Bachelorette parties have a stigma of penis straws, Chippendales, boas and bad lingerie. These items make me cringe for many reasons, but mostly because I prefer to save bridal attention for the wedding day. Now when you tell your beloved besties that you’re not game for the average bachelorette, there may be tears. (Putting sashes, veils and thongs on a bride is easier than being on the receiving end.) However, it’s more than possible to achieve a balance as long as you’re surrounded by people you love.
Here are some ideas for the bashful bride:
1. Go to a new city: You may love to table-hop in NYC or dress for the white party in the Hamptons, but what made my bachelorette party special was going to a new locale. Everything is an adventure in a new city, which makes it instantly entertaining and provides a lasting memory.
2. Let go of the planning: You might be worried that your ladies have some tricks up their sleeves, but if you love them the way they love you, you need to trust them to make the right choices based on your interests. I had a hard time refraining from making reservations and time-coding my trip, but in the end it was more exciting not to know what was around the corner as opposed to landing with my itinerary.
3. Create a #hashtag: You may not like to bring social media into your wedding, but you can instantly have a virtual photo album of your bachelorette if you create a hashtag. When I returned home I immediately had hundreds of memories after only a few clicks on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. And I didn’t have to play photographer.
4. Spread the word: You might be shy about being a walking advertisement, but it only takes a few words to be showered with attention. I was wary of being a glittery gaggle of girls, and opted not to pose with a crown. But we did mention why we were celebrating every chance we got, and it did reward us with more than a few special deliveries (nearly all of the champagne kind).
Each girl has a unique personality and favorite destination. For me, Miami was the perfect mix of waves, cocktails and beats. Our group scored by going boutique; The Gale in South Beach happily accommodated eight girls looking for a luxury spot without the hustle and bustle of large chain. Ensuring that our hotel had a pool and beach access gave us the convenience of limiting cabs and maximizing our time outdoors. For sun worshipers with a soft spot for hot jams, Miami is the ideal destination.
Now, if only we had known it was Fashion Week for Swimwear ahead of time…
Girls image via Getty Images and Huffington Post // Ocean and historical images via The Gale