While it's always exciting to celebrate a close friend who is a bride-to-be, bachelorette party planning can be a little stressful. This is especially true if you have several friends getting married in one year—and it’s the same group going to all the same wedding events. These celebrations can get redundant fast, particularly when it comes to bachelorette party themes. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Meet the Expert
Bruce Russell is a London-based wedding planner and the owner of Bruce Russell Events.
Bachelorette party themes are a great opportunity to infuse the woman of honor's personality into the event. “From local, last single-night-out events to overseas weekendes, brides and their besties have the world as their oyster when planning a bachelorette,” says Bruce Russell of Bruce Russell Events. “I always suggest getting personal to the woman who’s being celebrated when selecting a theme. It could be about her favorite activities, foods, colors, or even something personal about the couple.”
Plus, it can help guide your party location, activities, décor, outfits, and more. Ahead, find 20 bachelorette party theme ideas to consider for different types of brides. From a budget-friendly, low-key night in with your best friends to jetting off for a French affair, we’ve got you covered.
The Last Rodeo
“Pack your daisy dukes and cowboy boots for a trip to Austin, Texas, where you’ll find live music and unique bar scenes that will satisfy all energy levels. In summer, you can even plan a day on the lake to beat the heat,” says Russell. Other fun activities to consider: horseback riding, trying out the local barbecue, or going to an actual rodeo.
#Barbiecore
“If the couple consists of a bride and groom and they were born in the Barbie-era, get yourself a nice pair of khaki shorts, Hawaiian shirts, pink visors, and have the girls bring cutout poster board faces of the groom to travel with you wherever you go,” says Russell. This is also a great opportunity to incorporate a hot pink color palette paired with vibrant turquoise.
Set Sail
Is the upcoming wedding nautical themed? Dream up a bachelorette party theme idea to match! Charter a boat to set sail for the party and soak up the sun (and views!) with your best gals all day long.
The Great Outdoors
Is the bride a lover of hiking or camping? Celebrate by embracing the great outdoors. Rent a cabin and enjoy a weekend of solitude in nature together. Don't forget marshmallows for gathering around the fire pit!
Dreamy Desert
Celebrate a love for dramatic landscapes and sunny days. Head to Arizona, California, or Utah to soak it all up. Book a house together—or find a magical resort. Incorporate plenty of cactus details and neutral hues to pull of this bachelorette party theme idea.
Relax With Wellness
Whisk away for a wellness retreat before the wedding. This is such a great opportunity for relaxation and rejuvenation as a group. Book spa appointments as a group, and be sure to get a massage for the bride on the books.
Disney Day
Calling all Disney lovers! Treat the bride like a princess with a very special outing. Head to Disneyland or Disneyworld for the perfect opportunity to celebrate together all in the name of fun.
A French Toast
If the bride is obsessed with all things French, “channel Grace Kelly and head to the French Riviera for a go-big bachelorette getaway," says Russell. "The Maybourne Riviera is the perfect place to lounge by the pool overlooking the Mediterranean.” Spend the weekend enjoying plenty of French food (and wine, of course), fashion, and scenery while you toast to the bride’s last hurrah.
Camp Vibes
Calling all campers! Pack your sleeping bags and get ready for a night under the stars. Consider hosting an actual camping trip for the bachelorette party, or simply draw inspiration from this vibe. Consider putting together a dinner spread and deck out the tables with lanterns and patterned tablecloths.
Pool Party
Planning a summer bachelorette party? Look to nothing other than a classic pool party! Utilize the pool at someone's house, or head to a resort to soak up the sun. Don't forget matching swimsuits and drink tumblers as favors!
Cottagecore
Do they love a vintage vibe? Embrace cottagecore by hosting a charming dinner party. Set the table with wooden accents and plenty of blooms, and incorporate dishes that nod to comfort food with a pretty twist.
Pajama Party
Time to cozy up! “Grab (or gift!) your matching pajamas and your favorite merlot while you roast marshmallows by the fire pit, tell ghost stories of guys or gals past, and play vintage games to soak up the nostalgia that the bride likely has with so many childhood friends present. This is a great budget-friendly option that anyone can do at home,” Russell says.
Dancing Queen
It's time to put on your shiniest outfit and dance! “Get retro with disco balls and bell bottoms,” says Russell. “The bigger the hair the better as you dance the night away. And be sure to curate a playlist worthy of the fashion!” Pro tip: This is the time to play all the ABBA albums.
Back to the '90s
Celebrating someone born in the '90s? Book a hotel suite or plan the party at someone's house. Break out the Champagne and the karaoke! Put together a playlist of favorite songs and celebrate the night away.
Beer Lovers
Going brewery hopping and beer tasting is the perfect fit for the lover of a good brew. Plan multiple stops at favorite breweries throughout your city. Just make sure you have a designated driver—the best man (or a party bus rental service) can help with that!
Beachside
Nothing beats a beach day. Why not incorporate the sun and sand into a bachelorette party? Spend the day relaxing with pretty cocktails garnished with umbrellas in hand.
Wine Down
“Refined and sophisticated, the Montage Healdsburg in Sonoma is the perfect weekend getaway for a ladies-only weekend or a joint celebration with the partner and friends, too. Take in tastings and tours in the Napa Valley for a long weekend or grab seats on the Napa Valley Wine Train for a totally unique experience,” says Russell.
Embrace Italy
Celebrate with a dreamy escape to Italy. Book a villa as a group, or stay stateside and bring touches of Italy at home. Serve plenty of Aperol Spritz cocktails, bring in Neapolitan pizza, and don't forget the bride's favorite flavor of gelato for something sweet!
Go Retro
“Bring out the cactus cups and wildflower prints in Palm Springs, California, for a sandy-chic retro weekend away. Rent a house with a pool and plan to hit the downtown strip at night,” says Russell. If you really want to go all-out on the retro bachelorette party theme, consider renting a classic car for the drive and maybe even make a shopping trip to some of the eclectic vintage shops in Palm Springs before having a dress-up night at home.
Tropical
Take it to somewhere balmy and warm! Whether you're actually jetting off as a group, or staying stateside, theme the party with plenty of tropical motifs. Think: a gold and green color palette, palm trees and palm leaves, and fruity drinks with mini umbrellas.