The quintessential bachelorette party filled with bawdy entertainers and goodies may appeal to some brides, but for others, the idea of a girls’ night out may ring closer to home than to the bright lights of the Las Vegas strip. Whether your best friend and bride-to-be is an artist, musician, chef or ultra-athlete, we’ve discovered seven bachelorette party ideas perfect for celebrating her final days of singlehood.
For the Boozy Bride: Plan a Wine Trip
Bachelorette parties are never complete without a bottle of wine, so why not pick out your own during a girls’ getaway to Virginia’s famous wineries? Take the bride-to-be on a weekend tour of one of the Commonwealth’s 10 wine regions, or plan a day trip to Coastal Virginia vineyards at New Kent Winery, The Williamsburg Winery and the urban Mermaid Winery.
Be sure to plan your October wine trip soon, Virginia Wine Month is just around the corner.
For the Artsy Bride: Paint a Mermaid
If your bride is being whisked away to a new, far away home right after the ceremony, help her to remember her Tidewater roots by hosting a paint night at the Mermaid Factory. Mermaids and dolphins are Coastal Virginia trademarks and can be customized with jewels, paint, glitter and more at the studio. Team Bride can enjoy a two-hour painting session while reminiscing and sipping on two glasses of complimentary wine.
For the Foodie Bride: Host a Cooking Class
Let the bride revel in her very own culinary spotlight during a group cooking course, either at home or out on the town. Group sessions are available through the Casual Gourmet by the Culinary Institute of Virginia or at Town Center’s Cosmopolitan with Chef Matthew May and his Dinner at the Chef’s Table series.
For a more relaxed setting, Chef Douglas Cooperman, owner of Café 67 and instructor of Coop de Cuisine’s hands-on classes, brings the party to you with his in-home cooking classes.
For the Athletic Bride: Tee Off at Top Golf
Leave the golf carts and tee times to the men and enjoy a fun, girls-only golf session in a private bay at Top Golf. Whether your bride prefers intimate gatherings or bachelorette blowouts, Top Golf offers small and large party options that offer guests customized eats and drinks, reserved bays and endless hours of golf.
For the Charitable Bride: Form a Volunteer Squad
There are plenty of ways for a bride to give back during her wedding, but she’s guaranteed to have the most fun giving back with her bridesmaids. Sign Team Bride up for a local 5K or an afternoon volunteer project at local animal shelters like the Virginia Beach SPCA or Heritage Humane Society in Williamsburg. The girl squad can also team up to prepare a dinner for battered women and children at the Menchville House in Newport News.
For the Musical Bride: Karaoke Takeover
Belting out Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” is the perfect way to savor the bride’s final moments of being a true bachelorette. Lauper’s iconic anthem and other classic jams are found in songbooks at karaoke bars across Coastal Virginia like Dockers Karaoke Pub and Wanna B’s.
For the Thrill-Seeking Bride: Show Them the Ropes
If the thrill of marriage isn’t enough, surprise your adrenaline-junkie bride with a day of adventure at one of Coastal Virginia’s premiere ropes courses. Night climb under a canopy of lights at The Adventure Park in Virginia Beach or traverse high-up obstacles on the treetop courses at Go Ape Williamsburg.
