INSIDE: Do you bring a gift to a bachelorette party? What about party favors? We break it all down so you know what to do right here!
When it comes to the bachelorette party, one question many people have is “do I need a gift?” It all depends, but if you do need to give a gift, what should you give and how much should you spend? And then there are party favors. What should you give to those people celebrating along with you?
For many brides-to-be, the bachelorette party is considered the “last fling before the ring.” This happy occasion brings together all the bride’s best girlfriends and, for some brides, even close family members, for a night out on the town or a weekend away.
Whether your bride is classy, funny, crazy or wild, a small gift is always welcome. Of course, presents may not be necessary, so ask your friends before you give anything. We’ve got fun ideas for you, from classy to traditional!
BACHELORETTE GIFT IDEAS
These bride-to-be gift ideas are small tokens for her, which are usually not on her registry. But she’ll love them nonetheless.
SPA GIFT CARD
After all of the wedding planning craziness, she deserves some pampering! She can get a massage, pedicure, facial – whatever suits her.
WINE ACCESSORIES
If she loves wine, get her some things she can use! An aerator, stopper or pump all make great gifts. You can even find complete kits (on a budget).
BRIDAL EMERGENCY KIT
She has worked hard to plan her big day. A fun emergency kit will give her all of those last-minute essentials she may need.
CUSTOM T-SHIRT
Create a one-of-a-kind T-shirt for her to wear to the bachelorette party or even the morning of her wedding. You can find all sorts of styles, including this one with her new name.
MONOGRAMMED HANDKERCHIEF
Chances are there will be tears on her wedding day. A personalized handkerchief is not only thoughtful but can also be her something blue for her special day.
FRAME
Find a frame she can use for photos from her wedding, honeymoon or even your party! This bachelorette party frame is a fun way to display a picture of her and her girls – complete with personalized messages.
BOTTLE OF WINE
Pick up a bottle of her favorite variety of wine. Add it to a basket with crackers and cheese, or simply personalize it with a custom label.
TIARA
What a fun bachelorette gift idea!! Every bride is a queen. Give her a fun tiara to wear on her evening out!
LUGGAGE TAGS
She will want to add her new name to her luggage when leaving for her honeymoon. A custom luggage tag is a gift she can use for years to come.
COOKBOOK
If she loves to cook, a new cookbook with an apron makes a great gift. I love this Date Night Cookbook, which is filled with inspiration to create fun date nights at home.
PERSONALIZED HOME DECOR
Create a personalized gift for her that has her new name. Something like a wooden sign with her name and wedding date is personalized (yet affordable). (This is a photo of the one we gave to some friends, so I can confirm that it is made well.)
BACHELORETTE PARTY FAVORS
It’s common to give your guests a gift for attending your get-together. But you don’t want to do something boring. Below you will find some of the most fun and unique party favor ideas!
TEMPORARY TATTOOS
What a fun way to show you are all out together celebrating the big day! These bachelorette party tattoos are not only affordable, but they will wash off the next morning. Or how about these DIY henna tattoos, which last one to two weeks?
LIP GLOSS OR BALM
With all that talking and drinking, your lips are sure to get dried out. My favorite brand of lip balm is EOS. I love these little party favor rings that attach to your lip balm.
HANGOVER KIT
The morning after your bachelorette party might be a bit rough. Create “morning after” kits for all of your guests. Add items such as Tylenol, coffee gift cards, mints and gum. I love these humorous little gift bags to hold it all!
COOZIES
A fun coozie is something your guests can use long after the party ends. They are affordable and make the perfect party favor!!
HAIR TIES
Aren’t these cute?! You can get these customized hair ties to give everyone – for about $1 each (or less).
NAIL POLISH
The nail polish itself can seem boring. But not if you add some fun tags to it!! It’s a great way to give something small, yet personalized.
PARTY BUTTONS
These fun buttons let people know you are having a bachelorette party – without all the fuss! I love these “Team Bride” buttons because they are not only affordable, they are also adorable!
CUPS
Don’t just get them boring cups – make them unique! These adorable polka-dot cups are the perfect way to thank your guests for coming out to celebrate with you.
SUNGLASSES
Get your girls each a pair of personalized sunglasses! You can add their names or even their roles in your wedding.
BACHELORETTE PARTY ETIQUETTE
WHO HOSTS THE BACHELORETTE PARTY?
Usually hosted by the bridesmaids or the maid/matron of honor, the bachelorette party is not a gift-giving event in the manner of a bridal shower. Instead, the costs associated with a bachelorette party are typically spread out among the attendants.
If you’re hosting or co-hosting a bachelorette party, these are steps you should take before you send out invitations:
- Ask the bride for a guest list. It’s bad form to invite anyone to the bachelorette party who will not be invited to the wedding. Also considered a faux pas: inviting anyone who doesn’t know the bride (no, your friend’s sister can’t come).
- Once you have a general idea of who and how many will be celebrating, take a poll of what (or where) works for the majority of those attending. A destination bachelorette party can be fun, but not if only five of the 15 guests can make it work.
- It’s standard to cover expenses for the bride – from meals to hotel room. Split costs evenly among the group and be upfront about those expenses, so everyone can plan accordingly. Websites like Last Bash can help with organization.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO AT A BACHELORETTE PARTY?
Let’s learn some bachelorette party etiquette! It’s important to make the day, evening or weekend all about the bride. If she loves to dance, a glittery sash and bottle service at the swankiest club in town is great. However, if she’s more comfortable in the great outdoors, consider a backyard campout or weekend in the woods. Don’t let your creativity be stifled by the traditional expectations of what a bachelorette party is “supposed to be.”
Another tradition you can feel free to ignore or embrace is the gift. Sometimes, a bachelorette party is a good opportunity for guests to give silly gag gifts, but don’t feel obligated. As always, check with the bride before you decide. You don’t want the bride to feel embarrassed at her own party!
Ultimately, this is a party where it simply isn’t about gifts – it’s about celebrating the bride and her friendships. With that in mind, you can plan the perfect bachelorette party.
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