Packing for a long weekend can feel like preparing for a cross-country move. To ensure you don’t get stuck paying an overweight baggage fee or borrowing from your fellow bridesmaids all weekend, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of bachelorette party packing essentials. Whether you’re heading to a tropical beach or a mountain retreat, we’ve got everything you need for a fun and relaxing girls’ trip.
Summary
Packing for a bachelorette party can be overwhelming, but careful planning ensures you have everything you need for a fun and stress-free weekend. Essential items include appropriate attire for the bride and bridal party, decorations, food, drinks, party favours, and gifts. Don’t forget practical supplies like scissors, tape, and a Bluetooth speaker with a charger. Create mood-based playlists, plan local activities, and bring a tripod for group photos. Prepare for downtime with games and must-have apps like Splitwise. Set up group communication and a shared photo album, and send out critical trip reminders 48 hours before departure.
What Should You Bring to a Bachelorette Party?
Packing smart is key to ensuring you have everything you need for a bachelorette party. Here’s a comprehensive packing list to cover all your bases.
Attire
- Bridal Attire: For the bride, pack at least two predominantly white dresses and a white swimsuit or a cosy white sweater for cooler destinations.
- Appropriate Dressing: Pack according to the weather, season, and event’s theme. Ensure the bridal party has suitable attire for all planned activities.
- Dressing for a Night Out: Coordinate with the group for a cohesive look, such as a black dress night if the bride is in white. Matching tees or swimsuits can also add a fun touch.
Decor
- In the Room: Pack banners, balloons, and themed wall hangings.
- Table Decorations: Use simple seasonal vignettes, confetti, and cake toppers to spruce up your dining table.
- Custom Cups: Personalised shot glasses or tumblers reduce waste and serve as great party favours.
- Themed Koozies: Custom koozies add style and theme to your gatherings.
Food & Drink
- Snacks: Stock up on easy snacks like chips, fruit, and frozen meals.
- Cocktail Mixers: Prepare unique drinks for the event.
- Alcohol: Bring a variety of drinks to enjoy at your accommodation.
Party Favours & Gifts
- Sash: A sash for the bride or bridal party member is essential.
- Morning Cure Bag: Include hangover remedies like Advil, water, electrolyte tablets, mints, and granola bars.
- Shirts: Custom shirts make for great photo opportunities.
- Beauty Presents: Face masks, nail polish, and makeup are practical and appreciated gifts.
- Hats: Coordinated hats are a stylish accessory that guests can use post-party.
Games & Activities
- Photo Booth: Create a photo booth with a low-cost backdrop and props. A Polaroid camera adds a fun touch.
- Card Games & Board Games: Pack a set of cards or an adult-themed game for downtime.
- Passports: Ensure all travel documents and tickets are in order if travelling internationally.
- Detailed Itineraries & Confirmations: Keep printed itineraries and activity confirmations handy.
Planning a Bachelorette Party: Things You Wish You Knew
Ready to throw an epic bachelorette bash? Organising the details of a bachelorette weekend is crucial to ensuring everyone has a fantastic time. There are many little things that are essential to a successful bachelorette party, but they’re easy to overlook. Here’s a list of the less obvious things that we almost forgot to bring. Keep these suggestions in mind, and organising your bachelorette party will be a breeze.
1. Don’t Forget About Pre-Game Party Supplies Like Cups and Straws
A bachelorette party isn’t complete without a few bottles of your favourite rosé or mocktail. While you probably won’t forget the alcohol, forgetting the bottle opener or party glasses would be a major buzzkill. Make sure to bring any party supplies you’ll need for a girls’ night in or a pregame at your hotel or Airbnb, as they may not provide them. Essential supplies include alcohol, mixers, straws, and ice, as well as cute party cups.
2. Bring Party Decor Supplies Such as Scissors and Tape
You’re not likely to forget the decorations, but it’s easy to overlook the hardware needed to hang them. To avoid running out to the store once you arrive, remember to bring scissors, tape, and string for securing the decorations.
3. Make a Minimum of Two and a Maximum of Three Mood-Based Playlists
Creating a playlist is a must, but having multiple playlists is even better. This way, you can match the bride’s mood and the event’s vibe. Compile a soothing playlist for the drive or flight, a nostalgic party playlist for setting up and socialising, and a third pregame playlist to bring the party vibes full circle.
4. Increase the Volume with a Bluetooth Speaker and Charger
The only thing worse than not bringing a speaker is having it die in the middle of the “Single Ladies” chorus. Avoid this major party foul by bringing a speaker and a charger to ensure the bride’s favourite music keeps playing throughout the event.
5. Make a Short List of the Best Bars and Restaurants
On a bachelorette vacation, the worst thing you can hear is “what should we do?” It’s better not to leave finding great local eateries and nightlife until the last minute. Compile a list of dining and drinking establishments with their hours of operation and any promotional events. This way, you’ll be prepared even if your original plans fall through.
6. Take Group Photos with Your Phone by Bringing a Tripod
Capture memorable moments by bringing a tripod for group shots. A Polaroid camera can also be a great addition for instant keepsakes.
7. Find a Lot of Presents for the Bride and Don’t Forget the Wrapping Paper
Don’t forget to bring the bride-to-be’s presents. Wrap them up and have them ready for her arrival. Include a sash, a veil, and a fun bride straw to make her feel special.
8. Create a Detailed Grocery Shopping List
You’ll likely need to visit the supermarket as soon as you arrive if you plan to prepare any meals. Develop a list of all the food, drinks, and other necessities you’ll need. This will save you time and ensure you don’t miss any essentials.
9. Prepare with Downtime Games
There will always be some downtime, no matter how well you plan. Prepare for these moments with games like Heads Up or other fun apps to keep everyone entertained.
10. Install Must-Have Apps
Ensure everyone has the right apps for a smooth weekend. Splitwise for splitting costs, airline apps, ridesharing services, restaurant reservations, and navigation apps are essential.
11. Select a Method of Squad Communication
Set up a group text or use a group messaging tool like GroupMe to keep everyone informed. This will help disseminate trip details and make sure everyone stays on the same page.
12. Share Photos Easily
Create a shared photo album where everyone can contribute their pictures. This way, the bride can amass memories throughout the weekend without the hassle of constantly sharing individual photos.
13. Send Out Critical Reminders 48 Hours Before the Trip Begins
Make sure everyone is aware of the trip’s specifics at least 48 hours before departure. Include the hotel or Airbnb address, arrival and departure times, WiFi information, parking details, must-have packing items, and a summary of the weekend itinerary. A themed bachelorette party invitation can be a fun way to share these details.
Conclusion
With these suggestions, you’ll avoid the pitfalls of over-packing and ensure a carefree girls’ getaway. From essential attire to decor and activities, planning ahead will make your bachelorette party unforgettable. Don’t forget to download the necessary apps, share photos easily, and send out important reminders. Enjoy your bachelorette weekend!
FAQs About Bachelorette Party
Are DIY Bachelorette Parties Easy To Organise?
The organisation of do-it-yourself bachelorette parties is easier than ever, and it will probably take only a few trips to the craft store to pull together a party that the bride-to-be will like. A simple search on the internet will produce several results on ideas for themes, decorations, and other ways to make the experience memorable and enjoyable.
Can You Plan A Basic One-Night Bachelorette Party?
Even though we have spent a lot of time discussing itineraries for bachelorette parties at exotic destinations, you should still consider making a plan for a simple bachelorette party that lasts only one night. After all, guests at a party might appreciate being given advance notice of the activities that will be taking place.
Do You Wear White To A Bachelorette Party?
Not surprisingly, it’s also usual for the bride to wear white at the bachelorette party, so do everyone a solid and leave your white-on-white outfits at home, says Janik (unless the bride specifically wants it) (unless the bride specifically requests it). On the other hand, a little black dress is the ideal fashion choice.
How Do You Plan A Bachelorette Party For A Wedding?
The bride’s maid of honour traditionally plans a bachelorette party, a small number of bridesmaids, or a small group of close friends, but there are no set rules here! It is entirely acceptable if the bride wishes to take care of the planning herself.
What Is A Good Gift For A Bachelorette Party?
Whether the beach party is a beach celebration or the bride is headed somewhere tropical for the honeymoon, a personalised sun hat is a present idea that is both useful and original to consider giving for a bachelorette party. This hat is available in three colours: white, blush, and tan; thus, choose the shade that goes with their personality the most (or bride swimsuit ). They won’t waste time lying around in this beauty.