Seven must-haves for a Barbie-themed hen do

The new Barbie movie really has turned things into a Barbie world, and it’s safe to say that pink is the new black. Lots of brands have released collections based on the fashionista and 90s nostalgia, and unsurprisingly people have been inspired to create their own Barbie-themed parties.

Is there a better time to celebrate all things pink and channel your inner Barbie than when you’re celebrating your hen do surrounded by your besties?

If this sounds like your kind of party, keep reading to see which seven things thortful.com and Hen Party Company Fizzbox‘s Pippa Masson think are essential for a Barbie-themed bash.

If you’re going out, you want to find a bar/restaurant with glam vibes that ideally has some pink decor. Keep an eye out for pink neon signs, pink furniture and flower walls.

There are lots of places to choose from, especially in the central belt of Scotland, like Derby Lane in Glasgow and Laila Edinburgh. 

If you’re staying in, you need to kit out your house with pink decor to set the tone for a Barbie-themed celebration. Think pink tinsel backdrops, balloons and signage (plus more decoration ideas below).

Obviously, the drinks you serve need to be pink. Thankfully there are so many tasty pink cocktails and mocktails to make up your drinks menu. If you’re making your drinks at home, pick out some fun Barbie-esque names for your creations and top them with flower garnishes, twisty straws and edible glitter!

Or if you’re keeping the drinks menu more simple, a glass of pink lemonade always goes down a treat and can be jazzed up with garnishes too.

When you’re surrounded by your friends, all dressed up and sipping aesthetic pink drinks you’ll want to capture the moment to look back on – and post on Instagram.

Make sure you have the perfect backdrop for all your snaps; if you’re out and about look for pink furniture, neon signs and aesthetic decor – anything that matches the theme. And you can always bring some Barbie props with you to add to the photoshoot. Think pink sunnies, feather boas and sparkly clutches.

If you’re creating this at home, you can even hire a  life-sized Barbie doll box to pose in!

The theme of things so far has clearly been pink, pink, pink. So, you could stick to that and have your guests all wear shades of pink. This would look nice if you have touches of pink decor, food and drink but haven’t gone all out on the pink theme.

Or for some Barbie nostalgia, why not have your guests all dress up as one of the doll’s iconic looks? From Malibu Barbie, to aerobics Barbie or one of her many professions, there are lots of options.

Even if it’s not a real look the doll has worn before, your hens can have fun thinking about how Barbie would style a look. And of course, the bride herself can come as Bridal Barbie.

Add a Barbie twist to your hen-do games with some simple changes. Pippa from Fizzbox suggests playing: “Pin the bow on the Barbie – a new, pink take on the traditional game, just try not to play this one after too many drinks!”.

Swap out your beer pong cups for pink alternatives or try prosecco pong. To play just pour prosecco into the cups instead, or there are plenty of ready-made games with plastic prosecco glasses and pink ping pong balls. Check out this Prosecco Pong set from PrettyLittleThing.

If you have a go at making a wedding dress out of toilet paper – a classic hen do game – top it off with Barbie accessories for a chic finishing touch.

Depending on the vibe of your party, you might opt for some pamper time. Why not put your nail painting skills to the test and give each other Barbie-inspired nail art?

If crafty activities are your thing, you can create accessories for your Barbie outfit at the party. Get some cheap plain phone cases and some materials to stick on rhinestones and glitter, then let your guests create their own Barbiecore case.

Every party needs a playlist to set the mood. Obviously, ‘Barbie Girl’ by Aqua springs to mind. The soundtrack for the new Barbie film is also a good starting point, with Dua Lipa’s ‘Dance the Night’ and Nicki Minaj’s take on the Barbie classic at the top of our list.

Pippa also recommends adding ‘Material Girl’ by Madonna and ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’ by Cyndi Lauper to the mix. For some 90s vibes, we’d also suggest a bit of Britney and the Spice Girls – but you can choose any feel-good pop tunes.

Barbie loves an accessory to accentuate her look, so it’s a must for all hen do outfits. If you want to provide some accessories to help your guests embrace the theme, get some headbands, scrunchies, hair clips, statement necklaces and bows.

It’s not a hen do on the town without sashes, and there are plenty of ready-made ones in shades of pink that would work well. Or if you’re feeling creative, you could DIY personalised sashes using pink satin ribbons. Shop around for some Barbie iron on transfers to make them tie into the theme even more.

The little touches will help bring whole look of the party together and make your photos extra cute. You can find Barbie printed (or just pastel pink) straws, cups, confetti and napkins on places like Etsy, or have a go at making them yourself.

It’s no surprise that lots of companies are jumping on the Barbie bandwagon and bringing out collections. ASOS has a range of clothes and accessories, while NYX Cosmetics has released makeup and a pink flip phone mirror, to help put together your Barbie style.

We took a trip to Primark to check out their new Barbie Movie range and certainly weren’t disappointed! With dedicated Barbie sections full of pink as far as the eye could see, there were lots of matching sets, pjs and other clothes that would be perfect for a Barbie-themed hen party.

They also had stationery, makeup and home decor, which could make nice gifts for your hens, or add to the overall decorations! Check it out below.