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| The bachelorette party is all about the bride-to-be having a blast — whether that be in the form of a night on the town with the girls or a relaxing day at the spa with best friends. The theme of the party should fit the personality of the bride. If you are in charge of planning your friend’s party, be sure to get input from her on some dos and don’ts — the last thing you want is for her to feel uncomfortable at her own party! |
| Usually the maid of honor and the bridesmaids are in charge of planning the bachelorette party, but some brides may want someone outside of the wedding party to have this responsibility (giving more friends and family members an opportunity to play a role in her wedding). Either way, all of the women in the wedding party should be invited to the bachelorette party. |
| This brings us to the important first step in planning a bachelorette party: deciding who should be invited. Either ask the bride directly for a list of names and addresses (depending on whether the party is a surprise), or contact other close friends and family members to form a list. | |
A Few Theme Ideas to Get You Thinking
Spa Day or Evening:
Booking a day at a spa can be deliciously relaxing but also expensive. For a larger group, you could hire a spa professional to come to your party location (whether that be your home or a hotel room) to facilitate the event. Another alternative is to set up a series of spa stations in your living room for a small group of the bride’s best friends (take turns applying facial masks and giving foot massages, manicures and pedicures). Many spa kits will have suggestions on how to set up your “day spa,” special foot salts, ingredients for facial steams and more. Set the mood with relaxing music and scented candles. Have each guest bring a robe or a pair of pajamas and slippers. Provide warm towels, tasty snacks (chocolates, popcorn, cheese and crackers, fruit, veggies and dip) and refreshing drinks (wine, bloody marys, margaritas, hot chocolate, cider or just cold bottled water)
Night of Truth or Dare:
Looking for a night filled with laughter? Venture out to the bars wearing decorative bachelorette sashes, tiaras, personalized T-shirts, buttons or some other type of bachelorette insignia. |
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Afternoon Tea:
Enjoy an afternoon tea with the girls at an upscale restaurant or right in your backyard. Classical music, a mismatched tea set, cucumber sandwiches, mini-pastries, fresh flowers, lemon slices, honey and of course tea would make for a charming afternoon.
Dinner and a Show:
Get dressed up and take the group out for an evening at a dinner theater or to the bride’s favorite restaurant and a Broadway musical — or how about a comedy club?
Dance Party:
Find a club that’s playing the bride’s favorite type of music all evening long and go dancing! Make it a country western night or an ’80s rockers bash. You could ask everyone to dress up to match the theme.
Outside Adventure:
If the women in the group are up for an adventure, go camping for the weekend! Plan activities such as river rafting, canoeing, horseback riding, waterskiing, hiking, swimming and volleyball.
Vegas Extravaganza:
Fly to Las Vegas for a weekend of gambling, shows, sightseeing and all-night partying. |
Once you’ve decided on a theme — or at least gathered some ideas — you’ll want to keep the following tips in mind. |
Tips for Pulling the Party Together
- Budget: Plan the event keeping in mind those who will be paying for it. For example, don’t plan a Vegas Extravaganza if you know those invited aren’t willing or able to pay for the travel expenses.
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- Invites: Choose bachelorette invitations to coordinate with your chosen theme to give those invited a taste of what’s in store.
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- Transportation: If the party involves alcohol, make sure to hire a driver or arrange designated drivers to bring everyone home safely. Or, rent hotel rooms close to the venues so the women can spend the night.
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- Helpers: Ask others for help. It’ll make the party run more smoothly and reduce your stress, allowing you to enjoy yourself, too.
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- Games: If you are in need of more bachelorette party game ideas, there are books and prepackaged games created just for bachelorette parties.
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- Alcohol: If alcohol is being served, be sure to provide nonalcoholic options for those who don’t drink.
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Most importantly, use your imagination and make the party enjoyable for everyone involved. Have fun with it. Look for fun mementos and favors — naughty or nice, depending on the party theme. Customize the party to fit the bride-to-be and her closest friends. Follow these tips and your partygoers are sure to have a blast!
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by Laura K. Baumgart
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