Photograph by 3 Cats Photo

The bachelorette party has come a long way in the last ten years…from jet setting to the Caribbean  and  hopping on a plane to Vegas, our brides-to-be are upping the ante when it comes to their final goodbye to single life.   Long gone are the days of  a Chippendales show (eeek!!!) and drunken nights of letting loose and doing things you would never dream of doing!  While a tropical locale sounds fabulous, the price tag on an oceanfront bachelorette party is often less than fabulous, and unfortunately not everyone has the funds, the time or the luxury to hop on a plane without a care in the world.  For the brides that want to keep things a little more simple (but are not into the traditional celebrations) planning a low key bachelorette party may be just the thing for you and your friends.   Let’s face it after this past year, sometimes low key feels like the best option both in terms of finances and safety issues. 

I want to preface this by saying…the only thing that is a must for any bachelorette party is that it should give the bride a break from wedding planning and give her a chance to indulge in some quality time with her besties.  Just like the wedding, the bachelorette party should be a reflection of you.  If a low key bachelorette is what you are leaning towards, read on for some great ideas that are guaranteed to allow the bride to be herself, be comfortable and actually have fun with her girls. 

Glamping 

Are you an outdoorsy bunch? Then perhaps kicking up the typical camping experience so it is bachelorette worthy is the perfect way to celebrate!  Glamping offers all of the fun of camping while still being able to use electricity, take a shower and use a real toilet! Renting a high class cabin or a “tricked out” treehouse is the first step in having a true glamping experience.  Grab some matching pj’s, all the fixings for smores, and your swimsuits for a nostalgic few days that will surely bring you back to your days of summer camp…only this time you are calling all the shots! 

Spa Day 

Who could say “no” to a spa day?! A bachelorette party that is truly devoted to pampering the bride is exactly what she may need after months of planning!  Grab your girlfriends and head to an all-inclusive spa where you can spend the day wearing cucumbers on your eyes and lounging by the pool.  Plan massages, facials and some time in the sauna for the perfect bonding experience with all the important females in your life. 

Slumber Party 

Remember the slumber parties you had growing up…staying up all night, eating tons of junk food, giving each other makeovers?  Why not do that again but on a much bigger and more luxurious level?  Go nostalgic with an old school sleepover but do it in a luxury hotel suite with champagne, chocolate covered strawberries and the most luxe bathrobes you can get your hands on.  Deck out your crew in matching pajamas, slippers and eye masks and plan some bachelorette games, a sleepover scavenger hunt and some of your favorite old school flicks.  Go back to the days when the biggest drama was who had a crush on who!!

Learn a New Skill

Whether it is calligraphy, cooking, painting, dancing or even cocktail mixing, there are so many fun classes you can take with your friends while celebrating your last few single days. Get your girls together for an exotic cooking class at a cooking school or in your home with a chef; make sure to have some wine on hand and get ready to learn a new skill and have a blast. If cooking is not your thing, then embrace your creative side while taking on the arts with your besties. Taking a painting class or learning to salsa are also great options for a hands on bachelorette party. 

Explore a New City 

Remember these are low key ideas, so jet setting across the Atlantic is not what we are talking about here!  Find a city that is close enough for you and your girls to drive to and get ready to explore.  Do a little research about some surrounding cities and you will be surprised what is right at your fingertips. Make sure to immerse yourself in all the sights, sounds and cuisines this new city has to offer!  You never know, maybe you will find the perfect weekend getaway for future “girls trips”! 

Remember,  the definition of low key is not boring.   Being with your best girlfriends and celebrating your last days as a single woman is not synonymous with spending a huge amount of money, hoping on a plane or leaving home sweet home.  The idea of a bachelorette party is to spend time with your most important “gal pals” and celebrate how far you have come and the excitement of where you are heading.  Planning something low key takes the stress out of it and guarantees a time well spent with those that matter the most.