Image via Kate Dye
How to plan a bachelorette bash like a boss.
So, grab your flamingo floatie and let’s get started...
Not only is the Lowcountry a mecca for local and destination weddings, but we draw quite the crowd for bachelorette parties, too. And it’s no wonder why, we’ve got beaches, nightlife, relaxation, shopping…the list goes on! So, if you’re a maid of honor or a bridesmaid that has been tasked with planning an oh-so-memorable weekend, you’re in luck because we’ve done the research for you. We’ve asked the best of the best to share their tips for planning a bachelorette party like a boss and you’ll love all the details they’re sharing.
Image via Kate Dye
THE GUEST LIST
KEEP IT SIMPLE “Go with your gut when it comes to your guest list,” says Randi Nuorala of the Charleston-based bachelorette party planning company, Kay & Co. Weekends. “Invite friends that you know you will have a good time with & that are there to celebrate YOU.”
2. THE ACCOMMODATIONS
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE. When searching for a venue to host the festive weekend, look for a spot that fits the vibe, budget, and location your group is looking for. Find a fabulous resort (like the Westin Hilton Head, Marina Inn at Grande Dunes or Wild Dunes Resort) which offers beachfront views, a killer pool or a relaxing spa. Or, if your group has big plans to bar hop their way through town, think about a more centrally-located, urban hotel like The Kimpton Brice Hotel in Savannah.
And while a hotel might work well for some, Betsey Lupton of Pop The Bubbly Events likes to go in a different direction and recommends her gals use an AirBnB or vacation rental. “Instead of splitting up between hotel rooms, why not have all of your friends together in one house? You also have more options of activities when you stay in a rental! You can have a private chef come to your house to cook a meal, have a personal trainer come and run a workout class in the backyard (or on the beach if staying on the islands!), or even have a teacher come to the house to help teach you how to make macrame, paint a picture, or make cute flower crowns together! If you stay in a hotel, then you might have to pay for a meeting space to use (which may not even be available.) The costs at AirBnBs tend to be a bit cheaper, rather than splitting hotel room costs.” Her top 2 rentals in Charleston? The James Sparrow House and Slightly Off Center - one of Luxury Simplified’s Retreats on Folly Beach- with private pools, and multiple units for really large groups! Also within walking distance of Center Street AND the beach!)
3, THE ITINERARY
“Don’t overdo it when it comes to the itinerary—I’ve seen way too many groups that get super ambitious about packing everything into their weekend, and by day two, they’re sick of running around & just want to chill. Plan for a low-key activity on your first night to break the ice & relax, then choose a few key activities that the whole group can enjoy. Space them out through the weekend so it’s not like you’re just hopping from one thing to the next. and don’t forget to account for having a hangover—it’s going to happen, just accept it,” says Nurola.
4. THE GEAR
Betsey Lupton makes sure her bachelorette parties are ready to roll when they arrive and always stocks them with the following:
Hangover Kits - filled with everything from Advil, Tums, Chap Stick, Eye Masks, Makeup Remover Wipes, Mints, Hair Ties, Band-Aids, Emergen-C, etc!
Anything Matching - T-shirts, Pajamas, Hats, Sunglasses…my newest favorite are Matching Backpacks so everyone can carry their belongings for every activity! We just did this for a Girl’s Trip to Sonoma! They were quite a hit.
Ice Breaker Games - Since everyone in a bachelorette party doesn’t always know each other, it’s great to bring funny games to help bring everyone together!
A Detailed Itinerary with everyone’s phone numbers listed so everyone can stay in touch throughout the weekend and share photos!
And my personal favorite…any sort of penis-paraphanlia! (It is a bachelorette party, after all!)
Planning a warm-weather bachelorette weekend? Make sure you pack your favorite pair of sunnies, Bride Squad bathing suits (and a Wife of The Party suit for the bride!), plenty of SPF and a color-coordinated Scout Bag to carry it all. Ranging in size (and your choice of adorable pattern), Scout Bags are sand and water-resistant making them our go-to bag for all of your bachelorette-ing needs. Pro-tip: Gift a Weekender bag to your bridesmaids as a parting gift for spending the weekend with you. Oh, and let’s not forget a fully-stocked champagne bar, it’s a must.
Image via Kate Dye
5. MIX IT UP
THE FUN STUFF. As you map out the weekend’s agenda, make sure to include both high-energy and low-key events, as well as indoor and outdoor activities. Build in some much-needed downtime by way of a waterfront yoga session with Serenity Tree Yoga, or a relaxing afternoon at the pool. Looking for a little something different? Check out these fun activities the Pop The Bubbly team recommends if you’ll be spending the weekend in The Holy City:
Butler in the Buff - one of our favorite additions to any bachelorette weekend! I would personally say it’s a MUST for a fun bachelorette weekend in Charleston.
If the bride-to-be is a history buff, we suggest taking a stroll with The Lid Lady from Walk+TalkCHS, or taking a private tour of one of the plantations in town.
For larger groups, we always suggest hiring a private chef for brunch or dinner one day. Seriously, one of the easiest things you can do for your guests! I would say it’s a must for big groups…sometimes it can be difficult to make a reservation for 15+ people…plus, you can customize the menu to agree with each guests’ dietary restrictions.
We also LOVE the Mixology Classes offered by the Pop The Bubbly team - It is a fun and interactive experience for all, and all of our clients who have added it onto their itineraries have really enjoyed it! If your group likes to drink, this is a MUST!
Image via Sean Money + Elizabeth Fay
If you’re the one planning a bachelorette party…
“Our grocery delivery service + decor setup is also a MUST if your group is staying in an rental,” recommends Lupton. “Most of our clients come from out-of-town and don’t have any mode of transportation to get around town. Our team can stock the fridge ahead of time, so you can enjoy an ice-cold beverage as soon as you arrive! Also, many groups show up all at once (with the bride-to-be in tow.) We love hearing about our happy brides arriving to their AirBnB already decked out with balloons, banners, photo-backdrops, and signs. They are always so surprised! I would say this is a Must-Have service for any bachelorette group coming to Charleston!”
Image via Kate Dye
6. THE BIG PICTURE
HAVE A BLAST. “Embrace this weekend,” says Nuorala. “Get into the cheesy stuff—wear the matching shirts & the veil, take your picture everywhere, & dance until your legs fall off. Do a bachelorette scavenger hunt if you feel like it! This is such a special weekend with your girls—yes, you’ll still have them when you’re married, but when else do you get to have a weekend that’s just about you?”
Image via Kate Dye