bachelorette party

Tips for Planning a Sober Bachelor or Bachelorette Party

Do you need to plan a sober bachelor and bachelorette party? We all know that these types of events/parties are a fun way to say goodbye to single life. They’re typically held one to four months before the actual wedding, and involve close friends and fun activities like bar hopping, drinking and hanging by the beach or pool. But what happens when you need to plan a bachelor or bachelorette party without alcohol? 

While bachelor and bachelorette parties often involve drinking, they certainly don’t have to. We have all the tips and tricks you need to throw a fun and successful bachelor or bachelorette party – without alcohol, hangovers and sloppiness!

Be Clear about Your Expectations 

When inviting people to the party, make sure that you’re clear about your expectations. Your guests may or may not be aware that someone is in recovery. You don’t have to share any details, but decide how you will handle any questions that may arise. 

Communicate information about the party directly in the message or invitation. It’s possible you might get a few regrets, but at least you’ll know that the people coming to the party are happy not to drink. And who knows? You might unknowingly helping out someone else, too! 

Plan Ahead to Prevent Boredom & Triggers 

Take some time to plan the entire bachelor or bachelorette party. You don’t want to wing it because this could prompt someone in the group to suggest going to a bar or drinking. It’s best to have your party structured, and every minute accounted for. This way, everyone will have fun all while not thinking about drinking!

Planning ahead also helps eliminate triggers. When someone is new to recovery, it could take driving past an old hangout or smelling a bottle of whiskey to trigger them into using again. By planning out your day, you can account for these things and minimize uncomfortable interactions. 

Think Outside the Box 

Bachelor and bachelorette parties typically revolve around drinking and having fun. Many people travel to new places, such as Nashville or Las Vegas. But since you don’t want to encourage any type of substance use, it’s important to think of healthier activities. Below are some of our best ideas for sober bachelor and bachelorette parties

  • Sporting events. Alcohol is sold at these events, so make sure everyone in the group agrees not to drink. It’s expensive anyway! Instead, invest money in better seats and enjoy the game. 
  • Outdoor activities. Consider booking an outdoor excursion. such as snorkeling, surfing, skiing, snowboarding or mountain biking. These activities get you outdoors and busy – NOT thinking about drinking! 
  • Plan a golf trip. Golf takes several hours if you play a full 18 holes. You can then eat lunch or dinner at the on-site restaurant. Or, consider a hunting trip or fishing trip instead. 
  • Run in a charity race. Form your own team and raise money for a special cause. On the day of the charity run, have everyone in your party wear matching t-shirts. 
  • Plan a destination event. Find a new city or town to explore. Or, go camping in the great outdoors. You can rent an RV, pitch several tents, or stay at cabins in the mountains. 
  • Go to an amusement park. Between rollercoasters, rides, shows and great food, there’s enough to give everyone a natural high at the amusement park!

As you can see, there are many ways to plan a bachelor or bachelorette party that doesn’t involve drinking. Whether you are doing this for yourself or someone else in your group, we have to take a moment to commend you! Taking this step shows you take sobriety seriously!