From zombies to nudie times: 15 unconventional bachelorette party ideas (great for bachelor parties, too!)

We've covered some major ground in unconventional bachelorette party ideas in years past (no plastic penises required!), but there are definitely some party plans that we hadn't seen, including a few rad-as-hell ideas from readers. From zombies to “bawdy positive” burlesque to bonding nudie times, let's see what offbeat recreation we can get into today!

Karaoke

Opt for open-setting karaoke in front of a crowd, live band karaoke, private Japanese-style rooms, or snag a friend's karaoke machine and belt it out slumber party-style.
Reader Julie said:

I don't drink, so a typical bachelorette party isn't in the stars for me. I requested of my girls that we do a party at a karaoke joint in the city. There is one where you get private rooms.

Knicker-making party

Craftier groups might find making undies out of vintage patterns amusing and just a hint naughty. Well, probably not that naughty, but still fun! Reader Rachel said:

We are doing a three-hour knicker-making workshop, where we make cute knickers out of vintage patterns with the aid of a professional seamstress, and get to have tea and cake. After that, cocktails and a sleepover! For me, the hen party is about having time to bond with my female friends and celebrate our friendship, so I really didn't want anything that was all penis-and-strippers. More power to the ladies who do want that, but for me, I really would rather leave guys out of the equation altogether and make this very much a day that would pass the Bechdel test.

Hell yiss.

Hire a psychic

Tarot card readers, handwriting analysts, and other mediums often hire out for parties and can be a fun time even for skeptics. These are usually hyper local, so do a Google and see what mystical clairvoyants are in your area.

Zombie survival challenge

This experience may not be available in all areas, but it's worth a Google to see, just in case. Live-action zombie experiences are huge and can be a super scary and fun bonding experience, killer zombie-style. Reader Katherine said:

For my bachelorette party, my bridesmaids and I have been thinking about making it Harry Potter-themed, open to both my male AND female friends, and going to either Spookers (a haunted house attraction) and/or doing a Zombie Survival Challenge. So excited!

There are some in North Carolina, New Jersey, the UK, New Zealand, and probably somewhere near you with a little digging.

Laser tag

Take your crew to a local laser tag joint to throw down. Reader Leah said:

My bachelorette party consisted of putting on matching Game of Thrones-themed t-shirts made by my maid of honor, playing two rounds of laser tag, dinner at a fancy steakhouse with great cocktails, heading to a vintage-styled cocktail bar for more cocktails, and rounding out the night at a local brewery. No penises necessary!

Korean-style spas

Jjimjilbangs are Korean-style spas with lots of options for gender-segregated relaxation.

Reader H said:

For my bachelorette party I am taking my best lady friends to a 24-hour Korean-inspired spa. If you don't know about these places, you should. Very relaxing, fairly affordable entry fee gets you 24-hour access to spa and sauna with a variety of different hot rooms. Most have a cafeteria with healthy food options, wifi, sleeping rooms, and even entertainment. What better way for the bridal party to get to know each other and relax before the big day?! These spas are usually child-friendly and coed friendly (but sleeping, showers, and pools are separated by gender).

Reader Monk-Monk also added an optional nekkid option:

Before a snowstorm hit and cancelled our plans, I asked for my bachelorette party to happen at a local nudie spa. It's a Korean day spa in Seattle that's filled with lots of different warming rooms and pools. I figured it'd be nice for our dreary Seattle winter to feel warm AND it'd bond us together, because who doesn't feel bonded after awkwardly being naked with your friends?

Geeky game night

Board and tabletop games are more popular than ever, so it's likely that your pals would be down to throw-down game-style. Think Dungeons and Dragons and other role-playing games, Exploding Kittens, Fluxx, and of course, one of our fave Cards Against Humanity-style games, Cads About Matrimony.

Reader Alex agrees:

I'm DMing a D&D game for my party!

Mixology classes

We've talked about taking a group cooking class before, but a cocktail-making class may just up the ante, Tom Cruise-style. You can even ask them to throw in some mocktails for the teetotalers in your party.

Burlesque classes

Delinquent Debutantes is a vendor offering “bawdy positive” burlesque classes for all ages, body types, and abilities, which is ideal for a large crew of varied types. Plus, get ready for a sexy confidence boost for all!

The Atlanta School of Burlesque also offers epic dance class events and reception dance choreography in the Atlanta area.

We've even seen readers do it up Disney-style! As another hyper-local event, give it a Google to find one near you.

Music festivals

Make a weekend of it at a local music/arts fest with your mates. FestivalFinder.com should guide you to something local around the dates you're planning.

Pop culture/fandom conventions

Share an interest with your friends or just want to check out some celebrities and merchandise? Pop culture and fandom conventions are fun in general. Grab your crew and set off for a day of geek madness. Don't forget the evening activities that are often the best part. Geek City Guides offers a search to find conventions near you. Even Wikipedia offers huge lists of them, too.

“Surprise musical roast”

Editor Megan threw a surprise bachelor party for her dude best friend:

At first glance I wanted this bachelor party to seem like the typical — alcohol, greasy food, cigars, and sexy ladies shaking it. But a groomsman and I had the idea that as the evening wore on, it would evolve into something wholly different — a surprise musical roast.

See how she did it here.

Photo shoots

We've mentioned boudoir photo shoots before, but it's worth repeating. We've partnered with a couple of rad photographers who do amazing boudoir sessions: Jezebel VonZephyr Boudoir and Red Velvet Boudoir, but a quick Google should pull up lots of options.

Alternately, booking an hour in a regular ol' photo studio + a bunch of funny costumes = hilarity galore. Whether scantily-clad or rocking the cosplay, you'll end up with some kick-ass photos at the end of it.

Coed parties

Don't discount bringing along the rest of the wedding party for a good, coed time. There's no reason not to buck that tradition if you want. Your party, your rules. Marissa threw a coed party at a baseball game and it looked super fun.
Reader Abby also said:

I'm going to the Atlantic City Food and Wine festival and then meeting up with the guys at night to all have a party together. I'm very excited.

Volunteer

If you're more of the philanthropic persuasion, use this bonding time as an exercise in giving back. Take your posse to a homeless or animal shelter, do some Habitat for Humanity, or find a cause that speaks to you. Put in some hard labor, feel awesome, and then go celebrate with some drinks and dinner after.

Need more ideas?