Beach It for Your Bachelorette or Bachelor Party

Northwest Florida gains popularity as a top celebration spot 

By Rebecca Padgett Frett

Imagine it — you and your best friends begin the day with a beach yoga session that leads to a cocktail-making class by the pool, followed by dinner and drinks on the town and ending with s’mores during a beachside bonfire. Or, begin the day with a round of golf on some of Florida’s best greens, have lunch provided by an in-home hibachi chef and enjoy a nighttime pool party complete with craft cocktails and a cigar bar. 

Cities like Nashville and Las Vegas have long been on the list of most popular bachelor and bachelorette destinations. Recently, Northwest Florida cities have joined the ranks in popularity offering many assets that other locales don’t — sunshine and some of the country’s most pristine beaches.

“Beyond our stunning beaches, the area boasts charming, eclectic and diverse beach towns brimming with personality,” said Hollie Jones, founder and owner of 30A Beach Girls, a vacation rental company providing bachelorette and bachelor experiences. “Add to that the allure of top-notch dining options, beautiful boutiques, the absence of overcrowding and a sense of safety, cleanliness and freshness, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for an unforgettable celebration.” 

Many companies like 30A Beach Girls were created to help couples plan their celebration by working alongside local vendors and service providers. With many brides or grooms coming from all over the United States, enlisting the help of a planner makes the process a breeze. 

Planners can handle everything from decorating, arranging accommodations and transportation to hiring vendors and making itineraries. 

“We collect as much detail as we can, ask for inspiration and stay in communication with clients throughout the entire booking process,” said Nicole Mathews, owner of The Bach Babe 30A. “Color palettes, themes and interests are all shared. Once we receive all the details, the magic happens as we get creative and work with other businesses to make all their dreams come true.” 

Whether you want a laid-back weekend focused on relaxation and wellness or a party atmosphere, planning services can call upon local vendors to customize your experience. 

Options could include in-home chefs, picnic planning, cooking classes, bonfires, yacht and boat rentals, limo services, beach yoga, custom gift bags, bouquet making, candle making, restaurant and activity reservations and more. 

Some of the most requested experiences are personalized bartending services and cocktail classes, which two local companies, Better Together Beverage and Tipsy Mule, provide. 

For an interactive experience, cocktail classes allow the party to follow along and concoct delicious libations. 

“Cocktail crafting workshops provide delicious and fun cocktails not found on most menus and use fresh ingredients and garnishes,” said Eliana Ciao, owner of Tipsy Mule Bar. “I tell couples that making a good drink is a valuable skill to have for a successful marriage.” 

If you’re seeking a service experience, The Tipsy Mule mobile cart can easily be brought to your residence, or a mobile bar could be set up poolside to serve up your preferred cocktails in anything from Champagne in coupe glasses to drinks funneled from plastic flamingos. 

“Our customized bar menus are a big hit,” said Christine Tarpey, beverage curator at Better Together Beverage. “We make sure that our cocktail garnishes, menus, decor, attire, you name it, all match, which takes a little of the planning stress off of the bride and the bridal party.” 

These beverage vendors have been known to team up with the likes of in-home chefs such as Mr. Hibachi or pair for interactive experiences like painting parties with Maxine Orange. 

Vacation rental companies can help you secure a home in the area that best fits your needs whether that be beach access or walkability to downtown dining or shopping. Hotels or resorts are great options for those who want access to pools, private beaches, on-site restaurants and spa services. 

Being in proximity to the best beaches, you’ll want to plan a beach day, book a captain for a boat rental, plan a fishing trip, take a sunset cruise on a sailboat or rent water gear such as paddleboards or kayaks. 

The allure of a Northwest Florida bachelor or bachelorette party is it can be taken at your own pace with a plethora of vendors and a guaranteed beautiful backdrop.

Featured image by Gabby Morgan Photography