Here’s When You Should Plan a Bachelorette Party

Knowing When to Start Planning a Bachelorette Party is Important

Being put in charge of planning a bachelorette party is quite the honor – pat yourself on the back!

Honorable enough, planning a bachelorette party can be a lot to manage. You’re likely helping with the wedding itself, too, on top of pulling off the bachelorette party of the bride’s dreams.

Knowing when to start planning a bachelorette party can be the hardest part. You need to know what questions to ask while planning the bachelorette party, including which questions to ask the bride, as well as how to work around the bridal shower, engagement party, and any other pre-wedding parties.

In this post, you’ll learn EXACTLY when to plan a bachelorette party – and what to consider along the way.

Typical Bachelorette Party Timeline

The average bachelorette party is held 1-2 months before the wedding and planned out 5-6 months before that.

Remember, this is typical. You don’t have to abide by these rules in the slightest. In fact, you should adhere to a planning timeline that works best for you and the attendees.

The most popular time of the year to host a bachelorette party is in the summer. With 40% of weddings in the U.S. in the fall, the summer is the perfect final bash for a bachelorette party before sending the bride off on her big day in just a few months.

Questions to Ask the Bride When Planning a Bachelorette Party

While this is the bride’s party, she shouldn’t have to worry about planning it.

As early as you can, sit down with the bride to ask her for some details about the party. Most importantly, solidify a clear guest list, date choices, and the general vibe – will this be a weekend in Vegas or a board game competition in a quiet cabin?

It’s your responsibility to hear what the bride would like and then make her dreams become reality.

Here are some questions to ask the bride when planning a bachelorette party.

Since the bride will be busy planning her wedding, keep her involvement in bachelorette party planning to a minimum. Communicate updates about major guest list changes and make sure to tell her when you solidify a date, but otherwise, let her be hands-off.

Her bachelorette party is meant to be a relaxing retreat where she can let loose and celebrate with her friends – not worry about logistics.

Consider Your Guest List and Group Size

The bigger the group gets, the more you are trying to herd a group of unruly cats.

Take this into consideration when you start the planning process. Remember that you won’t be able to please everyone, and you’ll have to roll with the punches when working with this large group.

With a larger guest list, you’ll get many people asking if they can help you plan the party. Letting too many people help quickly turns into a logistical nightmare. Everyone will bring lots of opinions, and there’s no way you can satisfy everyone.

Keep the planning party to 2-3 people at a maximum, and make sure it’s clear who has the final say when making decisions.

RELATED: Are You Supposed to Bring a Gift to a Bachelorette Party?

When to Plan a Destination Bachelorette Party

Planning a destination bachelorette party requires considerably more time than any other bachelorette party. Before embarking on this journey, make sure this is feasible for the requested guest list. Consider whether or not this will be in the budget for most attendees.

Planning a destination bachelorette party is similar to any other bachelorette party, but has a few more critical steps.

First, you have to work out logistical details with the bride in more detail. Then, you find dates that work for the majority of people, book tickets, and then book accommodations. Finally, you need to put together much more detailed itineraries to keep the guests on track.

Holidays and Other Pre-Wedding Festivities

Earlier, we mentioned how the summer is the most popular time of the year to host a bachelorette party. There are very few holidays, and people have an easier time requesting to be off of work.

The other major pre-wedding party you’ll have influence over will likely be the bridal shower. Bridal showers traditionally occur after the bachelorette party, within a few weeks of the wedding.

We know what you’re thinking – this is a tight timeline. You’re 100% correct, there are a million things going on before the wedding even takes place.

With so many moving pieces, you want to get your ducks in a row nice and early to save you some stress down the road.

Plan Early to Give Guests Options

Letting your guests know the bachelorette party date as early as possible isn’t just courteous – it’s vital for a good amount of attendance.

If you tell your guests the date of the bachelorette party early enough, you increase the likelihood that everyone can take that time off of work or move things around in order to attend.

Put simply, the longer you wait to solidify a date (or dates) for the bachelorette party, the less likely it is that everyone who’s invited can attend.

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