There's an unspoken secret among adult women . . . being asked to be someone's bridesmaid is both an honor and a burden. We feel all lit up inside that you consider us one of the top ladies in your life, for real we do. But we also know that this role comes with a whole bunch of sort of annoying responsibilities and costs. And all of this goes double for the No. 1 lady, the all-important maid of honor. Because to her falls the job of planning the bachelorette party, and everyone knows that it better be epic-fun party time, or else. Some girls love this kind of stuff, but most feel kind of "meh" about the prospect of organizing a cheesy, penis-themed, girls-only party. Not to fear though, lazy ladies. There's a way to do it without losing your mind, your time, or all of your money, and I'm here to tell you how.
1Favors Made Simple: $45
Image Source: Christina Lilly Photography
At wedding-related events, people expect favors, but that doesn't mean you have to get crazy. Hit two birds with one stone and make a cute, custom mason jar glass for each attendee. You can get a set of 8 of them on Amazon for just $30 and they even come with lids and straws so you won't have to spend the next day cleaning up party fouls. The custom part comes in when you slap chalkboard labels on them with each guest's name. This solves the, "Whose drink is this?" crisis as well.
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2Easy on the Penis Stuff: $32
Image Source: Audra Wrisley Photography
There's a general belief that bachelorette parties have to be chock-full of penis stuff, and this probably originated when premarital sex wasn't the norm and virginal brides would blush at the site of the male member. These days though, you can reference this tradition without going nuts. Try these subtle penis straws in cocktails, some fun cupcake toppers, or bowls full of pecker candy, but don't feel the need to cover your apartment in d*ck stuff.
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3Food Foundation: $22
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Perry
When it comes to food, the most important thing is not cutesiness, but substance. Of course you want there to be a cute factor, but if everyone's going to be knocking back cosmos like it's their job, you want to be sure to provide real food that helps prevent total hammer time later on. Time things so that a couple pizzas show up after everyone’s had a few drinks . . . and by this point no one will care if you get the cheap stuff.
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4Games That Aren't Annoying: $13
Image Source: Emily Blake Photography
Let's be honest — those party games that are so prevalent at baby showers and bachelorette parties are, for the most part, lame and annoying. But they don't have to be, nor do they have to be painstaking to plan. If all the guests already know each other, do bridal trivia — put a chalkboard wall decal up and jot down a numbered quiz about the bride (first kiss, how many boyfriends, etc.) and let guests write answers on their own pieces of paper.
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5Get Out of the House: Free!
Image Source: Lizzi Photography
It's always good to start the night at someone's place, but things will get stale if you don't take the party on the road at some point. Keep in mind that you will have to keep things moving to ensure this happens, so remember to get presents opened, games played, and food eaten so you can proclaim it's time to order up some Ubers and hit the bars when people start getting bored and/or sloppy.
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6Doll Up: $15
Image Source: Candice Cossel of Serendipity Studios
Besides Halloween, bachelorette parties are literally the only time it's OK to leave the house wearing feather boas and tiaras, so you might as well embrace it. There will be plenty of other things to do when guests arrive, so save this surprise for when you're getting ready to roll out. Keep it simple and offer a buffet of some fun but affordable chachkes; I'd suggest light-up rings and tiaras.
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7Photographic Proof of Fun: $18
Image Source: A Beautiful Mess
There's no way to call in question your party-planning skills when there are loads of photos that clearly depict epic, fun party times. Do yourself a favor and pick up a selfie stick, which will undoubtedly result in a slew of hilarious photos you can Instagram so that everyone knows what an awesome maid of honor and friend you are.
Anna Garvey (@ZannaKG) is the director of content and social media for WebRev Marketing & Design, a Chicago digital marketing firm that serves small businesses in a wide variety of industries. She is a proud member of the Oregon Trail Generation, an Italophile, and a former urban educator who loves examining the intersection of culture, technology, and personal experience. Click here for more info.
