Lately I simply can’t get enough of everything sparkly—glitter, confetti, sequins…if it’s shiny and I can throw it in the air or glue it to something, count me in! It all started with that stunning South Carolina Glitter Bachelorette Party and now I’m in a full sparkle spiral. So of course, I had to put together an inspiration board for a Glitter and Glamor Bachelorette Bash (and an accompanying Pinterest board).
A colorful tablescape from Rue Magazine shows confetti gone wild in the decor and I love this sparkly arrow showing the way to the party. I had to add one of my favorite bachelorette invites on Etsy, a sequined number from Socialite Paperworks. For dessert, I wanted something with ice to mimic crystal and catch the light, so I opted for this champagne rose granita. These DIY glittered heart bags are perfect for favors (can I recommend these gorgeous glitter-filled necklaces?). Finally, fill a piñata with confetti and sequins for an epic photo op—you can have the candy on the side, of course. Check out lots more sparkly ideas on my Glitter Pinterest Board.
Category Archives: Bachelorette Parties
A Girls Weekend in the San Francisco Mission District
I’m sure you’ve been noticing a lot of travel articles this summer, but what can I say? I’ve been a busy girl! I recently traveled to San Francisco to meet up with three important women in my life—my mom and two of my aunts, Laurie and Marlene. When I was growing up, Aunt Laurie and Aunt Marlene were the two aunts who lived in town, so we spent lots of early holidays together. I was the flower girl in my Aunt Laurie’s wedding (yep, the one who wouldn’t drop her petals). And my Mom is one of my best friends. So, it’s wonderful to now have adult relationships with these amazing women and be able to spend a weekend away with them.
How does this help you? Well, our weekend would have made an amazing bachelorette bash. We had so much fun! So here’s my stellar weekend in San Francisco. This weekend is best for those who aren’t interested in or have already done the top tourist destinations. If you’ve already walked the Golden Gate Bridge, been to Chinatown, seen the sea lions and paid a visit to Alcatraz, or if those common attractions just don’t interest you, then this weekend line-up is for you. Leave your own suggestions for a great weekend in San Francisco in the comments!
Friday:
Photo courtesy airbnb.
Arrive at your amazing pad in the Mission District. This was my first time using Airbnb to book a house and the experience could not have been better. I don’t throw around the word “sick” to describe apartments very often, but I will for this three bedroom decked out in mid-century modern furniture with deep blue and neon pink walls and pops of patterns in the supersoft throws. I seriously wanted to pack everything into my suitcase to redecorate my own apartment…or just move in. A huge kitchen in the back was the perfect place to gather for a nightly wine and cheese happy hour while the cool San Francisco breeze came in through the back garden door.
Spend your first night exploring everything the Mission’s 24th St. We created our own progressive dinner, hitting up taquerias, bakeries and bars and darting in a few quirky bookstores and artist co-ops. We loved the sangria and salt cod appetizer at Roosevelt Tamale Parlor and the ceviche tostadas at El Farolito, but the road is simply lined with great Mexican food, so take your pick!
Saturday:
Start the day off right by making a stop right around the corner at Dynamo’s Donuts. We found ourselves instantly addicted to these things, from the tangy lemon thyme to the sinful maple bacon.
Sign up for a mural tour with Precita Eyes Muralists. The Mission District has a rich history of muralizing the streets and, especially around 24th St., almost every corner is covered in two-story art. Taking a tour really helps you appreciate what you’re seeing and leads you to alleys and corners you wouldn’t typically have stumbled on (some streets are completely covered in murals). Our guide was a muralist herself and was able to explain some of the religious, historical and political symbols that pop up throughout the art, as well as the deeply respectful culture that surrounds the mural community in this neighborhood. Even if you are not a tour person, you’ll enjoy this—it feels more like you’re meeting up with your passionate artistic friend for a stroll (ask for Carla, she’s the best!).
After your tour, spend time exploring the cute shops the Mission has to offer. I made you this nifty map to help you find your way around the neighborhood (click here to download a full-size PDF: A Mini Guide to San Francisco’s Mission District. The shopping list is definitely incomplete, but Valencia is lined with quirky home goods stores, vintage clothing shops and used bookstores from about 20th St. all the way up to Hayes Valley. You can find lunch or dinner (and plenty of treats) at the fabulous cafes and shops in the area. Stop by Dolores Park to enjoy the sunshine and a croissant from Tartine Bakery or a salted caramel scoop from Bi-Rite Creamery.
Finish your night by hopping in a cab to the late showing of Beach Blanket Babylon, a classic San Francisco show that’s been running for 60 years but feels like it was written yesterday…because it was! The show is a musical revue full of the latest figures in pop culture and politics and is constantly rewritten to reflect the latest news. I was in San Francisco only a few days after the birth of Prince William and Kate’s baby George and all three made an appearance in the show. It’s silly and fun, and the costumes are almost the best part.
Sunday:
This afternoon’s agenda includes an amazing food tour, so work up your appetite with a morning in Golden Gate Park. You could spend hours exploring the park, so pick what appeals most to you. For garden lovers, there’s the Japanese Tea Gardens, the Conservatory of Flowers, and the Botanical Garden. The artistic can check out the permanent collection at the de Young Museum (make sure to climb to the top of the Hamon Tower for panoramic views of the city and the Golden Gate Bridge). The California Academy of Science is right across the street and includes its very own domed rainforest. For a bit of whimsy, hike out to the windmill and tulip garden or take a ride on the restored carousel.
My number one recommendation for Golden Gate Park is to rent a surrey. These two- or four-person contraptions can be pedaled around the park and make for plenty of hilarious pictures and some harrowing near crashes… (There may or may not be a video of me somewhere on YouTube trying to pull an illegal U-turn. Some guy in a truck filmed it. Please let me know if you locate this footage.)
For the afternoon, book a food tour with Gourmet Walks. We ate our way through Hayes Valley, sampling cheese and wine, bahn mi and macaron, freshly frozen ice cream and craft beers. Try not to eat before this tour. Like, seriously, I recommend showing up starving. Because you get a lot of food. Way too much food. Delicious, delicious food. One of my favorite stops was Arlequin because of their amazing back garden. Sunlight streamed through the trees as we enjoyed a cheese plate and glass of California chardonnay. There are lots of cute bars to turn your food tour into a drinking tour for the night. Some of my favorites were Noir, for the retro industrial decor and oversized leather chairs, and Two Sisters Bar and Books, for the designer cocktails and real lending library. And since Hayes Valley borders the Mission District, it will be a cinch for you to hop on a bus or even stroll home when it’s time to wind the evening down.
A Glitter Bachelorette Shoot in South Carolina
Bride Amanda chose a glitter bachelorette theme for this weekend on the sunny shore of Isle of Palms, near Charleston, South Carolina. Each of her friends came prepared with a sparkly outfit and photographer Paige Winn came up with the perfect prop to add extra glitz—shimmery confetti (bonus: it’s biodegradable!). You can tell from their smiles and giggles that this shoot was pure fun. The girls are positively glowing with energy and the result is just gorgeous! (P.S. Did you catch Amanda’s stunning ring nestled in a handful of confetti?)
Free Bachelorette Party Photography from Dina Litovsky
How would you like to have an award-winning photographer shoot your bachelorette party—for free? Dina Litovsky’s bachelorette photography series has won international awards, including first place in the prestigious International Photography Awards (2011, Culture), for her exploration of this rite of female bonding and empowerment. Here’s how it works: Dina tags along on bachelorette parties in the New York and New Jersey area. (She’s open to other locations, but a travel fee may apply. Contact her for details.) The bride chooses which activities and events she wants photographed, be it just a couple of hours or every moment of the destination weekend. After all the festivities, the bride receives about 100 photos of the event, including group shots and details, and Dina uses one or two in her photography series. For further details, email Dina at dina@stregoica.com. Knowing that Dina has attended a lot of bachelorette parties, Ultimate Bridesmaid just had to ask for her take on what the bachelorette stands for—and how she got interested in photographing them in the first place!
UB: So, how did you first decide to start shooting bachelorette parties?
Dina: Even though I lived in NYC for more than 20 years, I never fully “Americanized” [Ed note: Dina’s originally from the Ukraine.] and I didn’t have a bachelorette party when I got married. I attended my first one shortly after and was really fascinated by it. Mixed with all the drinking and partying there were so many tender, emotional moments. That really drew me in.
UB: There’s this idea that the bachelorette party is a kind of “girls gone wild” event, often involving strippers and all kinds of craziness. Have you found that to be true in the parties you shoot? Or are we moving toward different kinds of bachelorette parties?
Dina: I have shot several parties with strippers, but I have also shot events with spa retreats and tea parties. I do see the bachelorette party’s main idea to push some boundaries. These boundaries are very different for everyone, for some girls getting a stripper is a natural thing to do while others would find it really unpleasant and getting a penis-shaped cake is as wild as they are willing to go. It’s really an individual decision.
UB: In your opinion, what’s behind the bachelorette party tradition or what should it be about?
Dina: It’s not a well-known fact but the bachelorette party actually has roots in the feminist culture of the 1970s. It is really the first culturally accepted ritual that celebrates a woman’s freedom and sexuality. Before this, women only had the bridal shower where they were given recipes, kitchenware and were advised on how to be a good wife. Men, on the other hand had the fun and wild bachelor party. Creating the bachelorette party evened out the playing field.
UB: All the personal photographs I have from bachelorette parties are notoriously terrible. It’s usually too dark to get a good picture or we’re in places that are way too crowded. Any tips for capturing great photos at night?
Dina: Flash is definitely a must when shooting an event like this. However I think most bachelorette parties are blurry or dark because everyone at the party is drinking! I can never take a good picture while drunk, that’s why I am the only one staying sober and shooting all the action.
*****
View more images from Dina’s award-winning bachelorette series here and contact her to set up your own free bachelorette party shoot at dina@stregoica.com.
A New York City Bachelorette Dining Guide
Trying to plan a bachelorette weekend in NYC and absolutely overwhelmed by your restaurant choices? Trust me, as a New Yorker I feel your pain. Just deciding where to go to dinner often requires a flow chart. I need to consider location, price, ambiance, and even the size of the restaurant, read reviews on Yelp, check New York magazine for the latest openings…it’s too much! I keep lists of places I’ve enjoyed just to have a few options on the tip of tongue in a pinch. I can’t imagine how you, a NYC visitor, must feel. So here you go: my recommendations for affordable NYC dining, all chosen with your bachelorette party in mind.
I have to preface this by saying that this list is by no means complete. NYC is just too big and there are too many amazing restaurants, with new ones opening every day. So this list is very personal to me. It’s based on my experiences and the places I like. Please leave me suggestions in the comments for the inevitable part 2!
P.S. Part 2 has arrived! Click here for more dinner recommendations, a few unique drinking spots and more yummy treats.
First, let’s talk about cost. I consider an affordable entree in NYC to be $15 and the average beer will set you back $6-$8. I know, I know. As a girl who has ordered a Long Island Iced Tea at a bowling alley in North Carolina for $4, I feel your pain. Here, that same drink will set you back $12 at some bars. So set your budget or your expectations accordingly. But don’t despair. There are deals to be found if you know where to look and you can absolutely have amazing food and an amazing time without shelling out $100 a person on dinner. All the restaurants I’ve chosen here are affordable and delicious.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that many mind-blowing NYC restaurants are incredibly tiny. I’m talking 10 seats or just counter service! So if you have a big group to accomodate, you need to keep the size of the restaurant in mind.
Lastly: reservations, reservations, reservations. Live and die by Open Table, a great website for booking reservations online or on your phone in a snap.
Dinner
Otto: Mario Batali’s West Village spot is called a pizzeria, but take a look at the menu and you’ll see it goes far beyond pizza. The price tag also doesn’t match how divine the food really is (personal pizzas run $7-$14). Start with the braised pork shoulder with pappardelle and finish with the olive oil gelato—trust me! This gelato is one of my favorite things to share with visitors. They always seem nervous before their first bite, but then can’t stop eating this fruity, tangy concoction. The cavernous Tuscan-style dining room makes this a great choice for big groups.
Nai Tapas: This East Village joint is small, but could accommodate a big party with advanced notice and a reservation. The tapas plates are delicious, authentically Spanish and perfect for sharing along with pitchers of sangria. If you’re daring, try the pulpo a la gallega (octopus) or for something a bit tamer but still delightful go with the pan tumaca (toasts with serrano ham, manchego cheese and tomato). Either way, make sure to order their champagne sangria—it’s a celebration in your mouth. Thursday and Saturday nights have live flamenco shows. Tapas portions run about $7 each and full plates are $9–$14. A pitcher of sangria will set you back $27, but you’ll get at least 6 drinks out of it.
The Park: Want to feel like you’re dining in Central Park? Request seats in the garden room of this casually chic Chelsea spot. With cobbled floors and patio tables, the atmosphere is casual, but candlelight and the rustic wood bar add an element of sophistication. (If you really want to get swanky, ask for seats in The Red Room. Or, there’s even a huge penthouse room that can be rented out for large events.) The food matches the breezy outdoor vibe, with wood oven pizzas, designer burgers and small plates to share. The large entrees like the grilled salmon start to get pricey at around $18, but the seasonal white mushroom pizza or turkey burger with pepperoni relish on an English muffin will only set you back $13. This place is really about the atmosphere though. If you want really posh eats, graze at a few locations in Chelsea Market next door, then stop into The Park for drinks.
Murray’s Cheese Bar: What could be better than wine and cheese? Murray’s Cheese Bar is an extension of their amazing cheese shop. As the restaurant itself is small, your best bet may be to book a private event at the cheese shop, which has a great room overlooking the whole cheese paradise. A certified cheese expert can serve you delicious morsels and tell you a bit about each scrumptious bite while you wash it down with plenty of bubbly. Or make a reservation in the restaurant, where you can indulge in decadent mac and cheese ($12) or nibble on a grilled artichoke heart salad ($10) in between bites of cheesy goodness.
Westville: Oh man, Westville. Sometimes I have dreams about you. You are just so good. This gem is all about fresh and local. Believe it or not, my absolute favorite dish is the market side plate: four of their to-die-for vegetable sides, like zucchini with tomatoes and mozzarella, mashed sweet potatoes, or brussels sprouts with honey dijon. The market veggie plate will run you $12, while a grilled pork chop smothered in red-wine mushrooms will be about $15. There are four locations, but only the Hudson St. location takes reservations (for parties of 6 or more only). Opt for this location so you don’t end up waiting.
Late-Night Eats
It’s after midnight. You’ve been partying the night away. You are hungry. Here is where your dreams will come true.
Artichoke Basille Pizza: Sinfully delicious pizza. The East Village location is open until 5am—yep, you read that right—or you can stop in the West Village or Chelsea locales until midnight. Best known for their white pie with artichoke and spinach.
This Little Piggy: As the rhyme goes, “…had roast beef,” and you shall too. Order it “This Way” (with aus juz and cheese whiz) or “That Way” (with gravy and fresh mozzarella). Either way, it will be the most perfect drunk food you have ever consumed. Also located in the East Village and open until 5am.
Crif Dogs: You’ve never had a hot dog like this. My personal favorite is the tsunami dog, which is wrapped in bacon and topped with pineapple, green onions and teriyaki sauce. Bonus: The phone booth is actually the entrance to a speakeasy, PTD. Pick up the phone to dial for entry, but be warned that they keep the numbers low so the bar isn’t overcrowded. You can make a reservation to be sure you’re admitted. East Village, open until 4am.
Brunch
Brunch is an event in NYC. If reservations are accepted, I highly recommend you make one. But some of these places are good ol’ fashioned first come first serve. Just be prepared to wait (it’ll be worth it).
Friend of a Farmer: Fresh food that will make you feel good about yourself and say yum! The vibe is a rustic country house and the dishes match. The pumpkin pancakes with toasted walnuts ($13) are just tooo much goodness or opt for smoked salmon scrambled eggs for a taste of New York ($14). Located in Gramercy.
Calle Ocho: The trek to the Upper West Side will be worth it when you encounter this Spanish brunch spot’s number one draw: an unlimited sangria bar is included with your meal and presents you with eight different flavors to sample, from the Spanish Harlem spiked with dark rum and a pinch of cinnamon to the Havana Banana with tropical creme de banana and coconut. Try the wild mushroom paella ($15) or a chorizo and scrambled egg burrito ($14) to soak up the liquid deliciousness.
Sarabeth’s: Sarabeth’s is a New York institution, well known for serving a classy and scrumptious brunch. Order their porridge Mama Bear (cream, raisins and honey) or Big Bad Wolf style (wheatberries and brown sugar). Be sure to include some kind of baked good in your meal—they’re known for their breads and jams. Multiple locations all over town.
88 Palace: Take brunch in a new direction by having dim sum, the Chinese equivalent. The foods are more like what you’d typically want for lunch, so don’t go in expecting eggs and pancakes. It’s more like morning tapas. Small carts wheel around this cavernous space at the top of a strange strip mall. Don’t be alarmed as you enter and wind past cellphone vendors and free clinics. 88 Palace occupies the entire top floor and is a revelation. Be sure to grab a plate of roast pork puns, but be adventurous! Each plate is only around $5.
Treats
No girls trip is complete without treats, am I right? Whether you want to order a special cake for the bride or just want a sweet stop off, here are my favorite treat destinations.
For cookies, try City Bakery. Though the best chocolate chip cookie in the city is a hotly debated topic, many give City Bakery the title for their chewy yet soft cookies with a hint of salt. If you’re visiting during February, you’re in luck! For their Hot Chocolate Festival, the bakery creates a new hot chocolate flavor every day.
For ice cream, I gotta go with Sundaes and Cones. Why? It’s right by my office! No, seriously, this is good ice cream. Super-creamy and rich, with your favorite standbys, but a few Asian-inspired offerings as well, like red bean or green tea.
For cookies and ice cream, track down the Cool Haus truck for an ice cream sandwich like you’ve never seen before. Make your own cool combination, like a red velvet cookie with yogurt and berries ice cream or a potato chip and butterscotch cookie with salted caramel ice cream. You can even eat the wrapper! (Not as weird as it sounds.)
For cupcakes, hit up Two Little Red Hens. (Also, scones. Man I miss those scones!) NYC has this trend for supersweet sugary icing on cupcakes and I just do not like that. So Two Little Red Hens is my perfect cupcake. The icing is not overwhelmingly sweet and the cakes are moist. Brooklyn Blackout will send you into a double chocolate coma, but I personally have to go with the carrot cupcake as their cream cheese frosting is divine!
For pie, you’re going to have to trek to Brooklyn for Four & Twenty Blackbirds. Could you find good pie in NYC? Oh sure. But this pie is hands down my favorite in the city. Like, have-daydreams-about-salted-caramel-apple-goodness amazing.
So, what are your favorite spots for brunch, dinner and treats in NYC? Have you planned a bachelorette weekend in the city and had success (or failure) with certain spots? Leave suggestions in the comments!
TrueBlu Brings You Looks for a Classy Bachelorette Bash
1. Pandora dress by Diane von Furstenberg 2. Chandelier earrings by Meghna Designs 3. Glitter clutch by Sophia Webster 4. Gold bracelet by Vince Camuto 5. Pink pumps by Ivanka Trump
True Blu founder Rosie has a knack for putting together stunning looks, so I asked her to share two ensembles for a classy bachelorette bash: one for the bride and one for her bridesmaids. Rosie chose classic white for the bride with a modern peplum hem to keep the look fresh and accessorized with metallic gold and a little bit of sparkle. For the bridesmaids, bright fuchsia really pops in this ruffled but sophisticated dress. The pink is carried through in the accessories, with a touch of glitter to make the look as festive as can be. I can totally see these at a glamorous champagne brunch bridal shower or at a rooftop lounge for a bachelorette bash.
1. Peplum dress by Alice + Olivia 2. Gold pennant necklace from Madewell 3. Gold belt from MSGM 4. Wedding belles clutch from Kate Spade 5. Crossover slingback metallic sandals from Zara
I also had to take the opportunity to chat with Rosie about starting a blog for bridesmaids, with a focus on fashion and pre-wedding events.
So, tell me about how True Blu began. When did you start the blog and where did the idea come from?
Well, after getting married in 2007 I couldn’t for the life of me stop browsing through wedding magazines. My wedding was being replayed over and over again. Is there anything that could’ve been done differently? These thoughts played in my mind repeatedly, and with good reason. You see, during the planning of my wedding many of my friends looked to me for advice on assisting them to assist me. My first reaction was “I’m fine…I have it all covered.” Which was definitely not the case. I tried my best not to reach out to avoid being that annoying nagging bride. What I didn’t realize was that my friends sincerely wanted to help me. Funny thing is I’m also the over excited friend that takes initiative to plan the bridal shower and bachelorette party for family members. So I guess in hindsight it all makes sense, right?
Weeks passed, and I realized that I should start a business related to helping the friends of the bride. Over the years, I brainstormed and finally decided to create an online resource to helping the friends of the bride with advice and tips, bridal shower and bachelorette party planning. I officially launched the blog last summer but didn’t really start devoting actual time until October.
I decided to call the blog True Blu as a symbol of friendship. True Blu by definition is someone who displays unwaveringly or staunch loyalty.
Has your vision for the blog changed at all since you first started?
It actually has changed just slightly. Initially, I wanted to feature content that I would never feature today. Some would call it a little risqué and possibly offensive. I soon shifted gears and after doing more thorough research decided to take the blog in a different direction.
Is there an article or topic you’re most proud of? What articles or post seem to resonate with your readers?
This is kind of tough. Hmm…it would have to be the inspiration boards and fashion collages I’ve personally created. It’s a long and daunting process looking for the right image for each board or collage, but I find it rather enjoyable. Readers tend to love these as well since it allows them to visually start planning for their friend’s pre-wedding fete.
I’m really inspired by the fact that you’re putting together your own inspiration shoots. How did that come about?
Aw, thanks Caitlin! In the process of starting my blog I knew I wanted to actually create my own photo shoots (with the help of extremely talented vendors, of course). Seeing that there was little visual inspiration online dedicated to bridal showers and more specifically to bachelorette parties, I felt there was a definite void. And the best part is always the end result!
LastBash: A Bachelorette Weekend Planning Tool
As anyone who has planned a bachelorette weekend will tell you, it can get stressful. There are so many moving pieces to manage, from choosing the date and location that works for most of the guests to managing the guest list, communicating expenses, booking activities and coordinating special touches for the bride. Just take a look at my step-by-step guide to planning a bachelorette weekend…I can feel your stress building. So imagine my joy when I stumbled across LastBash. It’s like a supercharged evite, with tons of planning tools like private message boards and expense tracking, that’s totally dedicated to organizing your bachelorette weekend—and completely free! Here’s a look at how it works.
First, you set up a page for your event. This will serve as an invitation, but will also create a wall where everyone can comment, allowing you to communicate easily with the guests and get their input quickly. You can also initiate private messages so you can loop in a few guests (like the other bridesmaids) without involving everyone. One of my absolute favorite features is the ability to create polls. This eliminates all the confusion of sorting through emails to see which date or location works for most of your guests.
You can also add activities that guests can RSVP for separately. For example, maybe you slot in the limo company you’re expecting to rent from and their rate. Then if another guest finds a better rate she can let you know. Or you can list optional activities, like going to the spa for facials and pedicures and the girls can let you know if they’d like to attend. You can also share your flight itineraries and contact information, so you know when everyone will arrive and how to get in touch with them.
Finally, there’s a panel for expenses, which lets you easily share costs and keep track of who has paid for what. Asking your friends for money can be one of the most delicate subjects, so having everything organized and out in the open takes away some of the stress and also serves as a reminder to your guests to pay up (so you don’t get stuck with the bill!).
Overall, I love this concept. With a crisp, clean design and lots of features that keep all the details of your party together and streamline communication with your guests, Last Bash is the perfect tool to take some of the stress out of planning your bachelorette weekend.