They bought the dress, pitched in on the shower, purchased a wedding gift, and some even had to spring for an airline ticket to the wedding city. And now there’s the bachelorette party to plan. A trendy bachelorette trip to Vegas or Miami would be memorable, but if you can’t justify the expense, how about planning a spa getaway at home for the bachelorette party fling? A “what happens in the ‘backyard stays in the backyard” bachelorette party is a lot of fun and you won’t have to hassle with airport delays, long security lines, and taking even more days off from work for wedding festivities! After a day in the ‘spa’ head out to a night on the town complete a limousine—now that’s a bachelorette party any bride will love! This party theme is great for so many occasions: a birthday party, a baby shower for that new mom, girls night in party, or a farewell party for a friend who is leaving town.
Use a pop up tent to create a quiet spa area with drapes and tropical plants.
CREATE AN OASIS
A day at a spa doesn’t really allow for much quality time together. Hosting the party at someone’s home is a better way to hang out with best friends before the big day. Select a place with a lot of space. A pool, tranquil fountain area, or large patio is the perfect place. Whether you go DIY and take turns giving manicures and facials using a prepackaged spa kit or hire a mobile massage therapist like we did, start by dedicating a space for treatments. We used a pop-up tent as our treatment room complete with flowing white outdoor curtains, candles, and soft music. We didn’t buy anything— we used items we had to make our spa area feel special including some potted plants and plush robes. The massage therapist supplied the oils, lotions, linens and massage table. Bridesmaids should cover the cost of the bride’s treatments. The service provider will often give the bride a complimentary treatment with the purchase of a certain number of treatments. Make sure to hire someone licensed with appropriate insurance. It is always best to hire a vendor you know and trust.
Order retro cool pool party decor from Oriental Trading Company. Add an oversized striped beach towel as a tablecloth to make decorating easy.
DECORATIONS AND PARTY SWAG BAGS
If you don’t have the luxury of a lot of space, clear out some furniture for the party and dedicate a room for your ‘spa’ area. Create a kitschy cool vibe with lots of cheap decorations. We wanted a Hawaiian theme for our party— and wanted to do something completely campy since it was a bachelorette party. We found inflatable palm trees, colorful leis and vibrant beach towels to anchor the decorating theme. Oriental Trading has everything you’ll need. Be resourceful with your decorations and use what you have on hand when possible. I forgot a tablecloth for our snack table so I used two striped beach towels for a tablecloth and they worked perfectly. Quirky melamine serving platters were inexpensive and worked perfectly for the outdoor setting and can be used again later. Add string lights, lanterns or candles for a festive glow if your party is in the evening. Each bridesmaid received a gift bag filled with inexpensive treats from the dollar store. Flip flops, scented spa body butter, sunscreen, and lip balm for the day’s festivities and really cheesy light-up necklaces for the evening’s festivities were placed in reusable tote bags in party colors.
Hit up the dollar store for swag bag items your guests can use during the party and afterwards. Sunscreen, lotion, sunglasses, flip flops and more make great favors.
MENU
Since this spa party was a “pre-party” to our night on the town bachelorette party, we opted for “spa cuisine” like wraps, veggies, and fresh fruit. Have beverages ready to pour when guests arrive. Provide an assortment of drinks so guests have plenty of options and stay hydrated. Serve iced tea or perhaps fruit flavored water called agua fresca along with your cocktails. So that nobody gets stuck with bartending duties, pre-mixed a signature cocktail in pitchers or a dispenser. Serve in plastic margarita glasses with a candy ring pop for garnish, perfect for the theme. We found these adorable Rice Krispy treats in the shape of a flip-flop at a shop but you could easily make these yourself.
ENTERTAINMENT
These days, couples are reconsidering some of the traditional activities that go along with a “last fling” bachelor or bachelorette party in favor of respectful rites of passage from single to married life. That doesn’t mean there still can’t be fun and games! After our spa treatments and a cocktail hour, we hired a limo to pick up our group for a night on the town at a favorite restaurant followed by dancing until dawn. A limousine not only alleviates the issue of driving, you feel like a rock star when you arrive. Some limo companies have bachelorette VIP packages available with your limo rental that may include special club admissions, etc. We adorned our bride-to-be with some of the traditional bachelorette party finery including a furry pink light up “I’m the Bride” tiara and layers of paper leis. How far do you go with decorations and debauchery? Only you know the limits for embarrassing your best friend. Just make sure whatever entertainment you plan, it won’t cause relationship issues in the light of day.
This party was a breeze to pull together because we divvied up the work load. Most of the food is available pre-made at the grocery if you don’t have time to make it yourself. To save time and gas, simply go online to shop and you can get everything you need for this party in just a few clicks! What could be easier? You are all set for your bachelorette getaway without leaving town.
Photography: Arden Ward/Arden Photography