Thinking about taking your hen-do on the road? Here, Jen Mallia gets the expert view on how to make your destination bachelorette party extraordinary – along with a few fun places to consider.
You’re not an ordinary bride; why would you want an ordinary bachelorette celebration?
For some brides, the way to make the party extraordinary is by turning it into a trip.
Before you decide where to go and what to do, consider who will join you. Ann Elizabeth Burnett, president and founder of Elizabeth Etiquette in Vancouver, says, “Who you choose to put on your destination bachelorette party guest list is integral to the success of the event.” You’ll want to consider guests’ compatibility with each other, interests, activity level and ability, and budget.
Avoid what Burnett calls “obligatory invites”—people you invite out of duty, not because you want them there. Suggest an in-town date instead. Similarly, understand that everyone you invite for your destination bachelorette may not be able or willing to attend. Some guests might choose to attend only part of the trip, and that’s okay.
Toronto-based bride-to-be Emily Rivas is planning a his-and-hers getaway in the Niagara region. She hopes the destination bachelorette party trip will be a chance for the wedding party to get to know each other better in a relaxed environment before what can feel like the high stakes of the big day.
Rivas chose to stay close to home, as combining the bride’s and groom’s party means the guest list will be relatively large, and planning could get unwieldy. The other consideration is budgetary. With several upcoming weddings in their social group, adding undue financial pressure is something Rivas wants to avoid.
Burnett suggests sharing the destination bachelorette party details well ahead of time so people can budget and arrange their time away. A group chat, trip-planning apps like Pilot, and the Splitwise app for cost-sharing are helpful resources.
For some, it’s a chance to go all out. Edmonton bride Jazmine Fernando found San Francisco an ideal mix of nightlife and daytime outdoorsy adventures. For her group, the four-day trip was a chance to splash out since many of their friends had opted for local bachelorette celebrations.
“It’s hard to plan every second of a destination bachelorette party trip when you have that many people with their own ideas and opinions,” says Fernando, who suggests planning one daily group meal and activity, with time for people to do things on their own if they choose.
Joey Silver, a travel consultant with Expedia Cruises, Air and Travel in St. Albert, says Las Vegas remains a perennial favourite for gal pal getaways. Nashville is also popular, while those looking for something tropical are fond of the beaches and resort prices in Cuba and the Dominican Republic. Using a travel agent can help take pressure off whoever is doing the planning. The agent will be the locus of communication, plus they may have access to rates and experiences you can’t get otherwise.
Staying in Canada means no passports or exchange rates to worry about. Check out these Western Canadian destination bachelorette party trips tailored for the bride who wants something a little different.
Laid back beach vibes in Tofino
The far west coast has ample opportunities for R&R with friends.
TO DO: Take a wildlife tour on the ocean with Clayoquot Wild Tours and make brunch
reservations at The Pointe at the Wickaninnish Inn. Lux. Fino can arrange a picnic right on the beach that will be the most luxurious you’ve ever experienced.
STAY: There are a variety of accommodations at the Pacific Sands Resort, from the sprawling Sunset House that sleeps 10 to more modest studio rooms. Get out in the waves with a lesson from Surf Sisters, then warm up in the private beachside barrel saunas at Tuff City saunas, both located at the resort.
Off-beat fun in Saskatoon
For those who like their fun with a side of quirky, Saskatoon can’t be beat.
TO DO: Climb behind the wheel of a race car at Sutherland Automotive Raceway’s Race Experience to satisfy your need for speed. Stop by the opulent tasting room at Lucky Bas- tard Distillery for a cocktail class, or enjoy a floating picnic and paddle boarding with Back2Nature Wellness and Adventures.
STAY: The funky Alt hotel is located on the pretty banks of the South Saskatchewan River, beside the Remai Modern Gallery and its world-renowned collection of Picasso lithographs. It’s also an easy walking distance to the unique restaurants and shops of the Riversdale neighbourhood. Don’t pass up the chance to buy a cozy hoodie (“bunnyhug” in Saskatchewanese) from Hardpressed Print Studio.
Foodie treats in Calgary
Calgary has more cooking than just cowboy fare. For a gourmand bride and her entourage, we can’t think of a better place to set out on a tour of culinary delights.
TO DO: Be transported to another world for dinner at Fortuna’s Row, try the decadent chocolates at Cochu, shop local delicacies at Greenbriar Market, and sample your way through Calgary Farmers’ Market West. Sweat it all out with some hydrotherapy at SKA Thermal Spa.
STAY: The elegant rooms of The Westley make a relaxing spot to pull on your stretchy pants. Even better is the Fonda Fora restaurant in the lobby, which features upscale Mexican food and cocktails that taste like summer. Just around the corner (on the top floor of The Dorian Hotel) is The Wilde, an art deco-inspired lounge with witty, inventive drinks inspired by namesake Oscar Wilde.
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