Who can forget the airplane scene in Bridesmaids? After her modest bachelorette party ideas are overruled in favor of a Vegas-style blowout, maid of honor Annie downs Scotch and a sedative to overcome her fear of flying and becomes so disruptive that the plane is forced to land in Wyoming, ruining the whole event.
While it’s unlikely that anything near this crazy is going to happen to you, do you really want to wake up the morning after your bachelorette party with a throbbing headache and vague memories you’d rather forget? After all, this is the 21st century. You’ve probably had enough crazy adventures already that you don’t need to let it all hang out one last time — unless that’s really, truly what you want. If, on the other hand, you feel like doing something a bit more subdued, these classy bachelorette party ideas show you how to plan a party that puts the focus on celebrating years of female friendship, rather than providing a last ditch escape.
1. Spa Day
You can adapt this concept to fit any budget. For a less expensive option, have guests bring indulgent gifts like bath oils, manicure sets, sponges — everything that the bride will need to pamper herself. Hiring a masseuse or manicurist to arrive at the party is a great way to add interest and appeal.
At the high end, of course, you can arrange for the entire group to indulge themselves at a day spa or even to spend a weekend at a spa retreat. Depending on the bride-to-be’s preferences and each participant’s budget, you can make it a day of perfect relaxation or a beauty makeover.
2. Girl’s (Shopping) Night Out
If you and your friends don’t live in the Mile High City, why not host a bachelorette party in an upscale Denver hotel? Denver’s 5280 Magazine lists 20 Best New Boutiques if you want to check out what’s available before you head out, or you can just wing it, exploring the shops around Cherry Creek or heading out for a day of aimless browsing around the historic Pearl Street district in nearby Boulder.
Some exclusive shops will even allow a party of guests to enjoy a private night of shopping, complete with refreshments. Call ahead to see what options are available.
3. Glamping
This option is perfect for nature lovers who want to get out and spend a few days enjoying outdoor activities but have no desire to hoist heavy packs or spend an hour each evening assembling a tent.
There are many options in Colorado to enjoy luxurious camping. Dunton Hot Springs, an authentic ghost town turned upscale retreat, provides all-inclusive accommodations in the mountains near Durango in either tents or rustic cabins. Some of the cabins even have fireplaces. You’ll get delicious meals and even the option of having a massage at the end of a day spent hiking.
4. Cooking Themed Event
Here, too, there is a range of options designed to fit any budget. You can simply invite your friends over to cook and eat a gourmet meal together. An appropriate gift for this bachelorette party might be cookbooks or, better still, gift certificates for two to some of her favorite restaurants in town. These will really come in handy for those nights when neither she nor her husband feels like making dinner.
Another option is do a cooking class together. Denver’s Kitchen Table Cooking School offers a variety of private culinary events. And of course, if price is no option, you can hire a private chef to come to your house and give a cooking lesson just for you and your girlfriends.
5. Kidnapping Adventure
A German tradition is for friends of the groom to “kidnap” the bride away from the reception — usually to the nearest pub, where the groom must go to find her. A fun variation on this theme could be adapted as the first event in a surprise bachelorette party. Hire a limo to show up at the bride-to-be’s home or workplace — stocked with champagne, naturally. The limo can pick up the party guests one at a time, or the maid of honor can blindfold her friend and take her to the party’s location.
6. Wine Tasting
Learning how to pair wines with the appropriate foods is a good skill to have, and it’s certainly a more sophisticated way to get a buzz on than downing Jello shots. Mile High Wine Tours will pick guests up and take them around to some of the best area wineries where the knowledgeable owners will explain everything you need to know about the local vintages you’re sipping.
Or, for a fun getaway excursion, you can host a bachelorette party on the Western Slope, the heart of Colorado’s wine country. This high and dry region produces the best grapes in Colorado, with dozens of wineries and tours to choose from.
At the end of the day, your bachelorette party should express your personality and style while at the same time giving you a welcome respite from the stress of wedding planning. It doesn’t have to be a tawdry bash to provide that release. It can simply be a great time that you and your friends will remember for years to come.
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