How to Plan for an Epic Bachelorette Night

How to Plan for an Epic Bachelorette Night

Before the wedding festivities comes the epic bachelorette night! If you’ve been tasked with planning the bachelorette party, you might be feeling overwhelmed and wondering how to pull off the perfect night. Take a deep breath and follow some simple steps to help you along the way. 

Make Plans for Every Stage

The last thing you want is for the guests, or the bride, to be bored during the night. The best way to avoid this is by planning something for every stage of the night. Of course, this doesn’t mean you need to have an elaborate activity every second. You can think simply, such as having a quiz about the bride while you wait for your food at a restaurant. The more you have planned, the easier it will be to pull off the night. In fact, you might end up planning more than you need to and this is always better than having nothing prepared. As you plan, make sure you get input from the bride so you can make her night exactly what she wants it to be. 

Delegate Planning

Planning the bachelorette party is not something that needs to be squarely on your shoulders. As you begin planning, involve some of the other bridesmaids and delegate. Delegating is an especially good idea for the more monotonous elements of the party. For example, you can have someone else purchase the food from a list you give them or you can ask one of the other bridesmaids to be in charge of making reservations. Having others to help you can lighten your load and make sure the night goes off without a hitch. There are more people to pick up any slack and help you keep everything on track.   

Create Back-Up Plans

The unfortunate part of planning anything is that things don’t always go as you want them. This is why it’s essential for you to have a back-up plan or two. There are many unforeseen circumstances you might encounter. It could be storming on the day of the party or one of your reservations might fall through. People might drop out last minute or there could just be an activity that the bride doesn’t want to do. Having back-up plans means you can still deliver an epic night of celebration for the bride. If you are going out for a bachelorette party, you should make sure you research the area and see what sorts of activities you could do without having a reservation. It’s also a good idea to find activities that won’t be a major cost for all the guests. 

Travel in Style

This night is all about making the bride feel special, so you should travel in style! Many bachelorette parties will opt for more expensive travel accommodations that can fit the whole party. Limos are especially common for bachelorette parties because they make the night feel special and you don’t have to worry about extra vehicles. However, if you would rather have several cars, you could consider renting out some luxury cars or you could jazz up your own cars. You can decorate your cars and make it clear to everyone you drive by that you’re out for a night of fun. If you choose to decorate any vehicles, take precautions. Car paint protection is a film that prevents damage from sap, rocks, debris and other objects. Taking measures such as this can ensure that any damage to someone’s care doesn’t ruin the night. 

Make Reservations

One of the most important parts of planning is making the reservations. If you want to do certain activities, eat at certain restaurants, or stay at certain hotels, you need to plan this in advance and make reservations. This is why it’s important to get started on planning early. If you start a week before, you likely won’t be able to make many reservations. Additionally, you should confirm your reservations before the day of the party. This is especially important if you made the reservations months ago. 

Confirm Your Guest List

The guest list is an important part of planning for a bachelorette party. You want to make sure you include everyone the bride wants there, while also avoiding anyone who doesn’t want to attend. You also walk a fine line between meeting the bride’s needs and avoiding ruffling anyone else’s feathers. You should talk to the bride about her expectations for who to invite to the bachelorette party. Once you’ve made the guest list, you should make sure to confirm it several times before the night of the party. Having a head count can help you finish up your planning and have an idea of what the night will look like. 

Communicate with the Guests

There can be a lot of elements in a bachelorette party and you shouldn’t keep the details to yourself. It’s important that you communicate with all the guests before and during the party. Let them know what sorts of activities to look forward to and anything they might need to bring or provide. For example, if an activity requires people to get wet, then they should know that beforehand. Additionally, if it is lasting more than one night, everyone should know to bring an overnight bag. Along with the plans for the night, you should also let everyone know of the cost and if they are expected to contribute

Be Wary of the Cost

While bachelorette parties can be lots of fun, the cost can be a barrier. As you plan, you should consider the financial aspects and how it will impact everyone. You don’t want to plan an elaborate party and then expect all the guests to shell out a bunch of money. You want to be fair to everyone’s financial situation and you should also be fair to yours. Bachelorette parties can cost a lot, so don’t underestimate the price. If necessary, scale back your plans. 

The bachelorette party is a fabulous prelude to the wedding. It’s a chance to let loose and celebrate the bride before her big day. A lot goes into the planning, but make sure you don’t overwhelm yourself.  

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The Basics of Planning a Bachelorette Party

The Basics of Planning a Bachelorette Party

When you’re planning a bachelorette party you want to make sure that you put together the kind of event that the bride will love. This means that every bachelorette party has the potential to be an amazing time that is different from any party before it. It can be stressful to have this party planning assignment on your shoulders, but you have the tools you need to create an awesome event that the bride will remember forever. 

Create Your Itinerary 

The first step of any bachelorette party is figuring out what you are going to do for the night. Sometimes you may want to plan several stops so the party can keep moving and changing throughout the night. In other cases, staying with just one or two activities will be the exact right fit. Take time to think about how you want the party to flow and what kinds of things you think everyone will appreciate. When you have planned that out, you can put together a party that will be memorable and fun for everyone. 

Get Transportation 

If you are going to be traveling at all, you need to make sure that you have a plan for transportation. If you are having a destination bachelorette party, then the transportation may need to include a flight to the location. Then you just need to focus on how you will get to the party and move from place to place. Having transportation planned out in advance will ensure that everyone is safe and comfortable throughout the party. You can rent luxury vehicles, use your own cars, or even hire a chauffeur or call a rideshare. The most important thing is just that you have a plan for transportation, so you don’t get stranded. 

Buy Drinks 

No bachelorette party is complete without at least a few drinks. One fun way to tackle the problem of drinks is to come up with a signature cocktail for the bachelorette party. That will make the drink process simple since you won’t need to make more than one thing. It’s important that you choose something that the bride will love. It’s also a good idea to have some nonalcoholic beverages available in case any of the guests don’t drink or aren’t feeling it on the night of the party. Providing water as well will help to make the next morning a little easier on everyone. 

Make Food 

The food is another important aspect of any bachelorette party. Sometimes you may want to go out to eat, but eating in can create an intimate feeling that allows all the guests and the bride to bond with each other. It’s easier to create many awesome finger foods rather than a fancy sit down meal. But you don’t want the more casual feel to bring down the party. That’s why you want to add style and flair with the food and the way you serve it. For example, bamboo skewers add a level of detail to your presentation that will impress your guests. 

Know the Bride 

The bride is the most important part of any bachelorette party, so it is important that you know what she likes and what she wants from her party. Talk to her about her expectations, the style she is interested in and various elements that she might enjoy. Then you can take that knowledge and use it to create a party that she actually loves. This doesn’t mean that you have to ruin the surprise though. Just make sure you gather a lot of information so that you can create something that will surprise her without having to potentially put together a party that the bride won’t enjoy. Different people have different vibes that they want for their bachelorette and it’s important that you match it up to the bride. 

Choose the Space 

You need to choose a venue to host the party. This doesn’t have to be complicated; you just want to choose a space that will meet the needs of the party. If you are away, a hotel room could be a great place for a party, and a home can work well as well. Another option is going to a club or doing a bar crawl. You really just want to choose a location (or locations) that suit the vibe you are going for. The right location can set the tone for the party and ensure that everyone has a good time. 

Be Flexible 

It is always hard to deal with changes when you have spent so much time planning out an event. But it is important to know that changes are likely to happen and to plan flexibility into the party so you can go with the flow and keep things fun no matter what happens. There may be some elements of the party that are non negotiable, but other things are less set in stone and it’s important that you give yourself room to adjust if things don’t go exactly as planned. If you are flexible and calm, the bride will never know that something went wrong, and she will be able to simply enjoy her party. 

Invite the Guests 

You can’t have a successful bachelorette without having some great guests that the bride loves spending time with. Depending on the kind of party you are planning, you may have various levels of guest lists involved. Some parties are huge and extensive with tons of invitees while others are smaller and more intimate. Either type of party (or anything in between) can be a huge success if you plan it correctly. If you want to go the extra mile, send physical invitations to build up even more anticipation. 

A bachelorette party should be a fun time for the whole group, and it shouldn’t be a stressful situation. If you plan it right from the start, you can create something really great. Get started on your planning so you can create an amazing experience for the whole party.

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How to Have Greater Confidence in Your Appearance When You Go Out

How to Have Greater Confidence in Your Appearance When You Go Out

Many psychologists believe that having a positive sense of self is the best predictor of long-term happiness. This can be hard, however, for people who are specifically self-conscious about their own appearance. Whether you are worried about impressing new dates or just looking as great as your friends, you deserve to feel confident in your own skin! Try some of these tips to help.

Spend Time with People That Lift You Up 

The kind of people you surround yourself with dramatically impacts how you feel about yourself. If you leave social interactions feeling worse, not better than yourself, you may want to evaluate who you are spending time with. Your friends should lift others up, speak positively, and have an enthusiastic outlook towards life. Surround yourself with people that push you to be a better person and inspire you to follow your dreams. These are the kind of people that are actively pursuing their own dreams without putting down others, and are more successful in the long run.

Practice Your Body Language 

There’s a direct correlation between how you present yourself physically and how you feel emotionally. Certain poses communicate different messages to people, but more importantly, to your own psyche. For example, crossing your arms in front of yourself is a sign of being closed off. This can come from feelings of discomfort or disengagement. When you stand up tall and avoid crossing your arms, you communicate to your brain that you are open to what is happening around you and you feel confident in that situation. Good posture and positive body language will go a long way in helping you feel confident in whatever situation you are in.

Get Your Hair Done 

For most, hair is a defining characteristic of who they are and what they look like. Fundamental to the way you look, it is perfectly acceptable for your hair to be an important element in the way you feel about your appearance. If you need a change, consider getting your hair done. Sometimes a new color, a haircut, a deep condition, or even a blowout can make all the difference in how you feel when you look in the mirror. It’s the perfect way to give you a boost in confidence and the feeling of a fresh start in your life, not to mention extra glam for everyone else to see. Don’t be afraid to change things up, ask your friends or stylist for advice, or implement small changes along the way.

Dress Well 

Perhaps the secret key to confidence is that when you look good, you feel good. Dressing well and according to your personal style when you go out puts you in the right frame of mind to take on social activities and put yourself out there. So choose the best outfit for your style and the occasion. A casual denim skirt can give you confidence when going out at night with friends, and a stylish but comfy dress is great for first dates. Regardless of your outing, dressing for the occasion helps you get in the right mood and exude confidence when you’re going out.

Only Buy It if You Love It 

Feeling confident in your dress is difficult when you don’t like the clothing you own. But so often people purchase clothing items only because they are trendy or on sale. Every individual is different which means their style is going to be different. If a specific sweater is on-trend but doesn’t match what you like, don’t buy it. You will either waste your money because you don’t end up wearing it, or you’ll waste it because you don’t enjoy wearing it when you do. And getting bulk clearance items adds clutter to your closet only to make you self-conscious in public. Really, the secret is to buy items that you truly love and feel comfortable wearing, whether or not they’re popular. Only make a purchase when you are truly excited about the article of clothing and can see yourself wearing it for years to come. 

Listen to Your Favorite Music 

While you are getting ready, you should listen to your favorite music. Think of this as your pre-game pump up music. Music has a strong correlation with the way our brain and nervous systems are feeling. For some, they need an upbeat loud song to get them excited. Others need calm instrumentals to calm their nerves. Choose what works best for you. Ultimately, an empowering, uplifting song will play a huge role in giving you the confident energy and enthusiasm you need for an outing.

Focus on Your Overall Health 

Confidence in yourself is difficult to have when you personally don’t feel good. Develop healthy routines that fuel your body and your mind. Eating healthy, making time to work out, and challenging yourself intellectually will give you satisfaction and endorphins from your accomplishments. Consider your mental health and how to better take care of it. Your body will feel better and your mind will think better when it has the proper nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stimulation needed to live a healthy and confident lifestyle. 

Repeat Positive Affirmations 

Your body is an incredible gift, but unfortunately people don’t always treat it like one. The ability you have to heal yourself from injuries, sickness, and emotional trauma is nothing short of a miracle. Take time to be grateful for your body, no matter its weaknesses. Positive self-affirmations in the mirror will help you see the wonderful gift you have. To do this, come up with a list of positive physical, mental, and emotional characteristics about yourself. Repeat them in the mirror each morning and every time before you go out. Your list may change from day to day, but that’s a good thing! Let yourself believe in the unique power and gift that you are, and when you walk out your door you will believe it.

Confidence is the cornerstone of dreams. Those that are confident love themselves for who they are and are more capable of loving others for who they are. They have more healthy relationships, better careers, and happier lives. Confidence doesn’t always come naturally, but consistently building your belief in yourself is a habit everyone should have!

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Is a Puppy an Acceptable Gift for a Bride-to-Be?

Is a Puppy an Acceptable Gift for a Bride-to-Be?

Are you wondering what special gift you might offer at that upcoming bridal shower? Why not give her the best gift of all: the love of a dog? While this isn’t an option for everyone, it could just be the highlight of the celebration — and a moment the bride-to-be will never forget.

Understand the Responsibility of Pet Ownership

First and foremost, remember that you’ll be entrusting the recipient with the care of a living thing. While pet ownership has rich rewards, it’s imperative to ensure that the bride has the time and resources to handle the situation. If either the bride or groom (or both) already have at least one dog, that takes some of the guesswork out of the equation. They’ll be familiar with the challenges involved and will probably already have a puppy-centric schedule in place that works for them.

Just to be sure, however, you should ask casually whether they’ve ever considered introducing another canine companion to the fold. It’s better to be sure in advance that they’re willing to take on the responsibility of a puppy. Otherwise, you’ll run the risk of adding to the 1 million-plus pets that are rehomed each year.

You should also have a fallback plan in place just in case your generosity doesn’t pan out. Are you prepared to take on the responsibility yourself, or do you know someone else who will? If not, you should look around for alternative gift options.

Consider Adoption

Yes, on some level, all dogs are “adopted” — no human can point to their pup and say, “He’s my biological dog.” But, if you’re going to give a puppy as a gift, consider choosing one from a shelter instead of purchasing from a breeder. Rescue dogs need homes more than “designer” pups do, and they have plenty of love to give. If you’re worried about behavioral issues, most pet-adoption websites are happy to provide you with information on the dogs’ backstories. Also, know that puppies will typically adjust much more quickly than full-grown shelter dogs. You can even filter your search so that it only shows dogs of a certain age, although you might not have as much flexibility as far as breed is concerned.

The only issue you might run into involves the adoption process itself. While breeders are usually happy to hand the dog over as long as they’ve been paid, families who are looking to adopt a shelter dog are subjected to a screening process. That means your gift won’t come as a surprise since the bride will need to answer these questions herself. On the bright side, at least you’ll know for sure whether the fledgling couple is ready to welcome a new pet.

Ask About Allergies

Before choosing a dog, ask a close friend or family member if the bride suffers from any pet allergies. If the answer is yes, you’ll want to be extra careful when deciding which dog to buy. Pet allergies are triggered by dander, which is microscopic flecks of skin that can hitch a ride on hair or fur. That’s why a dog that sheds infrequently or not at all will trigger fewer symptoms than others. Hypoallergenic puppies won’t trigger allergies even during grooming. Some breeds to consider include the Goldendoodle, Afghan hound, Bichon Frise, and certain terriers. If you have any questions about whether the puppy is hypoallergenic, schedule a meeting with the rescue organization or breeder first.

Choose a Breed to Fit Their Lifestyle

Think carefully about the soon-to-be newlyweds and their living situation. Do they live in an apartment complex in the city, or are they planning on moving into a country dwelling with a large yard? For obvious reasons, you won’t want to give a Saint Bernard to a couple who lives in a fourth-floor walk-up. Even if they both love large dogs, it wouldn’t be fair to the animal to be cooped up like that. Bear in mind that it’s also more expensive to feed a big dog.

Dogs also need plenty of exercise and attention, especially when they’re puppies. Are the bride and groom both active people who will allow the pup to burn off all that excess energy? Or, are they frequently away from home for long periods of time? Some breeds are more active than others, and some will get into trouble if left alone for too long. Make sure to do your research thoroughly before you make your decision.

Although some people would argue that you should never give a dog as a present, there’s no reason why the process can’t go smoothly. If you do the thing properly and confirm with the couple that a puppy would be a welcome addition to their new family, you just might end up delivering the best gift they have ever had.

Need to plan a girls night before the big day? Click here to see our girls night packages!

4 Ways to Ensure Your Bachelorette Party Happens Without a Hitch

4 Ways to Ensure Your Bachelorette Party Happens Without a Hitch

Planning a bachelorette party might seem like a fairly easy thing to do. Not much goes into it other than making a few reservation phone calls. Although setting up the party itself is easy to accomplish, keeping things in order during your fun day out could be a little harder than you thought it would be. But, don’t worry, the following includes four ways to ensure your bachelorette party happens without a hitch.

Plan Carefully

One of the most common things a bride does is entrust a bridesmaid with the organizational part of the evening. Many brides do this in order to truly be surprised and to remove additional burdens on them during their wedding week. However, it should be noted that you must be very careful when choosing the person you entrust this day to. The person organizing the event must be someone who not only knows what you like but also what you don’t like. There’s nothing worse than going to your least favorite bars and restaurants.

Don’t Forget to Budget

When the excitement of a bachelorette party is flowing through people’s minds, it can be easy to forget how much you truly can and want to spend. Before anything else, it is important to set a budget for the night. This should include the amount each person is willing to donate to the party. Knowing your limits can help keep your bachelorette party from getting out of hand in the cost department.

Remain Calm if Something Goes Wrong

Bachelorette parties are meant to get a little wild. However, this will sometimes lead to altercations with other guests or even among your own friends. Then there’s always the possibility (although very slight) of an accident. Remaining courteous and clear-headed despite a stressful situation will allow you to keep enjoying your night afterward. The minute you invite more problems or simply don’t take action, your bachelorette party can quickly turn into a wreck.

Save the Date

Even if someone has already RSVP’d to your wedding, it does not mean they’re free for your bachelorette party as well. In order to avoid having only one or two people show up, make sure to ask your friends to save the date. Providing a month of advance notice should be a perfect amount of time to allow friends to alter their calendars. You want to make sure all your closest friends can be there for your fun night!

Your bachelorette party can be one of the best moments of your engagement. It is important to make sure that everything goes off without a hitch. Utilize the tips listed above to begin planning the best possible bachelorette party for yourself and your friends.

Check out our amazing bachelorette packages for your big night out!