Alcohol, loud music, male strippers and screaming women - these are what you usually expect from a bridal shower. However, this is already considered cliché, as some women prefer to have "alternative" bachelorette parties that's also healthy, fulfilling and great for relaxation and de-stressing, according to the Daily Mail.
In Australia, Sangha Sisters has hosted Zen bridal parties that offer yoga classes, massages and makeover sessions.
"Leading up to a wedding is both exciting, and stressful," said Sangha Sisters owner Tanya McNaughtan. "We wanted to offer a hens party that nurtures, and connects the guests with each other, while giving the bridal party some great take home ideas for keeping stress levels down leading up to the big day."
Indeed, alcohol and dancing with male strippers don't seem like a good idea these days when you can have other ways to celebrate the bride's final days as a single woman. Here are some suggestions:
1. Paintball. Bride Rebecca Coleman was treated by her friends to this fun bachelorette party, as they all agreed this is more their thing. "Like me, my friends don't think of stilettos, cocktail dresses, and table service when they think of fun... it's got to be something more outlandish," Coleman said, according to Buzzfeed. They wore bridal gowns and had beer immediately after playing paintball, and they also included the groom and his friends, so that it became a couple's party.
If you plan on organizing this, book ahead so that you can have exclusive use of the place. Don't schedule the paintball party days before the wedding, as some might still be bruising from the paintball shots.
2. Pole Dancing, strip tease or soul ballet dancing session. These types of activities are empowering to women and promote body positive image, Mind Body Green notes. They're also great for sweating it out and working those muscles. Most studios are willing to do private lessons and pole parties, so make inquiries in your area.
If you're planning on hosting this, ask the studio if they allow party foods and cocktails in the venue. If not, your group can probably take the classes first and then head to the bar or restaurant for more celebration.
3. Camping. Bachelorette parties shouldn't be limited to glamorous activities as you can also rough it, or you can combine both and go "glamping," according to Wedding Window. The bride and her friends spend a weekend at a camp site where games and outdoor activities, along with barbeques and S'mores are featured.
If you're camping in a cabin, which is perfect for fall and winter weddings, squeeze in some mani-pedi sessions with the girls. Check out the Glamping Hub for the best sites.
4. Cooking Classes. Enlist the girls in private group cooking class with a preferred chef and then celebrate with your homemade feast afterwards. The bride could benefit from the cooking lessons, too, as she will pick up techniques that will come handy in the kitchen.
5. Arts and Crafts. Going by the same idea as the cooking class, why not enlist the help of the wedding vendors for some arts and crafts sessions? The florist can teach about flower arrangement, the wedding photographer can offer basic photography skills, and the party favor supplier can round up a crafting activity.
