Alternative Bachelorette Party Ideas

Bachelorette parties don’t have to be all about night clubs, tequila shots, and embarrassing hats. For some brides-to-be the perfect “last night out” may be as simple as a quiet dinner with close friends or a spa party for some last minute pampering before the big day.

Here's are some ideas for planning an alternative to the traditional bachelorette party:

• Timing: One of the most difficult parts about planning a bachelorette party is finding the best date to have the party. It's a challenge to make sure the bride and all of her bridesmaids are available on the same day. Make the other bridesmaids feel involved by making sure they can come rather than just picking what works for you or the bride.

• Activities: There are tons of creative ideas for an alternative bachelorette party. For example, host a cooking party for which you hire a personal chef to come teach the girls how to make a certain meal. Keep the wine free-flowing and enjoy a delicious meal with great company. Another option is to contact your local spa to see if they'll work something out for your party after-hours. Bring some champagne as well as cheese and crackers and leave the bachelorette party relaxed (now that would be a first!). If you're thinking of a weekend away to celebrate a bachelorette, consider a vineyard, yoga retreat, or big city shopping trip!

• Invitations: Once you've narrowed down your bachelorette party activity, chose a themed bachelorette party invite to reflect that theme. Customize the invite with a picture of the bride to add a personal touch!

• Special Touches: Once you decide on a restaurant or venue for the bachelorette party, see if you can work in a few special touches to make the evening memorable for the bride-to-be. For example, maybe the restaurant can make a special drink just for your party. Also, you can almost always bring in your own cake if you want something special for dessert. Inquire about whether you can bring it in earlier in the day or what they're process is for that type of thing. And what better way to make the bride feel special than by riding in style with a limo!