How to Plan a Bachelorette Party in 2025: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Timeline & Checklist
Planning a bachelorette party is basically a second wedding job — one that usually falls on the maid of honor’s shoulders. Between finding the right city, keeping the group on budget, planning activities, and making sure the bride feels like the ✨main character✨ all weekend, it can feel overwhelming.
But don’t panic — this 2025 bachelorette party planning guide breaks it all down into a simple timeline you can follow month by month. From 6+ months out to the week of, here’s exactly how to plan a bachelorette party that’s Instagram-worthy and stress-free.
Bonus: Download our free Bachelorette Party Packing Checklist so you don’t forget a thing.
Quick Step-by-Step Checklist
Pick the destination
Lock in the date early
Set a realistic budget
Book the lodging
Plan activities (day & night)
Choose a theme + outfits
Schedule food & drinks
Create a loose itinerary
Pack smart (don’t forget hangover kits)
Add personal touches for the bride
Keep scrolling for the full breakdown
Quick Planning Timeline
6+ Months Out: Pick the city + confirm dates
5 Months Out: Set budget + book lodging
4 Months Out: Reserve activities + start outfit/theme shopping
3 Months Out: Book restaurants + flights
2 Months Out: Send official itinerary + collect payments
1 Month Out: Order decor + finalize packing list
1 Week Out: Confirm all reservations + assemble gift bags
Party Week: Relax — you’re ready to celebrate
Step 1: Pick the Destination (6+ Months Before)
This is the single most important decision because it sets the vibe for the entire weekend. A Nashville trip feels totally different from a Scottsdale pool party or a Miami yacht weekend.
What to consider:
Bride’s personality (is she a country boots & Broadway girl, or more yachts & champagne sprays?)
Group location (if half the group is East Coast, Nashville/Charleston is easier than Vegas)
Budget (Vegas & Cabo can run high; Austin & Charleston can be more affordable)
Accessibility (direct flights save time & money)
Top trending destinations for 2025:
Nashville – Broadway bars, hot chicken, live music.
Scottsdale – Pool parties, desert spas, luxury Airbnbs.
Miami / Fort Lauderdale – Yachts, brunches, rooftop vibes.
Austin – Food trucks, lake days, live music.
Charleston – Brunch spots, charm, pastel photo-ops.
Pro tip: Send a group poll early (Google Form works) to avoid endless texting threads and get majority rule.
Step 2: Lock in Dates (6 Months Before)
Getting 8–12 people to agree on a weekend is harder than picking the city. Dates lock everything else into place.
How to choose:
Use a poll with 3–4 options to narrow down availability.
Avoid major holidays (prices spike).
Typical length: 3 days, 2 nights (Fri–Sun) or 4 days, 3 nights (Thurs–Sun for bigger trips).
Best booking window: 6 months in advance. Nashville, Miami, and Scottsdale can book out 8–10 months early in peak season (spring/summer).
Mistake to avoid: Booking dates before checking bride’s calendar (yes, it happens).
Step 3: Set a Budget (5–6 Months Before)
Money talk isn’t glamorous, but it’s crucial. Bridesmaids need to know what they’re committing to. This is also where you will book your bachelorette decorators and planners, so make sure that you include that into your budget.
Average Spend in 2025:
Budget weekend: $500–$700 per person
Mid-range weekend: $800–$1,200
Luxe getaway: $1,500+
What to Include in the Budget:
Flights
Lodging
Activities (boats, brunches, spas, nightlife)
Food & drinks
Decor + swag
Bride’s share of food and drinks (usually split by bridesmaids)
Pro Tip: Use a shared Google Sheet or Splitwise to track expenses. Collect deposits before booking lodging and decorators so no one ghosts later.
Step 4: Book Lodging (5 Months Before)
Your lodging sets the backdrop for the weekend (and half your Instagram pics).
Airbnb/VRBO:
Perfect for bigger groups (6–15+)
Insta-ready decor options
Allows fridge stocking + balloon installs
Hotels:
Great for smaller groups (4–6)
Built-in restaurants/pools
No cleanup stress
Booking Timeline:
Lock in 5 months before for the best Airbnbs in hot cities
Look for bachelorette-friendly houses (some owners ban parties)
Want the Airbnb to look like Pinterest IRL? We do decor + fridge stocking so you walk in and celebrate. View some of our favorite rentals here!
Step 5: Plan Activities (4–5 Months Before)
Activities make or break the weekend. You’ll want a mix of day + night events, with some downtime built in. Make sure to ask your decorating team what they recommend so you have that hidden gem of a weekend! Bach Me is the perfect pic for over 40 cities!
Daytime Ideas:
Boat day (Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Cabo)
Drag brunch (Nashville, Vegas, Fort Lauderdale)
Pool party with DJs (Scottsdale, Vegas)
Wine tasting or brewery crawl
Spa morning
Nighttime Ideas:
Broadway crawl in Nashville
Karaoke takeover in Austin
VIP table in Vegas or Miami
Rooftop cocktails in Charleston
Booking Timeline: Reserve boats, drag brunches, and VIP tables 4 months out — they sell out quickly.
Mistake to Avoid: Overscheduling. Build in 1 chill morning or your group will revolt.
Step 6: Choose a Theme + Outfits (4 Months Before)
Themes take the photos from cute to unforgettable.
2025 Trending Themes:
Last Disco (sequins + disco balls)
Barbie Bach (all pink everything)
Last Rodeo (cowgirl chic)
Something Blue or Last Toast on the Coast (blue + white)
Tropi-Cali (bright tropical colors)
Outfit Timeline:
Order looks 3–4 months before
Plan bride’s all-white wardrobe (dresses, swimsuits, PJs)
Coordinate bridesmaid looks by color or theme
👉 Need inspo? Check our Bachelorette Outfit Guides.
Step 7: Food & Drinks (3 Months Before)
A fed group = a happy group.
What to Do:
Book 1–2 brunches and dinners in advance (especially in cities like Charleston, Miami, and Scottsdale)
Stock the Airbnb with champagne, coffee pods, snacks, and water
Assign one meal per bridesmaid (groceries, takeout, or cooking)
Pro Tip: Have us stock your fridge service makes this a zero-stress job.
Step 8: Create a Rough Itinerary (2 Months Before)
No one wants a spreadsheet, but everyone wants to know what’s happening.
How to Build It:
Friday: Arrival + dinner + bar crawl
Saturday: Boat or drag brunch + night out
Sunday: Recovery brunch + fly home
Share in a Canva graphic or group chat so everyone feels in the loop.
Step 9: Pack Smart (1 Month Before)
This is the #1 thing bridesmaids Google: What do I pack for a bachelorette party?
Don’t Forget:
Heels, sneakers, sandals
Swimsuits + cover-ups
Strapless bras + sticky bras
Outfits: brunch, night out, themed looks, PJs
Toiletries: deodorant, skincare, razor
Hangover kit: Liquid I.V., Advil, makeup wipes
👉 Download our Free Bachelorette Packing Checklist for the printable PDF.
Step 10: Add Personal Touches (1 Month Before)
This is where the magic happens.
Decorate the Airbnb (balloon garlands, shimmer walls, custom neon)
Gift bags (tumblers, koozies, Advil, face masks)
Surprise activity for the bride (karaoke shout-out, cake, custom playlist)
Pro Tip: Book Bach Me to handle decor + add-ons in 40+ cities so you don’t lift a finger.
Final Thoughts: Planning a Stress-Free Bach in 2025
With this timeline, you won’t miss a beat. The key is starting early, booking smart, and leaving space for fun.
And if you don’t want the stress of handling it all? ✨ That’s where we come in. Bach Me turns any Airbnb or hotel into an Insta-ready suite — balloons, fridge stocked, champagne popped, and everything handled before you arrive.