Allen Tsai
We can all agree that a bachelorette party should make a bride-to-be feel loved and celebrated before her wedding day, but figuring out what kind of party to throw can be a challenge. Whether you’re keeping the festivities small or celebrating with a large group of friends, it can be difficult to pin down plans there all will love.
With the wedding countdown underway, you’ll want to take one less thing off your (or your maid of honor’s) to-do list before you walk down the aisle. That’s why we’ve shared 12 of our favorite bachelor party ideas. They’ll make it easier to design a pre-wedding party that’s right for you—and they’re all a ton of fun. Ahead, you can discover ideas ranging from flower arranging classes to slumber parties that guarantee an unforgettable time with your inner circle.
Related: Your bachelorette party etiquette questions, answered
Plan a Getaway
Hoping to plan a destination bachelorette party? It doesn’t matter if you choose a nearby city or a trip abroad – this bachelor party idea allows you to enjoy new sights with your closest friends. To encourage bridal party bonding, choose accommodations that allow you to live together. Try a smart city hotel (rooftop pool, please!) or a charming bed and breakfast in the countryside – or go for an AirBnb house rental in a stag-friendly city if you have a larger group.
Have a Slumber Party
If you’d rather stay close to home for the bachelor party festivities, plan a slumber party with your closest friends. Put on your favorite movies (may we suggest one of these wedding movies?), pack a playlist of high school hits, and enjoy the excitement of the big day countdown. This is also the perfect way to relax and unwind together – and of course it gives you a good reason to relax in matching pyjamas!
Plan a pool party
If you’re having a summer bachelor party, take things poolside. Reserve time at a local pool—city hotels often offer daily rates—or rent an Airbnb with a next-level watering hole; pack it with floats, balloons and everything in between to host the season’s celebration.
Pack a picnic
A bachelor party is all about quality time. To make this even more of a priority, skip the fancy restaurant reservations or wine tasting tour and plan a casual picnic with all the bride’s favorite snacks and drinks. Make sure you really set the stage: hire a few rugs, a low table and poufs for comfort, dress the table with smooth runners and bud vases for aesthetics, and play a few fun outdoor games (think croquet or cornhole) at ready for a drunken, festive afternoon.
Host a garden party
Is the bride-to-be planning a garden wedding? If so, pay tribute to her future nuptials by holding her bachelorette party in a lush oasis, whether it’s a friend’s manicured backyard or a local botanical garden. She will enjoy the beauty of green plants and fragrant flowers while sipping refreshing champagne with the people who love her the most. Complete the al fresco scene with plenty of fresh dishes in season – and consider having a gardener or local botanist give the group a lesson in flower identification or edible plants for good measure.
Take a flower arranging course
Speaking of flowers: If she spends her Saturday mornings chatting with farmers market florists and admiring their flowers, there’s a good chance she’ll appreciate this bachelorette party idea. Before the big day, gather all her loved ones to take a flower arranging course. There’s also a fun wedding tie-in: the wedding party will have a chance to become bouquet-making pros (but please leave the big arrangements to the experts!).
Go to a winery
A vineyard doesn’t just offer a stunning view – it’s also a chance for the vino-loving bride to put her palate to the test. Plus, this bachelorette party idea can also help the woman of the day decide on a few signature wines (and get advice on appropriate food pairings).
Plan a lake party
There’s nothing like spending time outdoors, so go ahead and plan a bachelor party on one of Mother Nature’s wonders – a lake. Reserve a spot at a local venue with a hot season brew for some bachelorette fun under the sun. We love this setup, complete with a striped awning for shade, oversized balloons, and plenty of chic, comfortable furniture for lounging.
Brewery Hop
Is the bride more of a beer fan? If so, consider exploring a few craft breweries in your area to try a few flights. Bonus points if you create a leaderboard so all participants can track their favorites. The winning beer is the one she and her husband-to-be serve during cocktail hour—now that’s what we call multitasking.
Get started
Grab your hen party squad and get started. Whether she’s a fan of yoga, cycling or hiking, plan her pre-wedding party around the fitness activity that energizes her body and calms her mind – which should be a top priority in the often stressful days leading up to the wedding. Regardless of the activity, this opportunity is a fun way for everyone to participate and get their blood pumping.
Go on a road trip
There’s one thing we know for sure: This bachelorette party idea is one of the most memorable on our list. A cross-country (or even cross-state!) road trip is best for small groups so everyone can get in the same car and experience every second of the journey together. Make the most of every pit stop: Explore the bride’s favorite cities and landmarks, introduce her to new ones, and cherish every memory you make along the way.
