The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Bachelorette Party

How to plan a bachelorette party is one of the biggest responsibilities of a maid of honor or chief bridesmaid and can be an exciting and memorable experience for both the bride-to-be and her closest friends. It’s a time to celebrate, have fun, and create lasting memories. However, organizing such an event requires careful planning and attention to detail.

In this blog post, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of how to plan a bachelorette party that will leave everyone smiling. But just before we get started, here’s an exclusive FREE gift just for you!

Download our 100% free Bachelorette Party Planner which includes a step by step checklist to everything covered in this post. And with over 20 pages, you can be sure we’ve got every aspect of your planning covered!

6 Months or More Before the Date

Determine The Date

The first step in planning a successful bachelorette party is to choose a date that works for both the bride and the guests. Consider the availability of key attendees and any other events or holidays that may conflict with your chosen date.

Once you’ve settled on a date, decide on a location that suits the theme of the party. (More on this below). Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a local celebration, make sure it aligns with the bride’s preferences.

Planner Pro Tip: Give guests as much notice as possible if flights or significant travel is involved. This could be up to 12 months before!

ANDREA, MAID OF HONOR

Decide on the Theme and Location

Sometimes the theme and location go hand in hand, so it’s a good idea to choose the theme early on. For example, a Nashville Bachelorette party will almost certainly result in a Cowgirl or Last Rodeo themed bachelorette, whereas a coastal celebration could embrace a Nautical Bachelorette theme.

Some brides may have very clear ideas beforehand on what they want their theme to be, while others may prefer for the whole thing to be a surprise. Make sure you consult with the bride to check any ideas or expectations she may have, and if you need any inspiration check out our article on the top 12 Trending Bachelorette Themes for 2024.

Determine the Rough Budget with the Bride and other key guests

Once the location, theme and date have been decided, it is much easier to plan out the potential cost. Discuss the budget with both the bride and key guests involved in the celebration such as the bridesmaids so a total cost can be presented to potential guests.

Understanding financial limitations will help you plan accordingly and avoid any potential misunderstandings later on, and being upfront about the costs involved to guests gives them a clearer idea of whether they can attend the celebrations.

Research Activities, Restaurants and Entertainment

Once your budget has been determined, it is much easier to research various activities, restaurants, and entertainment options available in your chosen location to fit your price point.

Consider the bride’s interests and hobbies when selecting these elements. From spa days to adventurous excursions or even themed cooking classes, there are countless options to explore.

Devise Guest List and Send Out Invites

Compile a guest list based on the bride’s preferences and invite those who are closest to her heart. Create personalized invitations that reflect the theme of the party and send them out well in advance, along with all the information about the budget and the proposed activities and entertainment.

Giving invitees as much information as possible allows them to make an informed decision and gets you your final numbers with far less chance of drop outs later on. Give them a clear deadline of when their RSVP is needed so you are not chasing people for last minute answers.

Determine Final Guest Numbers

After receiving RSVPs from the invited guests, determine the final number of attendees. This will help you make accurate arrangements for accommodation, transportation, and other party essentials.

Book Venue, Hotels, and Transportation and Pay Deposits:

Once you have finalized the guest list and confirmed the number of attendees, it’s time to book the venue, hotels, and transportation. Make sure to pay any required deposits to secure these bookings.

4 Months Before the Date

Create a Group Chat for the Event

To streamline communication and keep everyone in the loop, create a group chat or online platform such as WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger where all participants can connect and share updates regarding the bachelorette party. This is also a great place for guests who don’t know each other to break the ice, and for any queries and questions they might have. It also takes the pressure off you dealing with all the queries as others may join in to answer!

You may have already done this at the invitation stage, but now you have your final numbers it’s time to create a new group or remove those who cannot attend.

Research Themed Decor and Clothing

Research different decor and clothing options that align with the chosen theme. From matching outfits to personalized accessories, there are numerous ways to add an extra touch of fun and excitement to the celebration.

Head to the bachelorette section on our blog to find in depth posts on a wide range of bachelorette party themes, each with great finds on the chosen theme for matching attire, decorations, favors, games, venue options and much more.

Order Custom Decor and Clothing Items

Based on your research, order custom decor and clothing items well in advance to ensure timely delivery. Personalized banners, sashes, t-shirts or even customized drinkware can add a special touch to the event.

Provisionally Book Entertainment, Restaurants, and Activities

Confirm availability with various entertainment providers, restaurants, and activity organizers for your preferred date. Provisionally book these elements but be prepared to finalize them closer to the event.

Begin Collecting Money from Guests

Start collecting contributions from guests to cover expenses such as accommodation, activities, meals, and decorations. Utilize digital payment platforms or create a shared account specifically for this purpose.

Decide What the Bride Will and Will Not Pay For

It can be a nice gesture to arrange to split the cost of some the bride’s activities across the other guests. Whether this is for a spa treatment, a meal, or a surprise outfit, work out how much this would work out per guest and ensure it is an amount that is affordable and comfortable for everyone. And don’t tell the bride!

1-2 Months Before the Date

Purchase Non-Custom Decorations and Party Items

Buy non-custom decorations such as balloons, banners, table decor, and party favors that complement the theme. This will add a festive atmosphere to the celebration.

Depending on your chosen theme, we have lots of themed games, photo props, party favors and more over on our Etsy shop. Check out the Gin&Gemini Etsy Shop.

Confirm and Pay Bookings in Full If Not Done Already

Confirm all provisional bookings made earlier and pay any outstanding balances to secure your reservations.

2 Weeks Before the Bachelorette Party:

Create Favor Bags

Prepare favor bags for each guest, filled with small tokens of appreciation and memorable keepsakes from the bachelorette party. These could include personalized shot glasses, hangover survival kits, or themed items.

Send Itinerary and Weekend Details to Guests

Send a detailed itinerary to all guests, including information about the schedule, activities, dress code, and any items they need to bring along. This will ensure everyone is well-prepared for the event.

Digital Itineraries are a popular choice as all information can be sent straight to the guests’ phones in an optimised size. They can also include clickable links to any restuarants, hotels or venues so all the information can be kept in one place.

Check In with Guests for Any Last Minute Reminders/Queries

Hopefully the group chat you created a few months back will be the best place for guests to check any queires but in case you don’t have this set up, reach out to each guest individually to address any last-minute concerns or questions they may have. Clear communication is key to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Confirm Transport Bookings

Double-check all transportation arrangements, including flights, trains, or car rentals, to ensure everything is in order for a seamless journey.

Get Groom’s Answers for Any Games Being Played

If you plan on incorporating games into the bachelorette party, contact the groom-to-be to gather his answers ahead of time. In our best selling bachelorette game bundle, several games require the grooms input such as Ask The Groom, Over or Under and 20 questions.

Giving the groom-to-be a couple of weeks to prepare his answers ensures he has chance to think up his best or funniest responses. You can get him to write down or email his answers, or for extra entertainment, film him giving the responses. If you opt for the latter, ensure you allow ample time to get this organised.

Our Bachelorette Game Bundle Features 12 Instant Download Printable Games and is available in a wide range of different themes to suit your aesthetic! Check out some examples below.

One Week Before the Bachelorette Party

Shop for Supplies and Snacks

Purchase all necessary supplies such as snacks, drinks, and any additional decor items that were not previously ordered. Need some last minute games or photo props? Don’t worry! Our digital products are available to download and print instantly. Check them out here.

Print Out/Digitally Collate All Booking Confirmations and Travel Documentation

Compile all relevant booking confirmations, travel itineraries, and other important documents into one easily accessible file or folder.

Print Out Any Digital Files Such as Games and Photo Props

If you have digital files such as games or photo props, print them out in advance so they are readily available during the bachelorette party. Don’t forget pens, pencils and any other props needed.

Create a Playlist

Curate a playlist of the bride’s favorite songs or upbeat tunes that will keep the energy high throughout the celebration.

Create a Shared Photo Album

Set up a shared photo album or online platform where guests can upload and share their pictures from the bachelorette party. This will help preserve memories and create a sense of camaraderie among attendees.

Decide on a Hashtag for the Event

Choose a unique hashtag that guests can use when posting about the bachelorette party on social media. This will make it easier to find and relive those cherished moments later on.

Create a List of Things You Need to Bring

Purely for your own use as the party planner, but it just might save your sanity. Make a comprehensive list of all the items you need to bring to the event, including decor, snacks, games, and any other essentials. Double-check this list to ensure nothing is forgotten.

During the Event

Ensure All Booking Details Are at Hand

Keep all booking details, confirmations, and contact information easily accessible throughout the event to address any last-minute issues promptly.

Double Check Everything

Take a moment to double-check all arrangements and preparations before the festivities begin. This will give you peace of mind knowing that everything is in order.

Have Fun!

Whatever you do, don’t overlook this one. Now is the time to relax and enjoy all your hard work and preparation and celebrate alongside the bride-to-be and your fellow guests. Embrace the joyous atmosphere and create unforgettable memories together!

Thank Guests for Attending

Express your gratitude towards each guest for taking part in this special occasion and hand our the favor bags. A small gesture of appreciation goes a long way in making everyone feel valued and cherished.

Congrats, you’re now a bachelorette party planning pro!

Knowing how to plan a bachelorette party requires meticulous organization and attention to detail, but with proper preparation, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience for both the bride-to-be and her closest friends.

By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this blog post, you’ll be well-equipped to plan a memorable bachelorette party that will leave everyone smiling and create lifelong memories. So, gather your creativity, enthusiasm, and organizational skills – it’s time to start planning an unforgettable celebration!

And before you go, don’t forget to download your completely FREE planner!

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