Bachelorette Party Planning 101

Have you been tasked with planning a bachelorette party? This pre-wedding bash is where a bride can let loose before her wedding. After months of intensive wedding planning and (potentially) being a bit more of a bridezilla than she’d like to admit, this is her chance to throw caution to the wind and have a good time. Make her final party as a single lady the best it can be by following these simple tips.

Here are the ins and outs of planning a bachelorette party.

Consult the bride-to-be

While you can leave some parts of the stagette top secret, when planning a bachelorette party, getting input from the bride is a must. As there are dozens of bachelorette party ideas, you’ll want to narrow it down to something that suits her. Does she want to cross the border and go to Vegas for one last hurrah? Is she the type that would prefer a spa getaway at Banff’s hot springs? Remember, the party is all about her and pleasing her is the name of the game. Also, ask who she'd like to include on her bachelorette party guest list. You don’t want to accidentally invite unwanted company, so have her provide you with a list of guests. Most people invite their bridal party, close friends, and some extended family members.

Budget

The budget is the next key step to bachelorette party planning that you’ll need to hash out before you start making reservations or booking rooms and flights. Remember that everyone has different incomes and what some can afford others can’t. To avoid leaving guests with empty pockets create an email or text thread where you can discuss price points.

Set the date

Once you’ve set your budget you can move onto the date. Again, you’re working with multiple people with different jobs and obligations, so finding a date that works for everyone can be a little stressful. The best way to avoid hassle is to plan at least a couple months in advance. You’ll have to be flexible and probably make some compromises.

Find a location

The next thing you’ll want to do is find a location. Some groups prefer a destination bachelorette party while others don’t want to stray far from home. Don’t feel pressured to journey across - or out - of the country for the party, your hometown is probably chock full of hidden gems worth discovering.

Plan transportation

Once you’ve figured out the basis of your trip you can start booking planes, trains or automobiles for your journey. If you’re heading out of town, make sure all guests are arriving on the same date so that no one misses out on the fun. If you’re staying close to home you may want to book a limo or shuttle bus or something more extravagant than your Prius for the night.

Make an itinerary

If you’re planning a bachelorette party that’s longer than one night out, you’ll want to have an itinerary prepped and ready to go. Schedule activities that suit the bride-to-be and will be enjoyable for everyone. If you’re hesitant about what to choose you can always run it by the bride and/or the rest of the group before you start making reservations. Try to keep things interesting by mixing it up. Maybe go to a spa by day and then hit the town at night. This should be an event to remember. Once you've got these details sorted out you can send out the bachelorette party invitations.

Get to gifting

Bachelorette party swag is a crucial detail. It doesn’t have to be crazy expensive, but it should suit the party you’re throwing. Having a spa weekend? Maybe opt for matching monogrammed robes or towels. Hitting the beach? Maybe get matching tanks. There are dozens of options that’ll make for good photo ops and memories.

Get creative with your games

Every good bachelorette party begins with a few games. These will help break the ice for not-so-familiar guests and keep the mood light. Now when I say games, I do not mean that you should pack your trusty Scrabble board. Play 20 questions, would you rather, truth or dare, never have I ever - maybe even make your own personalized drinking game. 

Decorate

Wherever you’re headed you’ll want to bring a few decorations to give the party a bit of personality. Think streamers, bunting, balloons, glitter – you know, the works. This’ll help make the party your own. Pro tip: set the mood with our Ultimate Bachelorette Party Playlist.

Hold onto the memories

Regardless of whether you make a few bad decisions after one too many martinis, you’ll want to remember the night. Keep your iPhone charged, bring disposable cameras along and ask the other group members to use a specific hashtag if they’re using social during the night out. Pro tip: create a bachelorette hashtag with our Bach Party Hashtag Generator.

Share your bachelorette party experience and find answers to your questions in our community forums »