HMOH tip #413: every bachelorette party needs an STD

If we were talking bachelor party, the title might be concerning. While no bachelor/ette soiree could plan for a serious hangover, missing tooth or tamed tiger in the bathroom  - a bachelorette party takes far more organization than showing up to Vegas and winging it. To ensure the majority of your bachelorette's guest list can attend ... be sure to send a save-the-date (STD) well in advance of the weekend (2-3 mths). 


Secure your guest of honor.  Ask the bachelorette what weekends she is available in the months before her wedding. If you're considering a destination bachelorette, understand that the estimated guest list will be less (REMINDER: recession).  You might want to ask the bride-to-be (BTB) what she'd prefer.  And if you're like me, you can also ask her how pretty she thinks you are (see below for real life example).

Doodle It.  The greatest, most underrated site was introduced to me by my friend Lauren.  Doodle is an organizer's dream (hell, I'd marry it).  I've used it to plan potlucks with 10+ guests, weekend trips to Connecticut and recently, Kels' bachelorette party.  The site eliminates annoying email chains. The ones that make you decide you'd rather not attend an event so you don't have to be a part of the listserve.  The back and forth where a person writes what day works and 16 more chime in to say that date doesn't.  Set up the grid to include the weekends that work for the BTB and have the bridesmaids fill in their availability.  The bridal party's availability takes top priority.


Share your STD.  Seriously. Once you've decided on a date that works for the BTB and BMaids, send an email save-the-date to the guest list.  Listen, we're all busy.  Weekends fill up, especially in the summer.  Get this date penciled on their calendars so they know not to make plans.  Further info and more formal invitations can follow once the bridal party has agreed on the final details.


You may also want to send a special save-the-date to your guest of honor.  We sent Missy a bouquet from Cookies by Design with her bachelorette weekend date.  


I'll dish more tips and advice once Kelsey's upcoming bachelorette party has come and gone (it's a surprise).  In the meantime, for those reading this that owe me a check, get that in the mail - don't make me humiliate you publicly. :) 


For everyone else - STD.  April 30-May 2 is Kelsey's bachelorette party.  I'll keep you in suspense like the BTB, but it's a guaranteed good time.


-HMOH


Questions?  Email me at handmaidofhonor@gmail.com.


Thoughts? Concerns? Comments?  Let's make this an open forum.  Share your tips on planning the bachelorette, ask away or just make some snarky remark here.