Bachelorette Party Invitations - Etiquette

When should the invitations go out? The bachelorette party invitations should go out at least one to two months prior to the party. The rule of thumb is that if you are going out of town for the party, give the girls at least 2 months to prepare for the trip, especially if they have a significant other or kids. I have heard and have received bachelorette party invitations sometimes 3 months in advance, especially if it is in Vegas since the rooms sell out so fast.

If the party is in town, give the girls at least one month in advance to be told about the party. Girls may have children or big children (husbands/boyfriends) to make arrangements with to save the date.

Paying? Get the money up-front! Just because you are planning the party does not mean you have to pay for the bachelorette party, even the bachelorette party invitations, by yourself! Copy this page and show other girls who think that they don't need to chip in that THEY DO! You are doing your part in planning the party and each girl should chip in some money. It would be great to add up the possible expenses, including everyone paying for the bachelorette (who should not pay for anything). Give each girl the amount you need and state that they need to pay in advance or when they show up! There are so many occasions when girls may say "well I don't have the money", "I will pay you later", "I forgot my wallet but I promise to send it to you". Most likely you will not get money from them and so it is important so you can have a good time that you don't have to think about the money so get it up front!

What should we do? Make sure it fits what the Bride-To-Be likes since it is really her party, even though some of the girls may forget! Whether you go away, a bar, or at someone's house, the party will be fun with all the girls together!

It is customary to say a few words and make a toast (if you are the planner of the party). Rehearse some lines before the party starts, it doesn't have to be long. It will leave a lasting impression on your good friend.

Take Pictures - But Not of EVERYTHING! Pictures are a great way to capture the evening. Make sure to take pictures of all the girls having a great time! There are some cool cameras in the gift section which have cute words in the pictures relating to bachelorette parties. Just make sure not to take pictures of anything "naughty" since you don't want these pictures haunting the bachelorette a few years later when her husband finds them!

Don't hang out with boys too long! The reason for a bachelorette party is to have fun with your friends and not to go scam or mack with boys! Make sure to remember you are there for your friend. This is not to say a little flirting would be fun (for the non-married girls and those who live on the edge :), just make sure to hang all together. If a girl decides to go off with the boys, leave her be (unless she is drunk and needs assistance). Your job is to make sure the Bride-To-Be has fun.

Drinking: Drinking can be fun, although don't let the girls get the Bride-To-Be too drunk since she will not feel great the next day or even that night. Remember, you want her to be able to remember the evening. If one girl is trying to get the Bride-To-Be too drunk, try to stop it with some support from the other girls.

Make a Collage/Scrapbook - A great gift for the Bride-To-Be is to get the pictures developed and place the appropriate ones in a scrapbook, giving it to the bride for a present. It will be fun to look at the pictures a few years down the line, remembering all the crazy things everyone did! The Bride will really appreciate it.