If your group chat is blowing up with messages like “Vegas???” and “What’s our budget lol” it’s officially bachelorette party planning season.
The bachelorette party is one of the most iconic parts of being engaged. It’s your chance to let loose with your favorite people, celebrate your upcoming wedding, and make memories that are more than just matching T-shirts and blurry Instagram stories. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be a wild night you barely remember. It just has to feel like you.
So whether your dream night involves stilettos and bottle service or cozy robes and rosé, here’s how to plan a bachelorette that is perfectly you, without losing your mind or your money.
First: Figure Out What You Actually Want
This is your weekend. It doesn’t matter what tradition says or what everyone else is doing. If clubbing sounds exhausting, don’t do it. If a spa day feels boring to you, skip it. There’s no “right” way to do this.
Ask yourself:
- Do I want to travel or stay local?
- Do I want something high-energy or super chill?
- Do I want this to be a one-night thing or a full weekend?
- What’s my budget (and what’s realistic for my group)?
Once you’ve answered those, everything else gets easier.
Types of Bachelorette Parties (No Judgment Either Way)
The Classic Night Out
A night of bar-hopping, dancing, limo rides, sparkly dresses, and a lot of laughing. Works best in bigger cities or fun college towns (bonus points if you can walk between stops).
The Weekend Getaway
Think Airbnb in Nashville, cabin in the woods, house in Palm Springs. Everyone chips in, you bring your own drinks and food, and you hang all weekend. It’s more relaxed, but still packed with fun.
The Wine Country Trip
If you want something elevated but still low-key, book tastings at a few wineries and soak up the vineyard vibes. Great photo ops and lots of sipping.
The Spa & Self-Care Day
Facials, massages, robes, and maybe a healthy brunch after. Perfect if you want to de-stress and avoid waking up hungover.
The Adventure Weekend
Hiking, kayaking, camping, ziplining — whatever outdoor thing you’re into. Just make sure everyone in your group is down for it.
The At-Home Bash
Don’t want to travel? Host a themed party at someone’s house with cute decor, games, cocktails, and maybe even a hired chef or makeup artist.
Tips for Planning Without the Chaos
- Designate a lead planner. Usually your maid of honor or closest friend. It helps to have one main person organizing everything (even if you’re giving input).
- Create a shared doc or group chat. Keep track of plans, costs, travel info, and RSVP status.
- Talk about budget early. It’s not rude. Everyone will appreciate the clarity. Try to give people options so no one feels pressured.
- Book things early. Airbnbs, restaurants, activities, especially if you’re going somewhere trendy.
- Have a loose itinerary. You don’t need every minute scheduled, but it helps to have a general flow.
- Don’t overpack the schedule. Give people time to nap, recharge, or just hang. It’s supposed to feel fun, not like a school field trip.
- Build in one big moment. A special dinner, a boat rental, a private yoga class — something to anchor the weekend and make it feel like a celebration.
Fun Details That Make It Feel Special
- Custom merch. Matching sweatshirts, hats, or wine glasses, totally optional, but make sure it something your girls will ACTUALLY like
- A cute welcome bag. Snacks, Advil, under-eye patches, maybe a mini bottle of champagne
- Photo wall or Polaroid setup. People love a photo op
- Games, but the fun kind. Think “Who Said It: Bride or Groom?” or spicy trivia, not anything that feels like a bachelorette cliché you’d roll your eyes at
- Playlists. Have a getting-ready playlist, a hype playlist, and maybe a mellow one for winding down
Bottom Line: It’s About Your People, Not the Price Tag
Some of the best bachelorette parties happen in someone’s living room with takeout and a bottle of prosecco. Others happen on yachts. Both are valid. What matters is that you’re surrounded by people who love you, celebrating this wild and wonderful season of life.
Next week, we’re talking wedding websites! What to include, what to skip, and how to make it actually helpful instead of overwhelming.
Until then, drop a few hints in the group chat, start that shared Pinterest board, and remember: whether you’re dancing on a table or chilling in a hot tub, this is your moment. Do it your way.
