How to Plan a Bachelorette Party | SplashTown ATX
- Feb 4
- 13 min read
How to Plan a Bachelorette Party: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Figuring out how to plan a austin bachelorette party that everyone will love? Whether you're the maid of honor, a bridesmaid, or a friend taking the lead, planning the perfect send-off for the bride-to-be can feel overwhelming. Between coordinating schedules, managing budgets, booking activities, and keeping the bride happy, there's a lot to juggle.
This comprehensive guide breaks down exactly how to plan a bachelorette party from start to finish — with a special focus on planning a bachelorette in Austin, one of America's top destinations for celebrating brides-to-be.
Let's turn you into a bachelorette planning pro.
Step 1: Gather Essential Information
Before you book anything or start a group chat, you need foundational information that shapes every decision.
Talk to the Bride
The most important conversation happens first. Ask the bride directly:
Destination preferences:
Does she have a dream bachelorette destination?
Is she open to suggestions, or does she have strong opinions?
Does she prefer staying local or traveling?
Vibe preferences:
Wild party weekend or relaxed celebration?
Adventure-focused or spa-focused?
Big group energy or intimate gathering?
Hard limits:
Any activities she absolutely doesn't want? (Some brides hate surprises, others hate clubs, others have religious/personal boundaries)
Any destinations that are off-limits?
Budget comfort:
What's her honest budget for the weekend?
Is she comfortable with others spending more, or does she want everyone at the same level?
Guest list input:
Who does she want there?
Anyone she specifically doesn't want included?
Family members (mom, future mother-in-law, sisters) — included or separate celebration?
Survey the Bridesmaids
Once you have the bride's input, gather information from potential attendees:
Availability:
Send a poll with 3-4 potential weekends
Identify dates that work for the majority
Accept that not everyone will be able to attend every option
Budget reality:
Anonymous survey works best for honest answers
Ask for realistic budget ranges, not aspirational ones
Include travel costs in the consideration
Activity preferences:
What are people excited about?
Any limitations (injuries, pregnancies, fears)?
Dietary restrictions or allergies?
Step 2: Set the Budget
Budget misalignment ruins more austin bachelorette parties than anything else. Get this right early.
Calculate True Costs
Most people underestimate bachelorette expenses. Include everything:
Transportation:
Flights or gas
Airport parking
Uber/Lyft throughout the weekend
Shuttle services for activities
Accommodations:
Hotel or rental cost per person per night
Cleaning fees (for rentals)
Resort fees (for hotels)
Activities:
Day activities (boat rentals, spa, tours)
Night activities (cover charges, VIP sections)
Incidentals (tips, extra rounds)
Food & Drink:
Breakfasts
Lunches
Dinners
Drinks throughout the weekend
Late-night food
Bride's share:
Traditionally, the group covers the bride's costs
Divide her portion among attendees
Decorations & Extras:
Matching shirts, hats, or swimsuits
Sashes, crowns, or other bride gear
Decorations for the rental
Welcome bags or gifts
Budget Tiers for Reference
Budget bachelorette ($300-500 per person):
Local or driving-distance destination
Airbnb rental split among the group
DIY activities and casual dining
One splurge activity
Mid-range bachelorette ($600-1,000 per person):
Flight destination
Nice hotel or upscale rental
Mix of DIY and booked activities
Quality restaurants and nightlife
Luxury bachelorette ($1,200+ per person):
Premium destination
Boutique hotel or luxury rental
High-end activities throughout
Upscale dining and VIP experiences
Managing Budget Disparities
Real talk: not everyone in the group has the same financial situation. Handle this with care:
Transparent communication: Be upfront about expected costs from the beginning. No surprise expenses.
Tiered participation: Offer ways for people to participate partially. Maybe someone skips the spa day but joins for dinner and nightlife.
Subsidy options: If some bridesmaids can afford more, they might offer to cover extra for others (handled privately and gracefully).
Activity alternatives: Plan some free or low-cost activities alongside bigger-ticket items.
Step 3: Choose the Destination
Destination choice depends on budget, bride preferences, and logistical reality.
Why Austin Works for Bachelorettes
If you're considering a bachelorette in Austin, here's why it's become a top-tier destination:
Accessibility: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has direct flights from most major cities. The airport is 15 minutes from downtown.
Value: Your budget stretches further than Nashville, Miami, or Scottsdale while delivering comparable experiences.
Variety: Lake activities, incredible food, world-class nightlife, wellness options, and unique Texas experiences — all in one city.
Weather: 300+ days of sunshine means your outdoor plans are usually safe.
Vibe: Austin is genuinely welcoming to bachelorette groups. The "Keep Austin Weird" culture embraces celebration.
The lake advantage: Austin boat rentals offer something most bachelorette destinations can't match — a full day on the water that becomes the trip's highlight.
Destination Decision Framework
Choose a destination close to home if:
Budget is tight
Some attendees have limited time off
The bride prefers familiar territory
The activity matters more than the location
Choose a flight destination if:
Budget supports it and attendees agree
The bride has a dream destination
You want the "getaway" feeling
The destination offers something unique
Accommodation Strategy
Hotels work best when:
The group is smaller (under 8)
People want privacy and separate rooms
Location and walkability are priorities
No one wants to coordinate cooking or cleaning
Vacation rentals work best when:
Larger groups need to stay together
Budget is a concern (often cheaper per person)
You want common space for pre-gaming and bonding
Kitchen access saves money on some meals
For Austin specifically:
Downtown: Walking distance to Rainey Street and Sixth Street nightlife
South Congress: Boutique vibes, great restaurants, short Uber to nightlife
Lake Travis area: Perfect if the boat day is the priority (wake up on the water)
East Austin: Local vibes, best value, Uber required for most activities
Step 4: Plan the Itinerary
With destination and budget set, now you build the actual weekend.
The Golden Rules of Bachelorette Itineraries
Rule 1: Anchor with one signature activity
Every great bachelorette has one "main event" that everyone remembers. For Austin, this is typically a lake day — Austin boat rentals on Lake Travis create the photos, the bonding, and the stories that define the trip.
Rule 2: Build in buffer time
The biggest planning mistake is over-scheduling. People need time to:
Get ready (bachelorettes take longer than you think)
Travel between activities
Rest and recover
Have spontaneous moments
Rule 3: Balance activity types
Mix high-energy and low-energy activities. A full day on the water shouldn't be followed by an aggressive bar crawl — people need recovery time.
Rule 4: Consider the flow
Think about how the weekend builds:
Friday: Arrival, settling in, warm-up energy
Saturday: Main event day, peak experiences
Sunday: Recovery, wind-down, goodbyes
Rule 5: Have backup plans
Weather happens. Restaurants close unexpectedly. Activities get cancelled. Know your Plan B for major elements.
Building the Austin Bachelorette Itinerary
Friday: Arrival Day
Time | Activity | Notes |
2-4 PM | Arrivals | Stagger pickups if needed |
4-5 PM | Check-in, settle, decorate | Set up welcome gifts, photo backdrop |
5-7 PM | South Congress exploration | Shopping, murals, wandering |
7:30 PM | Group dinner | Book in advance for 8+ |
9:30 PM+ | Rainey Street | First night, controlled energy |
Saturday: Main Event
Time | Activity | Notes |
9 AM | Breakfast tacos | Veracruz or Tacodeli |
10 AM-4 PM | Lake Travis boat day | The highlight — book early |
5-7 PM | Recovery time | Showers, naps, pre-game |
7:30 PM | Nice dinner | Saturday reservation, book 3+ weeks ahead |
10 PM+ | Night out | Rainey, Sixth Street, or East Austin |
Sunday: Recovery
Time | Activity | Notes |
10:30 AM | Brunch | Bottomless mimosas optional |
1 PM | Barton Springs or spa | Low-key recovery |
3 PM | Final drinks | Last toast before departures |
5 PM+ | Departures | Account for traffic to airport |
Step 5: Book the Big Things
Once the itinerary is set, lock in reservations before availability disappears.
Booking Priority Order
Book 3-4 months ahead:
Accommodations — Peak weekends sell out fast, especially for large-group rentals
Boat rentals — Austin boat rentals for summer weekends book 6-8 weeks out minimum
Spa appointments — Group availability is limited
Special experiences — Private chef, tours, unique activities
Book 3-4 weeks ahead:
Restaurant reservations — Essential for groups of 8+
Organized activities — Cooking classes, tours, fitness classes
Flights — Earlier is usually cheaper
Book 1-2 weeks ahead:
Nightlife reservations — VIP tables, bottle service if desired
Transportation — Party bus, shuttle services
Final confirmations — Reconfirm everything
The Boat Rental Booking Process
Since the lake day is typically the bachelorette highlight, here's how to book it right:
Determine your needs:
Group size (be realistic about who's actually coming)
Duration (4-6 hours is typical, 8 hours for full-day immersion)
Vibe (party boat vs. yacht vs. pontoon)
Research options: Browse Lake Travis boat rentals and compare:
Vessel size and capacity
Amenities included
Reviews from other groups
Pricing and what's included
Questions to ask:
Is the captain and fuel included?
What's the BYOB policy?
What amenities are on board?
What's the cancellation/weather policy?
Where do we meet for boarding?
Secure the booking:
Put down the deposit immediately when you find the right option
Get confirmation in writing
Add the details to your shared planning document
Step 6: Coordinate the Group
With plans in place, keep everyone informed and aligned.
Communication Strategies
Create a dedicated group chat: Not the regular bridesmaid chat — a separate one specifically for bachelorette planning. Include only those attending.
Use planning tools:
Splitwise — Track and split expenses
Google Sheets — Shared itinerary and budget tracking
Pinterest — Theme and decoration inspiration
Polls — Quick group decisions
Information to share:
Final confirmed dates
Flight recommendations (if applicable)
Accommodation details and what to pack
Preliminary itinerary
Budget breakdown and collection timeline
What's being provided vs. what to bring
Money Collection
Collect money BEFORE the trip for shared expenses. This includes:
Accommodations deposit/full payment
Boat rental deposit
Any prepaid activities
Bride's share (divided among attendees)
Use Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle with clear labels for what each payment covers. Keep a spreadsheet tracking who's paid what.
Assigning Roles
Distribute responsibilities so one person isn't overwhelmed:
Logistics coordinator: Bookings, confirmations, day-of navigation
Finance manager: Money collection, expense tracking, receipts
Content creator: Photos, videos, documentation throughout
Vibe manager: Music playlists, energy monitoring, keeping the mood right
Bride handler: Making sure the bride is happy, hydrated, and having fun
Step 7: Plan the Details
The little things elevate a good bachelorette to a great one.
Decorations and Theming
At the accommodation:
Banner or balloon display for arrival
Photo backdrop for group shots
Rose petals, string lights, or other atmosphere touches
Personalized cups, koozies, or glasses
Matching items (optional but fun):
Custom t-shirts or tank tops
Matching swimsuits or coverups for the boat day
Coordinated hats or sunglasses
Personalized tote bags
Bride-specific:
Sash (classic for a reason)
Crown or tiara
"Bride" swimsuit or shirt
Veil for going out
Welcome Bags
If budget allows, welcome bags set the tone:
Practical items:
Itinerary card
Hangover kit (Advil, Liquid IV, face mask, mints)
Sunscreen and lip balm
Mini water bottles
Fun items:
Mini champagne or canned wine
Custom koozies
Matching sunglasses
Local snacks or treats
Personalized touches:
Name tags or place cards
Inside joke items
Photos of the bride with each attendee
Games and Activities
Prepare some entertainment for downtime:
For the boat or pool:
How Well Do You Know the Bride quiz
Groom Q&A (collect answers in advance)
Drink If... game
Two Truths and a Lie about the bride
For dinner or bars:
Bachelorette Bingo
Scavenger hunt list
Photo challenge cards
Ring hunt game
For chill time:
Card games
Would You Rather questions
Memory sharing circle
Step 8: Handle Day-of Logistics
Planning is done — now execute smoothly.
Day-of Checklist
Morning:
Confirm everyone is awake and functional
Verify reservations/bookings for the day
Check weather and adjust if needed
Ensure everyone knows the schedule
Throughout the day:
Keep the bride's phone charged
Document everything (photos and videos)
Monitor energy levels
Keep everyone hydrated
For the boat day:
Coolers packed and loaded
Sunscreen applied before boarding
Phones in waterproof cases
One person designated as "phone guardian"
Cash tip for captain ready
Evening:
Confirm dinner reservation
Arrange transportation if needed
Have the plan but stay flexible
Problem-Solving Common Issues
Someone drinks too much too early: Get them water, food, and a quiet place to rest. Adjust plans if needed — one person's overindulgence shouldn't derail everyone else.
People are running late: Build buffer time into the schedule. Have a "we leave at X regardless" policy for major activities.
Bride seems overwhelmed: Check in privately. Ask what she needs. Adjust plans to her energy level.
Weather disrupts plans: Have backup activities ready. Indoor alternatives: spa day, cooking class, brewery tour, shopping.
Group dynamics tension: Address quietly and privately. Keep the focus on celebrating the bride.
Step 9: Capture the Memories
Documentation matters — the bride will treasure these photos and videos.
Photo Strategy
Assign a photographer: One person focuses on capturing moments. They can still participate, but they're intentional about documentation.
Key moments to capture:
First reveal of decorated space
Matching outfit lineup
Boat day highlights (boarding, floating, jumping in)
Restaurant arrivals
Candid laughing moments
Golden hour group shots
Late-night silliness
Photo locations in Austin:
"I love you so much" mural (essential)
"Greetings from Austin" postcard mural
Rainey Street patios with string lights
Lake Travis boat (best content of the trip)
Rooftop bars at sunset
Video Considerations
Quick clips to capture:
The bride's reaction to surprises
Boat jump compilation
Dance floor moments
Toasts and cheers
Behind-the-scenes getting ready
Compilation video: After the trip, compile clips into a short video for the bride. Use CapCut or InShot for easy editing.
Shared Album
Create a shared photo album (Google Photos or iCloud) and have everyone upload throughout the weekend. The bride gets all the content in one place.
Step 10: Post-Event Follow-Up
The party's over, but a few things remain.
Financial Reconciliation
Final accounting:
Tally all shared expenses
Calculate per-person amounts
Send final requests or refunds
Close out the Splitwise group
Timeline: Handle this within one week of the trip while everything is fresh.
Thank You and Appreciation
From the planner: Send a group message thanking everyone for participating and making it special.
Encourage the bride: Remind her to thank the group (she may be in post-bachelorette recovery mode).
Content Sharing
Share the photo album link
Send the recap video
Post group-approved content to social media
Save any items the bride might want (decorations, signs, etc.)
Special Considerations for Austin Bachelorettes
Best Time to Visit
Ideal seasons: March-May and September-November offer perfect weather without extreme heat.
Summer (June-August): Hot but perfect for lake activities. Everything centers on the water.
Avoid: SXSW (March) and ACL Fest (October) weekends unless that's specifically your goal — prices spike dramatically.
Transportation in Austin
Do you need a car?
For a downtown-focused trip: No. Uber/Lyft handles everything.
For Lake Travis activities: You'll need transportation to the marina (30-45 minutes from downtown). Either rent a car, book a shuttle, or factor in significant rideshare costs.
Austin-Specific Bookings
Book early:
Lake Travis boat rentals — 4-6 weeks for summer weekends
Popular restaurants (Uchi, etc.) — 3-4 weeks
Lake house rentals — 2-3 months for peak season
Book closer to date:
Most Rainey Street bars (no reservations needed)
Standard restaurants
Spa appointments
Planning Timeline: Week-by-Week Breakdown
16-12 Weeks Before
Week 16:
Have the initial conversation with the bride
Survey bridesmaids for date availability
Begin destination research
Week 14:
Confirm final dates
Lock in the destination
Send official "Save the Date" to attendees
Week 12:
Book accommodations
Book major activities (boat rental, spa, tours)
Set up group communication channels
8-6 Weeks Before
Week 8:
Collect first round of payments
Make restaurant reservations for group dinners
Order matching items (shirts, swimsuits)
Week 6:
Finalize headcount
Book any remaining activities
Start planning welcome bags and decorations
4-2 Weeks Before
Week 4:
Share detailed itinerary with the group
Confirm all reservations
Collect final payments
Week 2:
Create packing list and share with group
Finalize transportation logistics
Prepare games and activities
Week Of
Monday-Wednesday:
Reconfirm all reservations
Check weather forecasts
Finalize any last-minute details
Thursday:
Pack decorations and welcome bags
Charge cameras and portable batteries
Final group communication with reminders
Friday:
Execute the plan
Celebrate the bride
Have the time of your lives
Budget Templates
Budget Breakdown Template (Per Person)
Use this template to estimate and track costs:
Category | Estimated | Actual |
Flight/Transportation | $_____ | $_____ |
Accommodations (2 nights) | $_____ | $_____ |
Boat Rental Share | $_____ | $_____ |
Other Activities | $_____ | $_____ |
Meals & Drinks | $_____ | $_____ |
Uber/Lyft | $_____ | $_____ |
Bride's Share | $_____ | $_____ |
Matching Items | $_____ | $_____ |
Tips & Incidentals | $_____ | $_____ |
TOTAL | $_____ | $_____ |
Sample Austin Bachelorette Budgets
Budget Option ($450-550 per person):
Airbnb split 10 ways: $80/night x 2 = $160
Pontoon boat rental split: $80
Meals & drinks: $150
Uber/transportation: $40
Bride's share: $50
Matching items: $25
Mid-Range Option ($750-950 per person):
Hotel or nice rental split 8 ways: $150/night x 2 = $300
Party boat rental split: $150
Nice dinner + other meals: $250
Uber/transportation: $60
Bride's share: $100
Activities & extras: $75
Luxury Option ($1,200+ per person):
Boutique hotel: $250/night x 2 = $500
Yacht rental split: $250
Upscale dining: $350
Spa treatments: $150
Transportation & Uber: $100
Bride's share: $150
Packing List for Austin Bachelorette
Essential Items
For the Lake Day:
Swimsuit (and backup)
Coverup
Waterproof phone case
Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
Sunglasses with retainer strap
Hat or visor
Sandals with grip
Hair ties
For Going Out:
Going-out outfit for Saturday
Comfortable shoes for bar hopping
Cowboy boots (optional but fun)
Small crossbody bag
Portable phone charger
Matching Items (if planned):
Group shirt or tank
Matching swimsuit
Coordinated accessories
Bride-Specific:
White swimsuit or coverup
Sash and/or veil
"Bride" shirt
Going-out outfit in white or bride colors
Items to Bring for the Group
Decorations:
Banner or balloon display
Photo props
Sashes and crowns
String lights
Practical:
First aid kit
Hangover supplies
Extra phone chargers
Bluetooth speaker (backup)
Games & Activities:
Printed game cards
Prizes for winners
Props for photos
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I start planning a bachelorette party?
Start planning 3-4 months before the date. This allows time to coordinate schedules, secure accommodations and major activities, and handle logistics without last-minute stress. For peak season destinations like Austin in summer, booking boat rentals and accommodations 6-8 weeks ahead is essential.
Who traditionally pays for the bride at a bachelorette party?
Traditionally, the bridesmaids and attendees split the bride's costs — accommodations, activities, meals, and drinks. Divide her share equally among everyone else attending. Discuss this openly during planning so there are no surprises.
How do I handle bachelorette party budget conflicts?
Be transparent about costs from the beginning. Offer tiered participation options so people can join what they can afford. Keep some activities free or low-cost to include everyone. Handle sensitive conversations privately, not in the group chat.
What if some bridesmaids can't attend the full weekend?
Plan core activities for when everyone can be there. Allow flexible participation — someone might join just for Saturday, for example. Create a schedule that accommodates partial attendance without making people feel excluded.
How many days should a bachelorette party be?
A 3-day weekend (Friday evening through Sunday afternoon) is the sweet spot for most groups. Long enough to feel like a real getaway, short enough that costs and time off remain manageable. Four or five days work for special circumstances but require more budget and coordination.
Should I keep the bachelorette party plans a surprise?
Keep some elements as surprises (specific activities, decorations, special touches) but not the core logistics. The bride needs to know dates, destination, general vibe, and what to pack. Surprises work for details, not for major plans.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to plan a bachelorette party is really about balancing multiple priorities: the bride's preferences, the group's budget, realistic logistics, and creating genuine fun. The best bachelorette parties aren't necessarily the most expensive or elaborate — they're the ones where the bride feels celebrated and everyone enjoys themselves.
For a bachelorette in Austin, the formula is straightforward:
Book the anchor activity — An Austin boat rental on Lake Travis creates the highlight everyone remembers
Secure great accommodations — Downtown or Lake Travis depending on priorities
Make key restaurant reservations — Especially for Saturday night
Leave room for spontaneity — Austin rewards groups who explore
The planning work you do now translates directly into the bride's experience. She'll remember this weekend forever — make it count.
Now stop reading and start planning. Your bride is counting on you.
Ready to lock in the highlight of the bachelorette weekend? Browse Austin boat rentals and book the Lake Travis experience before your date is taken.
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