CINCINNATI -- The date is confirmed, venue booked and dress purchased. But before the big day arrives, there’s one more thing to plan: the bachelorette party. Wedding season is in full swing, and for brides-to-be that means organizing one last single lady celebration with the bridal party and friends.
“I have some of my clients doing bachelorette parties on the riverboats and some flying to spas and theme parks,” said Jessica Azarov, owner of Sweetheart Planners. “It really just depends on the bride and her group.”
The Vestry, at 12th and Elm, Downtown, is the bar of Transept, an old church turned events center. It’s open to the public and attract bachelorette parties looking for a night on the town. Staci Giordullo
Traveling out-of-town to Chicago, Nashville or Las Vegas is still a popular option, but there are a number of ways for bachelorettes to enjoy themselves around the Tri-State.
Paint the town red
A classic night on the town never goes out of style. Downtown Cincinnati offers such a variety of restaurants, bars and breweries, brides would be hard pressed to choose just one locale.
The Vestry, located on the corner of 12th and Elm, is the public in-house bar for old-church-turned-event-center Transept. Warm wood floors, high ceilings and multiple seating areas coupled with knowledgeable bartenders and craft cocktails make it an ideal starting point for a night out. Plus, the ladies loo is something to behold with its original stained glass windows and marble countertops.
If dancing is on the agenda, stop by Scene Ultra Lounge on Walnut Street directly across from the Aronoff Center. There’s never a cover charge, and bachelorette parties receive star treatment in the form of confetti guns and a complimentary bottle of champagne served with sparklers. “It’s great seeing (the bachelorette parties) stay and have fun,” said bar manager Jonathan Dicks.
Kick back and relax
Planning a wedding can be stressful — what better way to prepare than to spend a day at the spa or unwinding with best friends? “Brides are doing more low-key options,” said Maura Bassman, owner of Cincy Weddings by Maura. “They want a relaxing weekend with their girls.”
Cincinnati does not lack for premium spa experiences. From Woodhouse Day Spa in Montgomery to the spa at 21c hotel Downtown, or a number of Mitchell’s Salon and Day Spa locations, full-service pampering is readily available.
Spending quality time with close friends and family away from the spotlight is also a popular scenario. “We’re renting a cabin on a lake because I want to relax with the ladies,” said bride-to-be Becky Link of Eastgate. “There’s no stress of picking out a cute outfit or doing hair and makeup to go out, just bathing suits and comfy clothes.”
Painting party
For a low-key affair, painting parties still check all the boxes for a fun night out. Bachelorettes can gather all their girlfriends in one space, and an instructor will lead the group through a step-by-step process of painting a particular scene. The group is able to eat, drink and socialize throughout, and everyone leaves with an artistic keepsake of the evening. There are a number of studios from which to choose to book a private party, including Painting with a Twist in Harrison and Wine & Canvas in Florence.
Be naughty
What’s a bachelorette party without a walk on the wild side? It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but there are some subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways to turn up the heat.
One option is to purchase playful party favors. If you’re downtown, stop by Hustler Hollywood or Hustler Express for lingerie and paraphernalia that you can’t find in your suburban shopping mall. Or if you prefer to peruse such products in the comfort of your living room, contact a Pure Romance consultant for an on-site party.
The trick is to find your inner diva, and embrace her. “One of my clients had a portion of her party at a fitness club where they learned pole dancing!” said Heidi Pasqualetti, owner of wedding planning company I Thee Wed. “It’s about creating those experiences.”
Focus on the fun
With any bachelorette party, the priority should be celebrating the bride-to-be and tailoring the day, evening or weekend around her interests. That might include a Reds game, Riverbend concert or quick trip around OTR on the pedal wagon.
“Every party is so different now,” said Annette Troescher, owner of Ladyhawk Events. “There are no rules.”
