5 Fun Bachelorette Party Ideas

One of the main responsibilities of the MOH is to plan the last fling before the ring. Although my friend's wedding isn't until next November (stop reading this, Chrissy!), I've noticed that our girlfriends are already eagerly anticipating the bash. After hours of searching through real brides' parties (most of which were NSFW), I found some great ideas on a cash-strapped bridesmaid's budget.

1. Creative Themes 

It's tough to be the voice of reason when all you hear are "Vegas! Vegas! Vegas!" chants. If a far-flung locale just isn't feasible or the bride's style is more demure than debauchery, consider affordable themed parties. This winter ski weekend retreat we found on Green Wedding Shoes is a grown-up version of a girl's-only sleepover, including fun touches like a caramel apple bar, spiked apple cider, printed itinerary and crazy-comfy outfits.

Check out 8 more bachelorette party themes, including wine tastings and spa pampering.

Photo Credits: Katherine Elizabeth Photography

2. Hilarious Photo Ops 

When it comes to bachelorette get-togethers, photos fall into two camps: pretty yet predictable group shots and candids that practically come with their own "no-Facebook sharing" policy. Strike a happy medium with this creative mugshot idea, where you capture the entire group the next morning. How cute is the "Maid of Dishonor?"

Photo Credit: LB Photography

3. Customized Invitations 

This corset-inspired invite is one of the most-pinned bachelorette party ideas on Pinterest. 

 Custom Corset Bachelorette Invitation by megmacdesign, $4 per invitation + $25 design fee/deposit.

Open to DIY? Commission an ebay seller to create a customized, printable PDF design, which costs far less than having them ship the final printed product. If the bride has specifically requested that she is open to receiving presents (aka pretty underthings), create inserts with her size, which eliminates the guesswork for guests.

Left: Bachelorette Party Invitation Inserts by jdibrell, $3.50 each ($3 if you omit the sizes and write them out yourself). Right: Printable Bachelorette Party Invitations by tadandfaboo.

4. Coordinating Outfits

Arguably, one of the best parts of attending a bachelorette party is getting all dolled up. But after splurging on that BM dress and shower gift, a new outfit might be on the bottom of your priority list. Consider a Little Black Dress brigade, where all the guests wear their fave LBD already hanging in their closet, putting due focus on the bride (who dresses in white or a bold neon shade). 

Photo Credit: The D Spot

Or purchase inexpensive t-shirts or button-downs that you can customize and wear again while prepping on the wedding day. 

Photo Credit: Ashley Maxwell Photography

Photo Credit: Katie Day Photography

5. Favors They'll Actually Use

We can't wait to create our own whimsical, DIY caricature wine glasses, inspired by this high-end custom design. There are tons of tutorials out there—all you need is special paint purchased from a craft store and a steady hand. 

Bridesmaids Custom Hand Painted Glassware by FizzyArtist. Photo Credit: Sara Jayne Photography.

Or if baking is more your speed, consider cheeky cookies piped with royal icing for a lingerie-themed party. 

Photo Credit: Pink Martinis & Pearls

 Tell us: What fun ideas or trends have you seen at bachelorette parties recently?

—Stefania Sainato