The Perfect Bachelorette Party Gifts For Your Bridesmaids

Planning a bachelorette party can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and tips, it can be a fun and memorable experience for the bride-to-be and her bridesmaids. The bachelorette party is a long-standing tradition where the bride's closest friends and family members come together to celebrate her upcoming marriage. While it is typically planned by the maid of honour or a group of bridesmaids, anyone can take on the role of organiser. This guide will cover everything you need to know about planning a bachelorette party, from setting a date and creating a guest list to deciding on a theme and choosing the perfect gifts for the bridesmaids. We will also explore different party ideas, activities, and etiquette tips to ensure that your celebration is a success and that the bridesmaids have a great time.

Gifts for the bride

Planning a bachelorette party can be a lot of work, but it's all worth it when the bride-to-be has a blast celebrating with her closest friends. While the main priority is to plan a celebration the bride will love, it's also important to keep her bridesmaids and other attendees in mind. Here are some gift ideas for the bride to help make her bachelorette party memorable:

Lingerie

Lingerie is a fun and traditional gift option for a bachelorette party. It's perfect for the intimate occasion and can make the bride feel confident and special.

Beauty and Self-Care Treatments

Consider gifting the bride a relaxing experience to help her unwind before the big day. A gift card for a massage, blowout, or other beauty treatment can be a great way to show her some love and appreciation.

Personalized Gifts

Personalized gifts add a special touch to the celebration. Consider getting the bride a customized robe, bridal jewellery, or a bridal bag filled with essentials for the wedding day. These gifts will not only make her feel pampered but also create lasting memories.

Experience Gifts

If the bride is an adventure seeker, consider gifting her an experience she'll never forget. This could be a fun activity like a private boat charter, a wine tasting tour, or even a glamorous photoshoot with her friends. These experiences will create lasting memories and add a unique twist to the bachelorette party.

Sentimental Gifts

For a more sentimental gift, create a scrapbook or photo album commemorating the bride's journey to the altar. Fill it with memories, well-wishes, and personalised messages from her bridesmaids and close friends. Alternatively, you could frame a meaningful photo of the bride and her bridesmaids, adding a heartfelt touch to the celebration.

Remember, the most important thing is to celebrate the bride and make her feel special. These gift ideas are just a starting point, and you can always get creative and tailor the gifts to the bride's unique personality and interests.

Planning and budgeting

Planning a bachelorette party can be a big task, but it's important to remember that the party is all about celebrating the bride and her upcoming marriage. The party is typically planned by the maid of honour, but anyone can take on this role. It's a good idea to start planning three to six months in advance to ensure you can understand the bride's preferences and make any necessary bookings.

Budgeting

It is customary for everyone attending the bachelorette party to pay their own way and chip in for the bride's expenses. If the bachelorette party is a multi-day event, each attendee, including the bride, should pay their own way. For a one-night celebration, it is a nice gesture for the group to cover the bride's costs, although this is not necessary.

When planning, it is important to discuss budgets with all attendees. A Google Form or survey is a good way to understand everyone's financial situation and how much they are comfortable spending. It is important to remember that attendees may also be budgeting for other pre-wedding costs, such as attire, beauty treatments, and wedding gifts.

Timeline

A bachelorette party usually takes place one to four months before the wedding. It is recommended to avoid hosting the party less than a month before the wedding, as this is usually a busy time for the couple.

Location

When choosing a location, consider the bride's preferences for climate, vibe, and activities. Also, think about the time of year and the cost of flights or travel. Finalising the location early is important so that attendees can plan and book any necessary travel.

Guest List

The guest list typically includes the maid of honour, bridesmaids, and sometimes close family members or friends who are not in the bridal party. It is important to remember that only those invited to the wedding should be invited to the bachelorette party.

Activities

Bachelorette parties can range from a single night out to a multi-day affair with various activities. Some popular activity options include boat charters, spa treatments, outdoor picnics, private yoga or fitness classes, walking tours, and group classes.

Invitations

Formal invitations are not necessary for a bachelorette party. An email or text with the logistics and general information is usually sufficient. However, once the key details are confirmed, it is a good idea to send out official invitations to build excitement.

Decorations and Favours

Decorations and favours, such as matching t-shirts, banners, customised cups, photo props, and hangover recovery kits, can add a fun touch to the party. These can be purchased two months before the event.

Itinerary

About a month before the party, it is a good idea to confirm and share the final itinerary with all attendees. This should include information such as the address of the accommodation, transportation details, and any specific items guests need to pack.

Thank You Notes

After the party, it is considerate to send thank-you notes to each attendee, expressing appreciation for their presence and any gifts they may have brought.

Bachelorette party themes

Bachelorette parties are a great opportunity to celebrate the bride-to-be and her upcoming marriage. Here are some fun and unique theme ideas to make the event memorable:

Disco Inferno

Get your groove on and travel back in time to the disco era. Think sequins, disco balls, and funky music. Ask everyone to dress up in disco attire, complete with big hair and platform shoes. You can even have a disco-themed karaoke night, where everyone belts out classic tunes.

Country Music and Cowboy Boots

Round up your bride squad and head to Nashville, the country music capital, for a boot-scootin' good time. Cowboy hats, denim, and line dancing will set the tone for this theme. Tour the Grand Ole Opry, stroll down Broadway, and indulge in some delicious Tennessee barbecue. It's a perfect blend of music, food, and fun.

Under the Sea

Set sail on the open sea for a unique bachelorette experience. Rent a boat or yacht, bring your swimsuits and sun-kissed smiles, and create lasting memories. Don't forget to pack some drinks and snacks to keep the party going. This theme is an excellent option for a destination bachelorette party in a coastal city.

Artful and Sassy

Get creative and a little cheeky with an art-themed bachelorette party. The Artful Bachelorette offers a live drawing class with a twist, providing a classy yet sassy experience. It's a fantastic way to celebrate the bride-to-be while embracing your artistic side.

Glamping Adventure

Escape to the great outdoors for a glamorous camping trip. Glamping offers the perfect blend of nature and luxury. Cozy up in decked-out tents, roast marshmallows by the campfire, and create unforgettable memories under the stars. This theme is ideal for the bride squad that wants to connect with nature without sacrificing comfort.

Barbie World

With the new Barbie movie coming out, why not embrace the Barbiecore trend? Host a Barbie-themed bachelorette bash, with pink decorations, and encourage everyone to dress up in Barbie-inspired outfits. You can even plan a Barbie-themed pool party, complete with floaties and boozy Popsicles.

These themes will surely make the bachelorette party a fun and memorable experience for the bride-to-be and her bridesmaids. Feel free to customize and add your personal touches to make the event extra special!

What to bring

If you're the host of a bachelorette party, you'll be responsible for bringing several items in addition to your personal belongings. Here's a list of what to bring to ensure a fun-filled celebration:

• Bachelorette favours: These can include items such as decorative banners, customised drink cups, photo props, and hangover recovery kits.
• Bachelorette decor: Decorations can include balloons, banners, and other themed items that match the party's theme and create a festive atmosphere.
• A gift or surprise for the bride: Something thoughtful and personalised, like a gift card for a spa treatment or a special piece of jewellery, will make the bride feel extra special.
• Special outfits: Confirm with the host if there is a specific dress code or theme for the party. It is usually taboo to wear white, which is reserved for the bride, but there are plenty of other cute bachelorette outfit options to choose from.
• Games and activities: Bachelorette parties often involve fun games and activities such as dance classes, yoga retreats, or a private chef experience. Bringing along some games or planning activities will ensure that the party is entertaining and memorable.
• Food and drinks: Depending on the type of party, you may want to bring snacks, drinks, or even a special cake or cupcakes to celebrate the occasion.

It's also a good idea to bring items that will help capture the memories of the bachelorette party, such as a polaroid camera or disposable cameras for everyone to use. Additionally, don't forget to bring your positive attitude and excitement to celebrate the bride-to-be!

When to host

It is also important to consider the couple's engagement length when planning a bachelorette party. If the couple is getting married in less than a year, the party will need to take place sooner. Similarly, if you are planning a destination bachelorette party, it is best to start planning early to allow for travel arrangements and to find a date that works for everyone.

The host should also be mindful of the final few weeks before the wedding, as this is usually a busy and stressful time for the couple. Therefore, it is advised to avoid hosting the bachelorette party less than a month before the wedding. It is also not recommended to host the party the night before the wedding, as this may not be the best way for the bride to spend the last night before her wedding.

In terms of the day of the week, bachelorette parties often take place over the weekend, with arrivals on Thursday or Friday and departures on Sunday. This gives the bridal party a chance to relax and unwind before the wedding without taking too much time off work.

Overall, the key considerations for when to host a bachelorette party are the timing in relation to the wedding, the availability of the bridal party and the type of party you are planning, whether it is a local gathering or a destination getaway.

Frequently asked questions