How to Plan an Unforgettable Bachelorette Party

Your bestie is finally tying the knot, has found her Prince Charming and is preparing for that special day.

You have been tasked with the gargantuan responsibility of planning the bachelorette party or getaway with the bridesmaids. Logistically speaking, this presents a variety of potential headaches, particularly when you’re on a budget, but with a little planning and some useful tips, you’ll be drinking your celebratory gin and tonic in no time.

Ideally, you should consider your budget first. Write a short checklist, arranging everything in a timeline, from the clever invitation themes to security precautions before you leave home. Of course, make sure to talk to the bride about what she envisions and what kind of destination she considers ideal. Consult some handy guides but follow your instinct, the bride’s desires, and your creativity.

Communicate

Communicate with all the other bridesmaids to get a sense of everyone’s schedules, budgets and availability. Before you send out the invitations, make sure the bride has approved everyone on the list. Additionally, here are some of the logistics you should discuss:

• Consider traveling off season to get special deals.
• Set the dates early. This will help in giving everyone a chance to plan and allow for any necessary travel or arrangements.

Location, Location, Location

Consider the location ; some places are more likely to make a dent in your pocketbook than others. When looking find something that fits the bride’s vision, and there are plenty of affordable options to fit a variety of themes. Once you’ve talked this over with the bride, give her a few choices. Think of different activities with a varied itinerary that combines less expensive activities with the occasional high-end restaurant; such as an outdoor experience and a high-end restaurant finale.

Some things to consider…

• Are you looking for a beach getaway? Big city? Small artsy town? Outdoor adventure?
• Do some homework- Check hotel prices/availability and the price of food and beverages in the intended bars and restaurants before making your final decisions.
• Ask for group specials.

Get Creative

Your bachelorette getaway doesn’t have to be a wild clubbing experience; there are plenty of unconventional ideas out there exploring an entirely different side of this tradition. Many of these are also friendlier on your wallet and provide a wholesome bonding experience. Some of these can include:

• Camping
•  Hiking trails
• Taking a group exercise class: spinning, boxing, or even pole dancing
• Bungee jumping or skydiving
• Go low-key and plan a slumber party. You can order in pizza, make cheap snacks, and put together a batch cocktail to save money. And if you need entertainment, turn to a streaming device, which gives you access to tons of content that’s right at your fingertips so you can keep the party going all night long.

Don’t Neglect the Small Things

Of course, planning the location and activities is only half the work. There are still plenty of other factors to keep in mind:

• Make digital invitations instead of printed ones to save some money.
• Plan ahead for weather conditions. Ensure everyone brings the right attire for the occasion and planned activity.
• Make an expenditure estimate so everyone is informed of potential costs.
• When leaving home, ensure that you’ve covered the basics in regards to home security. Whether it’s a weekend trip or a weeklong trip, don’t leave your home vulnerable to uninvited attention. Take care of home appliances and set up your security system.

We’ve all seen epic bachelorette parties in movies, but it’s not always that easy. Planning and coordinating a bachelorette party is a process that requires planning and consideration of a variety of factors. Get creative—it doesn’t have to be an over-the-top drinking fest that leaves everyone hungover and broke. Enjoy a memorable bonding experience by planning ahead and planning smart.

Photo Credit: JoannaHendersonPhotography