The Ultimate Bachelorette Packing List (with free printable PDF)
Bachelorette parties trump bachelor parties… there I said it.
We don’t need strippers and anarchy (unless that’s your thing), instead we craft the perfect send-off for the bride-to-be.
What used to be a girls’ night out, the last hurrah, has now evolved into a full-blown weekend or even an entire week spent at the party location making unforgettable memories (and a few we’d rather not remember) with the close gang.
Planning a fun-filled bachelorette weekend for your girls can be extremely time-consuming. Locations, activities, food, cocktails, as well as keeping track of everyone’s availability and other important details it’s easy to forget a thing or two.
It is hard enough packing for a full day out – imagine packing for an entire weekend! And we bet most still end up forgetting half the things they made a million mental notes of. To ensure a trouble-free weekend getaway, here is our:
Ultimate Bachelorette Party Packing List
Outfits
Pictures or it didn’t happen, and we need to slay regardless of whether we’re in the bridal party, part of the family or a guest.
Don’t spend your last days before the bachelorette weekend shopping around, trying on outfits, and making sure you like the fit and size.
Decide on the looks in advance. Knowing what’s in store during the party helps planning easier.
And remember, before we dive in: Wearing white on the bachelorette weekend may not be every bride’s cup of tea, so maybe remove it from the list of options.
Going Out Glam
In all likelihood we’re hitting the town. Shots will be had and hips will be shaken. Bars, restaurants, nightclubs and afterparties all call out for something snazzy.
Heels and a dress will always fit the bill, anything that makes you look good and feel good.
Comfy Day Wear
Most bachelorette parties include some form of activity. Roaming around a city in search of a cocktail bar, a murder mystery, maybe even a craft of some form. Restrictive clothes aren’t needed.
Something casual and comfy works. Jeans or shorts and a cute top always work and flats, if you’re walking, you’ll be glad you packed them.
Swim Wear
Wherever you stay, there is a good chance of them having a nice pool. Whether it’s a string of pool parties or somewhere to sleep off the hangover, make the most of the facilities and pack your favorite swimwear for relaxing or swimming in the pools.
If you are by the beach, pack a cover-up dress with the swimsuits. And, of course, if you are the bride, you might want to invest in a pearly white swimsuit.
Sleep or Lounge Wear
No one’s saying we’re going to sleep. All we’re saying is there’s a good chance we’ll be relaxing in someones room at some stage.
While people are showering and getting ready, it’s nice to be comfy or when you fall in the door after hours it’s much easier to bust a few late night moves in your comfies.
Shoes
Since you want to be packing light, instead of packing a bunch of shoes for every occasion, pack a few pairs only. A sneaker for outdoorsy events, heels for a night out, and a flat sandal or dollies for some downtime.
Underwear
Keep this until last when packing. What you choose to wear will generally dictate what underwear you need. Strapless bras and nude thongs go a long way though. They can be worn under anything and won’t show through any colour.
If you are all for coordinating with your bridal party, make sure to give them a heads-up and plan the itinerary accordingly. Lastly, if you are a bride wearing white outfits at the bachelorette, try packing a few items with a pop of color, like a fanny pack, cute shoes, and accessories to bring out the fashionista in you.
Party Items
A few simple decorative items can alleviate the look of any room or table. You can pack garlands, balloons, confetti, streamers, personalised pictures, to turn the decor up a notch. Let your imagination truly go wild!
Sash – Pack a bride-to-be sparkly sash for the bride to stand out. These sashes can also be draped on chairs to save the bride a seat.
Decor – Decorate the room with garlands or balloons. You can also decorate your table with shiny confetti and a cake with a fancy cake topper. Decorations are usually managed by the maid of honor and fellow bridesmaids, so if you are one – keep note!
Cute Party Cups – Keep your bachelorette event environment-friendly by going for customized cups instead of plastic one-use cups. Such cute party cups can be part of a party favor and re-used for any other upcoming bachelorette party for other friends.
Party Favors – Bachelorette party is a great time to give away those party favors. Pack identical party favors for your best girls. There are a ton of options you can go for when packing a party favor, such as party hats, beauty products, face masks, customized color-ordinated shirts and caps, and more.
Photo Props – You might not be able to carry an entire photo booth to your party location, but you can pack photo props in your luggage. Create some fun cutesy photo props and don’t shy away from throwing humor in there. They will make for a nice photo session at your bachelorette.
Essentials
Not everything in your suitcase will be all bling and pink. There are some essentials you will need to make space for in your luggage. And you absolutely cannot forget these – not if you don’t want to be traveling back or borrowing things from friends constantly.
Passports/Travel Permit – If you are traveling cross-country or going to someplace that requires a permit – you cannot afford to forget these items. Keep photocopies or e-scans of them as well – just in case.
IDs – Pack IDs you might need along the way, such as a driver’s license, ID card, or other.
Itinerary – Keep a copy of your itinerary with you at all times. It will assist you when you step out for your activities and might have to show a confirmation ticket or hotel room booking, etc. If you are the MOH, remember to send the itinerary and other important details to your fellow bridesmaid via text message or email.
Toiletries – Most hotels do carry toiletries, but you might still need to pack a few personal items, such as a toothbrush, deodorant, tampons, and travel-size shampoo/conditioner.
Credit Card – It is not practical (or safe) to carry cash everywhere you go. So take along your debit and credit card for any expense you incur.
Medications – Don’t forget to bring your medications with you, both OTC and prescription. You will be having a lot of late nights out at your bachelorette, and you do not want to wake up with a throbbing headache every time.
Miscellaneous
There are a couple of miscellaneous items you will need to keep in check, like an umbrella, phone charger, power bank, water bottle, and more.
Camera – Remember to pack a camera to take memorable pictures of your bachelorette party weekend. Because, of course, no party is legendary unless your friends are there to see it. Take tons of pictures for the gram and make a digital file to store away your memories.
You can also bring a polaroid camera and give the pictures to your bridal party as a keepsake for the special weekend.
Portable Speakers – You can’t party without music, and that is just a fact. So pack a portable speaker to put on music while you get ready, at a pool party, or chilling in the room.
Tripod Stand – If you want to snap good pictures where no one has to be left out to play the role of cameraman – bring a tripod with you to the party.
Digital Products – It is a good idea to keep a few e-books with you to kill time on a lazy day in. You might also need some apps from the app store to book activities, Airbnb, or others. Install these apps beforehand so you don’t have to worry about WIFI or Data.
Games and Activities
You can’t have a bachelorette party without a few games and activities. Depending on your party location, pack some games to surprise the bride.
Games and activities are a fun way to include the entire bridal party, make everyone feel involved, and just have some light-hearted fun. Here are some options:
Board Games – I know you wouldn’t think to play board games at your bachelorette. But trust us, if you are staying more than a weekend at your party – the activities will start drying out, and you might need a game or few in the backup for the lazy days.
Card Games – Card games are a great way to engage in some friendly competition. Let off some steam and enjoy a game or two with your best girls.
Book Activities – Booking activities in your locale is a fun way to spend quality time with the girls. Some great choices are wine tasting, cocktail making, yoga class, or a karaoke night. Plan well in advance so you know what sort of activities your hotel and places near it are offering.
Small Gifts – If you are the bride, pack small gifts for your bride tribe elegantly gift-wrapped, or a handwritten letter for the bride. Prepare a toast for your best friends. It is a great way to show them your appreciation for their efforts and for making time for your bachelorette.
Conclusion
Packing for a super weekend is much like packing for a cross-country move. The bags are small, and you are trying to stuff sixty pounds of luggage in. Sounds like a downright conundrum! So, don’t leave your packing till the last minute, and plan all your outfits and activities well in advance.
Our bachelorette packing list should help you pack everything you might have missed out on otherwise, from outfit options to keepsakes, and power banks to gifts. It is in no way a comprehensive bachelorette party checklist but should help make the packing process a little easier for you.
It is a special time for all, for the bride and her bridal party. Make sure to make every minute count and have a good time. And remember, if you are well-packed and sorted with a packing checklist, you are already off to a great start.
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