I’ve planned, attended, and helped organize my fair share of bachelorette parties—and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that they don’t have to be complicated to be memorable. With a little prep, a good plan, and some thoughtful touches, you can pull off an unforgettable celebration that feels fun, personal, and stress-free.
Whether you’re heading out of town or keeping it local, this blog post walks you through how to plan a bachelorette party step-by-step, using the exact bachelorette planning checklist I rely on myself. I’ve included real tips, tried-and-true ideas, and some favorite product links to make the whole thing easier (and prettier!). You can also download my free bachelorette planning template at the bottom of this post.
Start with the Bride’s Vision
The very first thing I recommend doing is sitting down (or FaceTiming) the bride and asking her what she actually wants. It sounds simple, but it’s the step that will shape everything else. Some brides dream of a wild weekend in Nashville, while others want a cozy spa day with their closest friends. There’s no right or wrong answer—it’s all about her vibe.
Once you know the vibe, start pulling together bachelorette party ideas that match. I always start with putting together a Pinterest board or note on my phone. Think about possible destinations, color schemes, party themes (like "Last Splash," "Final Fiesta," or "Disco Cowgirl"), and any activities or moments you know she’d love.
From there, you can start locking in the budget, confirming the guest list, and settling on a date. If it’s a destination party, pick the location early so you can snag the best pricing on accommodations and flights.
Choose a Location + Pick a Theme That’s Actually Fun
Once you’ve nailed down the vibe, it’s time to turn that inspiration into a plan. Pick a theme that’s fun, flexible, and easy to decorate around. “Tropic Like It’s Hot,” “Bride’s Last Ride,” “Last Splash,” or “Camp Bach” are all popular options, but even something simple like “Pink & Sparkly” or “Bride’s Favorite Things” works beautifully.
Location plays a big role, too. Some of the best places for a bachelorette party right now include:
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Nashville (for country-lovin’ party energy)
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Palm Springs or Scottsdale (for poolside sunshine)
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Wine country (for a more relaxed, elegant weekend)
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A cozy Airbnb near a lake or mountain town
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Your own backyard with a tented setup for a local staycation-style event
Need some inspiration? I’ve saved tons of fun bachelorette party themes and aesthetic ideas over on our Pinterest board—it's a great place to start if you’re feeling stuck or want a visual vibe check.
[Bachelorette Party Ideas Pinterest Board]
Plan the Itinerary & Delegate Roles
Now that you’ve got the location and theme, it’s time to build out a simple itinerary. You don’t need every minute scheduled, but having a structure helps the weekend flow. I like to plan around three "anchor moments" each day—like a group brunch, an activity, and a dinner or night out.
Some ideas to consider:
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A private yoga class or sound bath
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A winery or brewery tour
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A themed game night at your Airbnb
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A boat rental or beach day
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A DIY spa night with face masks and robes
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A bar crawl or drag brunch if you're going out
Be sure to build in free time, especially if the group includes a mix of personalities. Not everyone will want to do everything, and that’s okay!
At this point, it helps to assign roles—ask someone to be in charge of photography, someone else to handle snacks or drinks, and another person to coordinate games or playlist duties. If you're feeling extra organized, include a printed itinerary or mini welcome booklet in each guest’s tote bag.
Order the Fun Stuff
A month or two before the trip, it's time to finalize and order all the extras. This is where the party starts to come to life.
You’ll want to grab:
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Custom or themed bachelorette shirts, hats, or pajamas
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Bride’s sash and veil
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Party favors like scrunchies, sunglasses, or mini hangover kits
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Welcome bags (I love filling these with water bottles, snacks, and travel-size essentials)
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Cute disposable cameras or a guestbook for memories
If you’re gifting the bride something special, now’s the time to think about a keepsake. A “Letters to the Bride” book, a scrapbook with photos and memories, or a surprise video from friends and family who couldn’t attend are all meaningful options.
If you’re planning a warm-weather weekend, this is a great opportunity to surprise the group with matching bachelorette beach towels and personalized tote bags to carry all their essentials. I offer both in my shop and they make amazing keepsakes (and photo ops, too!).
[View Our Bachelorette Collection Here]
Final Countdown: One Month Out
With about a month to go, it’s time to pull everything together. Confirm the guest list and travel arrangements, send out a group message with reminders and packing tips, and take care of any outstanding payments.
I also like to:
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Double-check all reservations (dinners, spa, activities)
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Finalize outfits and gift orders
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Make a checklist for what to bring (decor, printables, games, etc.)
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Print anything you’ll need—like signs, itineraries, or menus
The week of the party, start assembling your welcome bags and prepping any game materials, playlists, or decor so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.
Party Time: Set Up & Celebrate
Once the big day arrives, your job is to set the tone and help the bride feel celebrated. Arrive early to set up the space, lay out welcome bags, and hang a few decorations before everyone gets settled in.
From there, it’s all about creating memories! Be flexible with the schedule, take a ton of photos, and don’t sweat the small stuff. Focus on celebrating the bride, laughing a lot, and soaking up the time together.
Free Download: Bachelorette Planning Checklist
To make it easy to stay organized from start to finish, I’ve created a free printable Bachelorette Party Planning Checklist. It’s broken down by timeline and includes space for notes, ideas, and to-dos so nothing gets missed.
Whether you're planning a full weekend bash or a cozy one-night celebration, I hope this guide helps you feel confident, excited, and organized. If you need matching towels, cute totes, or a few go-to Amazon finds, I’ve got you covered below.
And if you’re in the middle of planning—I'm cheering you on. You’ve got this!
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