Hello, hello! If you’re a MOH (Maid of Honor) and wondering how to plan a bachelorette party, you’re in luck: today we’re showing you how to plan a bachelorette party from start to finish! One of the most important tasks as the MOH is planning the bachelorette party, and knowing where to start is essential. I have been a MOH (and former bride-to-be) in the past, so these tried-and-true tips will make it a night to remember. Read on to learn how to plan a bachelorette party after the jump!

1. Talk to the bride.

The first thing you need to do before you plan anything is talk to the bride. Ask her what she envisions for her party: does she want to go clubbing? Hit up local bars? Stay in and drink with her girlfriends? Skip the partying and opt for a dinner with her best friends? A day trip to the spa? Or, does she want to fly to Vegas? Identifying the type of party she wants to have – and then the location – will be the most important part of planning the party.

2. Remember – this is her party… not yours.

When you’re planning the party, remember it’s her big day… even if it’s not the type of party you’dplan for yourself. If she’s a party animal and you’re not, she’ll want a wild night out. Vice versa, if she’s a non-drinker but you want to go out and party, she may want something more lowkey. The day is about her, so make it a party she’ll love.

3. Save up!

Start saving up money ahead of time. As the Maid of Honor, you’re responsible for planning the party and footing the bill, which means you may be going solo on most expenses (hotel, limo, food and drinks, decorations). However, most times bridesmaids will chip in to help. Don’t expect anyone to chip in, though, and it’s best to not even ask – if bridesmaids can help, they will. (And, a hotel and limo are not requirements – but, I always think they make things easier… no one has to worry about grabbing a cab, assigning a designated driver, or having a place to crash at the end of the night.) You can also host the party at your home, which means you’ll save on that extra expense – and you can decorate it however you wish.

4. Pick a date, a theme, and send out invitations.

Work with the bride on the party date (which usually takes place two to three weeks before the big day). Set a time, location, and date – and send out a thematic invitation to guests.

4. Plan how you’ll decorate the location.

o If you’re going out to bars or clubs… designate a place for everyone to meet, whether at a restaurant for dinner, your home, or a hotel. This is where the party will get started with food, drinks, decorations, and games (if you wish)… and you can celebrate the bride-to-be. It is common for guests to bring a gift for the bride, but not required. This is where you’ll have food and drinks before going out to bars or clubs for the night.

o If you’re staying in… this is the place where everyone will be for the night. Decorate the space, have games and activities planned, and have plenty of food, drinks, and music (or, you know,Bridesmaids playing on repeat) throughout the night. You can hire a makeup artist or stylist to come in and beautify everyone, if your budget allows. I attended a bachelorette party with manicures and pedicures being given out all night and it was a hit.

5. Stock the limo.

If you are going out to bars and have a limo, bring a small cooler full of drinks (beer or wine coolers) and plenty of bottled water. You’re not responsible for paying for anyone’s drinks if you go out, but the drinks on the limo will be appreciated by guests (it saves money and gets the party off to a roaring start). Make sure the bride always has a drink – alcohol or non, depending on her preference. And, make sure she’s ALWAYS hydrated. No one wants to get sick!

6. Plan fun attire!

Surprise the bride (and bridesmaids, if your budget allows!) with a special shirt to wear for the night. One example is a tank top with rhinestones that says, “Bride”, which you can make yourself. Find iron-on rhinestone letters (or even pre-made ‘Bride‘, ‘Maid of Honor‘, and ‘Bridesmaid‘ iron-on decals) from any craft store and buy inexpensive tank tops (try Old Navy or Target – they have tons of colors and they’re inexpensive!) Obtain a size from the bride and bridesmaids, and make one for yourself, too. For my sister’s bachelorette party, I made tank tops for myself (MOH) and the bridesmaids in hot pink; I made a white tank top that read “Bride” for my sister. You’ll also want to get a few items for the bride to wear, like a veil, sash, light up necklace, boa… anything you think she’d love to wear to show off that she’s the bride-to-be. Also include beads and sparkly favors guests can wear…

7. Play “The Underwear Game”.

Every bachelorette party needs a game or two, and this one is my FAVORITE! For lack of a better name I call it The Underwear Game. My sister planned this for my party and EVERY girlfriend of mine has asked for this game at their bachelorette party. Here’s how it works: when you send invitations, include a small note that says, “Please bring a pair of underwear size ___ for the bride-to-be if you’d like to participate in the game. The underwear you select ought to reflect YOUR personal style. Don’t wrap the pair!” When guests arrive, have a designated bag or box (hidden from the bride) for the pairs to be held. During the party, announce the game and have the bride close her eyes and pull out a pair from the bag or box. She has to identify the gifter based on the pair. If she answers correctly in the first try for each pair, the person who brought the panties wins a prize. (Some prizes can include $5 – $10 Victoria’s Secret gift cards, lip gloss, mini bottles of perfume, or other gift cards). At the end of the game, the bride has an entire collection of new underwear… who doesn’t LOVE that?

8. Open presents.

The Maid of Honor usually buys a gift for the bride, and guests usually bring one, too. However, gifts from guests is not required by any means. If there are gifts, open them during the party and write down the names and gifts from guests; this will be helpful for the bride when she sends thank you notes.

9. Maintain in control.

As the MOH, you are expected to keep the party moving throughout the night – and make sure the bride is having fun at all times. Don’t drink too much so you can stay alert and be in charge. This is important if you’re going out for the night so you can make sure everyone gets to the limo and hotel safely.

10. Take plenty of photos!

It’s a night the bride will want to remember – so be sure you capture plenty of photos throughout the night! Of course, don’t tag ‘em anywhere online unless she gives the OK, of course. By Emma

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