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.

Truth or Dare Ideas

An obvious party game for some bachelorette party fun is an old fashioned game of truth or dare. It's not always easy to think up a suitable range of bachelorette dares, especially when you don't know the guests very well, so here are some ideas you can use:

*Truth questions: describe your first kiss, your very first date, your prom night, the man you lost your virginity to, your first love, your first crush, your first celebrity crush (great potential for embarrassment here), the song you would most like to have sex to, the most unusual place you have ever had sex, the weirdest dream you ever had, the weirdest experience you ever had… the list goes on.

*Dares: take off your bra at the bar, tell that man over there that you're in love with him, convince a stranger that you're a nun on a night out, do an artistic improvisational dance to a song that's playing, convince someone to go out with your grandmother… Just think of slightly embarrassing things you would be scared to do, but would still find fun. That's what the game is all about.

Gag Gift Ideas

As it is not customary to give a large bachelorette gift on the bachelorette party night, many groups go for gag gifts to add to the fun of the night. These gifts can be naughty, or merely make a joking reference to the bachelorette's soon-to-be status as a wife.
Naughty gifts include penis-shaped baking tins, penis pasta or lolly-pops, edible massage oil and chocolate body paint. Some of these gifts can also be aimed at the honeymoon – naughty lingerie, flavored condoms or a feather tickler are gifts that are sexual but aren't likely to make the bride uncomfortable. If the bride is a bit wilder, consider French tickler condoms, handcuffs, a riding crop or even a vibrator, and enjoy the stunned look on her face!

Bachelorette Party Scavenger Hunt

Having a bachelorette scavenger hunt may be a great idea, but who can think up the list of items? We can. Here are some ideas for things to include on your list, each worth one point unless otherwise specified
*a kiss from a blonde man (photo from a mobile phone is acceptable) *the bartender's name *a band who will play the bride's favorite song (20 points) *a man who has exactly the same full name as the groom (photo ID required – 5 points)

*a naughty drink – points for each word in the drink's name that describes another element of a lewd act (guests should aim for things like A Slow, Comfortable Screw Up Against A Wall)

*a serenade for the bride

*a man willing to fight of the groom for the bride's hand

*a condom from a strange man's wallet

*10 phone numbers or business cards – worth one point each

*a strange man's underwear – five extra points for each further pair

*a priest (10 points)

*a nun (5 points)

*a band (5 points for each member)

*a man who has the same first or last name as the groom (photo ID required)

Bachelorette Party Favor Resources

While there are some stores that specialize in bachelorette party supplies, you might not be lucky enough to have one nearby when planning your bachelorette party. Don't worry, there are plenty of alternatives, especially if you are prepared to get a little creative.

Your first stop should be your local resources. Check out non-specific party supplies stores to see if there is anything you can use – keep an eye out for toy tiaras, fairy wings, glitter, bubble blowers, and general party decorations like balloons. Ask the owners of the store whether they can recommend anything for a bachelorette party.

Next, forage in local toy stores and costume shops. Toy stores usually have a large range of dress-up toys that you might be able to use – pay special attention to the girls fairy and tea party sections. Look in costume shops for small items that could be used as gag gifts, such as toy ball-and-chain sets or cupid's arrows.

After this, browse through your internet directory for online bachelorette party supply stores. This does need to be done at least one month before the party date, as you need to allow time for shipping. This is a good way to get the bachelorette-specific items you need – things like that inflatable penis that will make your friend's face turn purple on sight.

Bridesmaid Duties

Bridesmaids are responsible for organizing the bachelorette party, running errands for the bride and generally being a helping hand as the wedding is organized. Bridesmaids should make themselves available to help organize the bridal celebration and help out with any other tasks the bride wishes to delegate. Although the maid of honor traditionally has seniority, she might be open to suggestions about the bachelorette party.

A Sophisticated Dinner

If drunken revelry is not your bachelorette's style, consider taking her for a feast instead. Find out the bride's food preferences and take her for her favorite cuisine, or go for a more general high-quality restaurant for her bachelorette dinner.

Look for restaurants in the restaurant guide in your local paper (keep an eye out for reviews and recommendations) and tourist information centers. Be sure to call around to see if you can get a good deal if you are bringing a large party, and to see if you can book a private room. Booking somewhere that your group can almost completely take over is preferable to a large, busy restaurant, so don't be shy of the smaller places.

Good Quotes for Bachelorette Invitations

Your bachelorette party is all about you leaving your single life behind to join with another human being. Your bachelorette invitation is a good opportunity to let your friends know your personal thoughts on this event, and this can be done no better than by putting a favorite quote on the invite as an opening message.

If you don't have a favorite quote, here are some handy and witty quotes to use on your bachelorette invitations:

'Marriage is the triumph of imagination over intelligence. (Second marriage is the triumph of hope over experience.)'

'Marriage is not a word; it is a sentence.'

'There is no more lovely, friendly and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage.'
Martin Luther

'A light heart lives long' – William Shakespeare

'Three things can't be hidden – coughing, poverty, and love' – Yiddish proverb

"It does not matter what you do in the bedroom as long as you do not do it in the street and frighten the horses." - Mrs. Patrick Campbell

' When you are courting a nice girl an hour seems like a second. When you sit on a red-hot cinder a second seems like an hour. That's relativity.' –Albert Einstein