Blackberry Mojito
January 22, 2023
Blueberry Lemon Smash
March 18, 2023
I threw my groovy 70s-inspired bachelorette weekend in Louisville, KY in May of 2022, about a month before my wedding. I know you’re probably thinking “why Louisville? Why not Vegas or Scottsdale or Nashville?” First and foremost, I wanted the trip to be realistic for everyone’s budget. My priority was having a blast with the people I love rather than being stressed about how expensive it all was or causing financial stress to other people – weddings are expensive enough even as a guest.
Also, I knew that I wanted to have a big bachelorette weekend with as many friends as possible, not just my four bridesmaids. I really wanted my close friends from each stage of life, high school besties, college roommates and sorority sisters, to be able to attend. We planned it over Memorial Day weekend so that everyone had an extra day off that they wouldn’t have to take PTO for, and since most of my friends were coming from either Columbus, Cincinnati or Chicago, Louisville was a perfect regional destination.
Finally, I like to be unique, and Louisville, KY is much more chic than people would expect. Yes, people often think of the Bourbon Trail or Churchill Downs when they think of Louisville, but there is plenty more that the city has to offer that fit my vibe (aka drag shows, modern art, fabulous meals and live music).
And because it is not always a bachelorette destination, we were treated so well by everyone we met. Seriously, the waiters at every restaurant gave us special attention, people on the street cheered and asked if we wanted our picture taken, it was amazing. I felt like we were so welcomed and that made the experience even more special.
The theme was groovy/disco and yes, I did have predetermined dress codes and create a Pinterest mood board for inspiration. My friends know me well and were not surprised by this – and let me tell you, everyone’s outfits were SERVING. My mom, aunt and grandma also surprised me by showing up and helping to decorate our Airbnb! We called them the fairy godmothers, because they kept sneaking in when we were away and leaving more decorations, goodies and snacks. It was magical.
Obviously, I’m type A and planned everything out to a T, so below is the full itinerary and anecdotes to go with.
Bachelorette Weekend Itinerary
Friday Afternoon
We arrived at our Airbnb in downtown Louisville around 5:00 pm. The girls all got there at different times, so we did not do an organized dinner that evening. Everyone got settled and I was exiled to my room to get ready while my friends decorated the living room and kitchen. Once everything was ready I got to see the grand reveal of decorations and these fabulous personalized cookies that our friend made. Then we enjoyed a little cocktail hour with charcuterie boards and other snacks, listened to music and took photos before going out.
Friday Evening
We arrived at Play Dance Bar around 8:30 pm (which was honestly early but I did not know what to expect). This drag bar features two rooms, a theater area with a stage for the drag shows and then a club dance area with a DJ (so basically heaven on earth for me). I had booked a booth for us in the theater and prepaid for a few champagne bottles, and there were waiters that served us in the booth, which felt so boujee.
The first of three shows started at 9:00 pm and we were blown away by the professional level of the shows! These girls did number after number, outfit change after outfit change, tricks, flips, etc.! At one point they dragged me on stage, which I was not mad about (I live for the attention). After watching two shows we danced the night away, it was the absolute perfect way to start the weekend.
Saturday Morning
We slept in, got ready and then headed to the 21c Museum Hotel across the street for brunch at Proof on Main. We enjoyed a delicious brunch, then walked around the modern art museum that is part of the hotel. Exploring the museum was so fun and unique, and we also got some awesome photos in the gallery.
Afterwards, we ended up walking around downtown Louisville a bit and made our way to the riverfront to enjoy the view (and take more pictures). We ended up grabbing a cocktail at The Galt House Hotel bar and then headed back to the Airbnb.
Afterwards, we ended up walking around downtown Louisville a bit and made our way to the riverfront to enjoy the view (and take more pictures). We ended up grabbing a cocktail at The Galt House Hotel bar and then headed back to the Airbnb.
Saturday Afternoon
We took a few hours to chill and hang out at the house. I did not ask for any gifts but of course my friends brought me some anyway, so I had fun opening those and then we played a bachelorette drinking game. I put together a YouTube music video playlist that we played on the TV while we got ready and enjoyed some more drinks and snacks. Before we left we of course had a full on photo shoot, complete with a bubble gun.
Saturday Evening
We headed to our dinner reservation at Porch Kitchen & Bar where we had a fabulous meal. We befriended our waiter who brought me a special shot and when pressed for information admitted to us that he did in fact know Jack Harlow (who is from Louisville if you didn’t know).
After dinner, we walked over to Fourth Street Live, which is basically this blocked off street full of bars and restaurants, as well as a stage with live music, that you can carry open containers throughout. We stumbled upon the world’s largest game of flip cup that we had to crash, before making our way to Howl at the Moon. I had purchased a bachelorette package ahead of time that allowed us to skip the line and granted each girl a $15 gift card for the bar. The performers were so amazing, and we had an absolute blast, so much so that we stayed until they closed.
Sunday Morning
I was severely unwell at this point, so we spent the morning watching old episodes of Housewives and some of my friends cooked breakfast for the rest of us. I felt so terrible that I contemplated skipping lunch, but I pulled it together and I’m so glad that I did.
Sunday Afternoon
We went to a brandy distillery and restaurant called Copper & Kings for lunch. We were able to sit out on the deck and appreciate a lovely view of the city while enjoying a delicious meal and craft cocktails. After the meal, we walked around their outdoor patio and garden area for a little while before heading back. I had originally planned for us to hop to another bar after lunch, but we all decided we would rather return home and take a nap.
Sunday Evening
My sister put together these adorable goody bags full of face masks, lotion, etc. and we enjoyed a spa night at the house. We drank champagne with edible glitter, ate frozen pizza and watched Mamma Mia! slumber party style. I had a grand time with the girls, and it was the perfect way to end the weekend.
Louisville, KY was the perfect place to host my bachelorette party. It was incredibly nice to spend quality time with my closest friends, and truly was the best weekend ever.
If you’re looking for more bachelorette party inspiration (or just want to cultivate a groovy vibe), check out my customized itinerary, “bachelorette drink if" game, Pinterest board, Spotify playlist and YouTube playlist. And if you're planning a wedding, make sure to read about my wedding in downtown Columbus, Ohio.
