As couples alter their wedding plans due to the ever-changing COVID-19 pandemic, the bridal party has also had to completely rethink their pre-wedding events, including the bachelorette party. Whether you and your group are thinking of switching to a virtual bachelorette party, rescheduling to a “fling after the ring” bash, or planning a party closer to home, we have compiled a list of our favorite bachelorette party ideas that take COVID-19 safety into consideration.
Note: Use these ideas as inspiration and tailor them to suit the needs of your party. Consider things like the vaccination status of those in your party, potential health compromises of individuals that need consideration, and if a negative COVID test will be required. Have fun and be safe as you celebrate this wonderful, life-changing event!
The Origins & Pre-COVID Traditions
The commonly depicted wild bachelorette parties of drinking games, strippers, and travel to exciting places, was not always the expectation.
While the first-ever known bachelor party can be dated back to 5 BC in the famous warrior civilization of Sparta, the bachelorette party didn't originate until nearly two millennia later in the 1960s during the women's liberation movement.
In the ’80s and ’90s, bachelorette parties were pretty much limited to one evening — usually during the weekend before the wedding. The single-day concept has evolved between then and today into a multi-day reunion for the bride and her friends with at least a weekend full of activities.
COVID-Friendly Bachelorette Party Ideas
Travel Safely
If travel is still a must-have for your bachelorette party, follow these tips and tricks to ensure you and your bridal party have a safe and exciting weekend!
- Stay in the US — While many places are tentatively opening back up to U.S. travelers, especially those who possess a COVID-19 vaccination, restricting your travel to destinations in the US is probably your best bet for the safety of you and your bridal party.
- Top states to travel — Over the past year, the expected states have remained the top destinations for bachelorette parties, including California (Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Napa Valley), Florida (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, and Orlando), Texas (Austin, Houston, and Dallas), and New York. Tennessee has also gained popularity over the year.
- Stay in house rentals instead of hotels — In 2019, 44% of bach party groups opted to stay at a hotel or a resort. In 2020, however, 50% of our respondents chose a house rental (a significant increase from just 17% in 2019). By renting a home, partygoers can maintain a more contained and intimate environment with fewer opportunities to encounter others.
Plan a Staycation
A staycation is the perfect (and safest) way to celebrate with your bridal party! Not only will staying in your hometown save you major coin, but it is also the perfect opportunity to reconnect with friends in a place of familiarity before a major life change!
- Go all out with decorations — Putting some extra time and resources into decorations can make the difference between a “blah” party and a “WOW” party. Extravagant and well-thought-out decor shows the bride you care and also makes for amazing photo ops.
- Themes, themes, and more themes — In conjunction with going all out for decorations having a strong theme to back your party is key! Go for a spicy fiesta theme and have tacos and tequila at the ready! For the more laid-back bride, do a classic theme. For the bride who would always prefer to be on a beach, throw a tropical party with fun decor and drinks!
- Have a good old-fashioned spa day followed by a girl's night — Whether you venture to a local spa or you buy everything you need for a relaxing, at-home spa day, we know you and the bridal party will relish in this relaxing day. Consider making homemade face masks, giving yourselves manis and pedis, and trying some aromatherapy with essential oils. Then once your squad is nice and relaxed, crank up the music, break out the drinks, and indulge in a good old-fashioned girl's night! Order in food, have everyone make a themed cocktail, and turn on your favorite movies for a night filled with laughs and stories.
- Experience your city in luxury — Travel around your city in style by renting luxury transportation. Find a local limo company and rent your dream party bus, or go on Turo and rent a luxury or classic car for the day. Take the bride and the bridal party to the bride's favorite bar or restaurant and rent a private room or bottle service. Does she love yoga or cycling? Book a private session for you and your group. The possibilities are endless, so go into your day with an open mind and rediscover your city with the people you love!
Stay Virtual
Maybe the bridal party is all across the country, or maybe your party would rather play it safe and stay virtual for the time being. Either way, the bachelorette party must go on! Explore the following tips and tricks for an awesome virtual bachelorette party!
- Take an online cooking class — If the bride is a whiz in the kitchen or just enjoys cooking and wants to learn more, then an online cooking class may be the perfect activity to kick off your bachelorette party! Self Up Boston — which hosts cooking classes, parties, and team-building activities in and around the city — now offers live activities on Zoom. During your class, you'll be taught how to whip up dishes such as mushroom risotto or chicken piccata by Joe Maglio, a former chef at Las Vegas's Caesars Palace. After you've cooked your five-star meals, stay on the video call with your party while you wine and dine the night away.
- Pole-dancing lessons without the pole — Allston-based Boston Pole Fitness allows your party to sign up and live stream its classes. Class options include no-pole-required lessons such as “Sensual Strip Tease” and “Burlesque Body Sculpt.” Open your video call in one window or device and open the live stream class in another so the whole gang can have some laughs together and strut their stuff!
- Karaoke time — Sing your heart out to your favorite, go-to karaoke songs with your favorite people. Invite everyone to join both the same Zoom meeting and “room” on Watch2Gether, a free site that'll let users stream karaoke videos at the same playback rate. Designate your resident group DJ, add everyone's song requests to the Watch2Gether queue, and have a giggle as you watch your BFFs try and hit the notes of Bohemian Rhapsody.
Find Your Dream Wedding Dress at Alexandra's Boutique
Now that you have the rundown on all things COVID-friendly bachelorette parties, it may be time to focus your energy on other steps of the journey to marriage, like your honeymoon or maybe finding your dream wedding dress? That's where Alexandra's Boutique comes in. Our large selection of show-stopping wedding dresses includes designers like Stella York, Martina Liana, Maggie Sottero, and plenty more. You can find exactly what you're dreaming of wearing on your wedding day with help from Alexandra's Boutique.
About Alexandra's Boutique
Alexandra's Boutique is a full-service bridal and special event boutique committed to offering an exquisite collection of bridal attire, occasion apparel, and complimentary accessories from today's top wedding fashion designers. Our collection showcases everything from private collection wedding gowns to stylish bridesmaids' dresses, elegant mother of the occasion attire, stunning prom apparel, and evening, pageant, and cocktail dresses. With over thirty years in wedding fashion consulting, Alexandra's Boutique has been the perfect start to a new beginning. Our professional bridal consultants will make your wedding day dreams come true!
