Mariel Hannah

3. Unrealistic Expectations

We blame this one on the movies. There is an unrealistic expectation that the bachelorette party needs to be the most amazing, insane, epic experience and if it is anything short of mind-altering incredible it was somehow a failure of a tribute to the bride.

This could not be further from the truth for bachelorette parties in the real world.

It’s important to remember what is most important when it comes to planning a bachelorette party: being together with your closest friends, relaxing and celebrating the last little bits of your single status! That’s it. Everything else - the parties, the Instagram-able moments, the signature cocktails, the matching t-shirts, the swag bags - it's all just gravy, so do it your way!

It’s also a good idea to keep in mind the cost of the event, whether it be vacation days or a hefty price tag - make sure the activities are within everyone’s budget and realistic for their schedules.

4. Poor Planning

Whatever you decide to do, we can’t say enough how important it is to plan, plan, plan! Decide in advance on where you’re going to go, how you’re going to get there, a list of activities and, of course, how you will get home. If everyone knows all the details, there will be no room for surprises or unhappy guests!

Don’t be a bachelorette party dictator, but there needs to be a leader who sets a schedule before everyone arrives. In advance, you can all talk about what you want to do, have those exciting conversations and do the research, so when you are in the moment, you aren’t trying to decide where to eat as everyone is getting hangrier and hangrier.

Don’t forget to schedule some downtime! Your girls are going to love the fun activities you have planned, but make sure there’s plenty of time to recover, relax and just enjoy being in the moment with your best girls.