YOUR FRIENDS' ACTIVITY

    Affordable Bachelorette Parties...Without Strippers!

    BRIDES magazine's got some new ways to celebrate a pal's wedding for every budget...and none of them involves lap dances!

    Rock-band Camp

    Pro:
    It's not every day you get to strut in Tina Turner's heels.
    Con:
    If you don't know a G clef from a G-string, you'll be wasting money-go to a karaoke bar instead.
    Cost:
    $$$$

    Private Yoga Lesson

    Pro:
    Inner peace and balance might be exactly what you need right now.
    Con:
    Newbies may bark at doing Downward Dog.
    Cost:
    $$

    Art Museum with Docent

    Pro:
    Nothing says culture like a guided tour through Monet's Water Lilies and Hopper's Nighthawks.
    Con:
    If your friends aren't the arty types, this may be a snooze-fest.
    Cost:
    $$

    Related: 10 Ways to Save up to $1,000 on Your Wedding Reception

    Slumber Party

    Pro:
    Movies, games, junk food, drinks-there's no greater setup for female bonding.
    Con:
    Sleeping on the floor stopped being fun when you were 11.
    Cost:
    $

    Exotic Dance Lesson
    Pro:
    You'll never feel sexier.
    Con:
    You'll never feel more embarrassed.
    Cost:
    $$$

    Private Spa Party
    Pro:
    Who doesn't love to be pampered with professional manis, pedis, and facials?
    Con:
    Mind your nails while digging into your (deep) pockets.
    Cost:
    $$$$

    Amusement Park

    Pro:
    Roller coasters, water rides, and cotton candy-who doesn't want to act like a kid again?
    Con:
    Sharing the Tilt-A-Whirl with a group of screaming Boy Scouts isn't everyone's idea of a good time.
    Cost:
    $$$

    See also
    : The Six Most Overused Phrases of Love and How to Avoid Them

    Limousine Pub Crawl
    Pro:
    Travel in style and drink freely behind tinted windows.
    Con:
    Cruising down neon-lit city streets as you wave from the sun roof is fun. Doing the same thing in a snoozy suburb isn't.
    Cost:
    $$$

    Camping
    Pro:
    You can't go wrong with a bonfire and s'mores.
    Con:
    Even the Double Deluxe Queen-Sleeper Tent won't satisfy a high-maintenance bride or her pals.
    Cost:
    $

    Bowling
    Pro:
    Retro-cool, easy to plan, and fit for parties of all sizes.
    Con:
    Lackluster Lanes might disappoint for your big night out.
    Cost:
    $$

    Related: Four Easy Ways to Get the Perfect Hotel Room on a Budget


    $
    = $100 or less*
    $$
    = $250 or less
    $$$
    = $500 or less
    $$$$
    = $1,000...and up!

    *based on parties of 10 guests

    -- Jamie France, BRIDES magazine

    photo credit: James Merrell


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