Bachelor parties are a time-honored tradition where the groom can have one last hurrah with his buddies before tying the knot. But doesn’t the bride also deserve a Girls Night Out? We think so and so we have composed a bachelorette party planning guide to remind you that girls just wanna have fun!
While a bridal shower is meant to “shower” the bride with gifts for her new home and words of wisdom and encouragement for her new life as a married woman, a bachelorette party is to celebrate the end of her life as a single woman. The bridal shower is more a formal affair and can include family, friends, co-workers, college pals, girls from the gym, etc. The bachelorette party is a more intimate affair with her closest circle of friends; siblings, college roommate, childhood best friends, cousins, and so forth. It is perfectly acceptable to have both a bridal shower and a bachelorette party as they may not be planned and hosted by the same person, or group of people. It’s all about the bride to show her how much you love her and celebrate in style.
Bachelorette Party Planning Guide infographic is a great tool for helping you plan your party.
1 of 5: Hosting Duties
Traditionally this is planned by the bridal party, but honestly, anyone who knows the bride can take initiative: co-workers, siblings, college friends, whomever. If you feel inspired to treat her to a night of fun and adventure, take control and get the party started!
2 of 5: Consult The Bride
Is she a party girl or does she prefer a more cultured affair? Does she want G-string or G-rated? You want to make sure that the bride is in her element. This is, after all, her big night out. Feel free to discuss every aspect of the event with her. Get her feedback and suggestions. You don’t want to take her to a male strip-club, only to make her feel uncomfortable. Nor do you want to plan a formal sit-down dinner if she is expecting a wild night of partying and exotic male dancers. Make sure to include her on some, if not all, aspects of bachelorette party planning.
3 of 5: Set The Date Of Bachelorette Party
You do not want the bride to be tired, cranky or even worse, hungover on her wedding day so by all means, DO NOT throw the bachelorette party the night before the wedding. Plan a week to two nights prior to the wedding, especially if the wedding is an out-of-town affair. It is crucial to consult the bride on this detail of the bachelorette party planning as you don’t want to interfere with her pre-wedding preparations or events, such as the bridal shower or rehearsal dinner.
4 of 5: Spread The Word And Plan Ahead
It is important to keep the guests informed of the event well ahead of time. You can send out an email blast, a formal invitation or design your own personalized invites. If your event is being held at a venue that requires advanced reservations, you will want to include an official RSVP. If you are just meeting at the local tavern or her favorite restaurant, then a simple phone call or email may suffice.
Depending on the cost, you may want to ask the co-hosts or guests to make a monetary contribution. A donation may range from $25 to $200, depending on whether you are planning a spa day or booking a private room at her favorite bistro. Consider all costs beforehand and always have a little extra set-aside for last minute details such as a limo or horse-and-buggy ride in the park.
5 of 5: Girls Night Out
Bachelorette parties are definitely more laid-back and informal than a traditional bridal shower. Relax and let loose; whether it’s bar hopping, a male-strip club, or dancing the night away at her favorite club. Spice up the night with a phallic-shaped cake or an exotic male dancer to make her blush a little. You can keep it low-key if she prefers; a quiet dinner at home, a movie or game night , a comedy club, or her favorite sushi bar. Always make sure you are catering to the bride’s needs and not your own. It is her night, not yours, so keep all focus on the bride-to-be.
Favors are not necessary but always appreciated. Design a t-shirt to commemorate the night or even a personalized margarita or shot glass. Make a gift bag that includes such items as tiaras, phallic-shaped pasta, a CD of her favorite songs, glittery nail polish or scented candles. The possibilities are endless when it comes to bachelorette party planning!
