A bachelorette party doesn’t have to be wild and drunken. It can be laid-back, adventurous, or sophisticated, and most of all, it can be sober. Whether you’re planning a bachelorette party for a bride-to-be in addiction recovery, one who’s expecting, or a bride who simply wants to be 100 percent present on her big day, a sober soirée can be just the send-off she’s dreamed of.
Sometimes it seems like the entire wedding industry revolves around alcohol. From bridal shower mimosas to open bars at receptions, alcohol is an expected part of wedding festivities. But is it really?
Providing alcohol at every wedding event is not only expensive, it also dulls the memory of the special moments the bride-to-be and her future husband create together. It can lead to regretful decisions at the bachelorette party, sloppy behavior at the reception, and even cause a chilly relationship between relatives to turn fully hostile. Keeping the festivities sober means everyone is on their best behavior and you can enjoy yourselves without dealing with designated drivers, alcohol-induced sickness, and fuzzy memories the next day.
Sobriety can also mean more meaningful bonding at the bachelorette party. Rather than a raucous night out that blurs into memories of other evenings on the town, a sober party means the opportunity to share sweet stories about the bride-to-be and build lasting friendships among bridesmaids.
That said, some sober brides still want their bachelorette to be a wild and crazy affair, just minus the booze. If you’re planning a bachelorette party for a sober bride, be sure to ask how she pictures her ideal party. A bride-to-be who is settled into her recovery may be comfortable hitting the club for a night of dancing and simply declining to drink, while a newly sober bride may need more active support in avoiding alcohol and potential triggers. Talk to the guest of honor about any places or activities she’d like to avoid, and ask if there’s anything you can do to support her sobriety as you celebrate.
Ultimately, a sober bachelorette party can look exactly like any other bachelorette party, just minus the drinking. But some women may prefer a fête with no alcohol present whatsoever. If you’re planning a sober bachelorette party for your best gal and aren’t sure where to start, here are three ideas for parties that have all the fun with none of the booze.
1. A Spa Day
A spa day isn’t the most creative outing, but a day of pampering may be just what the bride-to-be needs after months of wedding planning. Start the day with a mind-clearing yoga session before heading to the spa (or to an at-home spa!) for massages, manicures, and facials. After you’re feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, head for a low-key ladies’ night out of pottery painting and tapas.
2. An Adventurous Outing
For the bride-to-be that wants a little more adrenaline at her bachelorette party, intense activities like paintball or an escape room are sure to make the bridal party bond. Keep the blood pumping with a salsa dancing lesson in the evening followed by party games and mocktails at home.
3. A Foodie’s Night Out
If your friend can’t get enough of the local food scene, plan a day centered around all the deliciousness your area or a nearby city has to offer. Start the morning with a tour of a local farm, then head to a hands-on cooking class where you can learn to make high-end dishes with plenty of nibbles to go around. Once you’ve whet your appetite, explore your city’s flavors by restaurant-hopping, sharing dishes at each venue so you don’t fill up on the first course.
No matter how the bride-to-be imagines her bachelorette party, you can plan a sober event that’s so fun, drinking won’t even cross your mind.
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About the author:
Aimee Lyons loves DIY and spends every bit of her free time on pet projects--crafting, refurbishing furniture, remodeling rooms, turning her yard into a landscaping masterpiece, and her latest interest--DIY weddings! She created DIYDarlin.com to share her DIY knowledge while also serving as a forum to learn from other DIYers.