The bachelorette party is as anticipated as the wedding itself. It’s a meaningful event dedicated to the bride-to-be and celebrates her upcoming marriage. The bachelorette party is all about fun in the first place, yet, the event has its own unique traditions and etiquette that should be considered beforehand. Who throws the party? Who pays for it? How to make everything right? We have the answers to these and other important planning-related questions. Scroll down below and read everything you need to know about the so-called last night of freedom. Follow these steps, and an unforgettable bachelorette party is guaranteed!
Who is in charge?
The bachelorette party is a girls-only getaway that is usually planned and hosted by the bride’s maid of honor, a group of bridesmaids, or close friends. There are no set rules - anyone can fulfill the role of the responsible one. Sometimes brides want to take the reins themselves! Well, why not? However, it is best to assign planning duties to one or two people, so there will be fewer divided opinions, less drama, and stressful situations. Anyway, the planner’s main job is to bring the bride's vision to life. Remember: we are here to have fun and make the bride happy.
What about timing?
The perfect timing for the event is a few months prior to the wedding date. Yes, it can be thrown within weeks of the main event, but it’s pretty risky. You don’t want to make the bride feel overbooked and burdened, do you? Two months ahead of the big day is a win-win decision! By setting such timing, the bride will have a chance to party like there’s no tomorrow. Plus, there will be more time for careful upcoming wedding preparations.
Who is paying?
It's easier to say who doesn't pay for the bachelorette party. The answer is the bride! Traditionally bridesmaids and other guests cover both their own and the bride’s costs. However, if the bachelorette party isn't hosted locally but, for instance, requires transportation by plane, it’s common for a bride to pay her own way. Still, the bridesmaids or friend group might chip in to cover the trip entirely. So it mostly depends on the situation and budget.
Determine the guest list
When it comes to the guest list, the one who is in charge is the bride-to-be. It’s best to determine the list of attendees before choosing the location, as the group size will impact decisions concerning lodging. The bachelorette party is a perfect opportunity to gather all your friends in one place, but be mindful and choose the attendees carefully to avoid unnecessary drama. Right, there’s no better gift than seeing all of your favorite people getting along.
Pick a location
One of the first steps of the party-planning process is discussion. Bridesmaids (or other guests who take the lead) should consult the bride about her preferences. Does she want a local celebration in her hometown close to family? Is a destination bachelorette party her choice? The latter option, by the way, has become pretty popular among brides-to-be. When planning a destination party, consider the time of the year you would want to travel and, of course, the overall budget. If the bride is overwhelmed and confused, help her figure out what location best fits her style.
Book accommodations
Bachelorette parties tend to last one to two days (in some cases even longer), so the question of where to stay is among the most important ones. As soon as you figure out the optimal date for hosting the party, it’s time for the booking. Depending on the size of the group and the budget, you can choose either hotel rooms for partying or use a house rental service. Regardless of preferences, make sure to check the reviews to be 100% confident that the celebration will be a total blast!
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To theme or not to theme
Want to make the bachelorette party even more special and entertaining? Choose a theme. It might not be a necessary part of the planning process, yet it is an incredible idea that will add a unique touch to the event. The options are endless, from princess-style and movie-themed bachelorette parties to sporty and pajama ones. Don't forget: the theme should be determined before planning the specifics, such as decoration, matching attire, favors, and others.
Add some fun
A bachelorette party is an event where fun takes the lead. Decide on the two to three activities you want to experience with your besties and enjoy your time to the fullest. Treat yourselves to a spa or a private yoga lesson, plan an outdoor picnic, take a walking tour or have a taste of the city's nightlife by hitting bars and clubs. To put it simply, live your best moments!
Enjoy!
Without a doubt, organizing and managing a bachelorette party is a hard job. There will be obstacles and challenges along the way of planning, but that’s perfectly fine and a part of the process. So when everything is set, enjoy the event — you deserve it. Create unforgettable memories together with the people you love the most.