Bachelorette Parties in Charleston, SC
Charleston, South Carolina, is quickly becoming one of the nation’s favorite places to host a destination wedding. It’s also one of the Southeast’s hottest spots for the traditional pre-wedding bachelorette party weekend!
Charleston offers the perfect setting for a fun-packed two or three day trip with the girls, and many brides-to-be, accompanied by their future bridesmaids, are spending a weekend in town partying while scouting out locations for the wedding, reception, next-day family brunch, and a hotel where friends and family can stay.
The big event on these bachelorette weekends, of course, is the night on the town. With a new strip of trendy clubs, bars, cafes, and restaurants opening up along what is known as Upper King Street, plus well known party hot spots along East Bay Street and near the city’s historic market, it’s easy to plan an unforgettable bachelorette night out.
In Charleston recently for Fashion Week, Southern Bride & Groom did some research for our readers on planning a bachelorette party, and found that bachelorette parties in Charleston, South Carolina, come in all stripes. This can range from mild-mannered to a bit too wild to be mentioned!
Yes, in Charleston, we saw it all! With that in mind, here’s eleven quick tips to help you have a great girl’s weekend with happy endings all around.
1. Stay in a hotel in the historic district, like Charleston Place. Charleston is one of the world’s most walkable cities, and a central location like Charleston Place or one of the other nearby historic district hotels gives you easy walking access to the restaurants and clubs in the East Bay corridor and the city’s historic market. Meanwhile, Upper King Street is a snappy Rickshaw ride away from East Bay or the hotel. Rickshaws in Charleston, by the way, cost about $5 apiece and offer a novel way to get around at night if it’s not raining.
2. If you are staying at the beach, Julia Melvin of the Charleston Visitor’s Bureau recommends hiring a limousine the night of the big party.
3. Charleston is packed with fabulous restaurants, but they book up fast and often far in advance, so make reservations.
4. Before you head out for your big night on the town, think about what you’d like to do at your bachelorette party. Do you want to dress up for dinner and cocktails and dine at an elegant restaurant? Do you plan to start late and focus on bar hopping? Whatever your preference, it’s important to map out your plans so you are dressed for the occasion and have a clear itinerary.
5. The day of the big night out, treat yourself to an afternoon of pampering. The Spa at Charleston Place is a great place to stage a fun time with the girls before going out. You can start with a swim in the rooftop pool, then relax in the hot tub, then spend a few minutes in the sauna, and after that, enjoy one of the many services offered at the spa. We tried and highly recommend the Girlfriend’s Get-Away package, which includes a facial, therapeutic massage, pedicure and lunch served poolside. While there, don’t be afraid to ask for champagne!
6. After all that pampering, the spa can send a makeup artist to your room to doll you and your friends up for your night on the town.
7. The night of, make sure you have someone with you who can keep a lookout for the group. On my scouting night for this story, I spotted men hanging around bachelorette parties hoping for, well, a good time. So be careful!
8. Take photos. This is a night you will want to remember, but after one or two martinis at, say, the Pavilion’s rooftop bar, you may need some help in that department.
9. Whatever you do the night before, the next day, feel free to recover with another massage at the spa, after of course, the morning-after brunch.
10. Also, just in case you have too good of a time the night before, most of the better brunch spots in town serve a nice Bloody Mary.
11. And remember, after you’re married, you can still come back with your friends! Charleston is always ready for a party.
Not sure where to go on your big night out? Julia Melvin with the Charleston Visitor’s Bureau offered a few suggestions:
–Prohibition, 547 King Street
–The Cocktail Club, 479 King Street, Suite 200
–Stars Rooftop, 495 King Street
–Trio, 139 Calhoun Street
–The Alley, 131 Columbus Street
–Boone’s Bar, 345 King Street
–The Republic Garden and Lounge
–Rooftop Bar at Market Pavilion Hotel, 225 East Bay Street
By Glenna Musante
