Planning the Bachelorette Party

Comment Written by anne on September 13, 2010 – 5:00 am

Considering my last post discussed all the ins and outs of planning and throwing a bridal shower, I only feel it’s fitting that today I offer my words on the…

Hen Party
Stagette
Kitchen Tea
Bachelorette Party

All are synonymous; a rite of passage; a bride’s last night out before she walks down the aisle. If you are the one honored with planning this shin-dig, make it happen. Make it memorable. This is where it’s at.

photo by quirky

This night can go many directions… You probably know your gal-pal better than most, so plan her party accordingly.

• Sometimes a nice dinner and drinks is all she needs
• Or a spa day
• Perhaps a destination weekend
• Maybe a day at the racetrack
• Skydiving?
• Or… all out debauchery and craziness your grandmother will wish she hadn’t asked.

Like you did with the bridal shower, sit down with the bride and discuss the general details – of course not ALL of the details… You’ll want to keep much of it a surprise.

When? Bachelorette parties are typically held in the few weeks prior to the wedding, but many brides opt to have their bachelorettes months before. It’s up to the bride. Get a date on the calendar and start planning!

Who? The bachelorette party guest list is often a modified shower guest list… Typically the bridal party and bride’s close friends – even if they come from various circles that don’t necessarily overlap. Talk to the bride and get an idea of who is on the guest list before you get deep into planning. You don’t want to plan a “high rolling” weekend Vegas only to find out half of her friends can’t attend due to various financial restraints. You also don’t want to plan games or events that would offend anyone — like the bride’s cousin Mildred who was THIS close to entering a convent.  Remember, there are people out there who think phallic themed veils and straws are offensive and immature. Then again, there is plenty more who think they’re funny.

Attire? Regardless of where you go or what you do, you want the bride to stand out. A veil and/or bright pink boa usually does the trick; but really you can choose to dress the bride up or down however you please. Say the bride-to-be wears a bright color and everyone else wears black… Maybe hit a thrift store to find a vintage (read: tacky) bridal or bridesmaid gown. Get custom T-shirts made. And don’t forget the phallic themed accessories (that is if you’re on the side that find them amusing… )

Games and Entertainment? And yes, not only do you want the bride to be to stand out; you also want her to be the center of attention. Re-live funny experiences, pictures, and stories over dinner. Send her on a set of daring dares that challenge her comfort zone. Hire a stripper (or threaten to). If the itinerary includes more than dinner and a night on the town, rent out a lingerie boutique for a champagne infused private shopping party or schedule the bride’s favorite activity such as horseback riding or cupcake tasting. Do something the bride has always talked about doing like taking surfing lessons. Whatever it is, make it memorable. Make it happen. Make her grateful for all of her wonderful girlfriends.

Itinerary, costs and other things – Gifts are optional but usually fall in the range of lingerie or something silly or embarrassing. Encourage the girls to bring a contribution – a bottle of champagne, decorations, a bachelorette sash or a tiara. As a common courtesy, alert the girls ahead of time with a general itinerary and an estimated per-person cost. This enables the guests to plan and budget accordingly – that way if Mildred will miss dinner due to six o’clock mass, she can still join for the rest of the party.

What else? Don’t forget to take pictures. Document the day. Post and share your photos on www.theweddinglens.com  (leaving out the incriminating ones of course). The bride will be able to look back on this day long after her vows and remember how amazing her girlfriends are.