Bachelorette/bachelor parties/bridal shower...

We are having separate bachelor and bachelorette parties, but that's mostly because our groups of friends like to do totally different things so planning an event for everyone would be difficult. I think as long as everyone likes the same type of vibe and event then you can definitely combine those.

Bridal showers are usually pretty different than bachelorette parties. A bridal shower is an event usually held with just the bride and the women closest to her who are invited to the wedding as well. It's becoming more popular to include the groom during these events as well, though. Bridal showers are meant to "shower" the couple with gifts from their registry and is pretty commonly a brunch/early afternoon affair. Bachelor/ette parties are normally less formal and are just get togethers with the bridal party and sometimes close friends of the bride and groom that aren't about gift giving but are more about having a fun time.

While I probably wouldn't suggest combining a bridal shower and bachelorette party, you could definitely combine the bachelor and bachelorette parties or even skip one or all of these events if you don't want them.

We are doing a semi-joint bachelor/ette party. We will go out separately with our friends, then everyone will meet up in the middle of the evening and celebrate the rest of the night together. We liked the idea of having a little bit of alone time with our friends, but also being able to celebrate together since all of our friends are also friends.

View Quoted Comment

That's pretty great info and now that I know grooms are being included in the bridal showers, ill most likely omit the Bachelor/ette parties. A Bridal/Groom's shower sounds ideal for us.

View Quoted Comment

That actually sounds like a great idea. Are you having a bridal shower as well?

View Quoted Comment
No, I am not going to have a bridal shower. Tbh, I just don’t enjoy them. I avoid going to other peoples’ showers like the plague, so I definitely didn’t want to have one of my own LOL They are just so awkward with the silly games and shoving the poor bride in front of everyone to open presents *cringe* We thought about hosting an engagement party, but then Covid hit so we never got a chance to (didn’t really miss it though)

View Quoted Comment

I was also considering an engagement party. There are so many events to consider leading up to the big day. It can get crazy expensive.

View Quoted Comment It really can! And for guests/wedding parties too. That was another reason we chose not to do a bridal shower- we didn’t want our guests to incur any additional expenses because of our wedding.

View Quoted Comment

That's really considerate and something I will consider myself.

I'm actually going to have two bridal showers (one where I currently live with my FH's family and friends, and one where I'm from with my family & friends) and then I'm also having a bachelorette party. Bridal showers are more of a formal event with gifts and usually involves moms and grandmas and people you would not want at the bachelorette. The bachelorette is usually more of a fun get together with your bridesmaids and close friends as a "last hurrah" before the big day. Not all bachelor/ettes are wild nights out, my sisters included the bridesmaids and our cousins going for lunch, mani/pedis, sushi for dinner followed by board games at a hotel. It was very relaxed. My college friends involved a portion where we gave the bride lingerie for the honeymoon, followed by a bar hop, so a little more wild. Mine is going to be a weekend in Nashville, and it will have a couple more relaxing activities and a couple more fun crazy things. I'm inviting my six bridesmaids, some of my friends, my FH's cousins, and the groomsmens significant others (who I'm friends with) so it ends up being almost 18 people.

View Quoted Comment

Wow that sounds great but that's a lot of planning . Do you ever feel overwhelmed?

Anything you have in terms of events is entirely up to you so if you want to do a combined bachelorette and bachelor party and skip the shower, it's all good!

i opted for a separate bachelorette and a bridal shower.

View Quoted Comment

Other than picking dates, helping my Maid of honor with location/hotel/guest list for bachelorette, and providing guest lists for bridal showers, I'm not planning any of it. So it doesn't overwhelm me at all.

View Quoted Comment

That's actually good! It's best not to plan parties in your own honour anyway, especially gift giving ones.

View Quoted Comment

I'm thinking a bridal/grooms shower.

View Quoted Comment

Just remember that a shower isn't something you'll plan for yourself (because it's a gifting occasion) - so make sure you mention to whoever is throwing it that you want a shower in which FH is involved.

View Quoted Comment That’s great information ☺️ Thank you

I am most definitely having a separate bachelorette party. IMO bachelorettes are a girls night out by definition, the wedding is the place for partying with my husband and his friends lol. But I go out with my girls once a month anyway, i enjoy laughing and talking with just us. No other parties being had (showers, etc)

View Quoted Comment

That's awesome , nothing like friends and great time.