Being asked to be the maid of honor at a wedding is incredibly special. You get to stand by her side as the couple exchange vows, and you also get to make a heartfelt speech they'll remember forever. Those are cherished moments, but arguably the most exciting part about being the maid of honor is planning the bachelorette party.
As you begin preparing for this fun occasion, you'll come to realize there are many options to consider and it might be difficult to know where to start. This guide will help you navigate every part of the celebration so you can be sure you plan the bachelorette party of her dreams.
It's all about the bride-to-be
Bachelorette parties are as unique as the bride-to-be. They can be an evening or overnight event, or a destination getaway. Some brides may choose a party just for their bridesmaids, while others will want to include family and friends. Thus, your first step is to ask the bride-to-be what she prefers. Together, you'll choose a party theme, activities, meals and refreshments, and special enhancements.
You can also add a unique touch to the party with décor. One way to do this is with flowers.
“Flowers add a special accent to bachelorette parties," says Kalei Scoggins, a wedding and event planner. "Select flowers based on the bride-to-be's favorite colors, the party's theme, and her personality. Orchids and plumeria go well with tropically themed events. If she has a rebellious side, greens and purples with a hint of burgundy are good choices."
Planning tips and timelines
Once you can envision what the bride-to-be wants for her bachelorette party, it's time to make a to-do checklist with timelines. This ensures that details are listed, and important deadlines don't slip by. Below is a sample to get you started.
Location and date: one night or a weekend?
- Plan at least two months in advance, more for a popular destination
- Once the date and location are confirmed, lock in the entertainment, such as a sommelier or comedian.
- Select catering and dining options — meal choices and counts come later
- Reserve accommodations onsite or nearby as soon as the location is reserved
- Secure transportation — air and ground, as needed
- Check the cancellation fine print on all reservations
Guestlist options
- Bridal attendants
- Family
- Friends
Invitations
- Send an email as soon as the date is confirmed, with a follow-up paper invitation if desired
- The paper invitation acts as a reminder — plus, it builds party-going excitement
- Use RSVPs to collect meal count info, including special dietary requests
Attention on activities
- Select a theme that is meaningful to the bride
- Pay attention to any hints she drops
- Staying local? Base the party on her dream vacation spot, her favorite TV show or kind of music, or something unique about the area
- For a destination party, balance group time with downtime
- Find a place with a good balance of activities and relaxation, plus secret getaway spots
- Look into amenities such as spa services, equipment rentals, and a variety of food and refreshment options
- Enlist a bridesmaid to make a playlist of the bride's favorite music or create a video of her growing up
Special touches
- Arrange for a special memento for all guests
- Select a keepsake gift for the bride's attendants
- Match fun-to-wear options, such as tanks or hats, to the theme
- Invite the prospective groom to send flowers
“A popular feature is to select gifts and amenities that are locally handcrafted, whether the party is near home or at an exciting destination," Kalei says.
Expenses
- Decide ahead of time how expenses will be split among attendees
- Keep in mind some fees may fall exclusively to the bridal party
- Find an app to track and share costs
- Hire a party planner who'll make sure everything is covered
Countdown to bachelorette party time
Now that everything is in place, it's time to plan a special activity that is the hallmark of a beautiful bachelorette party. This should be something that everyone can enjoy and evokes the bride-to-be's personality.
If she's the outdoorsy type, rent bikes and go for a spin around town. For a foodie, plan a progressive dinner. Another popular option is taking a flower-arranging class.
Whatever you choose to do, the bride-to-be will surely appreciate all the planning you and others have done to make her bachelorette party one to remember.
AUTHOR
Joyce Murphy is a writer whose professional interests center on wellness and community enterprise. Her work has been featured in Coastal Style, an eastern shore publication. She also contributed a chapter to an award-winning holistic nursing text and has presented at national conferences.
