A bachelorette party is a night (or weekend) of celebration and fun with the bride’s close friends. It can be an elaborate affair or a more intimate gathering.

The bride should be consulted about her preferences, and the planner should ask for her input at the beginning. This will avoid a lot of headaches and disagreements later on. For more information, check out bach party ideas.

Planning

Getting the basics in place is important. Make sure the bride’s squad has all the supplies they need, including plates, cups, napkins, and utensils. Running out of these essentials mid-way through the party can cause unnecessary stress and mess.

Next up, a fun and creative theme should be chosen. Whether it’s a silly and playful affair or a cute and chic bachelorette party, this theme should inform all subsequent decisions about activities, decorations, and favors.

Ensure all the big ticket items (like a Butler in the Buff, entertainment visiting your accommodation, or food) are booked as early as possible. This gives you the best options for pricing and availability. Also, if you’re fronting cash for the guests, set payment deadlines (and use an app like Venmo to help manage money sharing). This will prevent any surprises down the line and keep everyone on the same page. A clear itinerary will make the whole event smooth and stress-free.

Budget

Unless the bride is planning to foot the entire bill herself, budgeting for the bachelorette party is an important consideration. Those in charge of organizing the event should set an estimated cost for everyone to contribute. This will help manage expectations up front, so attendees know what to expect and can plan accordingly.

For example, if the group plans to go out for dinner, a restaurant reservation might be required. The host might also need to book a limo or party bus for transport.

Other costs might include favors or group gifts for the bride. Lingerie is a popular gift for the bride. If it’s within the budget, the MOH or another bridesmaid might put together a bag of lingerie in different sizes for guests to buy themselves. Lastly, if the group plans to buy decorations like shaped mylar balloons or photo booth props, add that expense to the overall tab. The Batch app’s ledger feature can help organizers keep track of these expenses and calculate who owes what to whom.

Activities

Whether you’re planning an elaborate weekend getaway or a low key night out, there are plenty of fun bachelorette party activities to choose from. Get crafty with a DIY candle-making party, or let loose at a paint and sip studio for a fun activity that also gives each guest a unique memento of the evening.

If the bride isn’t a gambler, plan a poker night with a twist—make it strip poker! It’s a surefire way to bring out everyone’s competitive side and will guarantee tons of laughs.

For a more laid back event, host a sleepover at your place or rent an Airbnb by the beach. Make a theme out of it, like throwing a throwback slumber party with matching PJs and snacks or a beach themed soiree complete with a bonfire and s’mores.

Venues

While Las Vegas may top the list of bachelorette party destinations, there are plenty of other options that offer up a mix of relaxing vibes and party-ready activities. Pristine beaches and fun-in-the-sun make Destin, Florida an ideal destination for a day on the beach or for soaking up the sun before hitting a nightclub. Charleston, South Carolina is a perfect fit for brides looking to experience city life and southern charm at the same time.

New York City offers up a range of perfect venues for a night out or brunching. The group can take a cocktail-making class, do a Sex and the City tour, or eat their way through NYC’s diverse neighborhoods. Guests can eat at places like Laduree Soho for a pretty French garden experience, Russ and Daughters (if you can get in), and the scene-y Jack’s Wife Freda. Or try a dinner-to-dancing schedule at restaurants like Swallow East or the Grey Lady.