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Real Bride | Sarah's Two Hen Dos

Sarah's two hen dos, afternoon tea at Gleneagles Townhouse and a themed week in Greece, plus her top three tips for planning your own.

Claudia Judd August 14, 2026 3 Min Read

1. Tell us a little about yourself, and a bit about the wedding

I'm Sarah, 28, from Edinburgh, living in London. I met my fiancé at a school event in Edinburgh when we were 15 and 16, so we've been together a long time.

We got engaged in July 2024 on Princess Diana Beach in Barbuda, the most beautiful place I've ever been.

We're getting married at the end of July at Archerfield House Estate, just outside Edinburgh on the coast. We can't wait.

2. How did your hen do come together? Who planned it, and how much were you involved?

I had two hen dos, both very bouji. One was afternoon tea at Gleneagles Townhouse for my closest family and friends. My twin sister Charlotte and my little sister Sophie planned this one, though I had a lot of input.

My hen do in Greece was planned by Charlotte and Sophie too, with some help from my future sisters in law, since there were 14 of us on the trip. I gave them a list of places I wanted to go, and they did the rest.

3. Did you have any themes or dress codes across the trip?

Something blue for the first night at Negritas. Sparkles for Scorpios. Beach party vibes for Principote. A pink Sarti Spritz pool party on the last day.

4. What did you wear? Any standout pieces or outfits you're particularly proud of?

I had so many outfits planned. I'd been planning them for over a year. My two favourites were a custom sheer cape from Etsy and the Pantelleria dress from Gigi & Olive.

5. Were there any special touches or moments that made it extra memorable?

Definitely when my friends dressed up as ABBA and performed on the balcony. People have messaged me asking who I hired, and whether they could book them too. They thought it was a real tribute band.

My friends also arranged a private chef to cook breakfast one morning. It was amazing, such a highlight.

6. What are your top three tips for anyone planning their hen do?

I wouldn't invite someone purely to avoid hurt feelings. It's your hen do, and it's important you're surrounded by the people you truly want to celebrate with.
Try to take every moment in. Stay off your phone where you can, and have friends video and take photos instead.
Plan a relaxed day in the middle of the trip.

If you're a real Bride or groom getting married and have had a bridal event you'd like us to feature, email us at claudia@gigiandolive.com, we'd love to hear from you!