A celebration of the bride’s passage from the status of a single lady … This marks the end of her solo-life and its associated ways and practices.
This is NOT a bridal shower, which is held before the bachelorette party. The bridal shower concentrates on being a wife and her possessions, creating a very fun but quiet affair. The Bachelorette party is much more excessive, celebrating unified freedom in an open, carefree way.
It is not uncommon for the ladies involved to even dress alike or include a theme in their garments for this night. The bride wearing costume tiara or a veil is a popular and fun idea which is often enjoyed for the occasion.
The term “Bachelorette Party” is relatively new, formerly known as a “Stagette” or “Hen Night”; this celebration has advanced into a glamorous girly night out.
Traditionally the Maid of Honour is responsible for organising the Bachelorette party with the help of the bridesmaids but any male or female friend or family member can organise it if they so wish.
A bride does not have to include this party in her celebrations if she doesn’t want to; it is a purely optional event both for her and her attendees. It is never hosted by her but she can participate in the planning and even contribute financially if she so wishes but it is a nice gesture to divide the cost among the attendees, giving this night as a gift to the bride.
PLANNING TIPS
Careful planning is essential to avoid misunderstandings and disappointment.
BUDGET
It is crucial that those who are invited know that there will be some financial contribution to the event, beforehand.
One person should handle the finances to keep things streamlined (usually the Maid of Honour but it can be someone else who volunteers).
Be sure to include the others in the planning so that they know and understand where their money is going, encouraging a feeling of unity and female bonding which is crucial to the success of the night. Decide on the type of party you would like then make a list of the essentials, to form the basis of your budget.
If it comes below expectations you can always add more content, alternatively if it proves to be more costly you can always trim back on monetary activities and include other fun things which can easily be enjoyed at less expense.
If there is money left over it can be divided equally or better still, given to the bride in the form of a gift of money or a bought item.
WHO TO INVITE
Traditionally a female affair, this party has seen an increasing number of brides choosing to include cherished male friends … But it remains, above all, a girl’s event.
Wedding parties where males and females fully attend are known as “Jack and Jill Parties” and can include fundraising, which harks back to a practice of ancient days.
Should I invite Mum and Mother-in-Law? This can be tricky because while you may have a great relationship with both, generally the bachelorette party works due to the fact that the attendees are around the same or similar age. You would have to adjust your activities to include the Mums and the organiser may feel restricted. Why not celebrate with them in the form of a nice dinner or show, which will be even more individual and special.
Generally the Bachelorette Party only includes ladies who are part of or invited to the wedding.
The flower girls and junior bridesmaid/s are excluded due to their tender ages.
WHEN
The bride will be experiencing a hectic schedule, plan carefully according to her itinerary. The bachelorette party is best held in the evening, to follow the Dinner Celebration from which it derived and adequately incorporate the glossy celebration of friendship which it stands for.
It is best planned for a time in good advance of the wedding, two weeks to a week before is satisfactory. Like the Bachelor Party it was once held the night before the wedding. This has proved to be unsuitable and stressful for both the bride and groom taking into account having to prepare for your wedding after a night of excess.
A hung over couple with dark circles under their eyes is not the desired memory of the day.
HOW MANY
This can range from as few as 3 to well over 100 depending on what type of celebration you will be having, how many bridesmaids you have and what is comfortably affordable for those involved. However due to the fun and games which accompany a bachelorette party it is often preferable to have a fairly good attendance level.
A comfortable amount for an indoor party on a tight budget is anywhere over 8 but under 15. If you are out on the town it can successfully be less.
If your finances allow, you can feel free to include as many as you feel is necessary to make things happen in a satisfactory manner.
ENTERTAINMENT
While the bachelorette party often involves many games and activities be mindful that they do not humiliate or endanger any of the participants. Keep it fun and safe.
You can include themes in your party, particularly if you know that the bride has a particular like or hobby.
Surf the web, you will find a vast variety of sites dedicated to themes and party ideas for the bachelorette party.
SAFETY
It is crucial that you celebrate safely. Be mindful that alcohol will very likely be consumed, be sure to eat so that the alcohol is not on an empty stomach and make certain that everyone has a safe ride home or arrange sleepovers.
