My BFF is getting married in October and as her Maid of Honour, I had the privilege of planning/hosting her sexy Bachelorette Party and beautiful Bridal Shower [so far].  It’s been so much fun, but it’s only the beginning…..!

Let’s get sexy first.  I’m in Miami B!tch!
I can’t remember how many times we played the LMFAO song but we definitely lived up to the ‘drink all day. play all night. let’s get it poppin.’ truth of South Beach, Miami Florida.

Planning for 10+ girls (with all sorts of personalities) for a 4-day trip is no easy walk in the park.  Everything from arranging plane tickets to figuring out where the parties are at, to creating the perfect itinerary and making sure rooming situations are good, is your job.

Here are a few things that worked for me.

1. Set a Budget, they are not meant for breaking.  Budget for a) plane ticket and accommodations, b) budget daily spending for food, partying and other ‘mandatory’ activities you would like everyone to attend to (i.e. shows).  Your guests will really appreciate this, trust me.
2. Accommodate to your best ability. You can’t make EVERYONE happy, and you can’t ask everyone where they want to go and what they want to do. Remember, your job is to make Bride happy, everyone else will learn to suck it up.
3. Research. If your Bride or your friends are anything like us, food is a priority.  Whateverthe priorities are within your Bridal Party, research everything online before going.  We found the most AWE-mazing, non-db, super nice and connected promoter – all because I Googled Miami Pool Parties about a million times. lol I know we all like to be spontaneous and go with the flow…but with a big group [of girls], planning is essential.  It doesn’t mean you don’t leave any room for excitement, have a little fun. (;
4. Use visual tools to help plan the trip. Not being too familiar with South Beach, I used Google Maps and mapped out all the restaurants, clubs, beaches and other interesting hot spots on the map.  We knew exactly how far our hotel was and whether we could walk or take a cab.  It also really helps with the itinerary and planning your days out, which is my next point.
5. Create an Itinerary but don’t make everything mandatory to attend.  People like to know what they’re doing and when, mainly because we want to know what to wear and how to do our hair that day/night.  If you are a close group of girlfriends, its easy to do everything together.  If there is a large group and you’re in a big city, I would suggest that you leave some ‘free time’ for girls, who may not enjoy the same things as you/Bride enjoys whether its for shopping or visiting a monument; they will appreciate this.  Of course, all dinners and partying are a must-go event!   It was also very important to schedule ‘get ready time’; add an extra 30 min safety always.
6. Have Themed Nights. We had so much fun dressing up and making sure we were noticeably a Bachelorette Party.  You get free stuff, other girls are nicer to you, boys buy you drinks – it’s really all good in the fun!  Our themed nights consisted of Black/White & Sexy Ballerina (with corset tops).
7. Ignore the drama.  There will be drama, but ignore it.   Ignore it and it will go away.
8. Ask other MOHs/ Bridesmaids for help. People are very willing to help if you ask.  @millieng sent me her entire Vegas Bachelorette  itinerary for her BFF, but then we changed our plans and went to Miami! haha
9. Buy anti-acid pills.  If you’re Asian, you’re likely going to have the “Asian glow” – the effect of being flushed red after one sip of alcohol. Pepci Ac and Zantak work well and it’ll make everyone look less buzzed in pictures!
10. Have fun! Enjoy it and pray that you’ll only be MOH once. :P

Stay tuned for Part 2 – Showered with Love!

-C