Saturday, April 22, 2006

Brides-to-be should consider pre-wedding getaways

While many bachelorette parties involve drinking, dancing and carousing from dusk to dawn, more and more brides are opting for low-key activities to celebrate their last weekend of singlehood.

Today's bride is older and has different interests and priorities," says Millie Martini Bratten, editor in chief of Bride's magazine. "Bachelorette parties are reflecting that change. Brides are more interested in getting together with their girlfriends and doing something they all enjoy - going out to dinner or getting away for a spa weekend - rather than staying up all night partying."

The main purpose of a bachelorette party is for the bride, her bridesmaids and other close friends to get together, relax and have some fun. It can be as simple as a potluck dinner at someone's house or as extravagant as a weekend cruise in the Caribbean.

Bachelorette parties are usually held the weekend before the wedding, often the same night as the bachelor party. The party is typically hosted by a close friend (often the maid of honor), although sometimes the bridesmaids will plan the event. In most cases, everyone chips in and pays her own way, whether it's dinner out or a weekend getaway. Depending on the activity, it's often nice to include the mother of the bride and groom.

With most brides and attendants holding down full-time jobs, a day of pampering at a local spa has become a very popular venue for bachelorette parties. It's the perfect way to unwind and escape from all the pre-wedding hassles and responsibilities.

Many day spas offer special group packages for bridal parties. You can choose from a wide range of services, including Swedish massage, hydrotherapy, European facial, body loofah, scalp treatment, French manicure, reflexology foot treatment, spa pedicure, aromatherapy and other rejuvenating treatments.

Many of the upscale spas offer extra services, such as transportation to and from the spa in a chauffeured limousine, a spa lunch and take-home gift bag packed with exfoliating soap, body lotion, eye gel and other beauty boosters.

Most day spas offer a wide range of services that can take anywhere from a half-hour to a full day. If you're short on time or money, you can still get revitalized with a 30-minute massage, salt glow, herbal bath, mud masque or reflexology treatment.

Spas understand that time is of the essence - particularly for the working bride - and can often schedule two or three spa treatments at the same time. For example, you may be able to get a pedicure while you're having a scalp treatment or body wrap.

When planning a spa vacation for a bachelorette party, look for a spa that offers something for everyone - and is affordably priced.