When planning a bachelorette party, understanding proper etiquette ensures the bride isn’t mortified by events or guests’ behaviour! In this article, we will share everything you need to know about bachelorette party etiquette, straight from the experts at our bachelorette party venue in Vaughan.
Discuss Costs With Fellow Guests
Bachelorette parties can cost a fortune, especially if everyone is having fun and not watching the bar tab. Since the costs are shared by all the guests, it’s important to have a budget discussion before any planning begins.
Having everyone pitch in upfront is also critical to avoid having guests “forget” to pay you after the event. You can try setting a minimum contribution, but be sensitive to the fact that not everyone can meet that minimum. Instead, it’s more polite to suggest a minimum and make it clear this is not a requirement to attend.
Don’t Book Anything Without Everyone’s Approval
Building on the above, it’s very un-PC to book anything without a group discussion. This isn’t just from a cost perspective, although this is a huge consideration. It also addresses all kinds of things, from moms who might not have backup babysitters available to guests who might not have the clothes for the activities or places you have in mind.
Unless you have a very prosperous group of friends and close family members, booking anything that requires a flight is probably not realistic. So, again, consider the group (not just what you want) before booking anything.
Arrange for Transportation
Whether you anticipate a lot of drinking or not, arranging for transportation as part of the budget is also considered proper etiquette for bachelorette parties. If it’s a limo, bus, or some other arrangement, no one should be left trying to figure out how to get to the events and activities you plan and back home safely after the celebrations.
Include Food!
It’s never a good idea to plan a night out without including a substantial meal in the plans. Food is a must for bachelorette parties, especially if cocktails or wine are involved.
Whether you make reservations at her favourite restaurant or book a bachelorette party venue in Vaughan with catering, the event should begin with a meal that ensures everyone is well-fed.
Set a Dress Code
Helping fellow guests understand the dress code is the polite thing to do as not everyone will be familiar with the venue(s) you choose. Whether it’s something casual like playing a round of miniature golf before heading out for drinks on a patio, or something formal like an evening at a fancy bachelorette party venue in Vaughan that includes fine dining, you want everyone to fit in and feel like part of the in-crowd.
Avoid Hangovers (or Worse)
Although many bachelorette parties involve drinking a few cocktails, glasses of wine, or toasts with prosecco or champagne, getting sloppy drunk is never a good idea. Don’t drink in excess to avoid behaviour that leads to regrets, hangovers that make it impossible to function the next day, or worse, blackouts of events.
Make sure there’s at least one person who maintains complete control and sobriety. They can keep things from turning into a drunken nightmare, and plan accordingly to avoid the possibility of hangovers.
Don’t Drink and Post
Although social media is a big part of your life, you should have a “don’t drink and post” agreement to avoid embarrassing events being spread all over the bride’s and her guests’ social media channels. Bachelorette parties are sacred events where what happens there stays within the group.
This isn’t about the dark side of bachelorette parties where cheating is an issue. It’s more about understanding that most people have many followers and friends on their social media accounts from different aspects of their lives, such as close friends, work associates, family members of all ages, and clients.
You want to respect their privacy and not post anything that will embarrass them or, worse, put their careers or relationships at risk.
Skip the Gifts
Gifts are not really part of the bachelorette party experience, so save them for the shower. The problem with gifts is that not everyone will bring one or can afford yet another gift on top of the wedding, shower, and cost of the bachelorette party.
Frankly, gifts also mean the bride has a pile of “stuff” she now has to lug around for the rest of the night—that’s way too much trouble. Instead, focus on everyone pitching in for the best possible bachelorette ever.
Know Who to Invite
Bachelorette parties tend to be reserved for the bride’s closest friends, family, and/or the bridal party. It’s very important to invite only guests with whom the bride wants to share this special event and no one else.
She needs to feel 100% comfortable enjoying her last “night of freedom” before she embarks on a lifelong journey with the love of her life. Let the bride choose the guest list, even if it goes beyond the wedding party and includes people you might not like.
As an aside, the bigger the guest list, the more likely you are to hurt someone’s feelings. An exclusive list makes it clear that the event was for close friends and family only, so no one feels excluded.
Don’t Embarrass the Bride
Although poking fun at the bride can be all in good fun, whether it is related to past relationships, silly stories, or even drinking mishaps, it’s important to avoid embarrassing her. Things like over-the-top speeches and toasts that spill some of her secrets in mixed company, or activities like a surprise male stripper that will offend her, are a no-go.
Although this might seem funny to you, it might not be as funny to the bride and other guests. So, always err on the side of caution and choose things that will be fun, without putting the bride in an awkward or uncomfortable situation.
Contact the Event Venue Professionals
Bachelorette parties are all about letting loose and having fun, but should not become an event that leads to regrets! Following these etiquette tips will keep things classy and ensure everyone feels safe, comfortable, and included.
Click here to discover Château Le Jardin’s ideal bachelorette party venue in Vaughan to celebrate the bride. You can also call us at 1-888-529-8573, or to book a consultation, contact us here.
