Bachelorette Party Tips

Bachelorette Slumber Party

A fantastic bachelorette party idea is a good old fashioned slumber party. You can pretty much guarantee that slumber parties won't be happening again in your bride's life, so now's the time to have one with all her best friends! Go all out with footie pajamas, pillow fights, dreamy crooners on vinyl, slam books, and lots of junk food. You may even want to play some old favorite games like Truth or Dare or Light as a Feather. Do seances, do dance contests, do each other's hair! Live it up one last time before your buddy gets hitched...just like you did when you were all little girls.

Dress-up Party Favors

If you really want to make your bachelorette party guests get into the mood of the festivities, why not give everyone feather boas. The more colors the better (or you can choose the bride's wedding colors). Double the boas up with some feathery party glasses, and you'll all be dressed for a night of wild fun.

Bonus Tip: Other great, wearable party favors are party sashes and tiaras. Everyone can look like a princess or a beauty queen all night long!

Bachelorette Party Etiquette: Dancers

If your pal's bridal celebration does take a turn toward the saucy (read: male strippers), here's a little bit of advice about how to, well, handle the entertainment.

• Remember that the dancer is there to perform for you. He is not your plaything for the night.
  
• When you slip those dollar bills into his garment (whatever it may be, and however slinky), let him guide you as to where to stuff your cash. (And don't ask for a receipt.)
• Applause and cheering is always welcome, but keep rude or lascivious comments to yourself. No performer, male or female, likes to feel like a piece of meat.

Bachelorette Party Destination City: Amsterdam

If international travel is on your mind for your bride-buddy's bachelorette party, one of the best cities you can choose is Amsterdam. Home of the original Red Light District, there are plenty of racy shows and night clubs to keep your entire party submerged in debauchery!

And if you do get tired of all the sex, Amsterdam has beautiful canals to boat along, excellent restaurants and breweries (this is the home of Amstel Light, for example), museums (like the Anne Frank House or the Van Gogh Museum), and plenty of fine shopping. You can't go wrong with Amsterdam as your party spot!

To Strip or Not To Strip

There have been many disagreements in recent years over whether a male stripper is a requirement of a bachelorette party. The idea comes from the tradition of bachelor parties and stag nights, where a female stripper is almost unavoidable. However, it is not every bride's idea of perfection.

It is best to check with the bride before hiring the stripper when planning a bachelorette party. Even if the bachelorette is keen on the idea, she might feel uncomfortable staring at a stranger's crotch in the company of a large group of her friends.

There are plenty of alternatives to strippers, many of them designed to help a woman access her own sensuality. Pole dancing classes are becoming increasingly popular as a party event. Check out salsa classes at your local dance studio, or consider having a lingerie selling party.

Look in your local directories for information on what is available in your area, or get online to chat with other bachelorette party organizers to see what they did.