The bachelorette party can be a highlight of getting married. What is there for the bride not to love? She gets to have an exciting, entertaining and adventurous time partying with all of her favorite people.
When you are planning this special occasion for the bride, you want a trendy, edgy destination for the celebration, and Chicago is it. The city has everything — thrilling nightlife, superb food, artistic highlights and even cheeky experiences like burlesque classes.
Planning a memorable bachelorette party is its own beast, and that is true whether you are an old Chicago soul or completely new to this bustling city. Before you head off, scout out your accommodation, sort out your travel options and pick the bride’s favorite time of year.
Once you figure out the boring but highly essential administrative tasks, you can focus on Chicagoesque activities that will make the bachelorette party the bash of the century.
Some of the best neighborhoods in Chicago are River North, Wicker Park and The Loop. As with any modern destination, each of these neighborhoods has diverse options for accommodations, allowing you to easily find boutique hotels and various home rentals like Airbnb and VRBO.
Choose based on your budget, how big your group is and the bride’s preferences, of course. Some popular hot spots include:
Chicago is a bustling city full of people on the go, so getting to and around it can definitely be chaotic. The good news is that there are plenty of travel options, so getting around isn’t too difficult.
If you are traveling from out of state, it’s likely you will fly and land at O’Hare, Chicago’s primary international airport. O’Hare is a massive airport, which means that security lines can sometimes be extremely long. It is essential to give your party enough leeway to compensate for how busy the airport can be. Apart from the madness, O’Hare is generally quite impressive and has lots of services and restaurants. There are also other airports you can fly into, including the easy-to-navigate Chicago Midway.
For getting around the city, you can explore many options using the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) — America’s second-largest public transport system. The CTA covers the city and 40 surrounding suburbs.
Chicago, particularly downtown, is a very walkable city. It was even named the most walkable city for tourists in America! Taking a stroll is a great way for you and the ladies to bond and enjoy the landscape and authenticity of the city. Rideshare options are readily available for days when you don’t want to walk.
Planning when to visit Chicago for a bachelorette party can be a balancing act. You naturally want the best weather and an awesome vibe with plenty to do. Summer is a wonderful time to visit the city if you want the best beach weather and the greatest selection of outdoor activities and festivals. Winter can be quite chilly, but Christmastime can be absolutely magical across town.
For the perfect mix of good weather, lower costs and lots to do, visit Chicago in spring or early fall. The mornings and evenings can get quite fresh in both spring and early fall, so be sure to pack a few warm accessories, including cute cardigans, scarves and gloves.
Now for the exciting part — exploring bachelorette ideas in Chicago, Illinois! Check out the following suggestions for making the most of your time in the Windy City.
Feed the bride-to-be’s foodie spirit with these brilliant options. Chicago is home to a variety of Michelin-starred and Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants, whether you’re looking for breakfast, brunch or dinner. You can make a full activity out of food in Chicago with a guided tour. Choose from different expert guides to embark on food and city tours to satisfy all kinds of tastes. Alternatively, a cocktail class is the perfect way for you and the girls to let your hair down while learning a cool new skill.
The City can also be a tranquil oasis! Chicago offers a plethora of peaceful self-care activities and venues, letting you enjoy everything from yoga to meditation classes and retreats. If you are staying at a hotel, do not miss out on packages that include spas!
When your idea of a great time includes the great outdoors, theme the bachelorette party around Chicago’s top scenic offerings. Chicago is on Lake Michigan, one of North America’s five Great Lakes! This gives an outdoorsy group plenty to do, including boat parties, beach picnics and even rooftop pool parties with a view.
There is no shortage of nightlife and entertainment in Chicago. There are several popular bars that emulate the speakeasy aesthetic and others that provide a high-energy, club-like atmosphere. You can also find a variety of live music and entertainment, including everything from jazz and blues to opera and comedy.
You couldn’t choose a better city if the bride and the girls love cultural and artistic experiences. Chicago has some of the best street art and murals, and there are several guided walks to explore the unforgettable art attractions, including the Wabash Arts Corridor. To get truly creative, you could discover some group art classes and create the ultimate personalized mementos.
For some artistic spice, the bridal party can take a burlesque class or two for something truly different that taps into sensuality and feminine confidence. Or, you could gift the bride a boudoir or vintage photoshoot for her to celebrate her female empowerment.
No matter what you choose for the bachelorette weekend in Chicago, ensure you capture the moments of this special time. From photography to content creation, Shutter and Sound can help you cultivate lasting memories. Contact us today for edgy, artistic wedding photography and videography.
