How to create a bachelorette party itinerary: 5 tips and samples

A bachelorette party is the perfect opportunity for a trip overflowing with laughter and memories. Depending on the bride-to-be’s tastes, you might plan a weekend in the city, a beach retreat, or something more intimate and personalized. Whatever you decide, a bachelorette itinerary will help ensure the celebration goes smoothly. 

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to craft the perfect bachelorette party schedule. We’ll also provide expert tips and some itinerary samples so you don’t sweat the details.

What to include in a bachelorette party itinerary 

Planning a bachelorette party is about creating an enjoyable experience for the entire group, and a well-thought-out itinerary keeps everyone in sync. Here are a few important elements to include:

When and where to meet

Start your itinerary with the exact date and time of the initial meetup. If your group will be traveling from different locations, consider booking accommodations and transportation options abroad to make it easier for out-of-town guests.

The time and location of each event

Outline your schedule for the day with times and locations set in chronological order so your group stays organized. Be sure to include details like reservation names or ticket confirmations. 

The method of transportation to and from events

In the itinerary, specify how everyone will get from one location to the next, such as a party bus, rideshares, or carpools. If some events are within walking distance, let the guest list know so they bring appropriate footwear! 

How to plan a bachelorette party itinerary in 5 steps

Here are some steps to follow to plan the ultimate bachelorette party that all the guests will remember:

1. Discuss the bride’s vision

What the bride wants should be the foundation for the bachelorette plan. Start by asking what her bachelorette weekend ideas include—maybe a wild few days in Vegas, a laid-back beach retreat, or a cozy mountain getaway. The bachelorette party is about her, so it should reflect her tastes.

2. Choose the destination and book accommodations 

Once you know the bride’s vision, choose the perfect location that suits the group’s interests and budget. Then, book accommodations that comfortably house a large group. Use a platform like Engine to book hotel room blocks for efficient group travel. This makes reserving rooms near your venues easy and helps secure great rates, saving your group time and money. 

3. Plan and schedule activities

Outline the bachelorette party activities and events for the trip. Have an itinerary with precise times and meet-up locations to keep everyone on the same page, and make sure you account for travel time, especially if you’re in an unfamiliar place. The schedule should balance planned events, spontaneity, and downtime so guests can relax and explore. Include a mix of things the bride enjoys—self-care spa days, late-night concerts with her favorite artists, upscale shopping, or anything else she loves.

4. Coordinate transportation and logistics

Transportation can make or break the experience, so think about how you want everyone to get to and from your locations. Some options include a party bus, rideshares, or renting vans to keep travel smooth. 

5. Communicate with the group and delegate

Set the itinerary, then share it with the group. Consider using group chats or a planning app to keep everyone updated and communicate easily. A bachelorette party has many details, so delegate tasks like selecting a brunch location, organizing gift bags, or decorating.

Tips to plan the perfect bachelorette itinerary

Hosting a flawless bachelorette itinerary isn’t only about scheduling. Here are some tips to create an experience that feels personal and organized:

1. Start planning early

The earlier you start planning, the more flexibility you’ll have with accommodations, group activities, and travel arrangements. To secure better bookings, lock in group rates, and avoid any last-minute stress, aim to begin organizing 3 to 6 months in advance. Prepare for any complications, like seasonal weather, individual cancellations, or family responsibilities, and make sure the bridesmaids and maid of honor attend. For large dinner reservations, book a table (or two!) as far ahead as possible.

2. Personalize

Make the bride feel special with personal touches—you’re her besties! Create a custom playlist for a road trip, plan a theme party, or ask the guests to compile a heartfelt video of inside jokes or best wishes for the couple. For further customization, include a dress code for casual or formal wear that will make the group look fantastic.

3. Consider the group’s preferences

While the bride is the event's star, she should also account for the group’s ideas to make the celebration enjoyable for everyone. When planning, take into account varying budgets, accessibility, and interests. You might want to include a mix of options, some more adventure-based and some more low-key. Flexibility and inclusivity will keep everyone engaged and excited. 

4. Think beyond traditional activities

Incorporating unique elements into the itinerary sets the trip apart. This is an opportunity to include ideas the group might not consider individually, like a samba dance class, tandem bike adventure, or perfume-making workshop. There are endless possibilities to make the experience fun and memorable, so get creative and encourage your friends to express themselves.

5. Communicate, then communicate again

With a large group, it’s possible to miss a detail or double-book. Share the itinerary far in advance and keep updates flowing. Use a synced calendar or group chat to keep everyone up to speed and ensure the party has access to the latest information.

Bachelorette itinerary examples

If you’re wondering how to make a thoughtful bachelorette itinerary, here are a few samples to get you started:

1. Cityscape adventure

Day 1: Arrival and welcome party

• 3:00 PM: Downtown boutique hotel check-in, with private parking or optional valet service.
• 5:00 PM: Welcome reception in the hotel suite with a DIY cocktail station and charcuterie boards.
• 7:00 PM: Group dinner at a nearby rooftop restaurant with a prix-fixe menu.
• 9:30 PM: Drinks at a casual late-night speakeasy bar.

Day 2: Explore and Celebrate

• 9:00 AM: Rideshare to a group brunch at a popular café, diner, or pop-up.
• 11:00 AM: Guided walking tour of the city to explore local landmarks, hidden gems, and boutique shops.
• 2:00 PM: Break for lunch at a farmer’s market or food truck.
• 4:00 PM: Mixology class for a group activity or test your deductive skills in an escape room.
• 7:00 PM: Dress up for dinner at a fine-dining restaurant. Transportation is a glam party bus.
• 9:30 PM: Wrap up with dancing at a trendy club or belt out your favorite tunes at a karaoke bar.

Day 3: Farewell and Souvenirs

• 9:00 AM: Depending on how late the night went, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel.
• 10:30 AM: Opportunity to pick up mementos at a local antique or souvenir shop.
• Noon: Check out and depart—airport shuttle is available.
  

2. Cozy mountain retreat

Day 1: Arrival and chill

• 3:00 PM: Arrival at cabin via group shuttle.
• 4:30 PM: Unpack and settle in with personalized welcome blankets and hot cocoa kits.
• 6:00 PM: DIY pizza night with a toppings bar.
• 8:00 PM: Movie marathon in the cabin’s living room with popcorn, wine, and cozy socks.

Day 2: Outdoor adventures and pampering

• 8:00 AM: Hearty group breakfast to prepare for the day ahead.
• 9:30 AM: Guided group hike on the nearby trails, with pauses to take in the landscape and rest.
• 1:00 PM: Return to the cabin for a light lunch.
• 3:00 PM: Relaxation afternoon with a mobile massage therapist, facials, and mani-pedis.
• 6:30 PM: Family-style dinner prepared in the cabin, with pre-selected comfort foods from the group.
• 8:30 PM: Bachelorette party games, wine, and a dessert bar.

Day 3: Farewell brunch and memories

• 9:00 AM: Brunch with homemade waffles, fresh fruit, and mimosas.
• 10:30 AM: Group photo by the fireplace or with a scenic mountain backdrop.
• Noon: Check out and head home via shuttle.

Plan your dream bachelorette party with Engine

Planning a bachelorette party itinerary will help create a smooth, memorable celebration for the bride and the entire group. With careful consideration of all the details, everyone will have an incredible time celebrating the bride-to-be. 

Logistics are tricky when planning for a large group—consider Engine to help simplify the room booking process. We connect you with hotels catering to large parties and help you find great rates when booking nine rooms or more. Engine is the ultimate platform for group travel, helping you save time and money so you can focus on curating all the unique details.

Start planning today and give the bride the celebration she deserves.