Bachelorette Party Outfit Guide: How to Plan your Party Outfit

Imagine: You’ve planned an amazing bachelorette party, but now you’re gazing in the mirror, struggling over what outfit to wear for such an important event!

You don’t want this to be you, and it doesn’t have to be! We’re here to make sure your bachelorette party outfit is one that you’ll be talking about for years to come (in a good way, of course!). 

This guide breaks down exactly how to plan your bachelorette party outfit, whether you’re the bride or attending as a guest. Get ready for a stress-free bachelorette party filled with A+ outfits and cute photos!

Before we get started, let’s set the groundwork. 

What is a Bachelorette Party, Exactly?

A bachelorette party is a party held for a bride who will soon be married.

This is different from a bridal shower, which is meant to help the bride prepare for her future life as a spouse. Bachelorette parties are much more relaxed and are meant as a way for the bride to de-stress before the wedding. The outfits of both the bride and bridesmaids are an essential part of the party, and finding the best outfit can depend on where you’re going and what you’re doing.

We’ve broken down how to plan your bachelorette party outfits (including the bride’s!) in 4 easy steps.

Step 1. Pick the Theme of your Party

Selecting the theme of your bachelorette party will make the outfit ideas flow (read on for tips on finding the perfect one for you). If themes aren’t your thing, don’t worry! It’s totally possible to plan and still look fab without one.

Always consider the bride first when choosing the bachelorette party theme. The person (or people) in charge of planning the bachelorette party should sit down with the bride and find out how she wants to celebrate. For example, if the bride-to-be is an adventure-loving nature girl, she probably won’t want to spend her bachelorette time lounging poolside in Palm Springs or playing at casinos in Las Vegas.

Here are a few questions to ask the bride to decide on a theme:

• Is there anywhere you’ve always dreamed of having your bachelorette party? 
• Are there any themes you’ve always wanted for your bachelorette party?
• Are there any places or themes you don’t like or that you wouldn’t want?
• Would you prefer a big night out or a day party?
• Is there anything else you’d like me to know for planning?

Besides the bride’s bachelorette party dreams, there are a few logistics to consider:

• How many people will be at the party?
• How much time do you have to plan the party? 
• How long will the party last? Will it be for one night or a weekend? 
• What is the party’s budget?

Tip: You can also check out a few of our themed guides for inspiration, whether you’re looking for an 80s-themed bachelorette party, Harry Potter-themed bachelorette, or a Sex & The City-themed bachelorette.  

If you’re getting stuck, remember that not every bachelorette party needs a designated theme! You can absolutely throw a great party with the goal of just having a great time!

Step 2. Pick the Outfit for the Bride

What the bride wears should always be decided first, and the bridesmaids’ outfits should be planned around hers. Use the party theme to guide your bride’s ‘fit, or follow our tips below if you don’t have one.

Use your theme as a guide. Are you throwing a Barbie Bach Bash in Miami? Consider matching bodysuits for the beach. Will you be in bach’n in Nashville? Aim for corresponding cowgirl hats over your finest western wear or these adorable customizable Longhorn T-shirts. 

If you don’t have a theme, you can use the wedding’s colors or lean into the vibe of your location! Another popular tradition is for the bride to wear all-white at the bach party, with the guests all wearing black or a rainbow of colors.

If your bride is involved in packing for the event, she’ll be able to pack her own clothing, but if it’s a surprise, consider coordinating with the groom to pack certain things in her suitcase. You can also rent outfits from companies like Rent the Runway to give the bride an amazing look for the event!

Step 3. Assign the Dress Code for Guests

The host should be in charge of coordinating the bride’s outfit with the guests and making sure that everyone has the information needed to show up on the theme.

If matching t-shirts or fanny packs are needed, the party host should make sure these items are ordered in time and are available for the guests once they arrive at the party. 

Step 4. Send out a Detailed Itinerary 

Bachelorette party invitations should be sent out well in advance, so all guests have plenty of time to prepare. Invitations should include a detailed itinerary including information about what to wear, so everyone is on the same page and knows what to bring. 

Here are a few ways to send your bachelorette party invite:

• Mail customized invitations like these simple and elegant invites.
• Customize digital invites and send them to your guests through text messages.
• Send a free, customizable e-vite through email.
• Make a free Facebook event and invite your friends via social media.

3 Final Outfit Tips that work for any Bachelorette Party

#1 Go for comfy. It’s tempting to wear your best 8-inch strappy heels with a sexy cutout dress, and if that’s who you are, do it! 

Otherwise, remember that the goal of this event is to have fun with your bridal party, and the last thing you want to deal with is yanking up your crop top all night. Plus, we’re all about balance. Go for the club outfit one night, and a comfy outfit the next!

#2 Think of the photos. You already know you’ll be making memories and taking pics all night/weekend. 

Make sure your outfit is something you feel confident in that matches the party’s theme, plus the environment you’re in. For example, if you know you’ll be in a humid location like New Orleans in the summertime, you’re probably safe to leave the jacket at home.

#3 Plan your outfit down to the details. Knowing what look you’re going for ahead of time will save you the stress of finalizing your outfit last minute.

If your squad is wearing matching shirts, plan what shoes, accessories, and hairstyles you will rock as an individual. And don’t forget to think about what activities you’ll be doing. If you’re going for a hike and then a brewery after, you’ll likely want a different outfit than if you’re going to brunch and then for a blowout. Go as far as to outline what makeup pallets you’ll use. 

We hope we have inspired your bachelorette party outfits! Check out our other guides, including 10 Affordable Bachelorette Party Gift Ideas and Bachelorette Party 101: How to Plan a Bachelorette Party to get your party started. 

Show us what you and the crew decided to wear! We’d love to see pics and fits from your bachelorette party – tag @BDR on Instagram for a chance to be featured.