat, feathered white fan emblazoned with word “bride”, and acrylic clutch spelling out “Mrs” in gold. “UAE brides are incredibly trend-driven,” says Hollie “They want to discover new styles, and appreciate then newness we bring each season.”
Accompanying its range of party supplies, accessories and gifting options, the duo recently launched “The Little Black Book” – an exclusive party directory filled with handpicked venues and trusted partners. The UAE after all, is a haven for luxury hen parties, with its elevated hospitality scene filled with world-class destinations. “There’s a plethora of glamorous poolside venues, breathtaking desert landscapes and exclusive rooftop terraces, with new exclusive beach clubs and incredible F&B venues opening throughout 2025,” says Amelia. Popular hen party destinations abroad for UAE brides include Mykonos, the Amalfi Coast and Bali, however she believes bridal parties prefer keeping their celebrations regional – especially with the influx of new hospitality launches in the Middle East, such as those lining up along Saudi’s Red Sea project.
And while the destination of a hen do certainly plays a hand in the overall experience, the bonds of friendship are what truly make the occasion unforgettable. Gift-giving is an essential component of these celebrations – especially in the Arab world, where brides often treat their loved ones in addition to being showered with presents themselves. “In the UAE, brides love to show their appreciation in a big way,” says Amelia. “Customised gift sets with luxurious items like silk robes, high-end perfumes and personalised jewellery are popular choices, and we have seen some brides organising custom spa days or staycations for their bridesmaids as a thank-you.” She adds that trending bachelorette events incorporate elements of wellness and prioritise connection and quality time, with bridal parties increasingly embarking on sound healing retreats or spa days, balanced with stylish dining and nightlife in the evening.
Post-wedding realities are bound to bring about changes to a new bride’s lifestyle, and bachelorette parties are a chance to let loose, have fun and savour the friendships that brought her to this new chapter. Hollie, who is engaged right now, has an upcoming hen party on the cards, and says that these key relationships are at the heart of whatever celebration her loved ones plan: “I’m lucky to have an amazing group of girlfriends who I know won’t let me down.”
