Image by Ana & Jerome. Keep reading for bachelorette party essentials
Planning a bachelorette party can be a lot to juggle—coordinating schedules, booking accommodations, and making sure the fun never stops. But one thing you shouldn’t have to stress about? The little details that make the celebration feel unforgettable. From eye-catching decor to stylish party favors and must-have glam essentials, we’ve rounded up everything you need to make your bachelorette weekend one to remember.
Bachelorette Party Essentials
Balloons, Banners, and Backdrops
Think fun balloons spelling out cheeky phrases, sparkly banners, and themed backdrops perfect for those Instagram moments. Whether you’re going for a classic ‘Bride Tribe’ theme or something unique, a well-decorated space makes all the difference.
Tableware
Set the scene with cute cups, plates, and napkins that bring a festive touch to the table. Add some confetti, floral centerpieces, and LED candles for a fun and stylish vibe that feels effortlessly put together.
Photo Booth Props
Because what’s a bachelorette party without hilarious and adorable photos? Stock up on fun props like oversized sunglasses, veils, tiaras, and signs with witty phrases. Bonus points if you create a DIY photo booth station!
Favors + Welcome Bags
Treat your guests to fun and thoughtful goodie bags with hangover kits, face masks, and personalized keepsakes. It’s the perfect way to kick off the celebration and make everyone feel special!
Cozy + Cute Party Wear
Matching outfits? Yes, please! Whether it’s satin PJs, fun graphic tees, cozy robes, or chic slippers, coordinating looks make for the cutest group photos. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to pamper yourself in style.
Pampering + Pre-Party Glam
Give everyone a little extra glow-up for the festivities! Pack self-care goodies like moisturizing eye masks, press-on nails, self-tanner, and fun extras like stick-on gems or temporary tattoos to add some sparkle to the celebration.
Games
Keep the party energy up with a mix of fun and flirty games! From classic bachelorette dares to personalized trivia about the bride-to-be, games are the perfect way to break the ice and get the group laughing.
Drinks
No celebration is complete without a signature cocktail (or two)! Stock up on rosé, pink Moscato, or even pink tequila for a festive touch. If you’re feeling extra fancy, opt for drinks in floral-designed bottles that double as decor.
A great bachelorette party isn’t about following trends—it’s about creating a celebration that feels fun, effortless, and true to the bride-to-be. Whether you go all out with themed decor or keep it low-key with good food and great company, what matters most is making memories with your closest friends.
If you’ve ever dreamed of a mountain wedding that’s both elegant and ethereal, this Boschendal wedding is everything you could hope for. Set in the stunning Cape Winelands, Hannah and Sam’s big day was all about jaw-dropping views, gorgeous flowers, and creative, personal touches. Having lived in South Africa, Hannah knew Boschendal was the perfect place for their special day, a full-circle moment shared with friends and family. And to kick off the weekend? The welcome party featured wine tasting aboard a wine tram—talk about setting the vibe for an amazing celebration!
The ceremony itself was like something out of a dream. Picture this: an all-white setup with a stunning mountain backdrop, ghost chairs, and a white aisle that led to the most gorgeous altar, framed by lush floral arrangements. Every detail just made the mountains behind them pop even more. As if the ceremony wasn’t enough, the reception took things to the next level. Guests got to “ring for their drink” at this fun seating chart, and the tables were covered with the bride’s favorite cascading hydrangeas. The high ceilings and draped fabric gave the whole space such a romantic, whimsical feel—it was perfection.
From start to finish, this Boschendal wedding is packed with inspiration. If you’re planning your big day, get ready to fill up your Pinterest boards because you won’t want to miss any of it. Every beautiful moment was captured by Junebug vendor Chrisel Mouton, and trust me—you’ll want to see every last detail.
The Inspiration and Vibe Behind Their Boschendal Wedding
We wanted something that felt regal and elegant and perfectly matched the stunning backdrop of Stellenbosch. I had been saving ideas on Pinterest since our engagement, and we made sure to stay true to that vision. Seeing our loved ones gathered in a place so close to our hearts and finally walking down the aisle to become husband and wife was incredible. Having our sons there, dressed in little tuxedos, made it even more special. The whole day—from the ceremony to the reception—was filled with this incredible energy that we’ll never forget.
Tips for Couples Planning Their Big Day
Our advice to other couples would be to enjoy every moment—even though it can be stressful. It’s totally worth it when the day finally arrives. After months of planning, seeing everything come together is such an incredible feeling. Honestly, I’m a little sad it’s all over now because I loved having something to plan.
Seamless Four-Day Itinerary for Their Guests
One of the best parts for us was the four-day itinerary and planning. Starting with the welcome party, we got to greet everyone before the main events, which was such a nice way to ease into the celebration. The wine tram around Stellenbosch was a huge hit—our guests loved getting to explore the area and, of course, taste some incredible wines. As for the wedding day, it flowed perfectly. Our wedding planner made everything seamless so we could just relax and enjoy every moment.
Splurging on The Bride’s Favorite Florals
Our biggest splurge was definitely the hydrangeas—Hannah’s favorite flowers. We had this vision of them running down the center of the tables and spilling onto the floor, so we went all out with them. To make it work within our budget, we had to cut back on some of the downlighting and draping, but simplifying those elements didn’t take away from the look. The hydrangeas were worth every penny.
The Sweet Reason Why They Chose to Tie the Knot at Boschendal
Boschendal held a special place in my heart since I had visited it while living in South Africa, so it felt like the perfect spot for us to tie the knot and celebrate with our friends, family, and little ones. Having everyone stay on-site was a game-changer; we wanted to be together as much as possible over the four-day celebration. From start to finish, the staff at Boschendal was incredible, and Claudia from the events team was always there to help with anything we needed. Since it was a destination wedding with a smaller guest list, we carefully chose our nearest and dearest—those we couldn’t imagine celebrating without. It all made for a truly unforgettable day.
Watercolor Portraits as Unique Wedding Favors
We wanted to do something a little different for our guests, so we decided to give them personalized watercolor portraits, and Danielle Jordaan Studio did an amazing job! Everyone was blown away by the attention to detail, and it’s a keepsake that they can cherish for years to come. So many of our guests were thrilled to frame their portraits as soon as they got home.
Finding the right venue can truly make or break your wedding experience. It’s not just about the pretty backdrop; it’s about creating a space that reflects your style and brings your vision to life. So when you start your wedding planning journey, take your time to find a place that feels right for you and your loved ones. And don’t forget to check out our venue guide for expert tips to help you along the way. After all, this is where your unforgettable memories will be made!
Gabriella and Michele’s ethereal Iceland elopement was the perfect blend of adventure and romance. With the help of Junebug vendor and planner Pink Iceland, they created an unforgettable experience, not just for themselves but for their family and friends too. Surrounded by Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes, their guests traveled far and wide to be part of this meaningful celebration. It was a chance to create lasting memories together in a way that went far beyond the ordinary.
The couple started their special day with a hike through the Katla ice cave in their wedding dresses, making their ethereal Iceland elopement even more magical. With a triangle arch decorated with understated flowers and guests seated on wooden benches, the pair exchanged heartfelt vows in this breathtaking setting. The stunning brides fully embraced Iceland’s incredible landscape, allowing it to be a focal point of their wedding decor and photography as a whole.
Captured beautifully by Junebug vendor Lia Photo Stories, these photos will whisk you away to a magical, far-away place—everything you could dream of for an elopement. If you’re looking for destination wedding inspiration, start pinning now because this celebration will surely spark ideas for your own unforgettable “I do’s.”
The Couple:
Gabriella and Michele
The Wedding:
Hjörleifshöfði, Iceland
Starting Their Ethereal Iceland Elopement with an Epic Ice Cave Adventure
The most memorable part of our wedding day was hiking through the Katla ice cave in our wedding dresses. It was an incredible experience to be walking on ice in such an epic setting, and the contrast of our dresses with the surroundings made it even more special. The adventure and unique location made the day unforgettable and the perfect way to start our marriage.
Achieving Understated Elegance with Black Accents and Natural Beauty
For our wedding day, incorporating black accents was vital to us, adding a touch of sophistication to our overall aesthetic. Gabriella wore a beautiful black veil, and the end result was a beautiful blend of understated elegance and personal style, allowing us to shine on our special day. We also wanted our looks to reflect our natural selves, so we opted for minimal makeup and braided hairstyles. We believe simplicity can be elegant and want to feel comfortable and authentic. Our stylist captured our vision perfectly. We shared inspirational pictures with her, focusing on soft, natural looks that complemented the stunning surroundings of Yoda Cave. The end result was a beautiful blend of understated elegance and personal style, allowing us to shine on our special day.
Embracing Iceland’s Natural Beauty for a Raw and Ethereal Ethereal Iceland Elopement Ceremony
Our wedding took place in a cave in Iceland, so the location’s natural beauty heavily influenced the vibe, style, and design. We wanted a raw, organic, and intimate feel, blending the dramatic surroundings with minimal decor. The cave’s textures and lighting created an ethereal atmosphere, and we added subtle touches—like candlelight and greenery—to enhance the space without overshadowing its natural charm. It felt like a magical, hidden world, perfectly reflecting the adventurous spirit of our relationship.
The Special Touch That Made Their Ceremony Unforgettable
One of the best surprises on our wedding day was when Michele arranged for a live musician to perform during the ceremony. Such an unexpected and personal touch made the moment even more special.
Trusting Your Wedding Planner is Vital
Our best wedding planning advice is to trust your wedding planners, especially if you’re working with someone as incredible as Pink Iceland. They truly made our vision come to life and took so much of the stress out of the process. Communicate what you want, then trust the experts to handle the details. Pink Iceland did a fantastic job with our unique wedding, and we couldn’t have asked for a better planner.
Transforming Their Wedding into an Unforgettable Adventure
We’re incredibly proud that we could give our families and friends a true adventure. Our wedding wasn’t just a ceremony—it was a journey. From the stunning landscapes of Iceland to the unique experience of a cave wedding, it was unlike anything most of our guests had ever done before. Many traveled from far away, and we wanted to make sure the trip was unforgettable for them, too. It was incredible to share such an extraordinary location and create lasting memories together in a way that went far beyond a typical wedding day.
Prioritizing Family and Connection
The most important aspects of planning our wedding were ensuring our family could all stay together, choosing the perfect location, and creating an adventure of a lifetime. We wanted the experience to feel connected and intimate, so having everyone together in one place was a priority. Skálakot Manor provided all of this; it was a beautiful and cozy place for everyone to stay and perfectly complemented the Icelandic landscape with its charm and elegance. The location was key—we wanted somewhere breathtaking and unique, and Iceland was perfect for that. Ultimately, we wanted our wedding to be more than just a day; we wanted it to be a memorable journey we could share with our loved ones.
Why They Chose Yoda Cave as Backdrop of Their Special Day
We chose Yoda Cave in Iceland as our wedding venue because of our shared love for caves and the breathtaking natural beauty that surrounds them. The cave’s unique formations and serene atmosphere create an enchanting backdrop that perfectly reflects our personalities and relationships. We wanted our special day to accurately represent who we are, and Yoda Cave offered us an unforgettable experience surrounded by nature’s splendor.
Congratulations to Gabriella and Michele on their ethereal Iceland elopement, including a hike through the cave. Many thanks to Junebug vendors Pink Iceland and Lia Photo Stories for bringing their dream big day to life. For more unique celebrations like this one, check out their profiles in our directory of the best wedding vendors from around the globe.
If you’re planning an elopement, check out our guide to help you prepare for your special day. It covers all the essentials you’ll need to stay organized and ensure you don’t forget any important details, making your elopement a smooth and memorable experience. With everything in place, you can focus on enjoying your big moment together!
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