17 mar 2022, 17:51:56
By Simon Nichols
Many people hope to only get married once, so a bachelorette party is a rite of passage for most brides. If you have questions about hosting a bachelorette party here is our guide to get you started.
1. So what is a bachelorette party?
A bachelorette party is sometimes referred to as a hen night, or hen do. At this event women get together to celebrate the last the moments of the bride’s single life “bachelorette” – often seen as the last night of freedom! A bachelorette party generally involves drinking, partying, beauty treatments, and fun girly activities.
2. Are there other names for bachelorette parties?
In the USA the celebration of a group of women prior to getting married is known as a bachelorette party but has many names around the world. For example, in the UK, Australia, and Ireland it known as a hen party or hen night, and often in Canada it is known as a stagette. Many bachelorette parties now run over a weekend and are often called hen weekends. In South Africa is also known as a kitchen tea!
3. What is the history of bachelorette parties?
It is thought that the male version of the pre wedding party can date back to the 5th century where Spartan soldiers would celebrate a comrade’s last night of freedom. The trend of women having a party to celebrate getting married is a much newer phenomena but has been around for 50-60 years in the UK and US.
4. Are there different types of bachelorette parties?
The future bride and the maid of honour will have a good think about what kind of bachelorette party to host, and that will not only depend on the bride's choice and who is going to be invited. Most bachelorette groups will want to have a few drinks and perhaps visit a few bars or nightclubs, but in the daytime look for fun activities. Healthy bachelorette groups may also look for educational activities like baking or vegan cookery, or perhaps some beauty treatments. True party groups may even look for a tour of town in a party bus.
5. What happens at a bachelorette party?
A bachelorette party is a chance to say goodbye to your single friend, talk about your lives together, create some great memories and generally have lots of fun. Unlike a bachelor party, the future bride is the centre of attention, rather than the focus of the jokes! In many countries the bride tends to wear something like a sash to show they are the bachelorette, and all the group may dress up in a themed way.
6. Why is it called a bachelorette party?
A bachelorette party is a relatively new term, and derives from the male version of the celebration (bachelor party). Bachelor originates from France is often used to mean young man, junior, novice, or unmarried man - so bachelorette is just the female verison. If your country uses the term "hen" this does not just come from the female chicken, but "hen" was traditionally used in old English to mean female or the female of a bird.
7. When do you have a bachelorette party?
Traditionally a bachelorette party was held the night before the wedding, as a last chance for the bride's family and friends to say "goodbye". As weddings have grown as events and the amount of money being sent most brides don't want to party the night before, and are happy to have the bachelorette party on a weekend leading up to the big day. Rather than be an event for one day, some bachelorette parties are actually bachelorette weekends; and often in another part of the country or abroad.
8. Who should you invite to a bachelorette party?
Traditionally the bride will invite close friends and family but may also choose to extend to colleagues. Some brides decide to invite the groom’s female family members, but this can be difficult if there are activities that involves anything erotic such as male dancers! Brides will also have to consider how the group will mix if including family, colleagues, ex colleagues, school friends, and friends from various groups or clubs.
9. Where should you have a bachelorette party?
Where you have a bachelorette party will depend on the style of party you are looking for and who is invited. If you are looking for a spa break; a large out of town spa hotel would be ideal, or a beach resort for some summer sun! Party people may look for a town or city known for parties such as Miami, Nashville, Rio, Las Vegas, Bangkok, London, or Barcelona – which will provide a great range of restaurants, bars, and activities.
10. Top bachelorette party activities
· Dance class
· Nightclub
· Cocktail making
· Spa Day
· Netball
· Karaoke night
· Cookery class
· Party bus
· Escape room
· Gin tasting
Simon Nichols
Head of Partnerships at Evendo
About Simon, he has a background in the London events and hospitality market going back over 20 years. Simon has in an in-depth knowledge of the events market and currently heads up all supplier partnerships at Evendo.
