If you have seen the movie Bridesmaids, then you may know that having a bachelorette party comes with a ton of pros and cons! From colonial women appearing on the plane to other catastrophes, there are so many concerns. However, there are amazing aspects of having a bachelorette party, like the quality time you’ll get with your friends and hopefully some relaxation.
The question remains: should you have a bachelorette party? This pre-wedding celebration has become a staple of modern weddings, but it’s not for everyone. Below, we will entertain the pros and cons of having a bachelorette party to help you make the best choice for you.
Why Bachelorette parties are awesome (and why you might want one)
If you’re on the fence about a bachelorette bash, consider these pros and weigh them against your individual needs, wants, and circumstances. Ultimately, whether or not you have a bachelorette party is a personal decision:
- Unforgettable Fun: Whether it’s a weekend getaway or just a crazy night out, it’s a chance to let loose with your besties and make memories you’ll laugh about forever.
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Girl Bonds: Strengthen your bond with your bridal party! This is dedicated time to reconnect, celebrate, and make your crew feel extra special.
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Pre-Wedding Chill: Planning getting stressful? A relaxing spa day or poolside hangout with your friends is the perfect antidote to a stressful wedding planning season.
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It’s YOUR Celebration: This is about marking this huge life change in a way that feels right to YOU. Want a wild adventure? Go for it! Prefer something low-key? That’s awesome, too. Do what makes you happy.
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Mark the Moment: You’re getting married! Surrounding yourself with loved ones for a special pre-wedding celebration adds to the excitement and joy of it all.
The Bottom Line: Ultimately, a bachelorette party is an opportunity to create an experience that’s uniquely yours, surrounded by the people you love most. If that sounds amazing, start planning!
The realistic side of Bachelorette parties: Things to consider
While bachelorette bashes can be amazing, it’s important to be aware of the potential downsides, too. Unfortunately, it’s not all glitter and Champagne:
- Cost: Bachelorettes are freakin’ expensive. The cost really adds up! Travel, activities, gifts – consider your own budget AND your friends’ financial situations.
- Time Crunch: If wedding planning is overwhelming, adding another event to plan might be too much. Don’t feel obligated to do it all if it’s not truly what your heart desires.
- It Won’t Be Everyone: Sadly, it’s likely that not all your bridesmaids will be able to make it due to work, family, or finances. This can be disappointing.
- Logistics: Who plans? Where do you go? Who pays for what? These decisions can lead to stress if everyone’s not on the same page.
- Pressure: If you’re not into the party-hard stereotype, a traditional bachelorette might feel uncomfortable and not fun.
- Not Just About You: Your bridesmaids might also be busy and short on funds. Having a Bachelorette party and requiring them to come/pay lots of money for it may get you several behind-the-back eye rolls. Especially if your wedding is already costing them a lot.
Bottom Line: A Bachelorette party should be FUN, not a source of stress or financial strain. There are alternatives, or you might decide to skip it entirely – and that’s perfectly okay!
Is a Bachelorette party right for YOU? Key Questions to ask
The pros and cons give you a starting point, but the best choice is the one that feels right. Consider these factors to make the best decision for you on whether or not to host a Bachelorette:
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What Kind of Fun?: A wild weekend or a cozy night in? Be honest about what YOU would actually enjoy.
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Budget Check: Can you AND your friends/fam afford the party you envision? Don’t create financial strain for anyone.
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Location Matters: Is your dream spot realistic for everyone to get to? Consider travel time/costs/logistics. For example, let’s say you want to host your Bachelorette in Nashville. Three people live in Cali, two in Wisconsin, and one in Florida. This may be an expensive and long flight for several of your guests.
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Is There Time?: Will it add to wedding planning stress, or will it be a welcome break? Be honest about your bandwidth and really self-reflect on what you need to do.
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Talk to Your Crew: Are they up for the activities/costs you’re thinking of? Get their input, not just assumptions.
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Stress vs. Joy: Will the party add excitement or more pressure? Your well-being comes first. Don’t push it.
Bottom Line: There’s NO wrong answer! Skip the bachelorette entirely, have a small one, or go all-out – the goal is a celebration that makes YOU happy.
Find your Bachelorette vibe! Popular ideas to consider:
Not sure what type of Bachelorette you’re looking to host? No worries, we got you. Pick which personality you are below and see what Bachelorette party makes the most sense for your vibe:
- For the Social Butterfly: A Weekend Getaway! Beach trip, city break, or a cozy cabin – it’s about quality time with your crew and really getting to spend as much time with them as possible.
- For the Party Queen: A Night on the Town! Maybe hit Nashville? Go to the hottest spots, dance the night away, and create unforgettable memories.
- For the Chill Bride: Relax and Rejuvenate! Spa day with your crew means pampering, good food, and much-needed downtime.
- For the Adventurer: Get outside! Go glamping (or real camping). Enjoy the beauty of nature, s’mores around a campfire, and maybe some wine?
- For the Creative Bride: A DIY workshop for jewelry making, pottery class, painting, etc. Combine relaxing with creating keepsakes of the experience.
- For the Retro Queen: Roller disco, vintage movie night, and a dress-up party inspired by your favorite era to bring the past to life.
- For the Athletic Gal: Hiking, rock climbing, kayaking – it’s about breaking a sweat with your gals by your side. Then don’t forget to celebrate after!
Remember: This is YOUR celebration! Want something even more unique? Let your imagination run wild. Cooking classes, wine tastings, themed parties – the possibilities are endless.
The bottom line on Bachelorette parties
Whether or not you should have a Bachelorette party is a personal decision that should be based on your individual needs, wants, and circumstances. Whether you go for a glamping trip or a one-night out on the town, pick something that you know you would love! If you’re on the fence, consider talking to your fiancé and bridal party to see what they think. If everyone is on board and you have the time and budget for it, go for it!
And don’t forget to co-create your future & protect your ass(ets) with a prenup today!
Nicole Sheehey is the Head of Legal Content at HelloPrenup, and an Illinois licensed attorney. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to prenuptial agreements. Nicole has Juris Doctor from John Marshall Law School. She has a deep understanding of the legal and financial implications of prenuptial agreements, and enjoys writing and collaborating with other attorneys on the nuances of the law. Nicole is passionate about helping couples locate the information they need when it comes to prenuptial agreements. You can reach Nicole here: [email protected]
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