Everyone knows bachelor and bachelorette parties can quickly spiral into an unforgettable (or perhaps, very forgettable) whirlwind. Think ‘The Hangover’ style revelry!
Traditionally, these pre-wedding celebrations have been synonymous with wild nights, excessive indulgence, and often, questionable matching attire, becoming almost as integral to the wedding journey as the vows themselves.
However, a refreshing trend is emerging. More and more couples, especially those a bit older and with the means to explore, are choosing to mark the end of their single days with unique, bonding experiences. They’re swapping boozy nights for adventurous getaways—think glamping under the stars instead of casino floors, and catching waves instead of downing shots.
Jolie Golub, co-founder of BachBoss, a company specializing in bachelor and bachelorette party planning, notes a significant shift. Roughly 40% of their events now prioritize activities beyond traditional partying—a notable increase from just one-third in 2023. She’s seeing a surge in demand for destinations that emphasize nature and holistic well-being.
This trend is particularly popular among couples in their thirties and beyond, who are drawn to activities like hiking, yoga retreats, luxurious glamping trips, fishing excursions, and golf weekends. It’s a win-win, as their friends often appreciate a celebration that leaves them feeling refreshed and invigorated, rather than depleted, at the end of the festivities.
Curious how these couples are making the switch? Let’s explore some inspiring examples of how they’ve transformed their pre-wedding celebrations into unforgettable bonding adventures.
Costa Rica:
A Week of Waves and Friendship at Surf Camp
Gina Maruskin, 52, from Milford, Mich., chose an exhilarating week at Surf Synergy in Jaco, Costa Rica, for her bachelorette party in February 2024. Seven friends, all around 50, joined her for a “fun girlie bonding” experience on surfboards. They shared bungalows and each had a personal surfing coach for daily lessons and video analysis. “We were cheering and yelling for each other, seeing each other get up on the surfboard. It was such a beautiful bond,” Maruskin shared. Beyond the waves, their time was filled with massages, yoga, and rainforest hikes. Maruskin emphasized, “We came out of there knowing each other in such a different way.” In fact, she loved the resort so much, she decided to get married there!
Colombia:
Soaring to New Heights: Paragliding with Friends
Angie Ramirez, 35, of New York City, opted for a nine-day bachelorette trip to Medellín, Colombia—a place where some of her family still resides. Her goal was to share her heritage with her friends. “There’s this whole other person inside me, speaking Spanish,” she explained, “but it’s still me and my personality. I wanted to share a piece of me they don’t often see.” The group of seven enjoyed a cultural walking tour, scenic cable car rides, and dined at Ramirez’s favorite local restaurants. A special stop was Clandestino Restaurante, the very spot where she and her fiancé, Moritz Becker, had their first Bumble date. “It was special for my friends to experience and know the place where the relationship began,” she reflected.
Their adventure wasn’t limited to cultural immersion; they also shared a thrilling paragliding experience, an activity Ramirez had previously enjoyed in Colombia. About an hour outside Medellín, each member of the group, guided by an instructor, “threw ourselves off the mountain and glided to the small village at the bottom of the hill,” creating an unforgettable bonding memory.
Scotland:
A Scottish Feast: Snorkeling for Supper
Dan Jackson, 33, from London, was in for a surprise when his best man, Doug Worboys, planned a mystery weekend for 12 friends last October. They arrived at a picturesque estate near Arisaig, on Scotland’s west coast, where local guide Matt Watterson led them on a series of land and water adventures. Their first task: venturing out on Watterson’s boat, equipped with snorkel gear, to learn how to identify and harvest scallops. They also retrieved lobsters from pre-set traps and fished for mackerel on their return journey.
The afternoon brought a spirited competition in traditional Highland games, meticulously organized by Watterson. Events ranged from the classic whisky-barrel rolling to the more whimsical “Wellie toss,” where rubber boots were flung into tires. After building up a hearty appetite, their morning’s fresh catch was transformed into a luxurious five-course beach dinner, expertly prepared by a local chef.
Additional memorable moments included a relaxed nine-hole round of golf and a kayaking adventure. The kayaking trip concluded with a delightful surprise: Watterson paddled ahead and greeted the group on shore with a soulful bagpipe performance. “It was honestly the weekend of a lifetime,” Jackson recounted.
Colorado:
Mountain Adventures: Skiing and Ice Fishing
Many pre-wedding celebrations traditionally mark the end of singlehood, but Elsa Dodds of Denver and her fiancé, Bobby Beverage of Colorado Springs, chose a different path. They celebrated their upcoming marriage with a joint bachelor-bachelorette ski party in Breckenridge, Colorado, last February. With their wedding planned at Ms. Dodd’s family home in Whitefish, Montana, they reallocated wedding venue funds to rent two Airbnbs for 18 friends. The first day was spent hitting the slopes together, followed by an evening of cooking and wedding-themed games. The next day, Ms. Dodds led her group on a cross-country skiing excursion, while her fiancé’s friends enjoyed ice fishing. “Shifting the focus away from partying and toward an activity that my fiancé and I share allowed us to make the most of a weekend with the people we love,” Dodds explained.
Utah:
Conquering the Rapids: A White-Water Adventure
Jack Richardson, 31, from New York City, sought an unforgettable outdoor experience to share with his brothers, future brother-in-law, and friends from every chapter of his life. This led him to book a four-day white-water rafting adventure along the Yampa and Green rivers in Colorado and Utah in June 2024. “Living in the city, I wanted to be out in nature and do something we might never do again,” he shared. The group of 13 embarked in two boats with experienced guides, expertly navigating exhilarating Class III and IV rapids (with Class V being the most challenging). Evenings were spent setting up tents and savoring delicious meals prepared by the guides. Richardson highlighted the unique bonding experience of sharing stories around a campfire with a few beers, especially without the constant distractions of cell service. “I’ve talked to guys who said they don’t remember a single thing from their bachelor party because they were drunk,” he lamented. “That’s sad. This has the opportunity to be some of the best moments of your life.”
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