The Ultimate Bachelorette Party Guide
If you’re a bride-to-be or a maid of honor diving into the world of bachelorette party planning, well, you’ve come to the right place. This is your one stop guide to planning the best bachelorette party ever for any kind of bride. Get creative and don’t just settle for the cliche of Las Vegas. Try one of the amazing destinations on my list. From low-key relaxing to dancing until dawn I’ve covered it all.
Bachelorette Parties can be anything from one night of drinks and debauchery to a luxurious weekend getaway. Both have one purpose: celebrating friendships that will last a lifetime and a major life milestone for the bride-to-be. Now let’s plan this party that all your girls will never forget!
Bachelorette Party Destinations
Getting out of town with your best friends and treating yourselves to a weekend of luxury is one of the best ways to unwind and relax before the wedding chaos ensues. Of course, not every bride is the same! Maybe you’re ready to go all out and party until dawn or maybe you and your girls want to spend the weekend transitioning from the pool to the spa. Whatever your bachelorette vibe, there is a perfect destination for every “bride squad”
Napa
California’s famous wine country is full of sunny rolling hills, endless vineyards, and all of the award-winning wine your heart desires. Napa Valley and Sonoma are undoubtedly known as places to unwind and relax, but you might be surprised to find out that there is an adventurous side to this stunning valley as well. Pour a glass and dive into the Napa bachelorette guide.
Places to stay
AirBnB’s
Things to do
Restaurants & Bars
Charleston
Charleston, South Carolina is quickly becoming a bachelorette hotspot thanks to its historic charm, warm weather, and award-winning restaurants. Soaking up all of the charm of Charleston is easy to do by foot. This city is totally walkable and you won’t want to stop wandering down the cobbled streets lined with palm trees and lovely pastel buildings. The best time to visit is November through May to avoid hurricane season and the humidity of summer. Let’s dive into this southern charm already!
Places to stay
Things to do
- Carolina Queen Riverboat
- Historic Charleston City Market
- Charleston Ghost tour
- Bike Rental
- Visit Rainbow Row
Restaurants & Bars
New Orleans
New Orleans or “NOLA” has a reputation for a reason. This city brings the party every night of the week, and it’s definitely the perfect place for bachelorette’s who want to dance until dawn on Bourbon street. It’s not your typically bar hopping scene though. New Oreleans nightlife is vibrant with street performances and the scenery is dripping with historic charm. Let’s get into how you and your crew can chill all day and party all night.
Places to stay
Things to do
Restaurants & Bars
Palm Springs
The popularity of this desert oasis has exploded over the past few years, and for good reason. Palm Springs, with its retro/chic vibe is as fun as it is instagramable. The San Jacinto Mountains tower over the city and make for a gorgeous backdrop to all of your adventours. There is even a tiny international airport, making this destination very accessible for everyone. Pack your swimsuits and sundresses – we’re going to Palm Springs!
Places to stay
Things to do
- Take a ride on the Ariel Tramway
- Day Trip to Joshua Tree National Park
- Check out the Architecture Tour
- Hike Indian Canyons
- Visit Moorten Botanical Garden
Restaurants & Bars
Scottsdale
If Scottsdale was not even close to being on your radar, well, it is now. This western town is not the sleepy place it once was. It’s one of the most popular bachelorette party destinations because the weather is almost always warm and the sun is always shining. Plus, with Phoenix Sky Harbor only a 20 minute drive away, its so easy to arrive in Scottsdale. There is a thriving pool party scene and there are plently of unique bars and delicious restaurants. There are even stunning desert day hikes for the more adventurous groups.
Places to stay
Things to do
Restaurants & Bars
Bachelorette Party Themes
When you think of a bachelorette party do images of tacky tiaras and pink boa scarfs come to mind? Well, it doesn’t have to be that way! You can choose to do whatever you want! To get your ideas flowing, I’ve put together a few awesome bachelorette party themes that everyone will love!
Pool party
If the weather is right and your bride-to-be isn’t keen on hitting the clubs, then take it to the pool! Throw on your favorite swimsuit, shake up some cocktails, and let’s plan the best day lounging poolside.
Where to go
What to do (games and activites)
- Giant Jello Shot Jenga
- Yard Games
- Have a cocktail contest
- Pool Volleyball
- Have a “float-in” Movie Screening
Party Favors
Decor
Camping
Nothing makes you feel more grounded and centered than spending the weekend in the great outdoors. If you’ve got a group that prefers starry skies over DJ lit dance floors, then a retreat to the wilderness might be perfect for you. I’ve got a list of great locations and plenty of camping activities for you adventurous bachelorette.
Where to go
- Yosemite
- Glacier
- Joshua Tree
- Adirondaks
- Rocky Mtn National park
What to do (games and activites)
- Flower crown
- Hiking
- Painting
- Hot Springs
- Swim
Party Favors
- Custom camp mug
- Sling shot
- flash light
- Backpack
Decor
- fairy lights
- Lanterns
- Camp dinnerware
- Folding chairs
Nautical
Let’s take this party to the high seas. Partying on a boat with your best friends will be an unforgetable experience for everyone involved. Luckily it’s never been easier to book a private yacht (complete with a chef and captain) for an amazing day at sea.
Where to go
- Miami
- San Diego
- Hawaii
- Portland
- New York
What to do (games and activites)
- Learn to Tie Knots
- Learn to Sail
- Pack a Picnic
- Boat Party Bingo
Party Favors
- Sailor Hats
- Temporary Sailor Tatoos
- Customized Sunglasses
- Hangover Kit
- Hair Ties
Decor
- Custom Napkins
- Straws
- Banner
- Balloons
- Signage
Bohemian
Want to really slow things down and bond with your soul sisters? I’ve got a theme with all the boho vibes you could ask for. Some brides want to get down to earth and look inward while surrounded by their best friends. Grab your healing crystals and essential oils for a wellness spin on a bachelorette party.
Where to go
- Palm Springs
- Sedona
- Taos
- Marfa
- Adirondaks
What to do (games and activites)
- Tarot Cards
- Palm Reading
- Natural Dying
- Flower arranging class
- Nature walk
Party Favors
- Healing Crystals
- T-Shirts
- Bride tribe arrow necklace
- Hair tie
- Bracelet
Decor
- Balloons
- Coasters
- Macrame
- Banner
- sign
Rock n Roll
For the badass babes who want to kick it in their motorcycle jackets, spend their night at a local show, and maybe convince all of their bridesmaids to get a tattoo – this ones for you!
Where to go
- Seattle
- Portland
- LA
- Nashville
- Austin
What to do (games and activites)
- Karaoke
- Take a Bar tending class
- Group “band” photo
- Go see a show
- Go to a Record Shop
Party Favors
- T-Shirts
- Temporary Tatoos
- Sunglasses
- Vintage Denim Jackets
- Hats
Decor
- Banner
- Lightning bolt garland
- Neon Sign
- Rock n roll hand straws
- Napkins
Games
Start off your bachelorette with a few quirky games and get everyone warmed up to the perfect weekend. Games are a great way to get the whole group on the same page and in the party mindset.
- Scavenger hunt
- Pin the kiss
- Would she rather
- Prosecco pong
- What would groom say
Decor
Don’t let everyone show up to an empty room and a bottle of vodka. If you’re a maid of honor, make sure to dazzle the bride with some thoughtful touches. By adding just a few decorations you can take the initial mood of the party from “meh” to “yay!”.
- Balloons
- Banners
- bar
- Party plates
- signage
Favors/gifts
Never let the party-goers leave without a party favor. Gifts are a memorable souvenir from the weekend and they can most definitely bond the group together. Plus it shows that you’re so thankful for their continued friendship and support during one of the most important times in your life!
- Macaroons
- Hangover kit
- Shirts
- Hats
- bags
Usually, the maid of honor plans the bachelorette party, but any bridesmaid or loved one is welcome to offer their help as well.
Start the planning process about 6 months in advance if possible. It’s best to inform everyone involved sooner than later so they can plan and budge accordingly.
It’s customary for the maid of honor and the birdesmaids to chip in together and pay for the bachelorette party.
