Bachelorette Party Archives

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15 Bachelorette themes we’re loving

March 27, 2026 No Comments

Planning a bachelorette party should feel like part of the celebration and not another task on your list. The easiest way to pull everything together? A strong bachelorette theme.

These are the bachelorette themes we’re loving right now — a mix of playful, polished and just the right amount of extra.

Groovy & boozy

A retro moment that leans all the way in. Think bold colour, disco energy and a dancefloor that doesn’t quit. A DIY cocktail station keeps things interactive and slightly chaotic — in the best way.

Last swing before the ring

Preppy with a twist. Whether it’s golf or tennis, this theme is all about country club styling, crisp palettes and a few competitive moments to keep the energy up.

Girls just wanna have sun

For the bride who belongs near the ocean. Relaxed, sun-soaked and easy to execute. Add tropical touches, fresh food and a sunset moment that naturally turns into a party.

Mamma Mia

A love letter to long lunches and even longer nights. Inspired by Mamma Mia!, expect blue-and-white details, shared plates and a playlist that quickly becomes a singalong.

Pearls, pjs and prosecco

Matching sets, glowing skin and bubbles on repeat. Add a spa element or movie marathon for a night that feels intimate but still elevated.

Last sail before the veil

Crisp, coastal and a little glam. Whether you’re actually on the water or just dressing like it, think stripes, spritzes and a day that rolls seamlessly into night.

Margs & matrimony

A margarita bar, citrus details and a menu built around sharing. It’s relaxed but still feels like a celebration.

Let’s get naut-i

Start with a boat day, end with a night out. Swimsuits, snacks and sea air by day, then a themed bar crawl after. Effortless, but memorable.

Looking like a snack

Playful and completely unserious. Assign each guest a snack-inspired outfit and commit. It’s guaranteed laughs and photos you’ll actually keep.

The one where she gets married

A nostalgic nod to Friends. Slogan tees, coffee-shop corners and a theme that works just as well for a night in as it does for a city break.

Last rodeo

Western, but make it fashion. Cowgirl hats, boots and just enough fringe. It’s bold, photogenic and full of personality.

On cloud nine

Soft and dreamy. Whites, silvers and floaty textures set the tone. It’s more aesthetic than chaotic — perfect for a bride who loves a polished look.

Wig out

Low effort, high impact. Everyone arrives in a wig — the bigger, the better. Add a playful runway moment and you’ve got instant entertainment.

Until they’re old and gray

Unexpected and very funny. Dress like your future selves, then head out and prove you’ve still got it. Lighthearted, ironic and always a talking point.

Final fiesta

Colour, music and a table that feels abundant. It’s festive, easy to pull together and perfect for a group that wants energy from start to finish.

ALSO SEE: The Hen Commandments: Dos and don’ts for planning the bachelorette party

The Hen Commandments: Dos and don’ts for planning the bachelorette party

Feature image: Pexels

In Bachelorette Party

The Hen Commandments: Dos and don’ts for planning the bachelorette party

March 16, 2026 No Comments

Have you been tasked with arranging the all-important bachelorette party? Before you break out in hives because of the sheer immensity of the situation, read our Hen Commandments. This dos and don’ts list will ensure you throw a party that will leave the bride glowing with happiness – not fuming with anger.

#1 Thou shalt be organised

Set a day way in advance and give everyone enough time to arrange their lives, plan and be there (with bells on) for the bride.

#2 Thou shalt organise a night the bride wants

And not what you want… If the bride is a Champagne and strawberries kind of lady, don’t arrange a craft-beer tasting and hot-dog day. Or if she loves to chug back the brew, don’t get everyone together for a high tea. Be creative about your theme and activities, and make sure they reflect the bride’s personality.

#3 Thou shalt never make the bride feel awkward

It might be a lot of fun to dress the bride up like Borat and make her dance at a traffic light, but the whole reason for the hen party is for her to stop fretting about the wedding for a second and have a blast. You don’t want her dying of embarrassment and wishing she was folding 700 paper frogs with Aunt Margaret instead.

#4 Thou shalt not assume the bride wants a stripper

It’s not a bachelorette bash without some strippers! Ever heard that gem? It’s rubbish, ladies. It can leave some conservative brides in tears. Find other ways to spend the money, unless your bride has specifically requested one (or three).

#5 Thou shalt take others’ budgets into account

Nobody wants to feel pressured to spend more than they can afford on a night out or a weekend away. Before you make the plans, get an idea of what everyone is willing to spend on the party, and then set a budget.

#6 Thou shalt discuss the list with the bride

You can keep everything else a surprise, but not the guest list. If you leave out someone important, the bride will have to deal with the consequences.

#7 Thou shalt involve others

Yes, you might be the maid of honour and the bride’s BFF, but that’s not to say no one else can get involved in the planning. Be open to ideas and offers of help, and delegate where possible.

#8 Thou shalt relax and enjoy thyself

Being the person in charge can be stressful, but if you’re not enjoying yourself, neither will anyone else. Relax and let the party come together.

#9 Thou shalt get everyone home safe

If you’re hitting the town and painting it red, organise Ubers or a shuttle for everyone. You don’t need any drama close to the wedding.

#10 Thou shalt not post ugly photos on Facebook

Ban phones and any posting to Facebook or Instagram on the night, and keep any dodgy photos to yourself. Waking up with a hangover is one thing. Waking up with a hangover and your night blasted all over the ’Gram is another…

ALSO SEE: Relaxing bachelorette party ideas for the chilled bride

Relaxing bachelorette party ideas for the chilled bride

Written by Claire Davies for Wedding Etc Summer 2019.

Feature image: Pexels

In Advice

Who pays for the bachelorette party?

February 27, 2026 No Comments

In Advice

Bridesmaid ‘proposal’ ideas

February 26, 2026 No Comments

Your big day started with big gestures, and your bridesmaids should be included in these. Here are a few cute ways to ask those closest to you to be part of your wedding party.

In this day and age, it is quite a big ask (as bridesmaids are expected to perform a lot of duties) so asking those closest to you with a personalised gift of sorts makes their experience that much more special. No matter what you choose to gift in the bridesmaid proposal, make sure to include a letter written by yourself to each individual bridesmaid. You are asking them to give up a lot of their free time to be your bridesmaid, you can take the time to write a personal letter about why you would like them to be up there with you on your special day.

In Bachelorette Party

Your complete bachelorette party planning checklist

February 12, 2026 No Comments

It’s the bride’s all-important big send-off into married life. Been tasked with throwing the party? We have you covered…

Like any event, a bachelorette party requires proper planning, and while it is a big responsibility (this is the bride’s last hurrah as a single woman), it doesn’t have to be a chore. Schedule fun planning evenings with the bridesmaids where you can thrash out ideas over a few glasses of wine or dinner.

THE BASICS

Avoid any unnecessary stress and start planning at least three months ahead of time. A good place to start is determining what kind of event your bride would love. Is she a party animal? Does she prefer smaller, more intimate dinner parties over crowded bars? Once you’ve come to a decision about what kind of bachelorette your bride is, turn your attention to the budget. A memorable hen party really doesn’t have to break the bank. The goal is for the bride to celebrate with her good friends, so make sure you don’t choose an experience that excludes those on a tighter budget.

For a hen night on a shoestring, consider hosting the party at a friend’s house so that there’s no need to worry about venue hire fees. Once you have the location, ask guests to each bring a platter of food and a bottle of wine or bubbly. As for entertainment, there are plenty of fun, free games you can play at the house before venturing out to a club or bar – and consider an after-party venue that offers special deals like half-price cocktail evenings.

If your friends have a little more to spend, you can still celebrate at home, but instead of guests bringing food, hire a caterer. To add some interest, book entertainment, whether it’s a karaoke machine or a pole-dancing class. For those who want to go all out, a weekend away is a great bonding experience – but remember, you’ll have to pay for the bride!

THE CHECKLIST

Whatever event and budget you decide on, you need to plan the hen night like a military operation – so delegate tasks among the bridesmaids to make sure everything on the list gets done. Here are a few things to remember:

Invitations
Give guests enough notice and hold the bachelorette party at least two weeks before the big day. Choose just one person to whom RSVPs should be sent.

Venue hire
If you do decide to host the party at a hired venue or take a trip out of town, book well in advance and make sure you do your research – a safe bet is to choose places that have come recommended by friends.

Transport
Drinking and driving is a no-no, so book taxis for the night in advance and be sure to confirm the booking the day before the party.

Buy the goodies
What would a bachelorette party be without silly props and crazy games? And of course, let’s not forget the bride’s outfit. Purchase everything at least a month before the event to avoid last-minute hassles.

THE GUEST LIST

Once you have a game plan, create a guest list. Depending on what you have planned, you need to decide whether you are extending invitations to family (yes, parents and grandparents) or just friends. A popular route to go so as not to exclude anyone is to host pre-party drinks where people of all ages can attend and then the youngsters can hit the town afterwards. Alternatively, consider throwing a hen night for just the friends and a more ‘civilised’ kitchen tea another day for all the women in the bride’s life.

ALSO SEE: Should you have a joint bachelor and bachelorette party?

Should you have a joint bachelor and bachelorette party?

Feature image: Pexels

Words: Clare Syfret

In Bachelorette Party

Should you have a joint bachelor and bachelorette party?

December 11, 2025 No Comments

For decades, kitchen teas, bachelorettes, and bachelors have been celebrated separately, but modern couples are rewriting the rules. Over the past few years, the idea of hosting a joint bachelor and bachelorette party has become far more common, especially among couples with overlapping friend groups or those looking to simplify pre-wedding plans. That said, separate celebrations are still the most common. Many brides love their girls-only moment, and plenty of grooms enjoy their own dedicated send-off. But with the rising cost of events, busy schedules, and couples wanting more shared memories, combined celebrations are definitely gaining momentum.

Why combining your celebrations makes perfect sense

1. More time with your favourite people

Instead of splitting the wedding party for separate weekends, a joint celebration means you and your partner actually get to enjoy the build-up together. No FOMO, no separate plans. Just shared fun before the big day.

2. It helps both sides bond

A combined event brings bridesmaids, groomsmen, and mutual friends into one space. It’s the perfect ice-breaker before the wedding, especially if your groups don’t know each other well. By the time the big day arrives, everyone feels like they’ve been friends for years.

3. It’s budget-friendly

Two events often mean double the accommodation, transport, decor, and activities. A joint bash can cut costs for the wedding party and the couple. Think shared transport, split venue hire, and group discounts.

4. Less pressure, more inclusivity

Joint celebrations naturally avoid the stereotype-heavy, gendered activities some bridal parties want to avoid. They offer a more relaxed, everyone-welcome vibe. This is great for couples who prefer something low-key or who have mixed-gender friend circles.

Fun ways to combine the celebrations

If you’re leaning toward one shared event, here are ideas that work beautifully for co-ed groups:

• A themed dinner party or backyard braai

A relaxed, at-home celebration where everyone brings a dish or you hire a private chef. Add games or a DIY cocktail bar for extra fun.

• A competitive game night

Board games, trivia, or card games are perfect for mixed groups. Create teams that blend both sides of the wedding party for instant bonding.

• A wine, gin, or craft beer tasting

Great for groups wanting a more refined (or more adventurous!) outing. Non-drinkers can enjoy alternatives like coffee, cheese, or chocolate tastings.

• A group activity day

Think mini-golf, a cooking class, an escape room, or a friendly sports match. Something collaborative is ideal for building connections.

• A party bus or boat day

If you want high energy, rent a party shuttle or a boat for a few hours. It’s a simple way to keep everyone together without complicated planning.

• A weekend away

From glamping to a beach house, a shared weekend escape can be a cost-effective way to have both separate moments and joint activities.

Why a combined celebration might not be the best fit

Joint pre-wedding celebrations are fun and increasingly popular, but they don’t suit every couple or every friend group. Some people prefer the tradition of separate bachelor and bachelorette parties because they want the freedom to plan an experience that truly reflects the bride or groom individually.

You also need to consider group dynamics: if certain personalities don’t mix well, or if your friends have very different ideas of what “fun” looks like, combining the celebrations could leave someone feeling out of place. And of course, if one side prefers a more relaxed experience while the other is expecting something wild and energetic, the compromise may dilute the excitement for both groups.

Should you combine yours?

In the end, it comes down to what feels most “you.” If your group is already close, you prefer shared experiences, or you’d like to simplify the pre-wedding calendar, a joint celebration might be perfect. If you’re dreaming of a more traditional girls-only or guys-only vibe, that’s just as valid.

ALSO SEE: How to combine your bachelorette and kitchen tea

How to combine your bachelorette and kitchen tea

Feature image: Pexels

In Bachelorette Party

The origin of the flower girl

December 10, 2025 No Comments

Adding a touch of childlike wonder to weddings for as long as we can remember, the flower girl is not only adorable but a much-loved wedding tradition too. While we often associate the moment with sweetness and innocence, the meaning and origin of the practice are rooted in much older customs.

There are two main ideas linked to this tradition. According to Reader’s Digest, it’s connected to themes of new beginnings and fertility (as many long-standing wedding traditions are), rather than romance.

In ancient Rome, marriages were often arranged and carried significant social purpose, including uniting families and ensuring a continuation of the family line. During these ceremonies, historic accounts describe young attendants accompanying the bride. A young girl would walk ahead of her, tossing grains or herbs to symbolise prosperity, good fortune, and protection.

As the centuries went on, the symbolism evolved with each era. Some medieval customs continued the idea of blessing the path ahead, often using herbs known for their associations with luck or protection. Over time, this slowly shifted into what we recognise today: little girls scattering petals or carrying blooms down the aisle.

Reader’s Digest also notes that having a young girl lead the procession came to represent the transition from childhood to womanhood — one reason why flower girls are often dressed in similar colours or styles to the bride.

Brides shares similar origins, adding that influences from both Roman and Greek traditions likely contributed to the early forms of this custom.

As the tradition developed further, the Elizabethan era embraced children in the wedding party as symbols of hope and innocence. Brides notes that this era strengthened the sentimental meaning behind including little ones.

By the time the Victorian era arrived, the flower girl had taken on a look much closer to the modern version. Petite baskets filled with flowers and delicate floral wreaths became popular, symbolising unending love and natural beauty.

Today, we still include children in our wedding parties, although the meaning has changed dramatically. Most couples no longer associate the role with fertility or symbolism around innocence — they simply enjoy the charm, fun, and family connection that a flower girl brings to the aisle. It’s become a sweet way to involve beloved nieces, nephews, or little family friends in one of life’s most special moments.

ALSO SEE: Flower Availability by Season and Locality: Plan Your Wedding Blooms Wisely

Flower Availability by Season and Locality: Plan Your Wedding Blooms Wisely

Image: Unsplash

In Bachelorette Party

How to combine your bachelorette and kitchen tea

December 1, 2025 No Comments

Times have changed and so have traditions. If you’re getting married but don’t feel you need to have both a bachelorette and a kitchen tea, there are several ways to combine them into one awesome bridal event.

There are loads of benefits of combining the two events into one. One bridal event will save time and energy, as well as money. It will also mean you get exposed to fewer people and environments, keeping your immediate bubble small and staying within that bubble instead of hanging out with different groups of people.

Here are some ideas of ways your bridal event can include everyone from your mom and aunt to your besties. Activities that everyone will enjoy and don’t break the bank is the way to go.

Private picnic

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Picnics never get old. It’s chic, low-fuss and absolutely yummy. You can choose a theme or let the theme be the food! Gather your closest ladies and avoid the crowds by finding a private spot. You can also book a picnic from a vendor so it can be all set up in a cosy little nook when you arrive, ready to dig in.

Day by the pool

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It’s summer! Sun’s out, which means bikinis and sarongs are on. Plan a fun day of leisurely lounging by the pool if you have access to one. Make cocktails together and get your dose of Vitamin D. Remember to wear adequate sunscreen, hats and seek out some shade every now and then.

Board and card games

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Who doesn’t love a good games night? Collect all your favourite board and card games and let your competitive side take over. You can even go as far as to place bets so there’s real incentive to win, or take it easy and just have a good laugh with your mates for the sake of it.

Cook or bake together

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Food, glorious food. Whether you’re an aspiring fine-dining chef or just a plain old sweet tooth, get everyone together for a day of creating a beautiful meal, dessert or even just snacks. You can go for a cooking class or go DIY, as long as you walk away with a full belly and happy heart. Oh, and don’t forget to open a bottle of wine.

Spa day

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Look, we’re not saying it’s never been done before. But honestly, who wouldn’t want to do it again (and again and again)? Book a day at your favourite spa for some serious relaxation. Plus, it will leave everyone looking and feeling refreshed and in top form for the big day!

Picture: Pexels

In Bachelorette Party

South Africa’s Fresh Take on Bridal Showers and Bachelorette Parties

August 15, 2025 No Comments

Evolving Traditions with Local Flair

In 2025, South African pre-wedding celebrations are more creative, personalized, and meaningful than ever. Brides and their entourages are embracing global trends like immersive experiences and sustainability, while adding uniquely South African touches, from vineyard backdrops to handcrafted décor. Whether you’re planning a laid-back garden gathering or a glam retro bash, these ideas will help make your celebration feel both trend-forward and rooted in local culture.

Bridal Shower Trends for 2025

Trending Themes Worth a Try

Farmers Market Elegance (“She’s Off the Market”)
Think fresh produce stalls, artisanal cheeses, gingham linens, and sustainable décor, perfect for lovers of local, eco-conscious styling.
Cottagecore Romance
Cozy aesthetics with lace runners, pastel blooms, vintage crockery, and fairy lights evoke that cozy, Nancy Meyers film vibe.
Disco & Diamonds Retro
Dare to sparkle with disco-ball centerpieces, metallic accents, and glam ’70s shimmer—a fun, nostalgic twist.
Garden Party Chic (“Sow in Love”)
Ideal for outdoor celebrations with dainty tablescapes, parasols, hanging greenery, and wildflower details.
Personalized Bright Hues
Bold color palettes, think citrus summer or ’90s hues set by the guest of honor’s personality and style.

Interactive Décor & Activities

Activity Stations Are a Must: From fragrance bars and flower crowns to DIY boba and honey jar favors, these stations create fun, tactile experiences.
Intimate & Inclusive Vibes: Personal touches like custom thank-you cards, ribbon details, and games that include all attendees even both partners add warmth and thoughtfulness.

Food, Drink & Sustainability

Bars That Spark Joy: Prosecco walls, mimosa stations, and boba or fragrance bars elevate the celebration while enabling guests to customize their experience.
Eco-Conscious Favors: Local honey jars, seed-paper favors, and reused décor tools feel both thoughtful and earth-friendly.
Local Sourcing Wins: Emphasize produce and décor from local markets and artisans, supports small businesses while offering a touch of South African flair.

Bachelorette Party Trends for 2025

Sober-Curious & Experience-Driven

Mocktail Nights & Tastings: Wine-adjacent but alcohol-free celebrations, think kombucha or NA wine pairings, complete with creative glassware and playlists.

Wellness Activities: Yoga, pottery classes, arcade lounges, or sunset hikes create memorable, group-bonding experiences.

Sentimental Keepsakes

Jewelry Workshops: Create charm bracelets or matching welded anklets, gifts that double as mementos of the day.

Nostalgia & Festival Energy

Y2K and Festival Vibes: Matching tracksuits, glitter, disposable cameras, “Bridechella” setups, and customized playlists bring back early-2000s charm.

Spiritual & Creative Funs

Presentations & Astrology Nights: From fun slideshows (“Why the Bride is the Main Character”) to tarot readings and zodiac dress codes, these ideas add dimension and humor.

Outdoors & Local Adventures

Garden Picnics & Glamping: A visually stunning alternative to clubbing, combining comfort, nature, and easy decor.

Local Road Trips: Explore scenic routes like the Garden Route or Waterberg stop at quaint stays, capture the journey, and pair it with group bonding.
Western & Camp Themes: “Cowgirl,” “Coastal Cowgirl,” and “Last Rodeo” themes combining western flair with retro or festival elements, think cowboy hats, bonfires, line dancing, and horseback options.

Retro Revival

Decade-Inspired Throwbacks: Choose a decade (’60s elegance, ‘70s disco, ’80s glam) and bring it to life with prop decor, themed cocktails, and era-specific playlists.

Bridging Global Trends with South African Flair

Eco-Chic Sensibility: Prioritize local sourcing, zero-waste décor, and upcycled elements, especially popular in bridal showers where artisanal touches go a long way.
Cultural Infusions: African prints, shweshwe fabrics, and local floral arrangements make décor unique and place-specific.
Venue Considerations: South Africa boasts stunning landscapes, from Cape vineyards and Winelands estates to countryside airbnbs and game lodges. Tailor the setting to your bridal vibe.
Beauty & Décor Synergy: Soft glam, floral hairpieces, and well-curated nail-art or self-care stations tie the look together.

Crafting the Perfect Celebration

Whether you’re leaning into sustainable sophistication or vibrant nostalgia, your bridal shower or bachelorette party should feel authentic. Balance global inspiration like festival themes or mocktail bars with local cultural elements, South African art, landscapes, and flavors to create a celebration that’s fresh, meaningful, and memorable.

Featured Image: Pixels

In Bachelorette Party

How to throw a ‘Bridgerton’ themed bridal shower

May 10, 2022 No Comments

Similar to Lady Whistledown’s society papers, Bridgerton is all anyone has time to talk about these days. The Netflix period drama has spawned a plethora of Regencycore-inspired home decor and fashion pieces and has gone on to take over the world of weddings too.

Pinterest, the one-stop for all things wedding inspo, has been dishing the dirt on what brides-to-be have been searching on the platform, and it looks like Bridgerton-inspired bridal showers are all the rage right now.

If your very own ‘Simon’ has gone down on one knee, you may be thinking about your bridal shower. With so many wonderful ways to incorporate the Bridgerton theme into your bridal shower, here are a few of our favourites:

A Tea Party Worthy of The Queen

Is there anything more regal than a sophisticated tea party? According to Pinterest, search terms have soared in relation to tea parties as a Bridgerton bridal shower idea. Grab your most sophisticated tea cups, three-tier platters, colourful macarons, florals, and a variety of tea flavours to sample. Make things extra special by creating a Bridgerton-inspired cup/mug for your bridal crew to take home with them, PostNet can be a good spot to do this.

Bridgerton-themed bridal shower — Picture: Pinterest

Pearl Decor

Another aesthetic that ties in nicely with the Recencycore aesthetic, and which has been making waves on Pinterest, is pearl decor. Keep things simple by including pearls in your bridal shower through pearl hair clips, or pearl garland decor.

Puff Sleeves?

Take things up a notch and really get into the theme by incorporating puff sleeves. You can keep things subtle by simply asking guests to wear puffed blouses or dresses – a great way to add a modern twist to your period-themed bridal shower.

‘Bridgerton’ Inspired Hairstyles

No theme is complete without the quintessential hairstyle. Plenty of curls, puffy hair, and pearl hair clips seem to be theme when it comes to hairstyles associated with the regencycore aesthetic. If you’re feeling brave, go for something as daring as Queen Charlotte’s puffy hair-do or Daphne’s long flowing curls.

An abundance of floral

One thing that stands out when you watch the Bridgerton series is the bold colours, especially when it comes to floral. Now, adding flowers to any event can be quite pricey, so set a budget and stick to it. Grab a few of your favourite vases and add colourful roses (or your favourite bouquet of flowers) across the table. If you’re looking to keep things affordable and sustainable, try dried bouquets. You’ll be able to reuse it at your wedding ceremony.

Picture: Netflix