Image by Let’s Frolic Together

Every bride is different. Therefore, every bachelorette party should be different too. From the destination to the decor—there’s a lot that goes into planning an unforgettable bachelorette party. Whether you want a relaxing weekend by the pool or a party-filled celebration, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about throwing a bachelorette party fit for every soon-to-be bride. 

What is a Bachelorette Party?

A bachelorette party is a pre-wedding celebration dedicated to the bride-to-be. Traditionally, it’s a time for their closest friends to come together for a fun, memorable event, often involving activities that reflect their personality and preferences. It’s a chance to create lasting memories, have fun, and bond with friends before the big day.

Though bachelorette parties look very different than they used to, “hen parties” date back to the late 1800s. They typically involved high tea and gossip, but the idea evolved in the 1980s to become closer to what it is today.

Who Plans the Bachelorette Party?

Typically, the maid of honor takes the lead in planning the bachelorette party, but it can also be a group effort. Communication is key to ensure that everything goes off without a hitch and that everyone is on the same page–especially financially. If you’re in charge of the planning, make sure to discuss ideas with the bride and gather input from other bridesmaids and bridesmen. At the end of the day, it’s all about showering the bride-to-be with love in a way that best suits her.

Who Pays for a Bachelorette Party?

Traditionally, the costs of the bachelorette party are shared among the attendees. However, it’s essential to discuss finances upfront. Establish a budget that works for everyone, and be transparent about who will cover what—whether it’s accommodations, activities, or meals. Some friends may choose to treat the bride to certain costs as a special gift.

How to Plan a Bachelorette Party

1. Assign Bachelorette Planning Duties 

There’s a lot of confusion when it comes down to who actually plans the bachelorette party. As we mentioned, it’s usually the maid of honor, with the help of the bride’s best friends, who take full reign of the planning process. That being said, this party is to celebrate the bride so it’s important to pick the bride’s brain about her dream bachelorette party weekend—the bride should still be involved in the major decision-making like guest list and destination. 

Image by Beatatum Photography.

2. Determine The Guest List

A celebration surrounded by your best friends and wedding party—we can’t think of a better way to honor a bride-to-be. Guest lists usually include the bride and her wedding party, but ultimately, it’s up to the soon-to-be newlywed. With more and more couples choosing to forego wedding parties as a whole, many brides choose those who mean the most to them versus the bridal party alone. The same can be said when the bridal party is much smaller than the bride’s friend group.

Because there are going to be quite a few schedules to match up, it’s important to put together a guest list early on. This ensures that you can accommodate everyone’s availability when selecting a party date.  

3. Establish A Concrete Budget 

Communication will be your best party planning tool when it comes to budgeting. The price will depend on many varying factors, like the destination, accommodations, and guest size. To avoid conflict and to make for a smooth planning process, start by determining how expenses will be split and—most importantly—ask what the attendees can afford. It’s important to establish a concrete budget before planning that will work for everyone in attendance. 

4. Select A Location 

With endless options—all offering different celebrations—selecting a location can be overwhelming. When deciding on a location, it’s important to take into account the desired weekend vibe, accommodation availability, and activities offered. 

If you’re in need of destination ideas, here are some adorable bachelorette party Airbnbs all over the US that are perfect for bachelorette parties, no matter what kind of celebration. Tired of hearing the same destinations over and over and looking for something a little more unique? We get it. That’s why we’ve rounded up 11 unique bachelorette party destinations that aren’t overly common, too.

Junebug Tip:

Whether you’re staying at a hotel or a fun Airbnb for the bachelorette party, grab some alcohol-removed wine (we like Lali brand) to keep the party going without the hangover.

5. Plan The Bachelorette Party Itinerary  

After the major decisions have been made, it’s time to tackle the itinerary. Does the bride enjoy nature? Plan an incredible hike. Is the bride a wine lover? Plan a winery tour. We recommend researching your chosen location and searching for activities, restaurants, and bars around the area. Luckily, we’ve also put together a list of unconventional bachelorette party ideas. 

6. Personalize The Celebration 

From wine glasses to matching PJs and even coordinating shirts and outfits, there are many ways to personalize a bachelorette party. This is your chance, as the party planner, to get creative.  

Here are a few of our favorite unique bachelorette party items to get your creativity rolling: 

1. Personalized Bride Sweatshirt; 2. Bachelorette Polaroid Guestbook; 3. Customized Bachelorette Tote; 4. Bachelorette Drink Pouches; 5. Wedding Piñatagram; 6. The Bach Club Custom Cups; 7. Custom Bachelorette Party Tapestry; 8. Xo Fetti Drinking Game Bundle; 9. Vino Before Vows Can Coolers

Now that the hard part is done, it’s time to pack your bags and celebrate. For those looking for more a more laidback celebration with friends, be sure to check out these tips for having a low-key “girls gone mild” bachelorette party.

And, of course, it’s important to start thinking about themes, too! Want to plan something a little out of the box? Check out these 20 unique bachelorette party theme ideas that you’ve probably never heard before.

Image by Ana Hinojosa