WEDDING BLOG

Best Airbnbs for Bachelorette Parties

October 18, 2024 | kailey

Read on for the best Airbnbs for bachelorette parties. Image by Meraki Weddings.

Pack your bags and grab your wedding day crew—it’s bachelorette party time. This day, or weekend, is all about celebrating you—the bride. Maybe you’re looking to escape to warmer weather, sitting poolside, and sipping on a margarita. Maybe you’re looking to beat the heat and cozy up by a fire in the mountains. Whatever your desired bachelorette party vibes are, there is an Airbnb rental waiting for you.

We can’t think of a better way to celebrate you than in a stylish getaway surrounded by your best friends. Whether you’re looking to stay close to home or take this celebration on the road—we have compiled a list of top Airbnbs for bachelorette parties fit for every bride and her wedding day crew.

Best Airbnbs For Bachelorette Parties

Austin, Texas — Modern + Lavish Palms Manor

Location: Austin, Texas
Sleeps: 22
Why we love it: This large Texas home has a fun modern design, fire pit, and shared pool, making it everything you could ever want for a bachelorette party. With eight bedrooms, there’s plenty of space for all of your closest friends. Not to mention it’s super close to downtown Austin, a hot spot for bars, restaurants, and events.

Austin, Texas — The Boho Bungalow

Location: Austin, Texas
Sleeps: 4
Why we love it: Smaller groups looking for a relaxing desert getaway without sacrificing the stunning and instagrammable design—this is your winner. The Boho Bungalow is a fully remodeled space designed by The Bachelorette’s JoJo Fletcher and Jordan Rodgers. It offers a welcoming atmosphere with a bohemian flair.

Big Sky, Montana Luxurious Home & Party Barn, Campfire area, Exclusive 20 acres

Breckenridge, Colorado — High Point Hideaway

Location: Breckenridge, Colorado
Sleeps: 6
Why we love it: If you’re looking to trade the traditional pool and beach celebrations for a mountain retreat—this one is for you. We don’t think it gets much cozier than an A-frame cabin nestled in the towering trees. Plus, this 1970’s Airbnb is complete with a hot tub. We’re sold on this unique bachelorette activity haven.

Charleston, South Carolina — The Sullivan

Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Sleeps: 11
Why we love it: The Sullivan is complete with private porches, a large shared pool deck, and a sleek fully white modern design. This remodeled historic property will bring the southern charm—giving you the boutique hotel-styled retreat feeling but all to yourselves.

Chicago, Illinois — The Cortland In Logan Square

Location: Chicago, Illinois
Sleeps: 16
Why we love it: Prime location with easy access to downtown Chicago, luxury design, and a whole lot of bedrooms. This Airbnb is perfect for large bachelorette party groups trying to decide between a secluded getaway and the ability to easily explore the city. This Airbnb is the best of both worlds.

For Lauderdale, Florida —Bachelorette Beach Bungalow with Private Pool and Custom Photo Booth Las Olas

Joshua Tree, California — North Star

Location: Joshua Tree, California
Sleeps: 8
Why we love it: No desert oasis is more glamorous than this private three-bed, two-bath residence in the heart of Joshua Tree National Park. It’s the perfect spot for crews looking to hang by the pool, explore local national parks, and star gaze under the night sky. It’s the epitome of relaxation.

Nashville, Tennessee — Bachelorette Bash! Sleeps 20! 2 Private rooftops!

Nashville, Tennessee — The Pink Cowgirl

Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Sleeps: 10
Why we love it: If you’re dreaming of a “Nash Bash” complete with pink, pink, and more pink, this one is perfect for you. From the cow print furniture to the Shania Twain-inspired neon sign, no detail is short of amazing. This Airbnb, just a short drive from Broadway Street, was styled to be Instagram-worthy.

New Orleans, Louisiana — The Duke Off Magazine Street

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Sleeps: 14
Why we love it: The Duke is a 6-bedroom luxury rental with a pool, located in the heart of New Orleans. This beautifully renovated Greek Revival townhome features modern amenities, including a private heated cocktail pool, stylish décor, marble bathrooms, and custom furnishings. With a spacious dining room, media room with an 85″ TV, and views of Magazine Street, it offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience.

Palm Springs, California — Girls’ Getaway at the Palm Baum

Location: Palm Springs, California
Sleeps: 6
Why we love it: This pink paradise located 25 minutes outside of Palm Springs is the perfect oasis for those looking to grab a drink and relax by the pool. From the pink tiled hot tub to the flamingo wallpaper—it doesn’t get more worthy of a bachelorette crew than this.

Panama City Beach, Florida — Beach Oasis Perfect for Bachelorette Trip! Occ 12!

Santa Margarita, California — The Cabin at Whisper Valley Ranch

Location: Santa Margarita, California
Sleeps: 10
Why we love it: This Whisper Valley Ranch Airbnb takes the cabin life and makes it glamorous. A cabin surrounded by twinkle lights, games made for groups, and a fire pit. If that’s not enough, the modern and cozy design throughout all five bedrooms is sure to sell you.

Scottsdale, Arizona —Barbie’s Bachelorette Dream House

Scottsdale, Arizona — The Pink Cactus

Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Sleeps: 12
Why we love it: You really can’t go wrong with Scottsdale’s bachelorette party vibes—and this house totally has them! If you scroll through the photos, you’ll see the owners have hosted weddings and large gatherings here before—which means they’ll have plenty of recommendations for you.

Savannah, Georgia — Stately Forsyth Mansion

Location: Savannah, Georgia
Sleeps: 8
Why we love it: Sitting steps off of Forsyth Park, this five-bedroom private condo is the perfect place to stay while enjoying all that Savannah has to offer. Enjoy a glass of wine on one of the two balconies, dine on a homecooked meal in the stunning dining room, and hit the town, which is a short 15-20 minute walk away.

Soaking up the sun pool-side, cuddling up by the fire in a mountain retreat, or hitting the town for dancing and drinks—there are endless bachelorette party options. Every bride is different, your bachelorette party should be different too.

Now that you’ve picked the destination and secured a stunning Airbnb, check out these nontraditional and unconventional bachelorette party celebration ideas.

Image by Beatatum Photography

I Went Over My Wedding Budget. Now What?

October 18, 2024 | justine

Keep reading for tips on how you can still have a special day while keeping your wedding budget on track. Image by Ricky Baillie Photography

No matter how carefully you plan your wedding budget or how many spreadsheets you make, unexpected costs and tempting last-minute purchases can pop up. That’s why setting up a little extra fund from the get-go is a good idea. But if you’re already facing money challenges or trying to cut back on expenses, there are plenty of ways to get your budget back on track.

We reached out to Michigan-based photographer and Junebug vendor Catie Eovaldi Photography, who helped us round up some expert advice. While staying focused on your budget is essential, finding ways to make your dream day happen without breaking the bank is just as important. With a few tweaks and some trade-offs, you can still make your wedding day special while keeping your budget in check.

How To Navigate Going Over Your Wedding Budget

Reassess Your Financial Situation

Start by determining how much you’ve exceeded your budget and what remains to be paid. Costs may have increased since your initial estimates, or you might have underestimated certain expenses. Understanding your budget gap will help you decide whether to trim costs in other areas, save more before the wedding, or consider borrowing the difference.

As Catie advises, “Review where the overage is and what else needs to be done and paid for before the wedding. Make a plan moving forward for your wedding day essentials. Don’t downgrade your already booked packages (like videography, photography, etc.), but look ahead at other expenses you may want to cut.”

Utilize Your Contingency Fund

Setting aside a portion of your budget for unexpected expenses is always a good idea, but we understand that it’s easier said than done. If you tend to overspend, try to stash a little extra cash away as you continue through the wedding planning process. .

Look for Additional Savings

If you’re still in the early stages of planning, you may have opportunities to cut costs on significant items, such as the rehearsal dinner or reception entertainment. Surprisingly, for every must-have element of your wedding, there are several non-essential items that you can forgo without anyone noticing. Catie suggests reassessing future purchases, saying, “Maybe instead of booking that fancy photo booth, you decide to give everyone a QR code for a shared photo album. Instead of moving forward with that audio guestbook, you could cut the guestbook altogether or find a cheaper, book-style guest book .”

Talk with Your Vendors

While you may have already paid deposits and agreed-upon rates, it’s worth discussing your budget constraints with suppliers early on. They possess valuable expertise and may suggest cost-effective alternatives. For example, suppose you’ve chosen a specific flower that’s costly or hard to find. In that case, your florist might recommend a similar, less expensive option, allowing you to allocate those savings elsewhere. Catie recommends, “Avoid downgrading already booked packages, but look ahead at other expenses you may want to cut.”

Image by Martin Wilk Photography

Consider Borrowing or Renting

It’s also worth considering what you can borrow or rent. This sustainable approach saves you money and helps you avoid purchasing items you may never use again. Decor, for example, can often be borrowed from recently married friends, and accessories like veils and clutches can follow the “something borrowed” tradition.

Watch Out for Last-Minute Expenses

As your wedding day approaches, it’s easy to get swept up in excitement and add extra details that can add up quickly. Compare these to your regular expenses to prevent those small additions from snowballing and impacting your overall budget.

Evaluate the Necessity of Additional Details

While we love the little touches that make a wedding special, it’s wise to limit yourself to a few key details. Many couples feel pressured to include every charming idea they find on social media, which can lead to extra expenses. Think carefully before purchasing items that seem inexpensive individually; they can accumulate and significantly impact your budget.

Explore the Option of a Small Loan

If you find yourself short on savings as your wedding date approaches, consider the possibility of a wedding loan, provided you can manage the repayments. Many financial institutions offer personal loans that can be adapted for wedding expenses. This can relieve some of the financial strain while allowing you to celebrate your special day.

Reimagine Your Honeymoon Plans

Your honeymoon is special, and even if you’re facing financial challenges, there are creative ways to make it just as memorable. Consider exploring beautiful destinations closer to home to save on travel costs or choosing charming, more budget-friendly accommodations. You can also delay your honeymoon until you’ve had more time to save or plan your trip during off-peak seasons for better deals. With some flexibility, you can still have the dream honeymoon you deserve.

As you plan your wedding, think about what will make the day special and what moments you’ll remember for years. If you need more tips on managing costs, check out our guide on where to spend and save, or take a look at our list of easy ways to keep your wedding budget-friendly. With these ideas, you can create a beautiful day that won’t break the bank!

Image by EFEGE

This Gorgeous Fall Kima Tulum Wedding Was Planned Sight Unseen

October 17, 2024 | justine

champagne dark red yellow

Shali and William’s wedding was truly an adventure. On a whim, they picked a venue in a country they had never visited simply because they fell in love with its photos on Instagram. In hindsight, it seems wild but only made the experience more exciting. Adding to the thrill, the exact location remained a mystery even on their wedding day. Luckily, Cocou Nay Weddings helped plan everything from afar, and their fall Kima Tulum celebration came together beautifully.

The couple exchanged their vows in a breathtaking tropical paradise surrounded by lush greenery. Beneath a crescent arch adorned with vibrant flowers and foliage, the ceremony was picture-perfect. To honor Chinese tradition and share it with their loved ones, they held a special tea ceremony that stood out against the jungle backdrop. As night fell, the magic continued at their enchanting poolside reception, where tables glowed with flowers and candles, and twinkling string lights along with a crescent floor lamp added a romantic touch. The night ended on a thrilling note when the couple jumped into the pool, making it truly unforgettable!

If you’ve always dreamed of a getaway celebration that blends meaningful traditions, dreamy florals, and impeccable fashion, you’re in for a treat. Don’t miss a single detail of this stunning event, beautifully captured by Conie Suarez Bravo!

The Couple:

Shali and William

The Wedding:

Kima Tulum, Tulum, Mexico

Blending Cultures and Chinese Traditions in a Mexican Paradise

The wedding day has started to become a blur, but when I look back, two moments stand out: the tea ceremony and the cake cutting. The tea ceremony holds a special place in my heart—it was a nod to my Chinese heritage and something I was determined to include in the Mexican jungle. It’s like a clash of a Chinese tradition and an untamed wilderness. On the other hand, the cake cutting was an intimate and deeply personal experience. It wasn’t just the act itself, but it was such a touching and rewarding moment.

The Game-Changing Decision to Hire a Wedding Planner for Their Fall Kima Tulum Wedding

Hiring a wedding planner was a game changer, especially for the bold decision of doing a destination wedding. The fact that I chose a venue and a country had never visited on a whim, simply because I liked the pictures on Instagram, seems pretty crazy in hindsight. The venue location was never revealed to us, even on the wedding day, adding another layer of excitement. But everything eventually came together, and knowing that my 40 guests were willing to embark on this adventurous journey with me makes me feel forever proud.

Setting a Realistic Wedding Budget

You must realize that the wedding budget you have in mind is different from what the wedding planner had in mind. You are thinking about the total out-of-pocket expenses while only thinking about the expenses needed on the wedding day. So make sure to align on that before you communicate the budget to the planner. And always leave some room for surprise expenses, such as weather changes and other changes beyond control.

Embracing Tradition and Personal Style Through Wedding Fashion

I had three outfit changes and two different hairstyles on my wedding day. I’ve always known that the Jazz Age style suits me perfectly, especially with my short hair. To prepare for the ceremony, I opted for a bob with finger waves, which suited the vintage vibe beautifully. I wore a traditional red Qipao for the tea ceremony, keeping the same hairstyle to honor its classic elegance. For the first dance, which was a tango, I styled my hair in a sleek updo, creating a clean and edgy look that perfectly matched the moment.

The Significance of the Crescent Moon in the Fall Kima Tulum Wedding

A handmade crescent moon that’s designed and handmade by my amazing venue vendor. I’ve been a devoted fan of Sailor Moon, and my ruling planet is also the moon. So I wanted to have some moon element in the wedding.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Conie Suarez Bravo
Event Planning – Cocou Nay Weddings
Ceremony + Reception Venue – Kima Tulum
Floral Design – Grisel Serrano
Videography – Jesica Talento

Congratulations to Shali and William on their gorgeous fall Kima Tulum wedding, which was planned sight unseen. A heartfelt thank you goes out to Conie Suarez Bravo for capturing the magic and beauty of their big day. And, of course, a special thank you to Cocou Nay Weddings for planning this event perfectly!

If you’re like this couple, planning from afar, a skilled planner becomes your eyes and ears, handling all the details to ensure everything goes smoothly. From coordinating vendors to navigating local customs and logistics, their expertise makes the entire process stress-free, allowing you to focus on enjoying your special day. With the right planner by your side, your dream wedding—no matter how far from home—can become a beautiful reality.

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