When you or one of your closest friends gets engaged, it's time to pop some bottles and toast to the happy couple. Soon, however, attention often turns to one of the hallmark wedding-related events: the bachelorette party! Whether you're the bride-to-be or a maid of honor in charge of the preparations, it's important to be thoughtful about when to have a bachelorette party within the wedding planning timeline.

The history of bachelorette parties has ranged from small gatherings the night before the wedding to full-blown bachelorette weekends in out-of-town locales. The type of celebration you choose will determine if it makes sense to host the bachelorette bash, and you don't want to end up in a situation where people can’t attend, or the bride feels stressed about the timing.

To ensure a stress-free process from start to finish, follow our guide to plan your bachelorette party without the headache, covering all essential details and tips.

When Do You Have a Bachelorette Party?

When someone gets down on one knee and pops the big question, it sets off a series of milestones leading up to tying the knot. According to Shutterfly, the average length of an engagement is 13 months, with most wedding planners advising 12 to 18 months.

The Road to the Altar

An engagement party is likely to take place within a month or two of the engagement itself. Once you set a date for the wedding it makes sense to work backward to map out when to have a bachelorette party, bridal shower, and any other wedding events. The consensus around when exactly the bachelorette party should fall tends to be one to four months before the nuptials, with the sweet spot around two months prior.

You want to build excitement leading up to the wedding, so having it too far in advance might lose some of the momentum. Ensure the bride has a proper chance to soak up that newly engaged feeling before getting into the nitty-gritty details of the bachelorette party. 

On the other hand, try to strike a balance and avoid a bachelorette bash that's too close to the wedding so the bride won't feel overwhelmed, especially if you're planning to travel for it.

Are you questioning if a bachelorette party should come before or after the bridal shower? There's some flexibility there, and it's best if the planners of each event coordinate (if you're not pulling double duty on both) to ensure they don't fall too close to one another on the calendar. The bridesmaids and other loved ones who may be expected to attend both will thank you!

Here are the pros of hosting the party one to four months before the wedding:

• Less Stress: The bride can relax and enjoy herself without feeling any immediate wedding pressures. 
• Availability: Guests are more likely to be free to attend, as it avoids the hectic wedding week. 
• Recovery Time: Everyone has plenty of time to bounce back from the celebrations before the big day.

Let’s take a look at some of the cons: 

• Scheduling Conflicts: Other pre-wedding events, such as bridal showers and dress fittings, might overlap.
• Travel Planning: For destination bachelorette parties, guests may need to organize travel plans well in advance. 

Save the Date

Once you have a date in mind, clear it with the bride (of course), Maid of Honor (if she's not planning the party), and any other VIP guests before making it official to other invitees. Some couples also like the idea of attending their respective bachelorette and bachelor parties on the same weekend, so that's another idea you can entertain.

Lastly, think about how many people might attend. A bigger guest list could mean more planning is required for finding a hotel or Airbnb, booking restaurant reservations, lining up activities, and more.

When to Have a Bachelorette Party Can Depend on Where You Want to Go

Destination bachelorette parties seem to be the norm as a way to celebrate the bride-to-be, with many bridal parties planning getaways to places like Nashville, Austin, New York, Miami, and the classic Las Vegas.

Keeping It Local

Opting for one night on the town or a staycation in your home city means you could get away with having the party a little closer to the big day, since travel wouldn't be involved—assuming most attendees live locally. But the idea of a bachelorette party the night before the wedding has mostly gone by the wayside in favor of a rehearsal dinner that evening instead.

Road tripping can be easier on the wallet, but is your group within driving distance?

Going the Distance

When you choose a full bachelorette weekend, try to include a buffer before the wedding while also giving the guests enough notice (one to two months is ideal) to request time off of work and to book their flights. It could be easier for your babes to take PTO on a summer Friday than during a fourth-quarter crunch, so that's another thing to keep in mind.

Take into consideration who will need to travel and how far, especially if an international destination is on the table—gotta make sure everyone has their passports in order! 

Some locations are more expensive to fly to than others, particularly if you're coming from across the country or somewhere without a large airport. And that's before you factor in that prices may be even higher at certain times of year. 

Calendar Considerations

Holiday weekends can also be tempting to book, so you'll have an extra day of festivity, but that may mean added costs that not all the bridesmaids are down for. Some weekends are more affordable for travel throughout the year, so you might want to plan around them if possible. 

Popular destinations are usually extra busy at certain times of the year, so you just have to think about what type of experience you're looking for, how it fits within your crew's budget, and your overall time frame.

The Right Time for Different Types of Bachelorette Parties

Different bachelorette party ideas, especially the theme or main activities you're planning for, can also dictate when to have a bachelorette party. 

Bride’s Schedule

First and foremost, consider the bride’s schedule. You want her to enjoy the celebration without feeling overwhelmed. Avoid planning the party too close to major wedding events or deadlines. Give her some breathing room so she can relax and fully enjoy the festivities.

Availability of Key Guests

Make sure the bride’s closest friends and family can attend. Start by checking their schedules early. To find a date that works for everyone, send out a few options well in advance. This way, you can maximize attendance and avoid any major conflicts. After all, you want the bride surrounded by her favorite people during the celebration!

Budget Considerations

Planning the bachelorette party during off-peak times can save you a lot on accommodations, flights, and venues. On the other hand, peak seasons might offer better weather and more activities, but they come with a higher price tag. It's all about finding the right balance. Think about these factors and plan accordingly to keep costs manageable while still having an amazing celebration.

Check the Weather

Summer weddings are popular, which often means springtime bachelorette celebrations, but a mermaid-theme pool party in April might leave your best friends out in the cold.

Think about what activities are appropriate to the season or weather that you might encounter. The rainy season could be a great excuse to splurge on a spa day, sipping mimosas in robes and being pampered with relaxing treatments. 

Even if you're expecting sunshine, it's a good idea to have some bachelorette party games lined up in case the weather turns inclement. Still, they're also a fun activity to add to any itinerary.

Let’s take a look at the perks and drawbacks of each season to help you decide. 

Spring:

• Pros: The mild weather and blooming flowers are perfect for beautiful outdoor activities like an Insta-worthy luxury picnic or a garden tea party.
• Cons: Watch out for unpredictable rain showers.

Summer:

• Pros: Long, warm days mean more daylight for fun at beach trips, pool parties, and outdoor adventures. 
• Cons: It can get quite hot, and popular destinations may be crowded.

Fall:

• Pros: Cooler weather and stunning foliage create a cozy, picturesque setting ideal for wine tours and scenic hikes.
• Cons: School schedules may affect the availability of some guests.

Winter:

• Pros: It makes for a unique and festive backdrop great for ski trips, cozy cabin retreats, and holiday-themed parties. 
• Cons: Be wary of travel delays due to winter weather.

If you're struggling with creative ideas, don't fret! We've got your back with our detailed guide on how to execute a bachelorette party theme. With our tips, you’ll be sure to plan an unforgettable celebration that everyone will love.

Advance Planning

If you're considering a destination bachelorette party, timing is crucial. You'll need to plan for booking tours, arranging transportation, and finding accommodations. For example, wine tasting and touring vineyards in Napa is always a crowd-pleaser, but many wineries require reservations in advance, especially for large groups.

If you're rolling with a big wedding party, it's all the more reason to settle on a date for the bachelorette party as soon as possible to maximize your planning time and get everyone on board.

Unique Ideas for Bachelorette Parties

Always try thinking outside the box to make sure the bachelorette party is remembered for all the right reasons. No matter your preferences, availability, budget or time constraints, there are tons of unique ideas to consider:

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Themed Parties

Spa Day

Pamper the bride along with her nearest and dearest with a relaxing spa day retreat. Indulge in massages, facials, mani-pedis, and some quality relaxation in a hot tub or sauna. To set this up, you can either book a local spa or create a serene environment at home with DIY treatments. 

Comfy robes, calming music, and scented candles can transform any space into a tranquil retreat. Make sure to add a touch of luxury with delicious snacks and refreshing drinks to complete the experience. It will be sure to leave everyone feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

Retro Boat Party

Step back in time with a retro boat party in Washington, DC. Have everyone dress up in vintage clothes from a specific decade, like the '80s or '90s, to set the vibe. Blast old-school music and enjoy classic games or movies on deck. 

Decorate the boat with era-appropriate items, like neon lights and disco balls for an '80s theme or grunge decor for a '90s party. Serve nostalgic snacks and drinks that evoke memories of the chosen period. 

Adventure Outing

For a more exhilarating day, plan activities like hiking in Honolulu, HI, zip-lining, white-water rafting, or a scavenger hunt in Los Angeles, CA. Bear in mind the adventure should match the bride’s sense of excitement. 

Don’t forget to prioritize safety and make sure everyone feels comfortable with the chosen activities. They’ll be sure to get the adrenaline going, providing a perfect mix of fun and challenge for the bride and her friends.

Beach Party

Soak in the sun, sea, and sand with a beach party in Tampa, FL. Up the fun factor with activities like beach volleyball, surfing, sunbathing, and a beachside BBQ or picnic. Choose a nearby beach or lake, and remember to bring plenty of sunscreen, beach games, and a portable speaker for music. 

You could also consider renting a cabana for added comfort and shade. It’s the perfect blend of a laid-back and lively vibe for ultimate relaxation and excitement. 

DIY Craft Party

Host a DIY craft party in Scottsdale, AZ, and unleash your creativity in painting, pottery, jewelry-making, or creating home decor. Set up a crafting station with all the necessary supplies and provide step-by-step instructions to guide everyone through the projects. It gives everyone a chance to be hands-on and add a unique touch to their beautiful keepsakes. To keep the energy high, offer plenty of refreshments and snacks.

Wine Tasting

Indulge in a day of sipping and savoring at a delightful wine-tasting bachelorette party. You can visit local wineries or even host one at home with a variety of bottles. 

If you want to make the day extra special, book a wine tour or hire a sommelier to guide the tasting at home. Elevate the experience by serving complementary cheeses and snacks that would make a great pairing with the different wines. 

Glamping

For a blend of the best of camping and luxury, opt for a glamping party in Boston, MA. Whether you rent a glamping site or create your own upscale experience, the key is to make everyone feel pampered while experiencing the great outdoors. 

Set up comfy tents with cozy bedding and add fairy lights for a magical touch. Enjoy gourmet food under the stars, and indulge in outdoor activities like hiking and stargazing.

It’s All In the Timing

There are many important elements to planning the perfect bachelorette party, and deciding when to have it is probably the most crucial. The lead-up to the wedding is a special time, and thoughtful planning can help make sure you bring the bride's wishes to life without a glitch.

Ensure the best bachelorette party ever by carefully thinking through the vision for the bash and making plans accordingly. Whether it's choosing the right season, organizing a themed party, or coordinating a destination celebration, timing is key. Use the Batch app to coordinate with the group, book experiences, and split expenses. For more tips, check out the Batch blog.