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.
The Pros of Having a Bachelorette Party
If you’re unsure about whether or not to have a bachelorette party, 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, but for many brides, it’s a great way to celebrate their upcoming wedding and create memories with their BFFs. Let’s start with the reasons why you should have a bachelorette party:
Fun and Memorable Experience
A bachelorette party is a fabulous way to create a fun and memorable experience with your bridal party. Whether you’re going on a wild adventure or simply relaxing with your people, a bachelorette party is a great way to create memories that will last a lifetime. You’ll hopefully take lots of pictures and videos to capture the awesome time you’ll have.
Bonding with Your Bridal Party
Your bridal party is made up of your family and besties, so why not take the opportunity to bond with them before your wedding day? A bachelorette party facilitates spending quality time with your bridesmaids and enjoying celebrating your upcoming wedding. With the hustle and bustle of adult life, it’s great to slow down and spend some time with your day ones.
Last Hurrah as a Single Person
For many brides, a bachelorette party is seen as a “last hurrah” for a single person. It’s a chance to have one last wild and crazy night with your friends before settling down into married life. We don’t condone any bad behavior, but letting your hair down and living a little is recommended. Champagne bong, anyone?!
Relaxation Before the Wedding
Treat. Your. Self. Wedding planning can be stressful, so why not take a break and treat-yo-self to a relaxing bachelorette party sans strippers and chaos? Whether you’re getting pampered at a spa or lounging by a pool, a bachelorette party is a great way to unwind before the big day (as long as you plan it to be relaxing, of course).
Celebration of Your Upcoming Wedding
Finally, a bachelorette party is a great way to celebrate your upcoming wedding. You only get your wedding once (hopefully), and if you can, you might as well enjoy all of the celebrations that go along with it (engagement party, bridal shower, bachelorette party, etc.). This is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and quality time with your ladies is a great way to mark the occasion and create lifelong mems.
The Cons of Having a Bachelorette Party
While there are tons of advantages to having a bachelorette party, there are also some disadvantages to consider. If you’ve seen the Bridesmaids movie, then you know seeing a colonial woman on the plane to the bachelorette party is a definite possibility and a scary one! (Ha-ha!). Jokes aside, here are some of the most common cons to having a bachelorette:
Cost
These parties can be expensive, especially if you’re planning a weekend getaway or a night out on the town. It costs money for you and your bridal party. Be sure to consider your budget and your friends’ budgets when planning and deciding on a bachelorette party. For example, if all of your friends are pregnant and in grad school, you may want to think of something lower cost.
Time Commitment
Planning a bachelorette party takes time and effort, and if you’re already busy with wedding planning, it can be a burden. And if it’s your maid of honor who is planning it, make sure they also have the bandwidth to handle these plans. Planning another event in the whirlwind of wedding planning can be a major stressor!
Not Everyone Will Be Able to Attend
Unfortunately, it’s very likely that not everyone in your bridal party will be able to attend your bachelorette party, whether it’s because of scheduling conflicts or financial reasons. This can be a disappointment, and it’s something to consider before planning your bachelorette party.
Inconvenience
Depending on the location and timing of your bachelorette party, it can be an inconvenience for some of your bridal party members. For example, if you’re planning a weekend getaway, some of your bridesmaids may have to take time off work or arrange for childcare. Consider your bridal parties’ needs and how it may affect them, too.
Expectations
Bachelorette parties can come with certain expectations, such as spending money, partying, and drinking alcohol. However, not all brides may feel comfortable with these activities, and they may feel pressured to participate. Or maybe there are major financial expectations, such as requiring a down payment from each of the bridesmaids for an Airbnb. Sometimes expectations like these can be incredibly taxing on your bridal party!
Stressful Planning
Just like with wedding planning, planning a bachelorette party can be stressful. There’s a lot to coordinate, from transportation and accommodations to activities and food, and it can be a lot of work for the bride and her bridesmaids.
Making the Right Choice for You
Now that you’ve considered the pros and cons of having a bachelorette party, it’s time to make the right choice for you. But, how do you decide!? No worries, we’ve got some factors for you to consider:
Your Personal Style
Are you someone who loves to party and have a wild night out, or are you more interested in a relaxing spa day? Maybe you’d prefer a simple sit-down dinner party with your three closest friends. Your personal style will play a big role in whether or not you should have a bachelorette party.
Your Budget
As mentioned, bachelorette parties can be expensive, so be sure to consider your budget and your bridal parties’ budget before making a final decision.
Location
If you’re planning a weekend getaway or a night out on the town, consider the location and how accessible it is for your bridal party members. You want to make sure everyone is able to attend (and afford), so choose a location that is convenient for everyone.
Your Wedding Schedule
Make sure you have enough time before your wedding day to plan and enjoy a bachelorette party.
Your Bridal Party’s Availability
Consider the schedules of your bridal party before planning your bachelorette party. You want to make sure everyone is available and able to attend.
Expectations
Consider your own expectations for the bachelorette party, as well as the expectations of your bridal party members. Make sure the attendees are comfortable with the activities planned. It may help to reassure people that they don’t have to come if it’s too expensive or if they have other obligations. This can be a huge relief for some of your bridal party if they’re stressed about it.
Stress levels
Planning a wedding can be stressful, and planning a bachelorette party on top of that can add to the stress. Consider your stress levels (and your maid of honor’s stress levels if she’s the one planning it), and make sure you’re comfortable with the added responsibilities.
Different Types of Bachelorette Parties
If you have decided you do want to have a bachelorette party, and now you’re wondering, “what will I even do for it?!” Look no further. Here are some of the most popular bachelorette party ideas:
Weekend Getaway
A weekend getaway is a great option for brides who want to spend quality time with their bridal party. Whether you’re going to a beach destination, a mountain retreat, or a city, a weekend getaway is a great way to relax and have fun before your wedding day.
Night on the Town
If you’re a bride who loves to party, a night on the town is a great option for you. Whether you’re hitting the clubs or going to a concert, a night out is a great way to celebrate with your besties.
Spa Day
For the low-key ladies out there: if you’re looking for a relaxing bachelorette party, a spa day is a great option. Spend the day getting pampered with massages, facials, and more. Follow it up with a nice dinner and some wine, and you’ve got yourself a perfect day!
Adventure Trip
For the adventurous bride, a bachelorette party filled with outdoor activities and adventure is a perfect choice. Whether you’re going on a hiking trip, a rafting trip, or a hot air balloon ride, an adventure bachelorette party is a great way to bond with your ladies and create the most amazing memories.
Final Thoughts
Whether or not you should have a bachelorette party is a personal decision that should be based on your individual needs, wants, and circumstances. 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!
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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