Nautical Themed Bachelorette Party Ideas: Let’s Get Nauti!
Nautical-themed bachelorette parties are a popular choice for brides-to-be who love the ocean or have a seaside wedding. This theme offers a wide range of creative ideas that can be incorporated into the party, from decorations to activities, food, and attire.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway to a beach town or a boat ride on the ocean, a nautical bachelorette party is a fun and stylish way to celebrate the bride-to-be.
In this article, we’ll explore great ideas for your Nautical themed Bachelorette or Hen Party.
What’s the Nautical Themed Bachelorette?
A nautical theme is a popular choice for bachelorette parties, especially those held near the beach or on a boat and for the bride to be who loves all things sailing (but of course, that’s not essential to enjoy this theme!)
The nautical theme is thought to have gained popularity in recent years partially thanks to The Lonely Island parody song I’m on a Boat, the title of which has now become a popular meme.
It’s all about incorporating elements of the sea and sailing into the party decor and activities.
To create a cohesive nautical theme, it’s important to stick to a specific colour palette. The most common colours used in nautical themes are navy blue, white, and red. These colours are often paired with gold or silver accents to add a touch of glamour.
Budgeting and Planning
First things first, planning a Bachelorette party can take a lot of organization, but relax – we’ve got you! As our gift to you, you can download this FREE Bachelorette Party Planner. With over 20 pages, a suggested checklist and pdf compatibility with Goodnotes and Notability, this is the ideal bachelorette party planner no matter what your theme. Grab your copy below.
Cost Estimation
When planning a nautical themed bachelorette party, it’s essential to set a budget. The cost of the party will depend on several factors, such as the number of guests, the location, and the activities planned. To get an idea of the costs, the host can create a spreadsheet or use a budgeting app to estimate the expenses.
The spreadsheet can include categories such as decorations, food and drinks, transportation, accommodation, and activities. The host can research the prices of each category and add them to the spreadsheet. It’s also important to include a contingency fund in case of unexpected expenses.
To save money, the host can consider DIY decorations or ask guests to bring food or drinks. It’s also a good idea to shop around for the best deals on accommodation and transportation.
Timeline Scheduling
Planning a nautical themed bachelorette party requires careful scheduling to ensure that everything runs smoothly. The host should create a timeline that outlines the tasks that need to be completed before the party.
The timeline can be divided into weeks or days leading up to the party. The tasks can include sending out invitations, booking accommodation and transportation, buying decorations, and planning activities. The timeline should also include deadlines for RSVPs and payments.
To avoid last-minute stress, the host should aim to complete the tasks well in advance. It’s also important to communicate with the guests and keep them informed of any changes or updates to the schedule.
By creating a budget and timeline, the host can ensure that the nautical themed bachelorette party is a success without breaking the bank.
Invitations and Announcements
When it comes to a nautical themed bachelorette party, the invitations and announcements set the tone for the entire event. Here are some tips and ideas to make sure your invitations and announcements are on point.
Invitation Design
The invitation design should reflect the nautical theme of the party. We love this editable downloadable Nautical themed invitation on Etsy.
If you are making your own invitations, consider adding some texture. For example, use a linen or textured cardstock for the invitation, or add a ribbon or twine bow to tie everything together.
Consider using navy blue and white as the primary colours, with accents of red, gold, or silver. You can also incorporate nautical motifs like anchors, compasses, and sailboats into the design.
RSVP Process
To make sure you have an accurate headcount for the party, it’s important to have a clear RSVP process. You can include an RSVP card with the invitation that guests can mail back to you, or you can provide an email address or phone number for guests to RSVP.
Another option is to use an online RSVP system, which can make it easier for guests to RSVP and for you to keep track of the responses.
Whichever RSVP process you choose, make sure to include a clear deadline for guests to respond by, and follow up with anyone who hasn’t responded by the deadline to get an accurate headcount.
Choosing the Perfect Venue
Choosing the perfect venue for your nautical theme hen party is key. There are several options to consider, including beach locations, boat parties, and indoor venues.
Beach Locations
Beach locations are an ideal option for a nautical bachelorette party, providing a beautiful backdrop for the celebration. Look for beaches with a nautical feel, such as those with a boardwalk or pier. A beach house rental can also be a great option, providing a private space for the group to relax and enjoy the festivities.
Boat Party
Another popular option for a nautical bachelorette party is a boat party. This can range from a one-day cruise to a multi-day destination if budget allows. Look for boats that offer full amenities, such as dining, a full bar, and entertainment options like a DJ. A boat party can be a unique and exciting way to celebrate the bride-to-be.
Indoor Venues
Indoor venues can also be a great option for a nautical bachelorette party, especially if the weather is not ideal for an outdoor celebration. Look for venues with a nautical theme, such as a waterfront restaurant or a venue with a view of the water. Decorate the space with nautical-themed decor, such as anchors, ropes, and life preservers, to create a festive atmosphere.
Overall, the key to choosing the perfect venue for a nautical bachelorette party is to find a location that fits the theme and can accommodate the group size. Consider the bride-to-be’s preferences and budget when making the final decision.
Decorations and Accessories
When it comes to a nautical-themed bachelorette party, the decorations and accessories play a vital role in creating the perfect atmosphere. Here are some ideas for how to decorate the party space and what accessories to provide for the guests.
Maritime Decor
To create a maritime atmosphere, use decorations such as anchors, ropes, and navy and white stripes. Hang a banner that says “Let’s Get Nauti!” or “Last Sail Before the Veil!” to set the tone for the party. Use tablecloths and napkins in navy and white stripes to tie the theme together.
Other maritime decor options include life preservers, compasses, and telescopes. These can be used as table centrepieces or hung on the walls to add to the nautical vibe. For a more subtle touch, consider adding seashells and starfish to the decor.
Photo Props
Photo props are a fun addition for any Bach or Hen Party, and make a great accessory for photos of the weekend to share on social media.
You can grab our collection of 30 Nautical Bachelorette props as an instant download printable file which means they are a fantastic last minute prop for your bachelorette celebrations.
Nautical Bachelorette Photo Props
Themed Attire
Encourage guests to dress in nautical-themed attire to fully embrace the party theme. Sailor hats, “Bride’s Crew” Shirts, and anchor jewellery are all great options. The bride-to-be can wear a white dress with navy and white accents to stand out from the crowd.
If you want to take it up a notch, provide captain’s hats with veils for the bride and bridesmaids to wear. These can be a fun accessory for group photos and will make for a memorable keepsake.
Entertainment and Activities
A nautical-themed bachelorette party is not complete without some fun entertainment and activities. Here are some ideas for making the event memorable:
Nautical Games
To keep the party going, consider incorporating some nautical-themed games. Our Printable Nautical Bachelorette Game Bundle includes 14 different fun bachelorette games while keeping the Nautical theme aesthetic.
Clean and Dirty versions are included for several games. You can choose to either use one set or combine both meaning you don’t have to worry about embarrassing anyone – unless of course, that’s your aim!
What’s included:
- Game instructions / Prep
- Guest most likely to
- How Old Was the Bride photo game
- Scavenger Hunt
- Would she rather…(clean)
- Would she rather…(dirty)
- 20 Questions about the Bride-to-be
- What did the Groom Say? (Clean)
- What did the Groom say? (Optional add on dirty questions)
- Never or Ever (Clean) – with optional Never / Ever cards
- Never or ever (Dirty)
- Over or Under
- Bride or Groom? -with optional Bride / Groom cards
- Memory of the Bride to Be
Boat Ride
A boat ride is a must for any nautical-themed bachelorette party. Rent a boat or book a charter and enjoy the views of the water while sipping on cocktails. Consider a sunset cruise for a romantic and picturesque experience.
Treasure Hunt
For an adventurous activity, plan a treasure hunt. Hide clues around the boat or beach house and have the bride and her crew solve them to find the treasure. The treasure could be anything from a bottle of champagne to a nautical-themed gift basket.
Food and Drinks
A nautical-themed bachelorette party is not complete without some delicious seafood and refreshing cocktails. Here are some ideas to make the food and drinks perfect for the occasion.
Seafood Delights
Seafood is a must-have for a nautical-themed party. Consider serving shrimp cocktail, crab cakes, lobster rolls, or a seafood paella. For a more casual option, the British classic fish and chips could be a popular choice. Make sure to provide plenty of lemon wedges and tartar sauce for dipping.
If you want to get creative, consider serving sushi rolls that resemble boats or fish. Alternatively, serve oysters on the half shell with a variety of toppings, such as mignonette sauce, cocktail sauce, and lemon wedges.
Themed Cocktails
Cocktails are a great way to add some fun to the party. Consider serving drinks that are blue, white, or red to match the nautical theme. For example, a Blue Hawaiian or a Sea Breeze cocktail would be perfect.
You can also get creative with the names of the cocktails. For example, a Dark and Stormy cocktail or a Captain’s Punch would fit in perfectly with the nautical theme. Serve the cocktails in mason jars or glasses with nautical-themed straws.
Make sure to have plenty of non-alcoholic options as well, such as lemonade or iced tea. You can also create a mocktail version of the themed cocktails by omitting the alcohol and adding extra fruit juice or soda.
Overall, incorporating these entertainment and activity ideas into a nautical-themed bachelorette party will create a memorable experience for the bride and her crew.
Nautical Party Favors
Finally, send guests home with a nautical-themed party favour to remember the celebration. Some ideas include mini bottles of rum or champagne with custom labels, anchor bottle openers, or personalised tote bags with the party’s name and date.
For a more budget-friendly option, consider giving out nautical-themed cookies or candles. These can be customised with the party’s colours and will be a sweet reminder of the fun had at the bachelorette party.
Are You Setting Sail Soon?
We hope this post has given you plenty of ideas for your nautical themed bachelorette party. Know someone who is planning a nautical themed hen party? Be sure to share this post with them!
Don’t forget to grab your FREE Bachelorette Planner before you go!
Other Bachelorette Party Themes
Looking for other themes for your bachelorette or hen party? Be sure to check out these posts:
The Last Rodeo Bachelorette Party Ideas
Halloween Bachelorette Party Ideas
Summer Camp themed Bachelorette Party Ideas
The Last Disco themed Bachelorette Party Ideas
About The Author
Melissa is an Educational Consultant in the UK with over 25 years teaching experience. Through her expertise in creating educational resources for children she opened her Etsy shop, Gin&Gemini, in 2022 and quickly expanded her offering into the party planning niche, offering a range of physical and digital products for children’s parties, family celebrations, holidays and the bachelorette / hen party niche. She lives on a farm with her husband, young daughter and cats.
