Bachelor and Bachelorette Party Ideas for NC Weddings
The pre-wedding throw down is one of the most fun parts of being engaged! You and your friends have been dreaming about this event for years. So, whether you and your crew jet-set across the country, have a weekend road trip, or stay in town, there is no reason you can’t level up this event. Read on for planning tips, as well as bachelor and bachelorette party ideas for NC weddings!
When Should Bachelor / Bachelorette Party Planning Begin?
Party planning depends on the wedding timeline and seasonality. Typically, when one of your besties gets engaged, the bachelor or bachelorette party is one of the first talking points. I mean, it’s way more fun than the engagement party and wedding shower, right!? Our advice is to plant the seed early as far as ideas for locations and timing you might enjoy!
Who Plans the Bachelor / Bachelorette Party?
Traditionally, the maid of honor and/or the best man take the lead role of planning the bachelorette / bachelor parties.
In today’s day and age, this is a lot more fluid. While it is nice to have a point person for organization and booking, this is usually a team effort among the wedding party. Think about dividing up tasks. For example, one person can research hotels, another person can take care of party supplies, and another can book dinner reservations.
The bride or groom may get involved in planning, too! In fact, the engaged couple might want to do a joint or overlapping event!
Who Pays for the Bachelor / Bachelorette Party?
Each person pays their own way for the event. In some cases, the wedding party decides to cover the cost of the bride or groom as a gift. However, this should not be expected – especially if it is a destination!
If the “I do crew” DOES chip in and cover any of your expenses, make sure to be gracious and remember this when you’re checking out your stash of wedding gifts. Do not expect a physical wedding gift from any of your friends who have attended the bachelor/bachelorette party, participated in showers, traveled to the wedding itself, and invested in the wedding party attire.
Ideas for Bachelor / Bachelorette Parties for NC couples
Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill NC
If you’re planning a Triangle Area wedding from afar, think about coming this way for your bachelor or bachelorette party to get to know the area. On the flip side, if you live here already, this is your chance to have a big night or weekend out – and enjoy some of the finer things we have to offer, with all of your besties! There is no reason to leave Raleigh Durham to feel like you’re having a true vacation.
Spa Day
Who doesn’t love a good spa day? There are plenty of options across Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill for a great facial or massage. The Umstead, a 5-star hotel & spa in Cary NC, is our top choice for this – especially since they are currently wrapping up a spa renovation! Talk about a luxury experience. Plus, when you book the spa, you get access to the pool, too. Book this way in advance – space is limited and usually only available on weekdays unless you’re staying overnight (which you should)!
Glam Squad Boudoir Shoot
Consider booking a group shoot looking sassy and sexy! You’ll have the most confidence ever when you’re doing this as a group. If you’re not comfortable with lingerie, make your shoot playful. For example, document your crew longing at a pool! Include hair and makeup styling in your boudoir package. Then, you’ll be ready to hit the town feeling extra fresh!
Or, take it a step further. Consider adding a paparazzi package for the event! Whether you do the boudoir or not, you can hire a photographer to follow you and your “I do crew” around town to capture your night on film. If you do a staycation bachelor / bachelorette party, this is an add-on you might not have too much trouble affording, if it’s a group effort!
Staycation
Go luxe with The Umstead Hotel, or The Mayton in Cary NC. For poolside fun, check out the Raleigh Marriott at Crabtree Valley. All robes, all weekend long! Or, pick your favorite city and book a spot downtown. In Chapel Hill, you can’t go wrong with The Carolina Inn, right there on UNC campus! Downtown Durham has 21c Museum Hotel, which comes with entertainment – a rotating art exhibit and a fabulous restaurant & bar. At The Durham Hotel, discover fabulous rooftop bar! Or, walk to nearby dining spots and bars.
For the big city vibe, head to Raleigh. The Sheraton and Marriott are in the heart of downtown; whereas the new AC Hotel is perfectly poised by all of the club life on Glenwood South. Here, you won’t even want to leave the gorgeous rooftop lounge called The Willard. Or for a classy night at North Hills, book a room at the Renaissance Raleigh. Make your staycation even more fun by having a mobile tanning company or hair & makeup team doll you up before you head out on the town!
Virtual Bachelorette Parties
While the pandemic is somewhat behind us, virtual bachelorette parties are here to stay. So, gather together – even if the honored couple lives abroad, or guests are scattered.
Entertainment Ideas for your Bachelor / Bachelorette Party in Raleigh / Durham / Cary / Chapel Hill NC
From ax throwing to escape rooms, brewery hopping to club life, food truck rodeo to fine dining, there is a vibe for everyone in the Triangle Area.
More local activity ideas:
- Karaoke (Pinhook or private room rental)
- Check out the concert scene at Koka Booth, Red Hat Amphitheater, or your favorite local dive!
- Brewery tour & tasting (or cidery for the gluten free crew)
- Trolley Pub is fun for all
- Glenwood South club scene
- Ax Throwing
- Escape Room (two on Glenwood South!)
- Virtual reality gaming at Boxyard RTP
- Museum visit (or stroll and picnic at NCMA park)
- (we can add more ideas here later)
NC Small Town Getaway
If chill-axing is more your vibe, consider a small town destination. Eastern NC’s Inner Banks should be a place of interest. Check out New Bern, Edenton or Beaufort.
Wine Country
North Carolina is proud to have a sprawling wine country. Most of it is clustered just north of the Triad Area. There are low mountains here, such as Pilot Mountain, and gorgeous views.
Located just a few hours from the Triangle, Charlottesville, NC is one of the most picturesque regions of the south. We recommend that you hire a private driver to shuttle your crew between wineries!
NC Mountain Getaways
Among the many mountain destinations in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Asheville stands out due to its wonderful brewery and nightlife scene, and tons of outdoor activities. By day, hike down a nearby waterfall, then dine and dance at night!
But there are other destination towns too, so consider staying at a resort. Enjoy the Highlands in the comfort of Bed & Breakfast. Or, bring the crew to Rumbling Bald Resort (where the Dirty Dancing movie was filmed) for an action packed mountain lake experience!
NC Beach Bachelorette Parties
We have a special place in our hearts for the lovely beaches of North Carolina. From the Outer Banks to Atlantic Beach to Bald Head Island, each beach town has its own personality. Wilmington NC is a great bachelor or bachelorette party destination because it’s a riverfront city with great restaurants, nightlife and music venues. And, it’s a few minutes drive from Wrightsville Beach.
Nearby Destination: Charleston
Did you know that Charleston is the top wedding destination in the country? And no wonder! It’s the loveliest of waterfront towns, with a darling downtown full of great shopping, colorful photo-opps, rooftop bars and incredible food. Plus, it’s warm most of the time (although beach weather mainly in line with NC weather). And lucky you – from Raleigh, it’s only a 3.5 hour drive to Charleston!
Explore great ideas for a Charleston Bachelor or Bachelorette Party.
Other Destinations
A quick flight to Miami, Las Vegas, Nashville or NYC might be your dream bachelor or bachelorette party! Or you can live it up in the Caribbean or a Mexican beach.
If you’re planning a major destination trip, we advise enlisting a travel agent to help with group flights and bookings. This is especially helpful when you have folks traveling from different areas. An agent does not cost much – usually they’re compensated by the properties. They might be able to save money in the end – and can even help with your itinerary!
