Wedding season is here, and that means three things: fake tiaras, penis straws and Howl at the Moon. That’s right, summer weddings bring spring bachelorette parties—and with them, gaggles of girls out to show the bride-to-be a good time. But if the usual activities are starting to feel played out, check out these alternatives. We’ve organized itineraries by theme—pick one or mix and match. We can’t keep you from making the bride wear embarrassing gear at her party, but we can help you make it a blowout instead of a big bust.
BUDGET
Shake your groove thing at a private bellydance class led by professional hip-shaker Stephanie Barto of Read My Hips tribal bellydance (773-975-0242). Hour-long classes, held at Barto’s in-home studio decked out with a mirror wall, are just $20 per hour, plus $5 for each additional person.
Let the bride live out her "American Idol" fantasy at Lincoln Karaoke. Private karaoke rooms complete with disco ball, plasma TV and 4,000-song selection rent for $25 to $35 per hour and accommodate 6 to 20. Need liquid courage? Not a problem. Most mixed drinks, including potent soju cocktails, cost $5. Plus, small groups get a free bottle of champagne; parties of 10 or more get a free cake.
Continue the party with cheap drinks and honky tonk music at nearby dive Carol’s Pub. There’s a $5 cover on weekends when there’s live music, but steins of MGD, PBR and Miller Lite will set you back just $1.50. And it’s open late (5 a.m.) Saturday—make sure you clear your schedule Sunday morning.
RACY
Start the day with a ShopWalk Bachelorette Bustier Tour (773-255-7866) led by local shopping maven Danielle Lutz. The customized shop hop hits a series of lingerie boutiques and can include everything from reservations at a cafe or wine bar to a spa treatment. Lutz arranges everything in advance, so there’s free-flowing champagne at each stop and ShopWalkers receive a discount (usually 10 to 20 percent off) at each boutique. Tours start at $41 per person.
Bring the girls to G Boutique’s new spinoff, G Soiree, for a sex toy party or burlesque class to help the bride get ready for the wedding night—or just any random weeknight when she feels the need to spice up her married life. Public classes are $35 per person; private classes vary in cost and are based on class length and number of people. Call G Boutique to schedule.
No bachelorette party’s complete without a little clubbing, so take the whole gang to fashion-focused dance club Mannequin to shake their booties—and new bustiers—till the wee hours. Stake out a table for bottle service or get down and dirty on the dance floor. Cover: $10-$20.
CLASSY
Get ready for the on-camera portion of your upscale bachelorette bash with a visit to the Spa at the Peninsula Hotel. Book intensive facials for the whole crew ($160 for a one-hour treatment) or go all out with a City Escape package: $505 per person for four hours of bliss featuring a massage, body wrap, instant brightener facial and classic manicure.
Head to Hearty Boys Dan Smith and Steve McDonagh’s latest venture, HBTV, a behind-the-scenes cooking show experience. Start with cocktails and food prep in the sleek kitchen/event space, then select two or three partygoers for the three-minute on-camera segment. With glaring lights, a teleprompter and TV cameras, it’s the closest thing to getting the bride her own show on the Food Network. Standard packages start at $120 per person.
End the evening in style with cocktails and complimentary chocolate strawberries in a private cabana at NV Penthouse Lounge. Cabanas seat six and rental is free, but there’s a two-bottle minimum. Champagne service starts at $150 for a bottle of Moet White Star. Vodka starts at $230 and comes with fresh garnishes and mixes.
[ Heidi Moore is a Metromix special contributor. ]
metromix@tribune.com