There are plenty of pre-wedding festivities to enjoy before the big day. While the bridal shower can be a blast—after all, who doesn’t like receiving gifts!—the most fun you’ll probably have is at the bachelorette party. It’s the perfect time to reconnect with your bridal party without all of the stress of wedding planning. And for many, it’s becoming more than a one-night event. Instead, many are deciding to turn the bachelorette into a weekend away, so everyone gets plenty of quality time with one another before that big walk down the aisle.
How to find the best place for your bachelorette party
Deciding where to have your bachelorette party really depends on a number of factors. Before you make any set plans, be sure to take the following into consideration:
Budget
How much you—and your wedding party—want to spend on the event will determine where you go. Obviously, traveling to another location, which involves airfare, hotel rooms, meals out, etc., will mean spending more money. Remember that everyone's finances are different, so don't pressure anyone to get into debt to attend. Instead, try to find something fun that everyone can afford.
Activities
How do you envision yourself spending your bachelorette party: Do you want to dance and drink with your friends, or are you looking for something more relaxing? Are you a nature lover who wants to explore the outdoors, or would you rather tour through museums and shop? There's no point in going to a destination with a thriving party scene if you'd prefer to be in bed by 9pm every night (not that there's anything wrong with that!).
Time
How much time you have for your bachelorette party will also play a part in where you go. If most of the members of your bridal party can only get away for a few days, then it's best to pick a locale that is only a few hours away so you don't spend most of your weekend on a plane or in the car.
What is a good budget for a bachelorette party?
There is no exact budget for a bachelorette party—it truly depends on how much you and your bridal party can afford. Keep in mind that everyone’s finances are different, so if you want to make sure all of your bridesmaids can attend, then you should all have an honest discussion about how much you’re each willing to spend on this event. If you want to travel and money is tight for some, a good option is an all-inclusive resort. This way, you can just pay for travel expenses and the hotel, but don’t need to lay out any cash for food and drinks.
Best places for a bachelorette party
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Your wedding party can relax on the beautiful beaches or show off their adventurous side by taking a tour through the Sea of Cortés, named by Jacques Cousteau the “Aquarium of the World.” There’s also plenty of spas, shopping and nightlife to be enjoyed throughout the city.
Napa Valley, California
Wine lovers will be thrilled to take a tour through some of the area’s most famous wineries. In fact, you can visit them via the Napa Valley Wine Train, on party bus, while on a hike or (yes) even while biking. There's also plenty of great eateries, as well as other activities including hot air balloon rides over the vineyards.
Herradura, Costa Rica
Perfect for nature enthusiasts, you can explore the waterfalls in the forests of Jacó, hike the trails at Carara National Park, and swim in the area’s tranquil waters. Herradura doesn’t have much in the way of nightlife, so this trip is best for the bridal party that wants to chill out in the evenings.
Tulum, Mexico
This laid-back region of the Riviera Maya boasts beautiful beaches as well as plenty of Mayan ruins to visit, including El Castillo, the Temple of the Frescoes, and the Temple of the Descending God. You can also explore an underground river or snorkel inside caves in the middle of a forest.
Asheville, North Carolina
There’s simply no shortage of things to do in Asheville. From tours through historical (or allegedly haunted!) sites and nature walks to a thriving art and music scene, there really is something for everyone in your party to enjoy while there.
Amelia Island, Florida
When rest and relaxation is the main goal of a trip, look no further than Amelia Island. There are pristine beaches, natural wildlife to explore, spas for pampering and plenty of restaurants to satisfy the foodies in your group.
Las Vegas
Of course, you can’t have a rundown of bachelorette destinations without mentioning Vegas. Gamble, take in a show, dance the night away at a club-and then relax the next morning at the pool.
Unique Bachelorette Party Destinations
Anchorage, Alaska
Before you say no way, just hear us out! Alaska’s largest city has a lot to offer year-round. Take a glacier and wildlife cruise, go dog sledding, paddle, kayak or canoe through serene Eklutna Lake or try to spot some wildlife! There’s also a vibrant nightlife and plenty of spas for pampering from all of that outdoor fun.
Big Sky, Montana
Located in the Rocky Mountains of southern Montana, Big Sky boasts ski and downhill mountain-bike trails, nearby Yellowstone National Park, with wildlife, hot springs and gushing geysers, the Gallatin River and Ousel Falls Park, which has a waterfall, picnic areas and viewpoints. There’s not a ton of nightlife, but if you like the local bar scene you’ll be all good.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
A tropical paradise that you don't need your passport to visit! San Juan is home to gorgeous beaches, historic beauty, plenty of shopping, great food and a thriving nightlife. Even better: The weather is close to perfect year-round.
Mamanuca Islands, Fiji
You'll feel like you've gone to heaven in this gorgeous locale, where you can of course relax by the beach but can also show off your adventurous side with activities including a scenic helicopter tour, a hike to hidden beaches or even skydiving over the islands.
Kathu, Phuket, Thailand
Kathu is the smallest of the 3 districts that make up Phuket. Your party can visit Kathu Waterfall or the local zipline adventure park, as well as shop for local items at the fresh markets in the main village. There are also Buddhist monasteries in Kathu open to visitors.
London, England
After you've finished taking in all the royal sites, have dinner under a dome at the Coppa Club. The establishment offers one of the best views in the UK: overlooking the River Thames and Tower Bridge. And some of the domes are set up like "little lounges," with music playing while you enjoy some cocktails with your best gal pals.
Things you should consider when planning your bachelorette party
Decorations
It’s always fun to arrange for some decorations on the bachelorette trip. Request that the hotel decorate the bride’s room with some balloons and streamers. You can add to the party atmosphere with:
Personalized cups. Bring along some plastic cups for everyone in the bridal party that you can raise a glass with at the party.
Heart-shaped sunglasses. Make a statement by the pool with a pair of cute sunglasses for everyone—making for some truly Insta-worthy photos!
Tiara. Let the bride stand out with her very own tiara. After all, every woman deserves to be queen for a day!
Custom fan face. Really wow the bride-to-be with a custom fan face featuring her future spouse!
Bachelorette party games ideas
Why not pick a night where you can all play some fun bachelorette games? Here are some ideas:
Scavenger hunt. You can arrange for a scavenger hunt around the resort for just the bride, or you can see if the staff might be willing to plan it for you so that everyone can participate. Just have the last clue lead to the hotel bar so you can all meet up for a toast at the end!
Never have I ever. This is a great ice-breaker game if not everyone in the wedding party knows one another. Just keep in mind that not everyone might into raunchy topics, so keep it (mostly) clean.
Gift exchange. Have each guest bring a small gift to the bachelorette party. It can be a gag gift or something more meaningful. During the event, the bride can open each one and then try to figure out who it’s from.
Groom trivia. Before the event, the attendees should come up with a list of questions that the groom will answer in advance. On the night of the bachelorette party, the girls can take turns asking the brides the questions to see how well she knows her husband to be. You can find ways to make it more interesting, like for each one she gets wrong, she has to take a shot or perform a dare.
Photo challenge. Come up with a list of challenges that the bride will have to complete—and photograph—during the bach party.
Need more help planning this type of event? Discover How to Plan The Ultimate Non-Traditional Bachelorette Party