Go beyond the bar at your bachelorette party

A friend recently asked me for advice on planning the perfect bachelorette party.

They wanted something a little different than the normal bar hopping experience. That was sooooo last year.

So I have gathered some ideas I thought I would share.

• Scavenger Hunt. If the bride-to-be is stuck on going out, then make it a little bit more interesting. Make up about five to 10 cards with questions about the next location (or bar). You can have a small gift at each location for her. Maybe items for her to wear that night. Veil, ring pop (for her engagement ring), etc. Or, heck, take a shot at each location. Whatever the bride is into…

• Pottery. So if you are the bride that idea #1 sounds like the worst night ever, try something a little bit calmer. Having a party at one of the much paint your own pottery business in Arkansas. Have 6 or more people in your group? It would be a good idea to have each person paint a personalized plate and “gift” it to the bride as a wedding gift – giving the bride a complete set of plates and a special memory for the day.

• Lake house/cabin. Renting a cabin or lake house just for the girls is really fun any time of year. In the summer, combine this with renting a party barge and going on the lake for some fun in the sun. In the fall, spend the afternoon hiking a surrounding trail. Arkansas has many choices of cabins and locations to choose from. Visit www.arkansasstateparks.com for locations near you or your favorite lake or trail.

• Spa day. For the bride who would rather be pampered than rough it in the woods, plan a spa day for her and her closest friends. Many spas offer packages that caterer to groups and in some cases could include brunch or lunch and a cocktail or two.

• Symphony/musical/play. This is a great idea for the bride who needs to be entertained. Check the calendars in your area for any upcoming plays, musicals or symphony productions and get the group together for the show. A night out on the town can always follow.