Costume parties are a fashionable choice for bachelorette parties, and their popularity shows no signs of waning. From the costumes to the canapés, there’s something magical about assuming a different identity for one evening. Here, Cloé Timperley explores some of the most popular themes to help you find your perfect party motif.

For many brides-to-be, planning a wedding is a stressful and arduous experience. Luckily, your bachelorette party provides the perfect opportunity to escape reality for one enchanted night. There’s nothing quite like a themed party to whisk you far away from the demands of the real world; immersed in the wonder and whimsy of a dress-up bachelorette party, the stresses of wedding planning will be the last thing on your mind.

With so many different concepts to choose from, there’s a theme to suit the tastes of every bride-to-be. Here, Western Australia Wedding & Bride explores some of the most popular party-theme ideas to help you ensure your last hurrah is nothing but pure, unadulterated escapism.

The Roaring 20s

Boasting jazz, flappers and Al Capone, the roaring 20s is rich with potential party themes! Whether you opt for a glamorous Gatsby-themed soiree or a raucous speakeasy-style party complete with gangsters and molls, a 1920s-themed bash is a stylish way to say goodbye to your single days.

The Costumes

In the 1920s, the flapper was born, and her typical look comprised a fringed cocktail dress, over-theknee stockings and a sassy pair of round-toed heels. Accessorise your look with a beautifully detailed headpiece, a long cigarette

holder, strings of pearls and a feather boa. If you’re dressing up as a gangster’s moll, don’t forget to finish your ensemble with a fake pistol tucked neatly into your garter belt.

The Food

While alcohol was banned in the United States throughout the 1920s due to Prohibition, there’s no reason why your bachelorette party should be dry. Champagne served in wide-brimmed glasses is an era-authentic necessity, while mint juleps were the cocktail of choice in The Great Gatsby. Your drinks are best served with gourmet canapés such as oysters, devilled eggs and olives.

The Games

Dominos, Yahtzee and Bunco all gained popularity during the 1920s. Card games like poker or black jack are perfect for this theme, as are murder mystery games, such as Cluedo.

The Styling

When it comes to a 1920s-themed hens night, it’s important to get the styling just right. Speakeasies were dim and smoky with an intimate atmosphere, so decorate your venue with candelabras, martini glasses and empty liquor bottles. For a high-end soiree, choose metallic fabric swathed across the ceiling, fairy lights and peacock feathers.

The Luau

Thinking about throwing a luau? Hawaii not! Inspired by Hawaiian and Polynesian drink, food and décor, the tiki genre has been popular since the 1930s. Complete with tasty tropical treats and lots of island-inspired flair, a tiki-themed bachelorette party is a fun and colourful way to celebrate with your closest girlfriends.

The Costumes

If you want to look the part at your tiki-themed party, you will need to embrace an exotic dress code. Dust off your bikini and pair it with a grass skirt or a tropical-print sarong. Channel the sea with plenty of shell jewellery, and don’t forget to accessorise with a floral lei and matching flower crown.

The Food

From sticky glazed shrimp to grilled shish kebabs, the flavours of the South Pacific are a delight for the senses. Fruity tropical cocktails such as rum punch, mai tai’s or piña coladas are the centrepiece of any tiki-themed celebration and should be served in hollowed-out pineapples or coconuts – and don’t forget the decorative umbrella!

The Games

A great tiki-themed bachelorette party demands great games to match! Keep your guests entertained with a back-bending limbo competition, or wiggle your hips with an intense hula-hoop session.

The Styling

Create your own little tropical island paradise with tiki torches, flower arrangements and plenty of palm fronds. Colourful string lights, inflatable palm trees and bamboo accents will also help capture the tiki aesthetic.

Slumber Party

Long gone are the days when you would regularly sleep over at your best friend’s house, but you’re never too old for a slumber party. Bachelorette slumber parties are increasing in popularity, and they make a great theme for the low-key bride-tobe. Instead of heading out for your last night as a single gal, why not make it a girls’ night in with a pyjama party for grown-up girlfriends?

The Costumes

All that you’ll need to pack in your overnight bag are your favourite pyjamas and a comfy pair of slippers!

The Food

No slumber party is complete without a buffet of snacks and beverages! While pizza, popcorn and lollies are the staples of any good sleepover, feel free to think beyond the usual junk food options and provide sushi or cheese platters for your guests. As this is a parents-free affair, you can even pair your party snacks with a naughty glass of wine or champagne!

The Games

When planning your slumber party’s itinerary, there’s no shortage of activities to keep your friends entertained. Relive your teenage years with a hilarious game of Truth or Dare, re-watch your favourite rom-coms or pamper yourself with a DIY facemask.

The Styling

Decorate your space with a few balloon bouquets, some colourful bunting and plenty of pillows. If you can, rustle up some old copies of your favourite teenage magazines (bonus points if they still have the pull-out heartthrob posters!) and scatter them around the room. Finally, make sure you provide a Polaroid camera to capture some happy snaps of you and your girlfriends.

If you decide to throw a themed bachelorette party, it’s important that you fully embrace the concept. Styling and snacks go a long way in setting the scene, but it’s essential that you let yourself get swept away with the whimsy and wonder of the evening.

If you struggle to get into character, never underestimate the value of well-planned costume to boost your confidence. If all else fails, a few cheeky drinks will surely get you in the mood! Just like Cinderella, when the party ends you’ll be left wondering if you truly have to come back to reality.

Image Credit: Kevin McGinn Photographer