The bachelorette party is one of those pre-wedding events when the bride can really relax, enjoy her time with close friends, and take a break from wedding planning. However, planning the bachelorette party takes a lot of thought, organization, and communication to ensure everything goes off without a hitch. If you have been tasked to plan this fun-filled event, whether it is a weekend getaway or a local soiree, we have put together a checklist to help you throw the best bachelorette party ever for your bestie!
3 Months Prior
- Talk to the Bride – find out what she is envisioning (and what she doesn’t want to happen). A vineyard tour and wine tasting? A spa day? A luxe weekend getaway with a night on the town? A good old-fashioned slumber party? The possibilities are endless! You can absolutely make some of these details a surprise for the bride, but it is good to find out what she is thinking and to keep her personality in mind. You want it to be a celebration she will truly enjoy!
- Create the Guest List – the bride may want to do just bridesmaids, or she may opt to include close family and other close friends. Just make sure that whoever is invited to the bachelorette party is also being invited to the wedding.
- Set the Date – this pre-wedding event is typically held 2-3 months prior to the wedding, but some take place 1-2 weeks prior (just avoid the day or two before the wedding, for obvious reasons!).
2 Months Prior
- Send Out Save the Dates – If the bachelorette party is overnight or requires attendees to take a day or so off of work, guests will need a good amount of advanced notice. Be sure to give them all of the essential details so they can plan accordingly (including what they will be expected to contribute). Get an idea of who is able to join the festivities.
- Reserve Early – Make reservations with restaurants and any other entertainment or activities you are planning. If the bachelorette party is taking place out of town, book tickets (and make sure other guests are doing the same in a timely manner), make hotel reservations, and make transportation arrangements. The bride typically pays for her own airfare, but as the host, you will either be picking up all of the bride’s other expenses, or asking the attendees to assist you in splitting the cost.
1 Month Prior
- Send Out Invitations – An email or online invitation will suffice for this event. Be sure to politely include specifics on how much guests are expected to contribute.
- Get Your Game Plan Together – If you are planning a cozy at-home bachelorette party, make a list of everything needed to go into that event (the menu along with a grocery shopping list, decor, a music playlist, and any games you may want to play or activities you want to include). If you are planning a weekend getaway, create an itinerary of activities and make a list of any supplies/accessories and refreshments needed. Split up these tasks amongst other bridesmaids or close friends and family.
1 Week Prior
- Purchase all bachelorette supplies and accessories.
- Confirm RSVPs and who is bringing what.
- Go over the main party highlights with the bride, so she knows a little of what to expect.
- Reconfirm all reservations.
- Find some time to rest up before the fun-filled weekend ahead of you!
Photographer – Matt Rice Photography | Contact: matt@mattricephotography.com