Wedding Season! With all the planning stress, everyone needs a little party to kick off the upcoming nuptials. What better destination to let loose than the Big Easy? Whether you’re in the mood to have a Hangover style rager or a chill get together with your closest friends, here are our suggestions for a very New Orleans Bachelor or Bachelorette party.
RIP to the Single Life
For a city as spooky as this, this unconventional theme is sure to excite your entire bridal party. Grab your favorite LBD and head to Miss Robichaux’s academy during the day. If you haven’t seen American Horror Story: Coven, this iconic house housed the witches during the show’s filming. Even if you aren’t a horror fan, the classic architecture is sure to impress. To keep up with the dismal theme, The Dungeon on Bourbon St. is a punk-inspired bar with cages and a KILLER house frozen drink! We’d also recommend checking out a ghost tour to explore the French Quarter and hear about some of the creepiest history in the city. Remember: just because it's a “funeral” doesn’t mean it can’t be fun! New Orleans jazz funerals are a celebration of life and this party should be a celebration of your old and new life :)
A Gentleman’s Affair
If you’re a “classic man”, New Orleans has plenty of options for your wedding party to feel manly for a day. It’s a party so start early! Bayou Beer Garden, Zony Marsh Beer Project, and Port Orleans are fantastic outdoor bars with a wide variety of craft and classic beers. If you’re in a liquor mood, we love Tchoup Yard and Wrong Iron for their many options and awesome bar food. Later in the evening, head out to dinner at Mr. John’s steakhouse for a hearty meal before the night begins. The Polo Club Lounge is your next destination for some single malt scotch and maybe a cuban or two to kick start the night. Head over to Hot Tin at the Pontchartrain for our incredible craft cocktails with a stunning view of the city for your nightcap.
Girls Trip
If you haven’t seen the Hollywood film “Girls Trip”, we would HIGHLY recommend checking it out for some NOLA inspiration :) Our spin on it would be to start with bottomless mimosas for brunch at Flamingo A-Go-Go. Head over to Magazine street for some shopping and endless food and drink options! Some of our favorites there are Rum House, the Daily Beet, and Surrey’s cafe. For dinner, make reservations for Jack Rose; it's a perfect opportunity to try some incredible dishes created by the best chef’s in New Orleans and take a picture with the famous Lil Wayne portrait painted by artist Ashley Longshore. While you’re there, don’t forget to order a round of Chambong’s for the table, if you haven’t tried it you are SORELY missing out. End the night on Bourbon St for people watching, bead catching, and maybe a little debauchery… We won’t tell!
Intimate Night In
If a big party isn’t your style, we got you covered! If you’re feeling on the fancy side, why not rent a hotel room and treat yourselves to a spa night? Windsor Court hotel boasts a full day spa, 5 star accommodations, and a stunning pool to chill out by. Later on, head over to St James Cheese Company for cheese plates that you can purchase and bring with you to City Park. Bring blankets, bug spray, comfortable shoes, and a variety of beverages to enjoy a calm picnic with your wedding party. Take a walk around the sculpture garden after your meal, and enjoy the beautiful spanish moss and magnolia flowers scattered around. If you feel so inclined, one of our favorite activities is heading to a local bookstore (we like Octavia Books!), grab a few copies of a book and chill outside with everyone and read. No one’s too old for book club and it's a beautiful way to increase the bond with your wedding party.