You Just Got Engaged, Now What? How to Plan the Perfect Bachelorette Party!
Congratulations on your engagement, babe! Now that you’ve settled back into reality, that ring is starting to feel a little more familiar on your finger, it's time to start planning that journey to your happily ever after. And in my opinion the happiest part of that journey is the bachelorette party! Now what could I possibly know about what steps to take next? I, just like you, just got engaged a few weeks ago in Lake Como, Italy!! I still feel like I’m in a dream and can still feel that exact heart flutter of when my fiance’s hand reached in his pocket and pulled out that little red box.
So yes, I’m in the same boat but I also own Bach Babes, a bachelorette party planning company in Nashville, Austin, and Charleston! I’ve planned over 1500 bachelorette parties for brides over the past 3 years, so you could say i’ve learned a thing or two. From learning how to make it custom to any bride’s needs, how to stretch a dollar if you’re balling on a budget or how to go over the top if you’re ready to splurge, i’ve truly seen it all! I’ve also had to help plenty of groups have tough conversations when decisions need to be made within a big group. So I’m with you, but I’m also here for you!
Before you say "I do," there's one pre-wedding celebration you simply can't miss—the bachelorette party! Get ready to unleash your inner party planner extraordinaire (or just hire us ;) ) and embark on a journey filled with laughter, friendship, and unforgettable memories. Whether you're dreaming of the vibrant streets of Nashville, the eclectic feel of Austin, the charming beauty of Charleston, or you want to choose somewhere totally different, Bach Babes is here to be your ultimate guide. Now let’s get into the details of what comes next!
Step 1: Pick Your Wedding Date and Tackle the Big Tasks
The first step in planning your bachelorette party, doesn’t really have to do with the bach party at all - pick your wedding date! I’m one week into being engaged and the stress of the venue decisions, the wedding date, who, what, when, where, why of the big day is making the thought of planning my bachelorette party any time soon laughable. So once you have a clear idea of when the big day will be, it's time to tackle the major tasks and relieve some of that pre-wedding stress. Start by finalizing important wedding details like the venue, guest list, and any other crucial elements that require your attention. By addressing these big-ticket items first, you'll create a timeline that allows you to work backward and determine the ideal timing for your bachelorette party, which we find is usually around 3-4 months before the wedding!
Step 2: Gather Your Tribe and Appoint a Maid of Honor
A bachelorette party is all about celebrating with your nearest and dearest. Reach out to your closest friends and let them know that you want them to be a part of your unforgettable bachelorette weekend. Consider this step as a mini "Will you be my bridesmaid?" moment. Bonus points if you find your Maid of Honor during this stage, as they'll play a crucial role in assisting you throughout the planning process. We find that while it’s difficult to narrow it down, groups with a smaller number of guests tend to have a better time, be more organized, and feel more intimate. The average number of people at a bachelorette party is around 10-12! But you do you boo, it’s your weekend!
Step 3: Choose Your Dream Destination
Is the live music of Broadway and party bus dance floor calling your name? Or does the idea of having more of a laid-back vacay on the banks of Sullivan’s Island feel more you? The destination is a key element in planning your bachelorette trip and really sets the tone for what your weekend will look like. Take some time to decide on the perfect location that suits your preferences and budget. Check out this video if you’re completely unsure of where you’re wanting to visit . Consider factors like accessibility, activities available, and the overall vibe you want for your bachelorette experience. Whether it's the lively streets of Nashville, the vibrant energy of Austin, or the charming allure of Charleston, the choice is yours! Pro tip: this could be debatable, but in my opinion, you can make any destination work on any budget if you’re creative. If you want to do Nashville on a budget, you can find an Airbnb a little more outside the city with pool, have a pool day one day (basically free), plan to do Broadway for an entire day (just pay for the drinks), spend a day walking around 12 South and the Gulch (buy what you want if you want to) and eat a lot of your meals at the Airbnb. I personally would love to do a bachelorette trip out of the country which seems like it would be majorly expensive, looking for Airbnb or lodging far in advance will help with the cost and scouring sites like Scott’s Cheap Flights, Google Flights, or Hopper to help find cheap flights for your besties.
Step 4: Start the Group Chat, Gauge Interest, and Budget
It’s going down in the group chat ;) Start a group message with all your invited girlies and let this be a place to chat about the plan for the weekend, outfits everyone is wearing, a place to introduce everyone if the group is from all walks of life, and generally just hype up the weekend! This also allows you to gauge interest and availability, as well as get a sense of everyone's budget. While discussing budgets in a group setting may not be comfy for everyone, assure your friends that they can reach out privately to provide their thoughts. Pro tip: once you’ve made a plan, itinerary, plan for outfits, etc. make a small graphic on canva that outlines things like the dates, the location of the trip, and super brief overview of what you’re doing each day and set it as the group message pic! That way when people are booking travel, buying outfits, or just generally curious you don’t get 65 texts about what the plan is!
Step 5: Start Booking, Planning, and Collecting Payments
Once you have a sense of who's interested and available, it's time to kickstart the booking and planning process. Start with the major details like securing accommodation, whether it's an Airbnb, hotel, or vacation rental. If you’re booking with us, make sure to check out our partners for discounts! Coordinate with the group to gather necessary information such as shirt sizes for custom shirts (if that’s your vibe) or any specific preferences for decorations and themes. This is where we come in!! Make sure to book Bach Babes to help plan, decorate, make goodie bags, etc. because you already have the stress of the wedding on your shoulders, let the bachelorette trip be something you are surprised by :) Begin collecting payments for shared expenses such as accommodation, decor, and other planned activities. Check out the app called SplitWise to help keep track of what everyone owes! As you plan your weekend, create a detailed itinerary to make sure everyone is aware of the schedule and what to expect during the weekend. In my experience, it’s best to not jam pack the weekend itinerary - this helps with budgeting but also keeps lots of room to account for hangovers, people sleeping in, girls getting ready, checking out fun sites as you see them, and makes for a lot less stressful time.
Step 6: Let Go of Planning Stress And Enjoy Your Party!
Bring out the Bach Babes team, pack your suitcase, the moment you've been waiting for has arrived—your bachelorette party! You and your Maid of Honor now have a responsibility to set the tone and create a positive atmosphere within the group. Remind everyone in the group message to let loose, have a blast, and leave the stress of planning behind. When you finally reach your bachelorette destination, embrace the moment and enjoy every minute of this special celebration. Get all the cute pics for the gram, order that bathing suit with the bow on the toosh just because you want to, and let the party be what it is - a time for joy, laughter, and making unforgettable memories with your besties.
In the end, remember that your bachelorette party is not just about the destination or the activities—it's about celebrating the incredible bond you share with your tribe. It's a time to let go of wedding stress, twerk on Broadway if you want to, and create memories that will forever be cherished. So, as you start on this exciting journey of bachelorette planning, always keep in mind that this should be the fun part of the wedding process. Remember I’m in this with you too so if you have any questions, message us on Instagram and I’ll try my best to help how I can! Cheers babe!
