How to throw a Barbie-themed hen party this summer

With the launch of the new Barbie movie, searches for "barbie party" on Pinterest have seen a 121% increase in the last six months as people look for inspiration on how to throw their own, pink-themed parties. As the wedding season is in full swing, thortful.com has teamed up with Pippa Masson, party planning expert at hen party company Fizzbox, to compile top tips on how to throw a Barbie-themed hen party this summer. From Barbie-themed cocktails to choosing the perfect venue, this is how to have the ultimate bachelorette Barbie herself would even love.

1. A picture-perfect pink venue. With so many venues already kitted out in pink-hues from ceiling to floor, there are plenty of venues that with make the perfect pink palace to host your hen-do. Pippa shares her advice on some of the top picks in the UK: "Think dollhouse in Leeds, Menagerie in Manchester, or Tonight Josephine in cities such as London, Birmingham or Liverpool - here, you can expect an uber-glam bar with lots of pink neon signs and the hottest backdrops, perfect for those Insta snaps." Once you've chosen your venue, kit the place out with plenty of pink, sparkly décor, from balloon arches to flower walls.

2. Pink drinks are a must have. Obviously, the cocktails must be pink as well. Pippa says: "If you're at a venue where you can customise the menu then ask for all the pink drinks from cosmopolitans, pink gin and vodka with pink lemonade. To make it super fun, choose somewhere where you can do a spot of cocktail making and ask the bartenders in advance if you can create a signature cocktail menu with Barbie-themed names and vibrant colours." Image source: Unsplash If you're hosting your own party, be sure to have all the ingredients and pink sparkly glasses at the ready. Start with liquids such as pink lemonade and cranberry juice as your base and, if you want alcoholic drinks, simply add any alcohol you like to them! Just be sure to top all drinks off with a cute little pink umbrella and a spritz of edible glitter as the finishing touch.

3. Setting up the ultimate photobooth. A hen-party isn't complete without a photo station, and if you're having a Barbie-themed hen then why not go all out with a life-size Barbie doll box to have your photos taken in. You can then get Barbie-themed photo props to add that extra touch to photos - just make sure you have a crown for the bride!

4. The all things pink dress-code. The dress code for the occasion doesn't just have to be pink or pastel Barbie colours, you can ask your guests to dress up in pink glam, Barbie athleisure or be inspired by their favourite Barbie doll eras. Pippa suggests: "Ask your friends to dress up in the style of one of their favourite Barbie doll models, perhaps it's Malibu Barbie, Barbie Fashion Designer or Generation Girl so that everyone has a unique pink-themed outfit. For a more low-key Barbie look, opt for cute mini dresses or chic trouser suits and complete the look with a pair of feathered mule heels or platform shoes. Why not add a feather boa for an extra touch of glam?" If you're the party planner, consider providing a range of fun accessories such as tiaras and body glitter to really enhance the Barbie theme.

5. Barbie games galore. Is any hen party really complete without playing group games? To help you keep to the theme, Pippa shares her top Barbie-inspired games to get the party started: "Start with 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! You could also make a list of typical hen party dares and include some fun Barbie-themed ideas such as singing Barbie Girl at the top of your lungs in a crowded bar or seeing how many times you can casually slip the words 'Barbie' or 'Ken' into a conversation with a stranger."

6. Building the playlist. For a Barbie-themed hen party, your playlist is going to want to be filled with energetic, classic pop beats from the, obvious, Barbie Girl to Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. Some recommended songs include:

• Barbie Girl – Aqua
• Materia Girl – Madonna
• I Wanna Dance With Somebody – Whitney Houston
• Girls Just Wanna Have Fun – Cydni Lauper
• Wannabe – Spice Girls
• Call Me Maybe – Carly Rae Jepsen
• Love On Top – Beyonce

7. Complete the night with Barbie-themed accessories. To really bring the Barbie theme home, scour the likes of Etsy for all the Barbie-theme accessories from pink straws, to pink cups, and pink tinsel backdrops. Here are a few ideas of how to craft your own:

• Barbie-inspired sashes: Create personalised sashes for the bride-to-be and the guests using pink satin ribbons. Why not add some Barbie themed iron on transfers to make them extra special
• Charm bracelets: Set up a DIY station where guests can create their own Barbie charm bracelets. Provide a selection of pink and white beads and charms so guests can design their own unique piece.
• Hair accessories: Offer a selection of Barbie-themed hair accessories like pink headbands, hair clips and scrunchies.
• Funky nail art: Set up a nail station where the hen party guests can choose from a variety of Barbie-inspired nail decals, sticks and pink and white nail colours.
• Inspired phone cases: A fun activity would be to personalise your own phone cases with cool Barbie designs for the guests. You can buy plain phone cases cheap online and then provide a range of stick-on materials to create the ultimate barbie inspired phone cases that all your friends will be jealous of. 

thortful have a range of barbie-inspired wedding cards available here: thortful.com/card