XP kind of.. Bachelorette party ideas

mcmeghan311

I'm maid of honor in my best friend's wedding on April 7th.  I'm looking for a cool idea for a late march party for her.  She doesn't want strippers (which is good cause neither do I) or a typical "club scene."  Was toying with the idea of a Traverse wine weekend or something, but I'm not sure about the logistics of that in March.  
Ideas?

vk2204

That sounds fun, but make sure that you ask everyone's budget before planning. Some friends were in a wedding this past September, and the MOH wanted to do the wine tasting in Traverse City too, so she started planning. Well when she told the rest of the party, they said they couldn't afford it and couldn't go, so the MOH had to eat her deposit.

Milsey32

Definitely ask the budget of the other girls - I was in a wedding where I was told we were paying X amount and it didn't sit well with me because I shop for deals and wasn't involved in the planning -- I did research and saved the group some money, which I know others (not just me) appreciated. 

As far as idea... you know the girl best. I did not want strippers or a tiara or any of that crap (sorry to those that love the attention, but I had enough showers with all eyes on me). I just wanted to go out with some friends and have a good time. Weekened getaways are super fun - but at the same time it would mean people would have to commit the time (on top of the money). Not only are they paying for gas, wherever you plan to stay, and food, but gifts if they feel inclined, and of course, whatever entertainment (wine tasting) you end up choosing. I'm not putting the idea down by any means, but do some research!

Side note: Today's Groupon is for Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City... 

vk2204

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_michigan-detroit_xp-kind-of-bachelorette-party-ideas?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:88Discussion:44f6dd6f-3ce6-4431-b363-88864cac9683Post:b146e756-e2c0-4858-adb3-8bfb678e976a">Re: XP kind of.. Bachelorette party ideas</a>:
[QUOTE]Side note: Today's Groupon is for Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City... 
Posted by Milsey32[/QUOTE]

haha I just came back to write that!

carpediem27

http://www.pioneerwinetrail.com/map.html

I like the winery idea! I would something like that for a bach party, if budgets allow. The above link is to a wine trail for wineries that are a little closer that Traverse City, which might make your plan more feasible! HTH

db1985

I love the wine idea!  That is also what I would like to do for mine.  I would talk to the other girls involved and also to the bride to see what they want to do/what they can afford.  As a bride, I would not expect my MOH/Bridesmaids to cover my expenses for a weekend trip and would prefer to pay my own way for a fun weekend out!!

The wineries out by Jackson or in Ontario could also be fun if you are looking for something close by

TheFutureMrsB81

The winery would be a fun idea, but not sure how it would be in March. It's still very cold up in T.C during that time and might be gloomy. What about a weekend or an overnight at Frankenmuth? Close, fun and tons of things to see/do?

Sue-n-Kevin

I think the first thing to do is ask the ladies what they think they can spend. I didn't have one, just went out with my BM from out of town and my daughter (MOH) and had mani/pedis in Birmingham.

Rather than drive so far north, what about a local getaway? I find downtown Birmingham to be really fun, they have fabulous restaurants, and you could get one room for all the gals at the Townsend. You can walk everywhere from there (no need for cars or worrying about driving after drinking). D*ck O'Dows is a fun Irish bar, there's 220 Merrill, Edison's downstairs with jazz music at 220 Merrill, Flemings, plus great late night spots for coneys or sliders.

I was going to recommend downtown Royal Oak too, but there aren't any really nice or cool hotels there. If there is one, I'm not aware of it.

Downtown Detroit is fun too. The Atheneum Suites is reasonably priced, you can walk to Greektown, the Casino, other restaurants.

mcmeghan311

Thanks guys.  I've already asked her her prefered budget, guest list, location, etc.  I considered doing an ontario wine trip instead since its so much closer, but that requires passports, which I'm not sure if everybody has.  Maybe just a select few of us can go to Traverse between our two weddings and we can do a more broadscale bachelorette for her so there aren't travel concerns.  
She lives in Corktown, so a downtown Detroit thing might work better than Royal Oak.  I just really wanted to do something more interesting than a bar crawl.  
Has anybody ever been to drag queen bingo?  That's something I'd enjoy for mine, at least.

jmaiuri

Milsey is totally right.  Make sure that EVERYONE is on the same page.  Otherwise, it gets too frustrating for people.

Also, it's good you are thinking this far in advanced.  My Maids of Honor waited until the month before to plan it, and it caused way too much stress on everyone. 

So props to you for planning so far in advanced!