The Broke-Ass Bride's Wedding Guide empowers couples with the simple philosophy that it's not about how much you spend but how you spend it. As author Dana LaRue says, "You're only planning a party, so have fun with it." You don't need to give up your savings, the possibility of a downpayment on a house, or your sanity to plan a celebration that is meaningful and inspired. Here, Dana shares her advice on how to throw a bachelorette party you'll love.
It’s a new day in the world of "last night out" parties. Gone are the times of gender-segregated nights of boozing, dancing, strip clubs, and karaoke. Couples are rewriting tradition and crafting bachelor/-ette events that speak to their taste and preference. Sometimes that means blending genders and exploring unique activities or escapes. Here’s a list of some of the less typical approaches to your stag or hen parties that might even save you some dough in the process!
Photo by: Kristilee Parish Photography on Wedding Chicks via Lover.ly
1. Troll daily deal sites for fun outings to turn into your bachelor/-ette fête.
Many of those sites have added "experience" and "getaway" options whereby you can book fun and unusual adventures or escapes at a tremendous discount. Scavenger hunts, trapeze classes, paintball games, cooking classes, wine tastings, and pole-dancing classes are just a few of the literally hundreds of outings I’ve seen featured on these sites. Pair up a few to make a whole day of it! Or get out of town with one of the insane deals on weekend getaways.
Photo Credit: Jens-Oliver Photography
2. If a getaway is, indeed, more your speed...
There are many options aside from the typical hotel suite or Las Vegas hootenanny. Sites like Airbnb can help you find unique short-term, affordable lodging options in people’s guest homes, cabins, entire apartments or houses (or even a castle!).
3. Learning experiences are a great bonding tool.
Group classes — ranging from the physically oriented, such as burlesque dancing, trapeze, or skeet-shooting, to more creative courses, such as in sushi making or pottery throwing — are fun and unique alternatives to bar-hopping and strip clubs. Don’t forget to try negotiating a group discount!
4. How about a day at the races?
A beach outing with a boat rental? A local amusement park? A laid-back day at the golf course? Dune buggy racing? Crashing the cheapest motel and divey-est dive bar in the smallest town within driving distance and taking over for the night? Camping in the woods, or on the beach, or in your backyard? Did someone say s’mores?
Photo Credit: Camille Styles via Lover.ly
—Dana LaRue, as seen in The Broke-Ass Bride's Wedding Guide. Published with permission from Random House LLC, a Penguin Random House Company, New York. ©2013 Broke-Ass Media, Inc.
The Broke-Ass Bride's Wedding Guide approaches wedding budgeting challenges as opportunities to be creative, and teaches engaged couples how to get more for less. In her signature sassy, chatty voice, author Dana LaRue gives hardworking and helpful tips, such as how to negotiate with vendors like a pro, and ideas for inventive (and affordable) engagement parties, DIY recipes, decorations, and more.
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