A Simple Bachelorette Party Checklist

A simple bachelorette party checklist for the Maid of Honor.

Nicole Duddy

Contributor

It’s the last hurrah before the bride ties the knot, so you might as well celebrate the future Mrs. with a proper bachelorette bash. When it comes to celebrating a bachelorette party, there are countless activities the Maid of Honor can plan for the group. Whether you choose a relaxing movie night in, a spa retreat, or a getaway in the city, the bachelorette party possibilities are endless.

After the engagement party and bridal shower there is one final festivity before the big day: the bachelorette party. For the maid of honors and members of the bridal party seeking planning inspiration, this article is for you. We’ve compiled trendy ideas, classic traditions, and other fun details into an all inclusive planning guide.

Keep reading for a simple bachelorette party checklist:

Bachelorette party checklist

Talk to the Bride

Unless this is a surprise bachelorette bash, you’re going to want to talk directly to the bride before making any plans. After all, it’s her day! Discuss with her the visions she has, the approximate guest list, theme ideas, food preferences, and any other special details.

Equally as important as the “dos” of the celebration are the “don’ts.” Talk with the bride to ensure that the party will be filled with everything she loves and nothing she doesn’t.

Choose a Theme

Every bachelorette party needs a theme that you’re going to want to carry over into the invitations, venue, decor, etc. Maybe it’s trendy disco, Bridgerton inspired, or Princess Diaries—The Bash has ideas for it all. Here are some of our favorite party themes that are perfect for a bachelorette celebration:

Select a Venue

Before you begin the search for a venue, it’s important to figure out what type of bachelorette party you want to host for the guest of honor, as well as the location. Every bride is different. Some people love to travel to Miami for drinks and dancing, while others enjoy a quiet and relaxing dinner party at home. Here are some of our top picks for a bachelorette party destination:

Speakeasy bar
Spa resort
Vineyard
Restaurant
Hotel
Casino
The Beach
Home
Boat
Rooftop
Airbnb

Make a Guest List

Once you’ve decided where the bride would like to go for her bachelorette party, it’s time to start planning the guest list. However, there are a few factors you might want to take into consideration before inviting everyone she knows.

You’ll need to think about the budget and whether you’ll be paying any overhead costs or if each guest will chip in. If you have a smaller budget but want to treat the bride’s friends, aim for a smaller guest list. If you have a larger budget to work with, you can invite all of her nearest and dearest without any worries.

The bachelorette party doesn’t only have to involve the immediate wedding party. It’s also an opportunity to invite loved ones and friends that aren’t bridesmaids or won’t be able to make it to the wedding. Once the guest list is made, it’s time to send out custom invitations and receive RSVPs.

Plan Rentals

Whether you decide to host the bachelorette bash in your own home or at a venue, you might want to enhance the space with a few details for extra fun. To do this, reach out to an event planner here on The Bash and book a few rentals for the party. Here are a couple of items to consider:

Photo booth
Chocolate fountain
Disco lighting
Signage
Glassware
Tables
Chairs

Find an Event Planner

Book Vendors

Choosing the appropriate vendors to enhance the bachelorette party will take the celebration to the next level. No matter what venue is decided, different vendors can add to the excitement for a special experience. When you're designing the bachelorette party dream team, here are some professionals you can call:

Plan Party Favors

Show your appreciation to the bride, the bridal party, and her other friends and family while adding a bit of fun into the mix—cute or funny party favors! These small gifts can come in handy during your festivities and are also mementos that guests can keep for years to come. Find these personalized items on various websites such as Etsy, Amazon, or if you love getting crafty, you can DIY them.

Bride sash
Veil
Robes
Beer koozies
Hangover kits
Matching shirts
Personalized Champagne flutes
Customized tote bags

Choose Food and Drinks

Now that you’ve decided on the venue, guest list, and party favors, you’ll need to think about what guests are going to eat and drink. Most venues might have food options available on-site, saving you time. Nevertheless, many venues might not provide those services, so you’ll have to source them yourself.

For convenience, you can hire a professional catering company to provide whatever kind of cuisine the bride desires. If your party is smaller or a catering company is out of your budget, you can always make the food items at home. Here are a handful of dishes and beverage options that you can easily whip up:

Charcuterie board
Pizza
Cake
Cupcakes
Pancakes
Sandwiches
Cocktails
Champagne
Wine

Finalize Decor

Like any other party, you’ll want to decorate the event space to represent the bride. In this case, it’s her last night out before the big wedding day and settling into married life, so you’re going to want to make it memorable. Here are some decor inspirations to brighten up any venue: