Bachelorette Party Do’s and Don’ts

So your girl is getting married and you’ve been tasked with throwing the bachelorette party. Bachelorette parties are a super fun tradition and make for a very memorable experience. If all goes as it should, your friend will only get married once and will, therefore, only have one bachelorette party.

It’s up to you to make this one count. But before you go hiring a male stripper and buying penis-shaped lollipops, you might want to take a few things into consideration.

Remember, every couple has different standards for what they consider acceptable for the bachelorette/bachelor party. Be sure to consult with your friend and find out what her don’ts are. She may be adamantly opposed to male nudity, tequila shots or other embarrassing shenanigans. While you and the other bridesmaids might want to cut loose and act stupid, this may not be the kind of shindig the bride wants in her photo album.

“Every member of the bachelorette party is responsible

for making sure the bride has a kick ass time.”

Here are a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when planning a bachelorette party:

• Do research proper bachelorette party etiquette.

For example, be sure to invite everyone who is important to the bride. This includes co-workers you may not know, the groom’s friends, relatives and old college buddies.

• Do choose a venue where everyone will feel comfortable.

If one of the bridesmaids is a recovering alcoholic, obviously you wouldn’t want to hold the event in a bar. If one of the matrons despises stand-up comedy clubs, don’t go to one. When you get a group of women together, things can get complicated, but do what you can to set the mood for a drama-free, fun-filled evening.

• Do keep in mind there are all kinds of places you can go for a G-rated good time.

Yes, it’s true, when most women think of a bachelorette party, they think of drunken debauchery, loud music and clubbing till the sun comes up. Dave and Busters, a favorite restaurant, a posh hotel, a campout or even a slumber party with pigtails are a few ideas.

• Do decide if you want alcohol to be a central focus of the evening.

If the party is at someone’s house, and the plan is to do some serious drinking, insist that everyone sleeps over or appoint designated drivers. If you’re going out for some serious bar hopping, splurge and rent a limo or party bus.

• Do take part in a least one cheesy tradition for old time’s sake.

Get all the girls matching shirts that read “Last Night Out with the Bride” and get the bachelorette one with “Last Night of Freedom” on it. Or make her a veil made out of condoms and wrap crime scene tape around her shoulders — the sillier the better. The bride should be on the receiving end of at least a little embarrassment.

• Do consider themes.

Get all the girls to dress up as flappers, cowgirls or famous female cartoon characters. Get everyone to spray paint their hair pink or wear a ball and chain around their ankles. Dressing up in costumes or stepping outside the norm always makes for great entertainment.

• Do decide whether pictures are allowed and if they can be posted on Facebook.
  

Make sure everyone knows the rules about pictures. This is very important as indiscretions can lead to very bad things.

• Do visit local party stores for creative ideas and stock up on party favors.

Set the mood with balloons, streamers and gag gifts. Penis-shaped lollipops are always a great finishing touch.

• Don’t burden yourself with all the expenses.

The bride should not pay for anything, but the entire bridal party should chip in.

• Don’t have a bachelorette party the night before the wedding for obvious reasons.

• Don’t do anything the bride’s soon-to-be-husband would find objectionable.

If the groom insists, “No strippers!” that means no strippers. Even though it might seem like tons of fun to surprise your friend with a hunk in a neon Speedo in spite of the groom’s request, it will cause problems in the long run. Remember, you want to be able to stay friends with the bride after her man becomes the head of the household.

The most important thing to remember is to let loose and have fun. Every member of the bachelorette party is responsible for making sure the bride has a kick ass time. It’s her last night as a single gal out with the girls, so make it a night she can always look back on with fondness and laughter.