The Bachelorette Party: Before Or After The Wedding?

Bachelorette parties are a fun tradition for brides-to-be, usually held in the weeks or months leading up to the wedding. However, there is no concrete rule regarding the timing of this event, and some couples choose to host their bachelorette party after the wedding. This can be due to various reasons, such as work schedules, finances, weather, or even postponing the wedding due to the coronavirus pandemic. While it may be considered unconventional, post-wedding bachelorette parties offer a unique opportunity for the bride to bond with her closest friends and celebrate her new chapter in life.

It's not a bachelorette party, but you can still have a party

It's your party, so plan something that makes you happy! There are no concrete rules when it comes to the timing of your celebration. In fact, 78% of couples are enjoying their bachelorette or bachelor parties after their weddings.

If you're not interested in a typical bachelorette party, you can still plan a fun get-together with your closest friends. Here are some alternative ideas:

• A joint party with your partner: Celebrate with your entire wedding party and plan a fun night out or a weekend-long poolside bash. This can be a special way to commemorate your wedding and create extra bonding time with your friends and family.
• A simple night in: If you're feeling tired from wedding planning, consider a cozy night in with your friends. Host a slumber party with snacks, movies, and fun party games.
• A volunteer day: If you're feeling burnt out from being in the spotlight, shift the focus to a great cause you care about. Volunteer at a senior living community, animal rescue shelter, or local soup kitchen. You can also spend the day cleaning up a nearby park or beach, allowing you to enjoy your friends' company while doing something good.
• A low-key gathering: If a wild night out isn't your style, opt for a more relaxed get-together. Suggest a movie night, dinner, bowling, or a trip to a museum with your closest friends. This can be a great way to unwind and connect without the typical bachelorette party festivities.
• A girls' night: If you're busy with wedding planning, consider a chill girls' night with your friends after your shower. Pizza, drinks, games, and silly activities can create a bachelorette party feel without the clubbing or bar-hopping.

Remember, it's all about having fun and celebrating with your loved ones. You can tailor your gathering to your interests and preferences, making it a unique and memorable experience.

Post-wedding parties are a thing

Post-wedding bachelorette parties are a thing! While traditionally held before the wedding, there is no concrete rule about the timing of this event. In fact, it is becoming increasingly common for bachelorette parties to be held after the wedding, especially in light of the recent social distancing orders and the coronavirus pandemic.

If you're considering a post-wedding bachelorette party, communication is key. Be proactive with your planning and set everyone's expectations. It's a good idea to have a virtual kickoff meeting to lay out all the details. You can take control and plan the event yourself, or enlist the help of your wedding party—just be sure to communicate so that everyone is on the same page.

Since this isn't a traditional bachelorette party, you're free to invite whoever you like. You can keep it limited to your wedding party, or extend the invite to other friends and family members. Keep in mind that not everyone will be able to attend, especially if they have to travel. It's best to send invites later rather than earlier so that information around travel restrictions and social distancing is clear.

When it comes to paying for a post-wedding bachelorette party, traditional etiquette suggests that the wedding party pays for the event as a gift to the newlyweds. However, in this case, it's best to adjust your expectations. Don't expect the wedding party to cover all the expenses upfront. Instead, talk about what everyone feels comfortable contributing financially.

There are endless possibilities for your post-wedding bachelorette party. You can plan something that makes you happy, whether it's a joint celebration with your partner, a simple night in, or a volunteer activity. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even plan a getaway to a far-off destination and invite your friends along for the journey. Just remember to be sensitive to people's finances and availability.

It's your party, do what makes you happy

While bachelorette parties are traditionally held before the wedding, there's no reason why you can't have one after you're married. It's your party, so do what makes you happy!

Bachelorette parties are a chance for the bride and her closest friends to bond and make memories before the big day. They can be a blend of fun, celebration, and female bonding, with common activities including heartfelt conversations, dinner, drinks, dancing, and playful games.

If you're planning a post-wedding bachelorette party, you might want to consider the following:

• Communication is key. Since this setup is different from a traditional bachelorette party, be proactive with your planning and set everyone's expectations.
• You can take control and plan your own event, or enlist the help of your wedding party. Just be sure to communicate so that everyone is on the same page.
• You can keep the guest list limited to your wedding party, or extend the invite to other friends and family members.
• Be mindful of people's finances and availability, especially if you're planning a getaway or asking guests to travel.
• Consider the timing of your party. While there's no perfect time, it's usually best to have the bachelorette party a few weeks or months before the wedding to avoid interfering with the final wedding preparations.
• Think about the season and location. For example, if you want to go skiing, don't plan your party for August in the Northern Hemisphere.
• Don't forget to have fun! This is your chance to let loose and celebrate with your closest friends, so plan an event that reflects your personality and interests.

Remember, there are no concrete rules when it comes to bachelorette parties. So, if you want to have one after your wedding, go for it! Just keep in mind that you might need to be flexible with the guest list, timing, and activities to accommodate your new marital status.

Communication is key

While it is not a concrete rule, bachelorette parties are traditionally held before the wedding. However, there are no rules prohibiting a bachelorette party from taking place after the wedding. In fact, it is becoming an increasingly popular trend, especially in light of social distancing orders and the coronavirus pandemic.

If you are considering a post-wedding bachelorette party, communication is key. Since this setup differs from the traditional bachelorette party, it is important to be proactive and set clear expectations with your crew. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Planning: The wedding party typically plans the bachelorette party, but in this case, you may need to take the lead or enlist their help. Be sure to communicate clearly to ensure everyone is on the same page. You can handle certain aspects of the planning, such as choosing the location or theme, while delegating other tasks to your crew, such as booking accommodations or sending out invitations.
• Timing: Unlike traditional bachelorette parties, which usually occur within a month of the wedding, a post-wedding bachelorette party can be held at a more flexible time. Consider your schedule and that of your invited guests, especially if they need to travel. Sending out invitations later rather than earlier can also provide more clarity around travel restrictions and social distancing guidelines.
• Guest list: While traditionally the bachelorette party is limited to the wedding party, you can invite a wider circle of friends and family members to a post-wedding celebration. Keep in mind that not everyone may be able to attend, especially if they are uncomfortable with travelling due to the pandemic.
• Finances: Traditionally, the wedding party covers the expenses of the bachelorette party as a gift to the bride. However, in the case of a post-wedding celebration, it is important to discuss financial expectations and comfort levels with your crew. Be sensitive to people's finances and be prepared to adjust your plans accordingly.
• Activities: A post-wedding bachelorette party can be an opportunity to do something different. You can organise a joint celebration with your partner, combining friends and family from both sides. Alternatively, you can keep it simple with a cozy night in or a volunteer activity that gives back to the community. The key is to plan something that makes you happy and reflects your interests.

There are no rules

• Work schedules, finances, or weather conditions may make it more convenient to postpone the bachelorette party until after the wedding.
• If you had to postpone your wedding due to the coronavirus pandemic or other unforeseen circumstances, you may choose to hold off on the bachelorette party until it is safer to gather or travel.
• You may simply prefer to have a post-wedding celebration, whether it's a relaxing getaway with your closest friends or a simple night in.

If you decide to have a bachelorette party after your wedding, keep in mind that communication is key. Be proactive with your planning and set clear expectations with your guests. It's important to note that not everyone may be able to attend, especially if they are uncomfortable with travelling. When it comes to planning and paying for the event, you may need to adjust your expectations. Don't expect the wedding party to cover all the expenses, and be open to contributing financially or taking on some of the planning responsibilities.

Remember, there are no rules that dictate when you can or cannot have a bachelorette party. You can make it an intimate gathering with your closest friends or a large celebration with a fun theme. Ultimately, the decision is yours, and you should plan an event that makes you happy and aligns with your interests.

Frequently asked questions