A few weeks ago, I hopped on a plane to Las Vegas to celebrate my friend Courtney’s bachelorette party—and let me tell you, it was everything you’d imagine a Vegas weekend to be: glittery, chaotic, and ridiculously fun. If you’re planning your own bachelorette bash (or just a much-needed girls’ trip), I’ve pulled together everything I learned—from pre-trip prep to where to stay, what to pack, and how to look the part without losing your sanity.
Prepping for a Vegas Bachelorette: The Timeline
One Month Before
This is when the fun planning starts. Order the silly party games, over-the-top decorations, and “Bride Squad” accessories online while you still have time for shipping. Vegas is the one place you can go all out with glitter, feathers, or anything with sequins, so lean in. It’s also a good time to plan your outfits so you’re not scrambling last-minute.
A Few Days Before
If you’re road-tripping to Vegas, don’t forget the essentials: rosé or champagne, plenty of snacks, and at least one case of water. (Yes, you’ll thank yourself later.) Toss in a case of Red Bull too if you plan on staying up late. A wine key or bottle opener is also a lifesaver—you don’t want to be stuck staring at a cork at midnight.
This is also when you should schedule your self-care. Think: manicure, pedicure, brows threaded—basically anything that will make you feel polished for all those group photos. Don’t forget to grab some cash for tips and casinos.
The Night Before
If you’re fair-skinned (like me), a spray tan can make a huge difference in feeling camera-ready. The trick is to prep properly: exfoliate, shave, skip the lotion and deodorant, and wear loose, dark clothing afterward to avoid smudging. Sleep in long sleeves and pants to contain the self-tanner from turning your sheets into a Jackson Pollock painting.
If spray tanning isn’t your thing, you can always go the self-tanner route at home with the right product (and lots of blending).
The Morning Of
Take a quick rinse to wash off the outer layer of your spray tan, then keep your makeup kit stocked with your darkest foundation and a healthy dose of bronzer. Pack aspirin, extra water, and all the snacks you carefully curated. And, of course, triple-check that you have your ID—you won’t get very far in Vegas without it.
Where to Stay in Vegas for a Bachelorette
I’ve stayed in my fair share of Vegas hotels over the years—Caesars, the Venetian, Palazzo, Aria, Vdara, even the Trump—and they all bring something different to the table. But for this trip, our group tried something new: a vacation rental.
We booked a two-bedroom, two-bath condo at The Jockey Club, and it was a total win. The space came with a full kitchen and a roomy living area with couches (translation: extra sleeping spots). At around $80 per person for the weekend, it was far more affordable than most hotel options, and the location couldn’t have been better—right between the Cosmopolitan and the Bellagio fountains.
Best part? We got access to the Bamboo Pool at the Cosmo, which was refreshingly chill compared to the typical DJ-fueled pool parties. Perfect if you want a breather between all the wild nights out.
Pro tip: if you’re debating between Airbnb and VRBO, do your homework. Our VRBO deal ended up being half the price of what friends paid for a nearly identical condo through Airbnb.
What to Wear in Vegas
Here’s the truth: in Vegas, there’s no such thing as “too much.” Sequins? Absolutely. Feather trim? Why not. Dresses that would feel out of place anywhere else? Bring them on.
But here’s my best advice: commit to full glam. And by that, I mean hair done, full makeup, heels—the works. Even for pool parties. Yes, it sounds excessive, and yes, your feet may hate you by day two, but you’ll thank yourself when you’re never turned away at a club entrance. Vegas rewards the extra effort, and besides, when else can you lean into the fantasy this hard?
That said, pack one pair of flats or sandals for when your group is just wandering the Strip—you’ll need the break.
Extra Vegas Survival Tips
- Hydrate like it’s your job. You’ll be out late, probably drinking, and walking a ton. Keep a water bottle with you at all times.
- Don’t underestimate the power of snacks. A granola bar at 3 a.m. can be the difference between rallying and crashing.
- Pack aspirin, blister bandages, and makeup wipes. Your future self will thank you.
- Be flexible. Someone will lose their phone, someone will take a nap when they shouldn’t, and someone will cry over a broken heel. Roll with it—it’s all part of the Vegas experience.
Final Thoughts
Vegas is the kind of place where you can go as wild or as chill as you want, and a bachelorette weekend is the perfect excuse to embrace the full spectrum. Prep smart, glam up, stay hydrated, and make room for both the all-night adventures and the lazy mornings by the pool.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not really about the clubs, the sequins, or even the spray tans—it’s about celebrating your people in the most over-the-top city in the world. And that, my friends, is what makes a Vegas bachelorette unforgettable.
