When it comes to planning a bachelorette party, the goal is simple: celebrate the bride-to-be in a way that feels fun, memorable, and thoughtful—without draining everyone’s savings account. Recently, I had the absolute joy of throwing a bachelorette pool party for my friend Jessica Jay (aka the magician behind my gorgeous eyelash extensions).
Jessica is one of those rare friends who radiates kindness and thoughtfulness. She made it clear from the beginning that what mattered most wasn’t extravagance, but connection. She wanted her closest friends to feel comfortable, not pressured to spend beyond their means. With that in mind, I set out to plan something stylish, joyful, and affordable. The end result? A rooftop pool party at the Freehand Downtown LA, complete with a hotel room for all the late-night giggles and morning-after debriefs.
If you’re planning a bachelorette celebration and want to strike the perfect balance between budget-friendly and unforgettable, here are some ideas from Jessica’s poolside bash—plus inspiration from other parties I’ve helped with, including a Vegas bachelorette, a catamaran adventure in Nicaragua, and a tropical bridal shower.
1. A Personalized Photo Book
Even if the bride insists “your presence is her present,” it’s always nice to give her a little keepsake. One of my favorite ideas is a custom photo book. It’s a deeply personal gift, and the best part? You can make one for under $25.
Here’s how we did it:
- I asked all the guests to send me their favorite photos with Jessica—no matter how old, silly, or imperfect the quality.
- Using Google Photo Books, I compiled them into a sleek, simple album.
- For the cover, I chose a sweet candid of Jessica and added the title: “We love you, Jessica Jay!”
To make it interactive, we passed the book around at the party so everyone could add handwritten notes and signatures. I had sharpies on hand, which turned out to be a lifesaver. By the end of the night, Jessica had a collection of memories and messages she could flip through long after the poolside tans faded.
This idea was inspired by another bachelorette I attended in Vegas, where photos of the bride with each guest were printed and hung around the hotel suite. It set such a warm, nostalgic tone, and I loved carrying that sentiment into Jessica’s party.
2. Matching Outfits with a Twist
Coordinating outfits have become a staple of bachelorette parties, and for good reason—it instantly makes the group feel united, and the photos come out incredible. Traditionally, the bride wears white while everyone else wears black. But for Jessica, I decided to shake it up.
Her favorite color is yellow, so I asked all the girls to wear yellow swimsuits or cover-ups to the pool. It wasn’t just cute—it felt so personal. Jessica lit up when she saw a sea of sunshine waiting for her.
For other parties, I’ve experimented with different dress codes:
- In Nicaragua, my sister’s group wore matching one-piece swimsuits with cheeky sayings for our boat day.
- In Vegas, we went classic with black dresses and sequined accessories for a night out.
Pro tip: Share the dress code early, ideally when you first start coordinating the party. Send a reminder a week before so no one “forgets” and shows up off-theme. (There’s always one in every group.)
3. The Venue: Rooftop Pool Magic
While the vibe doesn’t have to be over-the-top, choosing the right venue makes all the difference. The Freehand LA rooftop was the perfect balance of stylish and relaxed. Between the poolside cabanas, city views, and hotel room upstairs, it gave us the freedom to celebrate in stages—splashing in the sun during the day, then cozying up for late-night talks.
And here’s the beauty of it: you don’t need to splurge on an expensive resort to recreate this atmosphere. Many boutique hotels, local rooftop bars, or even private Airbnbs with a pool can offer the same vibe at a fraction of the cost.
4. Keep It Thoughtful, Not Pricey
The heart of Jessica’s bachelorette wasn’t in pricey decorations or elaborate activities—it was in the thoughtful details. Here are some affordable touches that go a long way:
- DIY decorations: Balloons, banners, and a few flowers transform any hotel room into a party space.
- Signature drinks: We made a simple “bride’s cocktail” with sparkling wine, juice, and fresh fruit. Easy, festive, and way cheaper than bottle service.
- Memory games: Instead of expensive entertainment, we played fun “how well do you know the bride” games by the pool. Cue laughter (and maybe a few blushes).
5. The Bigger Picture
Planning Jessica’s party reminded me that the best bachelorette parties aren’t about how much money you spend—they’re about creating moments the bride will treasure forever. Whether it’s a poolside afternoon, a Vegas night out, or a sail on the open water, the magic comes from celebrating friendship and love.
If you’re the planner, keep these three things in mind:
- Make it personal to the bride.
- Focus on shared memories, not extravagance.
- Add one or two special touches that will make her feel celebrated.
Because at the end of the day, the most meaningful bachelorette parties are less about the budget and more about the bond.
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