Your Bachelorette Party Etiquette Questions, Answered

A bachelorette party usually takes place around two months before the wedding, but can be thrown within weeks of the main event, too. We suggest planning this celebration a few months ahead of the big day so the bride doesn't feel overbooked with pre-wedding commitments so close to the date. Just don't schedule your celebration too far in advance—you want the excitement from this party to hold the bride over until her nuptials finally arrive.

The maid of honor is most often the bachelorette party planner, but anyone can put together the bride's gathering. A tip to the organizer: Make sure to talk to the attendees first to see how much they can spend. Normally, everyone pays their own way, with the hostess covering the cost for the bride (unless 'maids or invitees are asked to chip in).

Whoever throws the bachelorette party will likely consult with the bride on the guest list, which should include the wedding party (minus any junior 'maids), sisters, and close girlfriends. If the bride has a future sister-in-law she's looking to bond with, feel free to include her, too—just as long as the guest of honor approves.

The bachelorette party is typically the final soirée before the wedding (besides the rehearsal dinner), so a relaxing escape, rather than a wild weekend, might be the bride's preference. Surprises are fun, but the host should keep the bride's personality in mind. There's no need to plan a wild escapade if she'd prefer an activity like relaxing at a friend's cabin, taking a private cooking class, or hitting the local ski slopes (an après ski-only trip works, too).

Formal bachelorette party invites aren't always necessary; hosts can get the word out via email, phone, or a site like Paperless Post. Just make sure to send them well in advance (especially if you are planning a weekend-long event!) so guests can clear their schedules.

Bachelorette party gifts aren't mandatory, but they are nice. If you are shopping for a bachelorette party present for the bride-to-be, think outside of her wedding registry. Lingerie, for example, is a fun gift option perfect for the intimate occasion. Also, consider the bride's beauty and self-care routine leading up to her big day. A gift card for a massage or blow out between the rehearsal dinner and bridal shower could go a long way.

Dressing up in coordinated or thematic outfits for a bachelorette party can be a fun idea, but remember that some guests might have limitations. Not everyone can afford a planned elaborate costume for one evening. If that is the case, but you still want to look cohesive, try implementing general dress code guidelines—think beachy or Grecian-inspired attire.

Pen-and-paper notes (not emails, texts, posts, or tweets!) are the only polite way to show appreciation for guests—you should send them to each attendee, thanking them for coming. (If they brought a gift, be sure to mention it in the note!)