Cheers to The Bride-to-Be: 12 Fun and Creative Bachelorette Party Themes
Excited for your friend’s upcoming wedding? It's time to have fun and let loose before the big day with a bachelorette bash.
Whether it’s a girl’s night out or a luxury weekend getaway, we have 12 unique bachelorette party themes.
This article will give you ideas on how to arrange a memorable send-off for the bride-to-be. You’ll also discover the advantages of a joint bachelor-bachelorette party.
What are Bachelorette Themes?
A bachelorette or a bridal party is a pre-wedding festivity for the bride-to-be and her closest friends. Bachelorette shower themes include:
- A spa day with the bridal party
- A pool party
- A weekend getaway at a beach or mountain resort
- Activities like cooking or wine tasting class
- A pajama or slumber party
- A sports game or outdoor adventure
- A glamour-themed party with makeovers and photoshoots.
Some brides might choose a theme based on their interests or hobbies, such as a music festival, a Broadway show, or a craft night.
Ultimately, the themes for bachelorette party ideas are up to the bride and her bridesmaids to decide, and can be as simple or elaborate as they wish. The whole event aims to create a chance for the bride and her friends to bond and celebrate their friendship before the new phase of married life begins.
Can We Have A Joint Bachelor-Bachelorette Party?
Absolutely! The more, the merrier.
A joint bachelor and bachelorette party combines the traditional bachelor and bachelorette gathering into one event. This type of celebration is often organized by the bride and groom, or by their friends and family, as a way to celebrate their upcoming wedding together.
It involves activities and games suitable for both genders. The most common examples are:
- Group outings to a sports game or a concert
- A shared cocktail party
- A trip to an exciting destination
This type of party is becoming increasingly popular as a more cost-effective way to celebrate the couple’s last days of being single together. These inclusive-themed bachelorette parties provide an opportunity for everyone to create lasting memories before the big day.
How Do You Pick A Bachelorette Party Theme?
Set your budget, guest list, and venue. Then, follow these steps to brainstorm bachelorette theme ideas:
- Consider the bride’s (and groom’s, if that’s a joint party) personal interests and preferences. Involve her in the decision-making process and get her input on what she likes.
- In addition to their input, take into account their personality, hobbies, and interests to create a sense of surprise.
- Once you have a few ideas, evaluate them based on the budget, guest list, and venue. Eliminate any themes that don’t fit these criteria.
- Choose a theme that’s fun, unique, and reflective of the couple’s personal style.
Don’t forget to specify any details, such as decorations, activities, guests’ dresses, and party favors, that will enhance the theme and make the event memorable.
Who Normally Pays For The Bachelorette Party?
Traditionally, the cost of a bachelorette party is shared among the bride tribe, including the maid of honor and bridesmaids.
However, it’s becoming more common for the bride to shoulder some or all of the expenses, especially if she prefers a more extravagant celebration. But ideally, she and her bridal party must hold an open discussion to come up with a fair and feasible plan for everyone involved
In some cases, the bridal party may decide to chip in and contribute to the cost of the party as a group gift to the bride.
12 Of The Most Fun Bachelorette Party Themes We Heard Of
At One Stop Bride Shop, most of our clients are brides-to-be. We often hear their creative ideas while helping the organizers source all the materials for the reception.
Trips to exotic destinations or gambling sprees in Vegas sound like wild ideas, right? Well, we’re surprised to learn that many newlyweds opt for a unique and more personal experience with their friends instead.
Here are some of our favorite bachelorette party themes from them so far:
1. A night out at a trendy bar or club
If your crew gets losse on the dancefloor and you haven’t done that lately – go for it!
Dance, Drink, and socialize while wearing veils, badges, or any other accessories that will mark the event. For more adventurous groups, consider a bar or club crawl (just be sure to keep an eye on wait times to maximize your party time!)
2. Spa day with the bridal party
It’s nourishing for the bride and her bridesmaids to spend a day at a spa and enjoy massages, facials, manicures, and pedicures.
While the girls enjoy getting their beauty treatment, the groomsmen take advantage of the spa facilities and relax in the sauna or pool
3. A bachelorette weekend getaway at a beach or mountain resort
These types of getaways can provide a fun and relaxing setting for the group to spend time together and enjoy each other's company.
It will also allow you to get away from the stresses of everyday life and focus on the celebration. Take it a step further with a nautical-themed party where you can dress up in sailor hats and have a blast in a “sail before the veil” adventure.
4. A Timeless TV-show-themed party
Choose a TV show popular among the guests or that the bride loves. This also needs to be one that has a clear theme or setting that can be incorporated into the party. It inspired which will provide a basis for the decorations, activities, and games.
Be sure to consider the interests and preferences of the guests when making these decisions. Communicate with them in advance ensuring everyone everyone enjoys the evening.
5. A Pajama Party or Slumber Party
It’s a sleepover-style party, either at a friend's house, rented cabin, vacation home, or hotel. You can watch movies and play games.
Party decorations for slumber parties might include fairy lights, cozy blankets, pillows, and fun signage. Food and drinks can be a mix of classic sleepover snacks, such as popcorn and soda, as well as more adult fare, such as cocktails and finger foods.
Tip: If you’re the bride-to-be, you can give your friends a personalized pair of pajamas as an early wedding favor.
6. Sports game or outdoor adventure
It’s a great way to celebrate the soon-to-be newlywed’s love for outdoor spaces and engaging activities. So many experiences can be entertained, depending on your friends' location and preferences.
Common ideas for an outdoor adventure bachelorette party include:
- Hiking or backpacking in a beautiful natural setting, such as a national park or forest. White water rafting or kayaking on a nearby river.
- Rock climbing or rappelling at an indoor climbing gym or outdoor rock climbing area.
- Zip lining through a scenic area.
- Horseback riding on a nearby trail in your cowboy hats
- A camping trip to a nearby campsite, where the group can enjoy campfire meals and s'mores.
- A day of fishing or boating on a nearby lake or ocean.
In addition to these activities, the party can also include fun outdoor games and challenges, such as a scavenger hunt or orienteering course. It is important to plan ahead and ensure that the group has the necessary equipment and safety gear for the planned activities.
7. Glamour-themed party with makeovers and photoshoots
A salon or beauty studio, a rented event space, or even a friend's home can be the perfect venue for this. Plan out the details of the makeovers and photo shoots, including the treatments, services, event schedule, and props.
Tip: For your convenience, you can hire makeup artists, hair stylists, or photographers.
Add some glitter and glamour with oversized letters spelling out the bride-to-be’s name, fancy lighting, and a cocktail menu inspired by famous glamour icons. Serve snacks and desserts on silver platters or in elegant glassware to complete the theme.
8. A Music Festival or Concert
This theme is a no-brainer if the couple’s favorite singer or band has a tour this year! If the budget allows, you can follow the tour on a few concerts in a row, partying to the same songs every second night while touring a new city the next day.
9. A Craft Night or DIY Project
This is one of the most fun bachelorette party themes if you are all crafty and if you want to produce handmade favors for your friends' wedding. It will save so much time and money, and bring joy to every wedding guest. Bracelets, macramé, pottery, mosaic, wax, or bath products, the list is endless.
Choose a craft or DIY project that is fun and accessible for all of the guests. Make sure to provide the necessary materials and instructions. You can also consider hiring a professional to help lead the craft activities if you're not confident in your own abilities.
10. A Cocktail Making or Mixology Class
Look for a venue and hire a professional to teach your crew how to mix and make a variety of cocktail Provide the necessary ingredients and equipment for the class, including alcohol, mixers, glasses, shakers, strainers, and other cocktail-making tools. In addition, consider providing light snacks or appetizers like cheese and crackers, vegetable crudités, or fruit and dip.
Have a designated driver or arrange transportation for guests drinking alcohol during the class. This will ensure that everyone gets home safely.
11. An Astrology Weekend
Imagine a quiet getaway in a cabin where you will use books and formulas to foresee each other's love fortunes. Use a projector and screen to decipher the natal charts together.
A set of notebooks and pens for each of your friends is a perfect souvenir of this spectacular getaway. Some might want to take notes of their readings. Don’t forget a set of tarot cards, or book a fortune-teller to be your guest.
12. A Scavenger Hunt or Treasure Hunt
This can be a fun and exciting idea for a joint bachelor-bachelorette party because you need to form two teams.
First, decide on a location for the scavenger hunt. This could be a park, a mall, or even a downtown area with interesting shops and landmarks. The location should be large enough to provide a variety of challenges and obstacles for the hunt.
Create a list of items tailored to the couple’s interests, and divide guests into teams to find the items within a set amount of time. Add challenges and obstacles for the teams to overcome, such as taking a selfie with a stranger or performing a dance in public. The team that finds the most items within the allotted time wins a prize.
These are just a few bachelorette party themes our clients have shared with us.
Every theme is special and provides a creative way to commemorate the bride-to-be’s (or the couple’s) singledom.
If you wish to elevate the experience and delight all present, then make sure to include bachelorette party favors! Feel free to explore our collection, and buy the ones that perfectly match your theme.