Ah, the bachelorette party! This special soiree used to be secretly planned by the Maid of Honor and bridesmaids, but these days, the bride is taking a more active part in planning and choosing where the bachelorette party will be, and in what activities she would like to participate.
If you are taking part in planning your night out with the girls, here are a few things to keep in mind:
~ Let friends know in advance if there will be a stripper. Not all bachelorette parties are wild and wooly, but if you have chosen to party a bit more on the wild side, be fair to your ladies and inform them of what you have in mind. Etiquette expert Peggy Post believes that “whatever is planned, it should not embarrass, humiliate, or endanger the honoree or any of the guests.” Since not everyone is going to feel comfortable in the presence of a stripper, give them fair warning.
~ Be careful to not go overboard with celebratory drinks and shots (especially if they are being payed for by others). Be aware of your limit, and of how much you are consuming. This is not a repeat of college parties or your 21st birthday – it is a special time of bonding with your friends. Enjoy them, and yourself, just pace yourself.
~ Do not be overly demanding and do not micro-manage. It is your party, but those who are planning or are helping you plan are doing this just for you, so do not over-load them with stress. Your friends love you, be happy with their efforts.
~ Invite only those who are invited to the wedding. While not every female invited to the wedding need be invited to the party, you must make sure that those you do invite to the bachelorette party were extended an invitation to the wedding.
~ Only invite those with whom you are most comfortable! While you should not go overboard in drinking, you still will feel pretty loose and ”let your hair down”. You need to be among trusted friends who know you well, and care about you.
~ Have the party begin with food, and make sure finger foods are available all night. You want to make sure all tummies are lined before and while hitting the booze!
~ Make sure that either you or those in charge of planning the party arrange for transportation. Have the cab company”s number on hand, or arrange for a couple of designated driver”s to be at the party, too. You want a fun and SAFE party!
~ Say ”Thank you!” Whether your friends came from out of state or from down the street, each lady who comes to your bachelorette party is taking time out of their busy lives to be there just for you. Tell them how grateful you are that they came, and how much it means to you.
photo credit: salsainthesuburbs.com
