Here Comes the Bachelorette

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Bachelorette parties are one of those milestone celebrations in a woman's life. It's a time to remember and cherish; one last night out with the girl's before becoming a "Mrs."

But there are so many of the bachelorette cliches. From male strippers to penis paraphernalia, it truly is amazing what a Google search of "bachelorette party" will unearth. Is a pole dancing class my idea of a fun night out on the town? Do I really want strange men eating candy necklace pieces off of me or worse? Not so much. 

That's not to say I wouldn't mind throwing a few martinis back with my bestests, but I think there's a level of class that should be maintained, and I also think that some of the tired themes can be done away with or remade anew.

Throw a bachelorette party that's tasteful in more ways than one

with this super cute and colorful cake!

Source: Cake Central

Bachelorette Party, Prep School Style

For example, I stumbled across one creative and fun idea on the MyRecipes blog, a Bachelorette Bar Golf Classic. Suddenly that sweater vest you thought you'd never wear again may be a cute addition to an argyle ensemble. The bachelorette party featured on the post included a dinner of fish and chips complete with frosty mugs at an Irish pub followed by a night out on the town. 

This bride scored better than par when her friend threw a 

golf-themed bachelorette party for her!

Photo Source: MyRecipes.com Blog

Red Carpet Not Included

Is going to a bar not your idea of a fun night with the girls? What about a dinner and dessert crawl? Sample several restaurants by choosing one for appetizers, one for dinner (or more appetizers) and then another for dessert. You'll get to sample a range of tasty entrees all in one eclectic evening! Dress it up and ride in style with a stretch limosine as your transportation for the evening. Be sure to have a toast of bubbly to the bride-to-be en route! Give her a tiara to wear and she'll really feel like queen for the evening. 

This bubble-gum pink bachelorette crown by Gabriela Delworth 

is a fun royal accessory for the bride-to-be.

Photo Source: Gabriela Delworth

Get Away Before Going to the Chapel

Or, why not make a weekend of it? Round up your closest gal pals for a road trip to a fun destination. Whether you pack up and head to the beach for a weekend in the sun, the mountains for a camping and hiking wilderness trip or to the city for shopping and wining and dining. Or, if you and you're friends have money in the cash cow, hop a plane or train to a destination of your choice. If I suddenly hit the lottery tomorrow, I think the ladies and I would be headed to California for a weekend of wine country. 

For more road trip inspiration, check out Roadside America, a site that has a cross-country list of wild and wacky road side attractions that will make for an unforgettable weekend trip.

A destination is optional and a car full of friends is a must for 

a pre-wedding girls getaway!

Photo Source: www.RawStyle.com 

Jack and Jill: A Co-Ed Option

Many couples today are opting to do a "Jack and Jill" party over the more traditional and separate bachelor and bachelorette parties. Essentially the idea is that the wed-to-be couple invites friends and family to a joint party where members of both sexes are invited. Obviously the activities will need to be ones that satisfy the interests of both groups if you go this route, so don't plan to offer spa activities or a cigar tasting unless this is something that all of your friends like to do. A Jack and Jill party may be a money-saving option for some, and it's also a good solution if you and your future hubby have a small close group of the same friends who may want to celebrate together. Pick a fun theme like Greek gods and goddesses so that your friends can don old-school style togas with wreaths of leaves and enjoy wine and tasty Mediterranean finger food. The bride, of course, will enjoy being the celebrated Goddess of Love for the evening! 

Go Greek goddess Mama Mia-style for a fun party theme. 

Photo Source: About.com 

If you're still stumped, The Everything Bachelorette Party Book is like the Bible of bachelorette party planning, so it may be wise to invest in a copy if you anticipate being a repeat maid-of-honor or designated party planner. 

Or, to know what not to do, read The Bachelorette Party by Karen McCullah Lutz (co-author of the screenplay for How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days). It's a fun read of a seemingly tame bachelorette party gone wrong. Whether you're already hitched, getting married in 10 months or 10 years, it's a book that every girl will enjoy.