Planning a bachelorette party can be tricky and sometimes stressful. There is a lot to consider when it comes to creating a memorable event for the bride. All while trying your best to make it as easy as possible for everyone involved. I’ve been to my fair share of bachelorette parties over the past couple years, and learned a lot in the process. If you’re the party host, here are a few tips to help take the stress out of planning.

1. Set a date and let everyone know. It doesn’t have to be anything formal, but a “Save the Date” is a good idea to get it on everyones calendar. This can be a quick email, online invitation, or text. In addition to letting everyone know, you might be able to gauge just how many people are planning to attend.
2. Talk to the bride. Be sure you’re on the same page as to what she’s expecting and ask her to provide you with a guest list. Clear the air on any “off limit” items or activities, and respect her wishes.
3. Give options. After doing your research, email the group a couple ideas asking for input. Typically you can get a good idea from the responses as to what people are thinking re:budget. Do what works best for most people involved and know that it’s never going to be the perfect plan for every single person.
4. Have a plan and distribute an itinerary. There is nothing worse than showing up for a hosted event with no idea of what you’re doing. Unless of course that’s what the bride wants! Decide on a couple activities and make reservations. Chances are, your group will be larger than usual and it’s nice to give a heads to the venue. This will eliminate the stress of not being able to get in somewhere, because no body likes a group of hangry party people.
5. Leave some down time. While it’s nice to have a plan as I mentioned above, it is equally as enjoyable to have some girl time with your ladies. Carve out time to just hang and catch up with each other. Give the bride a chance to let her special gals in on some of the upcoming wedding details.
6. Price everything ahead of time. I was invited to a bachelorette party a couple summers ago where the hosts calculated out everything in advance. They gave an amount for the weekend and what was included. We all paid ahead of time (what did we do before Venmo?!), and we knew anything extra would be ours to cover. It eliminated the awkward exchange of money throughout the weekend and that very common gray area of wondering “how much is this weekend really going to cost me?” Remember, the bride doesn’t pay!
7. Designate responsibility. Typically there are lots of willing hands, so take them up on it.  In my experience,people love to help and, if tasked with something small, will usually take it very seriously. Even if it’s just something simple like being in charge of providing cute cocktail napkins. It’s also important to note that if you’re a planner and have something specific in mind, be up front. Or maybe don’t hand out those tasks. 🙂
8. Personalize! Custom coasters, personalized napkins, or t-shirts, just to name a few. I’ve also been seeing cutouts of the grooms face on sticks-seriously fun! Not only will the bride appreciate the special touches, but it helps to get everyone involved and excited for the weekend.
9. Favors. They don’t have to be expensive or extravagant, but people are putting out some money to celebrate the bride. It is nice to give them a little something to know it’s appreciated that they came.
10. Send a paper invitation. I’d be selling myself short if I didn’t include this. 🙂 Sending a piece of snail mail is an official way to invite your guests to attend the event, and a fun way to kick off the theme of the party! And speaking of fun bachelorette party invitations…

If you can’t go to the mountains, bring the mountains to you! Fur, flannel and fizz just might be the most perfect winter bachelorette party theme. Ever. The Freiburger sisters are known for their contagiously optimistic attitudes, and to say they are fun to be around would be an understatement. They are also three of the strongest women I know. I’m proud and lucky to know them, and always love designing for their events! Reneé’s bachelorette party was certainly no exception…

Sending so much love to Portofino this weekend as Reneé + Michael tie the knot! What are some of your favorite bachelorette party memories?! Mine is of course my own. A perfect Chicago day filled with baseball, drinking and some of my best gals.