I had the honor of planning my best friend's bachelorette party. The bash took place a few weeks ago and, as always, I have a slew of tips to help you plan your very own bride fest! 

Our party had a slight twist, starting the day with the dudes at a Cubs game. It was fun to see the rest of the wedding party and do some pre-wedding bonding. The baseball game started out with drizzle, but ended with gorgeous sun! Now, on to the tips!

Step 1 - Get everyone's email address

Make sure the bride sends along ALL the names of the ladies she would like at her party.

Step 2 - Get a sense of the bride's tastes

Does she want to stay out all night? Limo? Club? Lounge? Laid back sports bar? Comedy club? Strippers? Chill night at home? All of these questions, and then some, are important. Sure, it's your job to plan the party, but you gotta know what the bride wants first.

Step 3 - Send out a Save the Date to the girls

I have no tolerance for schedules. Meaning, if someone has advance notice about a party, they should do what they can to either make the fest OR tell you way in advance if they can't come. Head count is key, especially when it comes to sharing costs. In this email or Evite listing, give everyone your cell number and email address.

Step 4 - Organize the 'big' stuff

For our group, the 'big' stuff was securing the meeting place and limo. My best friend's sister was down with having her condo be our central source, done. From there, I called a series of limo companies to understand rates, service, time, etc.

If you get a limo - What to ask

-What is the rate per hour?

-What is the minimum amount of hours needed to rent?

-Does the limo come with any alcohol?

-If yes/no, can the group also bring its own drinks?

-Is the tip built in?

-What is the cost per person? Does this change with the size of the limo?

-What is your policy if you are late? Will you make up the time on the backend?

-Has your limo company been in any accidents?

-How long has the limo company been in business?

-Can you send along some recommendations?

Step 5 - Figure out the night's itinerary

Having dinner at a restaurant? Sharing munchies and drinks at someone's house? Write out a working plan for where you'll be going and at what time. Even if it's a loose schedule (which we had on our night), set expectations up right away.

Step 6 - Let everyone (aside from the bride) know costs ASAP

This is very important - like huge. If there are shared costs to the evening, you need to let everyone who is attending know as soon as you can. Unless you plan on footing the bill, that is. I grew up with money being a non discussed topic. What this means is, I didn't want the bride seeing money exchange hands at the event. I had ladies either send me money in the mail OR I'd corner them as SOON as they got to the party and took care of payment. That way, the rest of the night is good to go, you aren't concerned with who didn't pay, and the bride is partying away. 

Step 7 - Party Supplies

Team up with a gal or two and hit the party supply store. Pick up some fun gizmos for the bash and split costs if you can.

Step 8 - Party Day. Control the alcohol

That's right. Since YOU are the party planner, it is YOUR job to make sure the bride has a ball. It's also your job to make sure the guests have what they need and are also having a good time. Surely, you should be partying the night away,  but that doesn't give you license to be sloshed. From 10 am until 1 am, I was 'on'. Making sure the girls got to the apartment OK, playing bartender and coordinating with the limo company when they were late (they made up our time later on). 

Step 9 - Watch the bride

Again, we are all grown ups, but, check in with the woman of the hour and make sure she has what she needs. Did she eat dinner? Is she having too many drinks at once? Is she tired? Is someone upsetting her? There is no harm in random, 'How ya doing' questions.

Step 10 - Savor the moment

This is your good gal pal's night. She is celebrating her night with her girls and YOU have the honor of planning it. Yes, it truly is an honor to be asked to spearhead an evening that represents your friend's step into marriage.

All and all, we had a fabulous time. I'd do it again - but not for a while. The ladies wore me out:)!

Happy Bachelorette Party planning!