We’re going to let you in on a little secret: Bachelorette parties can be more than bar-hopping. Shocked? It’s true. Today’s brides have endless options for fun and unique celebrations—and bars needn’t be included. From spinning away or glamping it up to DIY workshops, spa days and so much more, there’s a party for every bride and every tribe. Here’s a look at five of our favorites:
Spin It, Sister!
Who Will Love It:
There’s a reason spin classes’ popularity has skyrocketed in the past few years. The heart-pumping, music-thumping workouts torch calories in a motivational environment, complete with mood lighting and inspirational instructors. It’s a great option for any bachelorette party that’s not afraid to push it (push it real good)!
What to Know:
CycleBar hosts private parties for a variety of occasions, including bachelorette parties. You and your gal pals can sweat, sparkle and spin in your own personal class with a CycleStar instructor—you can even pick a music theme or make song requests (a little Madonna vs. Prince, anyone?). Private parties cost $300 and include a 45-minute class and use of the community room for post-class noshes and libations. Hint: CycleBar will negotiate rates depending on the size of your party.
Where to Go:
Cyclebar, Mequon and Brookfield.
Go Glamp
Who Will Love It:
If Carrie Bradshaw ventured into the great outdoors, this would be her accommodation of choice. Glamping—glamorous camping, which brings many of the comforts of home or your favorite hotel to rustic settings—has become a natural escape for the fashionable set. Today, those who love a breath of fresh air—but not so much the bugs, inclement weather and discomfort that often come with—are turning to glamping to escape and enjoy. It’s a perfect choice for brides who want to hike and wander the day away, then settle in with a glass of bubbly and a roaring fire to toast new beginnings.
What to Know:
Wautoma’s Edenwood Ranch & Preserve offers glamping tents, starting at $300. These upscale tents are decked out with a plush king-size bed (and plenty of room for air mattresses and sleeping bags), posh bathroom, screened-in porch, private deck complete with a kitchen, and even wifi. P.S.: There’s a two-day minimum, so you’ll want to make it a weekend-long event.
Where to Go:
Edenwood Ranch & Preserve, Wautoma.
Dig That DIY
Who Will Love It:
You don’t have to be Picasso to love the art of creation. DIY studios make it easy for everyone to flex their creative muscles in craft workshops and art projects. Revel, a DIY studio in the heart of downtown Madison, offers a Craft Bar experience and workshops that encourage both socializing and creativity. Simply take a seat at the Craft Bar and “order up” your project. There are more than 15 project options, ($15 to $40), and each person in your party can do something different. Projects range from leather chain bracelets and gem collages to canvas zipper bags, string art and everything in between. Revel provides all the supplies and instructions; you and your girls can create at your own pace, for plenty of chatter and laughs.
What to Know:
Reservations are strongly recommended for bachelorette parties, as the Craft Bar tends to fill up fast on weekends, although private bookings are available for the Craft Bar and guided workshops. You can bring in your own table decorations for a personalized experience but Revel has “extra” party items available for purchase (think instant mini cameras, such as Instax, and confetti-filled poppers for fab photo ops). Snacks and drinks are available on-site, and they keep Prosecco on tap! Pricing and minimums vary by activity and group size.
Where to Go:
Revel.
R-E-L-A-X
Who Will Love It:
Brides seeking a little pampering will adore the carefully curated packages available at the new Lodge Kohler in Green Bay and Destination Kohler. At Destination Kohler, the Girlfriends’ Getaway is designed for chic ladies ready to relax. The package includes a two-night stay and services at the recently expanded Kohler Waters Spa, yoga on the lake and more. For an old-school slumber party, check out the Red Carpet Retreat, with its in-room indulgences and spa discounts. Lodge Kohler’s Girls’ Getaway is also a must—it’s a two-night package with dinner at Taverne in the Sky, services at Kohler Waters Spa, a makeup application, fashion magazines delivered to your room and plenty of options for bubbly and sweets. Or try the Water Immersion package, a more low-key, spa-focused package designed to relieve that pre-wedding stress.
What to Know:
The American Club and Carriage House are fantastic hotel options for bachelorette parties at Destination Kohler, but insiders recommend Inn on Woodlake. The inn boasts modern rooms with amazing shared space for gal pals to enjoy a cocktail, gather by the fireplace or play games.
Where to Go:
Destination Kohler, Lodge Kohler
Get In the Groove
Who Will Love It:
Are you ready for your close-up? Groove Madison is an A-plus choice for brides who want a hip space for a private party with her BFFs. Madison’s newest boutique event space is all about customization, but what really sets it apart is its slow-motion video booth, capturing your girls’ night out in both photos and video. The flexibility of the bright, open-concept venue means you can create the bachelorette party of your dreams: Host a makeup artist and hair stylist for on-the-spot glamour shots, create your own DIY studio, cater a posh sit-down dinner—the options are endless.
What to Know:
Groove Madison offers a bachelorette party package, which includes two- to four-hour rental, use of the photo/video booth and a one-minute edited slow-motion video montage or digital slideshow of the photos set to your favorite jams to share on social media. Prices start at $199 for a two-hour rental.
Where to Go:
Groove Madison.
