First, there are no set rules for bachelorette party planning. There are, however, several key elements that make a bachelorette party a success. The first step is to determine the expectations of the bride. Does she want to stay in? Does she want to invite twenty girls, or only six? Does she have a restaurant she wants to visit, a concert she'd like to go to, or would she prefer an at home gathering?
Knowing the wishes of the bride is a key step to begin your planning. If you have determined that the bride wants a less wild, simpler bachelorette party, you have many options to make sure it is still memorable. First, be sure to include the right guests - girls that the bride feels closest to. Next, think about a theme for your party. Does the bachelorette love chocolate? Maybe you can have a chocolate party with chocolate fountains and goodies, and gift bags for all the guests that are a rich, brown color, filled with chocolate gifts.
Or, try a theme centered on the groom, such as a "girly" football party for a girl who is marrying a huge football fan. This party can include all the guests wearing football gear like jerseys and the food being a tailgate style. No matter what theme you choose, make sure that it fits the bride, and your bachelorette party will be more successful.
As for presents for the bride, at a bachelorette party they are optional. It is often more fun to have gag gifts, which are usually very inexpensive. Buy her a tawdry romance novel. Give her a bottle of massage oil. These are items that are bachelorette party appropriate but won't break the bank.
As for party favors, those too can be inexpensive, like the large lollipop rings shaped like diamond rings. Or, nail polish for each girl to use when giving herself a pedicure and manicure during the course of the evening. These items are girl, fun, and very cheap as they can be bought at any discount store.
Whatever you do for your bachelorette party, remember that the key to a great party is the love you put into it and the friends you have gathered.
