A bachelorette weekend is all about bringing your besties together for an epic celebration of the bride-to-be. Whether you’re her maid of honor or simply one of her best friends, it’s important to take on the planning duties with serious consideration for all of her needs, including location, budget and group dynamics.
“It’s important to know that not every girl in the bride’s party is going to be able to join, so make sure to include a mix of activities that are low cost or free for those who can’t attend,” says Clinton. “This is especially helpful for those who might not be able to travel and may have a budget constraint.”
Plan an old-fashioned sleepover. Gather your girls at someone’s house or a central meeting spot and have everyone bring their favorite sleepwear, slippers and snacks. You can make a pizza, set up an ice cream sundae bar and watch classic chick movies like Bridesmaids for a simple yet fun night in.
If the bride-to-be loves a good bottle of wine, plan a winery bachelorette party to get your drink on with some pretty scenery and food pairings. For the gang who wants to take things up a notch, rent a private winery bus to comfortably accommodate the whole group.
Winter bachelorette parties are so much fun—think skiing, hot chocolate and matching beanies! Bring your crew to a ski town for a fun-filled weekend of mountains, drinks and snowy bonding.
During the day, head up to a mountain chalet and hit the slopes for some chilly-but-amazing winter action. You can also spend your days at the spa and sipping cocktails by a cozy firepit before hitting a local bar or nightclub for some evening fun.
Have your most woo-woo friend in the group offer tarot or psychic readings for an otherworldly way to relax and unwind with your girls. Or if you’re looking for a more interactive experience, sign up for a mixology class to learn how to craft your own signature drinks before heading out for a night on the town.
For a fun and exciting way to get your blood pumping, sign up for a paintball bachelorette party. It’s the perfect way to let your inner wild child out with your besties!
Keep in mind that most bachelorette parties are in the summer, so make sure you choose a month where the majority of your friends can take time off from work or school. Also, be aware that if your group includes people with kids, you’ll want to try and select dates in the fall or spring so their schedules aren’t too busy.