Friday, July 5, 2013

Frock Fridays: British Hen Do

Remember how, a few weeks ago, I shared my dream outfit with you for my August bachelorette party in America?  Well, it turns out that one of the many benefits to being in a transatlantic engagement is that you get two bachelorette parties!  In the UK it's called a hen do, and Jon's sister Ellie planned a fab night out on the town for all the girls over on this side of the pond.  I actually had no idea what Ellie had up her sleeve - I knew it was happening on July 4 and that it wouldn't be wild and crazy as most of the guests had work the next day, but otherwise it was all a surprise!  On Thursday afternoon, while I was in Suffolk for my hair trial, I got a text from Ellie with a time and a place to meet, so I caught the first train back to London, dashed up to Jon's flat to change, and then headed to Bluebird in Chelsea to join my wonderful bridesmaid and eight lovely friends.


I'd bought this BCBG dress just for the occasion, which I cinched with a skinny belt from Banana Republic on your suggestion.  (Thank you, tweeties, for your help!)  I accessorized with Target chandelier earrings and carried a zippered black clutch from Barney's plus my Loft cardi and wore black patent leather heels from Nine West.  And, even though it wasn't a proper Fourth of July party, I really did bring a mini American flag in my bag!

Whitney asked me what the differences are between a hen do and a bachelorette party, but honestly I don't think I can answer that!  There's the stereotype of L plates and [redacted because my grandmother reads this blog], of course, but how your bachelorette party or hen do goes totally depends what kind of night you want with your friends - the girls who might be sick in the back of a cab at the end of the night would probably do it regardless of what country they're in, you know?  But I can tell you about the amazing evening that Ellie hosted:

I was a bit late, so by the time I arrived the girls had already all made friends with each other over a drink and we sat down to a delicious dinner in a gorgeous private room.  After lots of wine and laughter and wedding games, a few of us headed upstairs to the main restaurant at Bluebird for another glass and then Ellie and two of Jon's fab cousins and I tripped out to another bar for some dancing.  I fell into a cab around 1am - yes, it cost a fortune to get home and no, I don't want to think about it - feeling so much love and excitement for joining Jon's family.  It was the best evening ever!

linking up with {long distance loving}

25 comments:

  1. Jenni @ Flying on a RainbowJuly 5, 2013 at 6:33 AM

    Sounds like you had a great night!

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  2. So glad it was fun! And yay for having two!

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  3. sounds so fun! looooove this dress! gorgeous!

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  4. sounds like a BLAST. and im loving that dress :) i never heard of a hen do..thank you bloggers for my evolving education :) xo jillian cornflake dreams

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  5. Sounds like a great night! :)

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  6. Sounds amazing! Sounds like a rather classy hen do.

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  7. It does sound classy - and like an excellent time. Which you clearly looked fabulous for!

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  8. You look beautiful! I love your ensemble. :)

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  9. How fun! My bachelorette party was pretty tame, by both UK and US standards I think!

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  10. Love the dress and sometimes, it's just better to turn a blind eye to the cost of a taxi ;-)

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  11. Gorgeous dress! From my understanding a hen do and a bachelorette party are the same thing. Glad you had a good night!

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  12. The outfit is perfection and even your writing sounds like you are glowing!! I've been following along on instagram and it seems like you are having the most perfect trip! And...I got caught in a wave of work at work this week and this is the first I've been to your blog since the official make over... amazing doesn't even begin to explain. it looks incredible!!! And the sponsors on the side are great, too. It's perfect. Happy and safe travels!!

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  13. YAY thank you! Bobbi did a fab job :) Maybe I'll see you soon on my side bar too? haha :P

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  14. yeah, basically! just different languages :)

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  15. hey, if you had fun - that's that important part! it's not a WHO CAN BE CRAZIER competition... unless you want it to be? haha

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  16. You look gorgeous and super happy! I've just discovered your blog and am loving it to bits, added you on Bloglovin' so I can keep up with your stories.


    Jade x

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  17. Hey Betsy - I thought I'd leave a proper comment because so far I've
    only left one about gin! I love your blog and can't wait to meet you - having read your posts about it for a while, I'm really looking forward to your wedding too. I'm one of
    your new cousins-to-be, from Lincolnshire - my dad's the one threatening you with bagpipes!

    I produce web content and write for a living (amongst other things) so it's great to know the newest member of my family is such a great blogger. Anyway, see you next month!

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  18. YAY HELLO! I'm so looking forward to meeting everyone - your letter to my parents in the RSVP made me cry, so that's a very good sign :) And I wouldn't use the word "threanten" necessarily... more like "gracing" maybe? I can promise you that all my American friends are THRILLED by the idea of bagpipes and a kilt!


    p.s. I think that any comment about gin qualifies as a proper comment :)

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  19. It's all very exciting - my little branch of the family doesn't get to meet up with the rest very often, but even so I can't believe I haven't got to meet you yet! Your blog feels like a nice introduction though, and it's lovely that the first wedding in our generation is going to be such a beautiful one.

    I haven't managed to cajole my beloved boyfriend into a morning suit I'm afraid (just a normal one), but hopefully my dad's outfit will make up for it! It's only a shame he isn't bringing his sidecar outfit down...

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  20. You look great! Sounds like a fun evening, and Ellie did a great job!

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  21. It sounds like it was a brilliant night! Hope lucky you are to have two hen nights :)
    Loving that dress on you, the cut is gorgeous x

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  22. What fun! And that dress is lovely on you lady!

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