As a rite of passage, the bachelorette party has long gotten a bad rap. Stereotypes persist of the bride’s night-before-the-wedding gathering as a ladies-only version of the raucous bachelor parties. Yet the truth is, a growing number of brides desire a tasteful, relaxing, and deeply personal send-off for their single days.
We’re seeing an emphasis on relaxation for the bride and companionship with her friends in today’s bachelorette parties. Brides want to spend their special night—and often an entire weekend—in a soothing, stress-free atmosphere before the hectic pace of their wedding day.
So what are the things that brides and bridesmaids must have for their bachelorette soirees? Here are five in-demand elements:
Spa time
Whether it’s a group mani-pedi, a yoga class, or a lunch of delicious, healthful spa cuisine, bachelorette groups crave spa time. Parties are looking for spas that offer a comprehensive list of salon services, familiar and new massages and body treatments, and easy access to luxury accommodations. For example, bachelorette groups often book rooms in or near the location where the spa is located. Participants can spend the day in their spa robes if they choose. This is the most popular activity among bachelorette parties, and is often the center of the party. Playing to this trend, many resorts have created female-centric spa packages.
Great food
Forget the pigs in a blanket, deviled eggs, and other de rigeur finger foods long associated with bridal showers. Modern bachelorette groups are looking for dining options that are luxurious and delicious, or that accommodate lifestyle needs such as gluten-free or low-calorie diets. Spa fare often fits well with this preference. Resorts with multiple dining options afford bachelorette guests the opportunity to dine lightly for lunch and then enjoy a more indulgent dinner.
Bonding activities
Hitting the bar and dancing the night away are no longer the only bonding activities for bachelorette groups. From yoga classes and golf outings to wine and chocolate pairings, brides-to-be are looking for more diverse, sophisticated activities they can do with their girlfriends.
A location “away from it all”
Nearly half of Bridesmaids said they didn’t want to go crazy for a bachelorette party, they just wanted to enjoy time with their friends. Perhaps it’s because their lives are about to change dramatically. Maybe it’s a need to reaffirm the girlfriend bond that has seen them through life’s ups and downs to reach this happy point in their lives. Whatever their reasons, a growing number of brides are looking for a bachelorette experience that transports them and their closest friends far away from their daily routines. Some fulfill this wish by choosing a resort location far from home. Others may choose accommodations that are more intimate. Bachelorette parties can also opt to stay at a resort’s luxury private cabins.
Bachelorette party experiences are becoming as individual as the brides they celebrate. Brides are not cookie cutter, so their bachelorette parties shouldn’t be either!
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