subject: Inexpensive Bachelorette and Bachelor Parties [print this page] Bachelorette and bachelor parties are a great way for the bride and groom to individually celebrate their upcoming wedding with friends and family. Although most people think that the ideal bachelorette/bachelor party has to be something lavish and over the top, there are plenty of ways to celebrate without going over budget.
Instead of traveling to a different city for the party, gather your friends and plan for a night out in your town! One of the most popular local bachelorette party ideas is going to dinner with the girls, followed by drinks at your favorite bar. This gives the bride the opportunity to have fun with her friends while being able to socialize with the nightlife crowd. Another idea for a financially conscious party is staying at a hotel in your area. Everyone could lay out by the pool during the day, relax with some spa treatment, and enjoy a fun-filled lunch together. Although these ideas might seem expensive, having everyone in the bridal party split a portion of the cost is a fair and smart way to save money in the long run.
Another creative way to celebrate the bride-to-be is having a potluck dinner party at one of the bridesmaids homes. All the guests would bring one of the bride's favorite dishes, along with a bachelorette-themed game to play. For example, make everyone the bride's drink of choice and whenever someone says the word "wedding", make them take a sip! This is a great way to spend quality time with the girls and give the bride a night she will never forget.
Men are usually prone to automatically think of strippers when it comes to throwing a bachelor party, but there are several other ways to throw the groom an unforgettable celebration. If the guy is into sports, try to plan the party around his favorite sporting event. Is his favorite football team playing the weekend of the party? Start with tailgating, surprise him with great seats, and organize for his name to pop up on the scoreboard during half time!
If the groom isn't into sports, center his bachelor party around his interests. All the guys could get together and go fishing, golfing, skydiving, or wine tasting. Another great idea for a bachelor party is taking a guys-only road trip to the destination of the groom's choice. Travel to the nearest beach, casino, or camping site! Find a unique hotel nearby and spend the night reminiscing about "the good old days."
Whatever you decide for the bachelorette or bachelor parties, make sure it is designed with your bride or groom in mind. Remember that it is not important how much money you spend on the party, but that your friend has a memorable time and has fun no matter what you do.
By Emily Kantrowitz, Assistant Wedding & Event Planner
