One of the most fun duties as a Maid of Honor or bridesmaid is planning the bachelorette party for your bride! Planning the best bachelorette party requires a combination of creativity, organization, and attention to the bride’s preferences. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you pull off an unforgettable celebration:
Know the Bride’s Preferences
- Consult the Bride: Before making any plans, talk to the bride to understand her expectations. Does she want a wild night out, a relaxing spa day, or an adventurous getaway? This is crucial to planning the best party that your bride wants. It’s important to take your own preferences out of the planning and really have the bride’s vision in focus.
- Guest List: Get a list of people she wants to invite. Ensure the guest list aligns with the type of party she envisions. This list could include just the bridal party, but could also include other friends as well. Make sure to consult the bride before inviting people.
Photo by Chase Portraits
2. Set a Budget
- Budget Considerations: Determine how much everyone, including the bride, is comfortable spending. This includes accommodation, activities, meals, and transportation. Things can add up fast and having a place to start with will help with the planning and expectations.
- Splitting Costs: Clarify early on how costs will be divided among the group. Be very communicative to the group to ensure they know exactly what to expect.
3. Choose a Theme
- Personal Touch: Choose a theme that reflects the bride’s personality or interests. It could be as simple as a color scheme or as elaborate as a ‘90s throwback, beach party, or glam night. You can do a play on words such as “Margs and Matrimony” “Taco Bout A Bride” “Last Sail Before the Veil” just to name a few! Below is an example from a Taylor Swift “Lover” themed party!
- Coordinate Outfits/Decor: Consider coordinating outfits, accessories, or decorations to match the theme. This really brings the theme to life and is so much fun for everyone!
4. Pick a Location
- Destination or Local: Decide whether to stay local or travel to a destination. Popular options include beach towns, mountain retreats, or vibrant cities. Determining your budget first will help with this decision.
- Accommodation: If traveling, book accommodation that can comfortably house the group. A cozy Airbnb, boutique hotel, or resort are great options. This is a great way to split the cost as well!
5. Plan Activities
- Daytime Activities: Consider activities like wine tasting, spa treatments, beach outings, cooking classes, or adventure sports, depending on the bride’s preferences.
- Nighttime Fun: Plan a memorable night out with dinner, dancing, a bar crawl, or a private party. This is a great opportunity for an outfit theme!
- Games and Surprises: Incorporate fun games, quizzes, or surprise elements like a personalized gift or video messages from friends who couldn’t attend.
6. Create a Schedule
- Balance Fun and Relaxation: Make sure to create a schedule that balances activities with downtime. You don’t want to overwhelm the group or the bride.
- Flexibility: Allow some flexibility in the schedule for spontaneous fun.
7. Organize Logistics
- Transportation: Arrange transportation, whether it’s car rentals, a party bus, or a limo. Ensure everyone can get to and from activities safely.
- Reservations: Book restaurants, clubs, or any other venues in advance. Confirm all bookings a few days before the event.
8. Prepare Party Favors
- Personalized Gifts: Consider giving out party favors like matching robes, customized glasses, or travel kits. These little touches add to the experience.
- Bride’s Special Items: Ensure the bride has special items like a sash, tiara, or themed accessories to make her stand out.
9. Capture the Memories
- Photos and Videos: Assign someone to take photos or consider hiring a photographer for part of the day/night.
- Memory Book: Create a memory book or video montage after the event to present to the bride. Doing a video confessional at your Airbnb is a really fun way to capture moments to watch later! Also providing a polaroid camera and putting the photos in an album for the bride.
10. Communicate with Guests
- Send Invitations: Send out digital or printed invitations with all the details, including the schedule, location, and any specific instructions (e.g., dress code).
- Keep Everyone Updated: Create a group chat or email thread to keep everyone in the loop about any changes or updates.
11. Stay Calm and Flexible
- Go with the Flow: Despite all the planning, be ready to adapt if things don’t go as expected. The most important thing is that the bride enjoys herself.
12. Celebrate the Bride
- Make it Special: Throughout the event, keep the focus on celebrating the bride. Toast her, share memories, and make sure she feels loved and cherished. And take lots of photos!!
Photo by Chase Portraits
With thoughtful planning, attention to detail, and a focus on the bride’s happiness, you’ll be sure to host an unforgettable bachelorette party!