The Bachelorette and Bridal Shower
Before the wedding day, your bridesmaid responsibilities are going to revolve around the bridal shower and bachelorette party. Here you’ll find step-by-step planning guides, party games and lots of info and advice. For more inspiration, check out our Parties section to see beautiful events from around the world!
Who hosts the bridal shower and who is responsible for the cost? How much should you spend on a shower gift—and do you have to send one if you aren’t attending? Should we surprise the bride? Can the groom attend? You’ve got questions about etiquette, themes, games, food, hosting and attending a bridal shower—we’ve got answers.
33 Spectacular Bachelorette Party Ideas and 21 Spectacular Bridal Shower Themes
Need a party theme? We got you covered.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Planning A Bachelorette Weekend
A detailed breakdown on how to put together a getaway weekend for all her best girls, including when to start planning, how to split up expenses and lots of tips to save you stress along the way.
9 Money Saving Tips for the Bachelorette Party
Bachelorette expenses can add up quickly, so here are a few ways to keep costs down for everyone while still creating a memorable, kickass bachelorette party.
50 Simple + Stylish Bridal Shower & Bachelorette Decoration Ideas
Looking for inexpensive and easy but gorgeous party decorations? You know, something that’s going to look awesome but doesn’t require power tools and an MFA? We’ve got ideas—50 of em, to be exact.
50 Food & Drink Ideas for Your Bridal Shower or Bachelorette Party
Looking for a signature drink for a bachelorette party? A perfect tea party meal? A show-stopping cake (that you actually bought at the grocery store and then just prettied up with a few quick tricks)? We’ve got it (and more).
The 25 Best Bachelorette Destinations
When it comes time to plan the bachelorette, step one is deciding where to go. Do you imagine yourself lounging on the beach? Partying in the club? Around a campfire under the stars? Consult our list of the 25 best bachelorette destinations to find the perfect fit.
The Ultimate Bachelorette Party Packing List
Pack smart and chic with this complete bachelorette party packing list (there’s even a printable PDF)!
Just Who Exactly Is Invited: Bridal Shower & Bachelorette Guest List Questions Answered
Who is invited to the bridal shower? Can I invite people who aren’t invited to the wedding? Can men attend the bridal shower? Can my mom come to the bachelorette? These and other tricky invitation questions, answered.
How to Handle a Huge Guest List
The bride wants to invite all her closest friends…but planning a dinner or getaway weekend for 20 people can be overwhelming! We came up with a few party ideas that work well for large groups and won’t cause you to have a breakdown.
Where to Shop for a Lingerie Shower (Other Than Victoria’s Secret)
Don’t get me wrong, I love Victoria’s Secret. But since it’s the go-to for so many women, there’s a good chance the bride may already have the item you purchase or another guest will pick it out too. Here, a few brands outside the norm, beyond the pink stripes, that will allow you to gift her with something completely unique and unexpected.
Around the Clock Shower Gift Guide
For this popular shower theme, each guest is assigned a time of day and asked to bring a gift that can be used at that time. Though the concept is cute, it often leads to scratching of heads when guests are assigned a time that doesn’t immediately correspond to an activity. Here, suggestions for every hour of the day (yes, even 3am!).
Do I Have to Open Gifts at My Bridal Shower?
A little advice for the bride. If you’re dreading opening your gifts in front of all your guests and the inevitable “circle of presents,” this article is for you!
A gift that keeps on giving—8 bottles of wine to uncork for 8 milestone events in her marriage. Collaborate with a few other bridesmaids to put this gift together and attach our 8 original poems (you won’t see these anywhere else) for events like her wedding night, first home or just because.
What’s Wrong With the Bachelorette Party (and How We Can Fix It)
Writing this post was a bit like writing Ultimate Bridesmaid’s bachelorette manifesto. In a nutshell: Down with pink boas and penis-shaped straws, up with parties that reflect the bride’s personality and style!