Here Are 60 Bachelorette Party Themes That Don't Suck
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This year, I'll be a bridesmaid for the first time in my life—and it's a role I take seriously. This is important life stuff, people! Plus, I've always been a huge fan of weddings, so I'm more than happy to help with everything from flower arrangements to writing the vows. No, really. C'mon, it's a day dedicated to celebrating love! What's not to like?!?
Anyway, I have a ton of bridesmaid-y responsibilities (don't even get me started on the day we picked out the dresses), but the biggest is obvs making her bachelorette party the epic send-off to her single life that she deserves. The other bridesmaids and I decided to start the party planning process by picking a theme, which TBH, was really hard. There are sooo many bachelorette parties every year, and based on my social media stalking, most of them have one theme: Get Drunk And Eat A Penis Cake. And it all probably happens in Nashville.
We wanted to make sure the one we threw was as special as our bride-to-be, and differentiating our theme helped us do that. (We landed on pajama party, in case you were wondering, and yes, she will be wearing a bridal onesie.) So as my gift to the wedding planning world, I've decided to pass along the best themes I came across in my research to help other bridesmaids in need. Whether you're looking for a rager or a more chill night in, I've got you covered.
Let's Get Naut-i
Rent a boat for the day (I also suggest getting a professional captain so you can just enjoy the waves in peace!), pack some ocean-approved snacks and drinks, and blast "I'm On A Boat" by Lonely Island. Then, go ahead and transition to a fun, nautical-themed bar crawl at night. And I suggest these "Wife of the Party" swimsuits for peak Instagrammable looks.
Feyoncé
If your girl is Beyoncé's number one fan, turn her bachelorette party into an ode to the queen. Make a playlist full of Bey's songs for the pre-game, convince the crew to dress up as their favorite version of her ("Crazy in Love" Bey! "Flawless" Bey! Renaissance Bey! Ivy Park Bey!), and snap a million pics of the bride in the same vein as the icon's Insta.
The One Where She Found Her Lobster
I mean, a bachelorette party is a time dedicated to hanging with your BFFs—so it makes total sense to have a Friends-themed party, IMHO. This theme works well if you're having a night in or taking a trip to New York City. You can order custom shirts inspired by the show, a banner that says "The One Where [Insert-Your-Friends-Name] Gets Married," and you could even transform your house into a replica of Central Perk if you really want to go the extra mile.
Camp Bachelorette
Take the bride glamping with Camp Bachelorette. (PSA: This is a great plan if you want a weekend getaway that won't be crazy-expensive.) Pick a cute camping site, fill your coolers with everyone's faves, and get your gang some matching camp uniforms. Also, s'mores.
She Found Her Main Squeeze
Life's all about making lemonade out of lemons, which also happens to be a great theme for a chill garden party bachelorette. Freshly squeezed lemonade is a must—I'd include a spiked version as well—and enjoy a relaxed day with the crew, eating finger sandwiches and reminiscing. Psst: you can also combine it with the aforementioned Beyoncé theme.
RIP Singlehood
Throwing a funeral-esque bachelorette might seem kind of morbid, but TBH, it's sort of perfect for your edgier pal who thought she'd never get hitched, no? Decorate your house with black streamers, order a cake shaped like a tombstone, and create a slideshow of her greatest single hits. You and the rest of your friends can wear all black, while she stunts in her bridal white. It'll be epic.
The Rosé Hooray
Head to a vineyard for her Rosé Hooray, and celebrate the end of the bride's single life by sipping on some damn good wine. You could even make it a winery crawl for added fun. The event will transition seamlessly from day to night, and you'll feel classy as hell sipping wine for hours.
Brews Crawl
For the bride who has an IPA in her hands at all times, give her the brew crawl of her dreams. Map out the best breweries in your area, arrange a fly-as-hell bus service, and try to eat something at every other location so no one ends up over-served. End the night at her favorite spot, and send her home feeling ~hoppy~ to get married.
'90s Night
Use the bachelorette as an excuse for the ultimate throwback night, because what could get your girl more lit than channeling her inner '90s baby? Wear some punny boy band hats, make a punch unapologetically called the "MC Hammered," arrange some '90s karaoke, and you can even make some dirty cootie catchers as an added bonus.
Last Splash
Put a spin on the classic bachelorette beach weekend with a "Last Splash." Lean into the water theme: Get a cake that says "She Found Her Fish In The Sea," stock up on mermaid pool floats, and serve a "Get Them Shipwrecked" cocktail to take the party to the next level. Pro tip: Prep "sea sick" hangover kits, complete with gatorade and your choice of salty snacks for the trip back home.
Found Your Boo
If your girl is having a winter wedding, send her off with a Halloween bachelorette. Everyone can wear their zaniest costumes, you can make a spooky vibes punch, and the big hit of the night will be a silly haunted house full of surprises.
Girls' Night In
A bachelorette party is the last time your bride is just yours. Celebrate your last moments as a solo squad with the ultimate sleepover. Get matching pajamas for the whole party (which you can re-wear on the wedding day, BTW), get all the bride's favorite junk food, make a spiked punch, and settle into a blanket fort for an epic movie marathon.
In the Slopes
You can spend the day skiing or snowboarding, then relax at the lodge with a Bloody Mary in the evening. Bonus: you'll get tons of quality time together while cooped up in a cabin. And to ensure you're the Best Bridesmaid Ever, buy the bride a custom ski that holds shots. Engrave it with her and her partner's name, and she can practice using it all weekend.
Let's Partea
If Jersey Shore-level partying isn't really your girl's thing, have a classy tea in her honor. Think of it as the elevated version of the doll tea parties we all had as kids. You can get a bunch of delicate desserts and finger sandwiches, serve it on pretty tableware, and top it off with whiskey-spiked tea—because, hi, it's still a party. Tell everyone to wear fascinator hats and commemorate the day with Polaroid pictures to make it extra special.
The Last Meow Before The Vow
Have all the guests dress in head-to-toe leopard print, and put the bride in all white. Next, pass out these custom "Here to Purr-ty" tumblers, as well as cat ears, of course. And then you can either stay in to turn up, or head out to make waves as the cat crew. Oh, and have someone call Taylor Swift. Or at least make sure the World's Most Famous Cat Mom takes up most of the playlist.
One Last Rodeo
Find a bar that has a mechanical bull and treat your bride to the ride of her life (other than whatever happens on her wedding night, heh). Call ahead and ask the manager if you can decorate your table with this "Same Cowboy Forever" banner, and see if you can convince the bartender to use these rodeo cups for drinks (a big tip definitely helps). Either way, a bridal cowboy hat is non-negotiable.
Apple of My Eye
Channel your inner Basic B*tch and take the entire crew apple picking (flannel shirts optional). Make a day of it by hitting a brewery—and since you'll be drinking, go ahead and rent a party bus for the drive there and back. Extra points if you buy these "Big Apple Before the Chapel" balloons, which I'm pretty sure are for a NYC-themed party, but just go with it.
The MOST Dramatic Bachelorette Ever
Got a bride who's a card-carrying member of Bachelor Nation? Couldn't be easier. Grab some Bachelor-themed wine (my fave is The Final Rosé in case anyone was wondering), play "Pin the Rose on the Bachelor" using a picture of the groom's face, and buy this tank if you wanna be extra. Just make sure everyone's there for ~the right reasons~, kay?
Staycation Station
Is your bride a homebody? Skip the expensive airfare and spend that money on a swanky hotel suite in her town. Order room service, lounge by the pool, drink champagne, and get all your vacation vibes in for a fraction of the cost. Oh, and ask the hotel if you can slip into the room ahead of time and go alllll out with the decorations.
Group Tats
There's no better time for a whole crew tattoo. Though, there are a couple things to keep in mind: book your session wayyyy in advance, decide what you want tattooed ahead of time so everyone can weigh in, and make a couple custom temporary tattoos of the exact same design for anyone who isn't willing to permanently ink their body.
You're the One That I Want
Really this is just an excuse to throw a '50s-themed party complete with poodle skirts (you can buy 'em on Etsy), ice cream sundaes, and a ton of Pink Ladies swag. Your girl did find the Danny to her Sandy, after all.
Rest, Relax, Rings
If you're planning a bachelorette party that's literally right before the big day, spa treatments are the only way to go. Treat the bride to a massage, organize mani-pedis, and buy the whole crew custom slippers. Also these "Spa Hair Don't Care" scrunchies make the cutest invite ever, just saying.
Last Night Before Mr/Mrs Right
Listen, strip clubs are popular bachelorette destinations for a reason. But if your bride isn't down for the IRL experience, settle in with a screening of Magic Mike, hang some balloons that spell out "Bach That Ass Up," and you'll get the same effect. Kinda. But still!
Take the Plunge
Quick question: Is your bachelorette party going down in the summer? Cool, now is a great time to force all your friends to dive into a gorgeous pool, ideally on the side of a super fab AirBnB. Nothing says bonding like a good ol' pool party, and honestly it's JUST the kinda reset a person needs before taking a very different kinda plunge into married life. (Also it's a cute excuse to get everyone a custom beach towel, so.)
Sing Before the Ring
You've got two options here. One: Head to a local karaoke bar, which is by far the easiest choice because it involves pretty much zero planning (hello to everyone planning this party suuuuper last minute). Two: Have everyone chip in to buy a karaoke machine and belt it out in private.
Game, Set, Match
This is for the bride who spends her time begging everyone to play Settlers of Catan. Suggested games? Life and M.A.S.H. for obvious reasons, but this is also a great opportunity to bust out a few rounds of "Bridal Bingo" and "Who Knows the Couple Best." Make life easy and buy a template on Etsy.
Cabin Crush
Cannot guarantee you won't be absolutely terrified the entire time you're chillin' in a cabin in the woods, but IMO, just lean into the experience and watch some horror movies. You can find a ton of cozy cabins on AirBNB, and nothing says pre-wedding fun like being miles away from your fiancé. Also these "Weekend in the Woods" hairties are very cute if you're looking for a party favor.
They Call It Puppy Love
Name a cuter day-time activity—I'll wait. While you can quite literally book a Puppy Party for your bride, an even better idea? Find a local shelter and volunteer to play with the dogs. Though, don't blame us when you come home with several new pets.
Totally Buggin'
Is this theme an excuse to spend all day shopping for the most '90s clothes you can find? Maybe, but we'll take it. Either way, tell everyone to dress as their fave Clueless character, and then hit your bride's fave mall shops. The assignment? Each guest buys her one gift (set a budget!) and then everyone goes ham at the food court while she opens the presents.
Stay Golden
If you're looking for a theme that's slightly more interesting than random shirts that say "BRIDE" in the world's worst font, have everyone come dressed as their fave Golden Girls character (I'm a Blanche). The photos are guaranteed to be iconic, and the Golden Girls party supply section of Etsy is NOT kidding around.
Save the Last Dance
Why go bar hopping when you can go club hopping? This is a great money-saving activity (you'll just be buying drinks), but make sure everyone's in comfy shoes and staying hydrated. Oh, and try to sneakily get a list of the bride's favorite songs so you can put in some requests.
Quiz Night
Fellow nerds, assemble. If you're staying local, a trivia night is honestly one of the most fun activities you can do. If you're the Maid of Honor, do some research to make sure the location passes the vibe check, and see if you can ask the Quiz Master (that's an official title, tyvm!) if they can throw in some questions about the bride and groom at the very end as a surprise.
Hike to Mr/Mrs Right
Truly cannot relate, but apparently some people enjoy hiking. And if that's your crew, this is probably THE cheapest bachelorette party you can throw. A few easy ways to make the experience feel special? Matching fanny packs to carry your essentials, a custom made map of your trail (have your artsy friend draw one up and print it), and a disposable camera that the bride gets to keep. Don't forget to pop some bubbly when you reach the top of that summit!
Canoe Before I Do
Another great day-time adventure for brides who love the outdoors. You can either book a group canoe or kayaking trip, or do a river cruise vibe. Obviously, you need access to a body of water for both of these activities, so feel free to move on if you're fully landlocked.
Baseballin'
If you need an excuse to eat hot dogs and drink beer, this is fully your chance. This quintessential pastime doubles as a solid choice for a low-key bachelorette outing, and the custom baseball tees are practically begging for you to buy them. Swap out the Cracker Jack box prizes for temp tattoos of the groom's face.
Movie Night
Need a last min idea? Done—movie night. Sounds simple but you can actually make this one super special by setting up a projector outside (you can easily buy one on Amazon), arranging a bunch of cozy pillows, going all out with a custom "Now Showing" sign, and even getting personalized popcorn holders.
Paint and Sip
Getting drunk and making bad art? A match made in heaven, much like the bride and groom. Almost every major city hosts these classes, but you can also set one up yourself by buying easels, art supplies (these custom pallets are cute), and several bottles, by which I mean boxes, of wine.
Scavenger Hunt
This is a great way to take a simple night at the bar to the next level. You can find a ton of scavenger hunt guides on Etsy, but the general vibe is pretty self-explanatory: hand everyone a disposable camera and give out a list of assignments. Like, take a pic with the bartender! Start dancing on a table! You get the idea.
Beach, Please
Nothing beats a beach vacation. And it's THE perfect opportunity to go all out with the gifts: custom beach totes, beer cozies, swimsuits, and even sunglasses. The bride will thank you, your wallet...might not.
Adventure Time
This is where the adrenaline junky brides will thrive. Tend to her inner child with a group paintball session, or get moving at an indoor rock climbing center. You can even double up and host a day filled with both! You're really never too old for this type of fun.
Chef It Up
It doesn't matter if you're the second coming of Gordon Ramsey, or absolutely useless in the kitchen. Taking a guided cooking class with your friends is a fun experience regardless. For the particularly unserious crowd, showing up in matching chef hats is definitely encouraged.
Goat Yoga & Brunch
Listen, nobody can say this isn't unique. Goat yoga is a truly memorable experience that's exactly what it sounds like: little goats messing around while you and your crew stretch it out. The hilarious group photo opportunities are endless, and after, you guys can hit up a bottomless mimosa brunch to reminisce about the morning activity. Grab some personalized workout gear to commemorate the day too!
Tarot Reading
Calling all spiritual girlies! A group reading is the coolest bonding experience for your bridal party and friends. If you happen to personally know any tarot professionals, you can recruit their services, or just hire one. Do you know what the cherry on top for this function will be? A spooky "witches' brew".
Alice In Wedding-land
Yes, you and the gals should hop down the rabbit hole. Picture this: A super blown-out, kooky, and colorful boozy tea party. With the the bride as none other than Alice, obviously. Have the Maid of Honor don a Mad Hatter 'fit, and create a whimsical tablescape filled with sparkles and loose candy.
Food Crawl
We all love a good bar crawl, but arranging a lineup of fantastic restaurants to try is one delish alternative. Many cities offer food tours for visitors, but if there aren't any programs near you, hop on Resy or OpenTable to set up a DIY tour! It's a surefire group hit.
You-chella
Flower crowns. Indie music. Tinted heart-shaped sunglasses. The true staples of any successful music festival weekend and/or a fun, festival-themed bachelorette party. Stylize your very own "lineup poster"for the invite, and grab a couple of Polaroid cameras to pass around during the festivities to catch the (artsy) mems.
'80s Prom Night
Nostalgia's calling. A cheesy adult prom is the *cutest* celebration idea. You can have your guests pick each other as dates, order corsages, and serve up some classic spiked punch. To really set the mood, throw on a throwback playlist and order yourself a taffeta dress with a puffy sleeve moment. A photo booth set up will be a popular pit stop with this theme, so cop yourself a prom-y backdrop!
Love Island
Get your grafting boots on and pull all your besties for a quick chat (swimsuits are optional). You can roundup some customized water bottles and cutesy mic belts to fully lean into the reality dating show's energy on your special day.
Casino Royale
If you and the gals can't fly out to Vegas (curse you, PTO limits), bring the drunken gambling regrets to you! Just kidding. Kind of. Get the casino look with a mini roulette wheel and fun "out there" Vegas-wear. (We're talking GNO sequin dresses).
Animal House
Alright, this one calls for releasing all inhibitions. Tap into your inner frat bro (he lives in there somewhere, deep within...), and pull out your keg stand skills. Beer pong and flip cup are both more than welcome too, y'all.
Royal Ascot
We've all thought once or twice about what it'd be like to roll with Will, Kate and the gang, so why not play pretend during your bach? Wear your best fascinators and florals while sipping on extra summer-y drink recipes to establish this theme.
Great Gatsby
When you give folks a roaring '20s-based theme, it leaves them with no choice but to slay. That's what tends to happen when the fashions of the era were basically anything with sparkles and feathers. Give your guests the green light to get extra.
Candy Land
Looking for a theme that'll allow you to involve *all* of the colors? This fanciful Candy Land idea is it. You can even go full Wonka and decorate your space with gumballs and lollies. Heavy yes to any chocolate fountain inclusion, too.
Rock N' Roll "Farewell Tour"
Tongues out, y'all. There's no theme better for your last days of technical singledom. Stock up on the matching leather jackets and blowup guitars, plus don't forget the very necessary Garage Band or karaoke showdown that you should host.
State Fair
Maybe you'll opt to dive into Euphoria-type fair antics, or something a tad more PG (as PG as a bachelorette party can get, anyways). Embracing the whimsical fairground energy is the perfect way to secure a memory-making evening. Plus, who doesn't love any excuse to purchase a cotton candy machine?
Taylor Swift
Dedicate your bach festivities to the queen herself! And not just through the music you play at your gathering. A Tay theme opens the door to a wealth of outfit choices (whip out that curling iron and the cowboy boots for the self-titled Era looks). You can even whip up some delicious Swiftie cocktails.
Bridgerton
Hello...it's a show totally all about finding suitors and traditional old-timey marriage structures. Hence, it's the perfect theme to turn on its head pre-wedding by getting drunk in imitation ballgowns with your best friends. Daphne, Lady Danbury & co. have never seen a rager quite like the one you'll throw.
Mardi Gras
Yes, let's bring the NOLA vibes to you. By that, we mean all of the plastic bead necklaces, funky masks, and king cake that you and your crew can get your hands on. To top it all off, pop on a fun down south playlist to keep the vibes on point throughout.
You Through the Ages
Call it a bachelorette party, your personal "Eras Tour," or whatever you'd prefer. And no, this isn't too self-indulgent, because there is simply no such thing when it comes to *your* bach. Establish your distinct "eras" or phases, and have each of your guests choose one to dress up as. From there, you and your gang of mini-you's can embark on a bar crawl, do a cute dinner, and take way too many photos.
Barbie
This one is literally so good because you can combine it with so many other ideas—Barbie pool party! Barbie dinner! Barbie whatever-the-hell-you-want! Just make sure to have your creative friend make a fake Barbie box for all the photo opps, rent a stellar AirBnB for peak Dream House vibes, and have a (loving) roast session of the bride's Ken. Oh, and lots of pink, of course. The possibilities are seriously endless.
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