5 Bachelorette Party Ideas (That Don't Include Chippendales)

Last weekend, we went out to see The Spill Canvas, a band that has been in my top six bands of all time for the last decade, open for Motion City Soundtrack, who was on tour to celebrate the 10-year-anniversary of its breakout album, Commit This To Memory.

Last year, to celebrate my birthday, Pete and I went to see Yellowcard on a similar 10-year-anniversary tour. And not too long before that, I saw Fall Out Boy -- not on a 10-year-anniversary tour, but FOB is in my top six bands. In May, Pete and I went to see Brand New, a band that has changed my life during the last 14 years, and, if all goes well, I'll see New Found Glory in a couple months, checking off five of my top six bands (for the last decade) in a span of about a year.

The only band I haven't seen is The Starting Line, which is my absolute favorite band of all time. So much so that once upon a time, I said that I don't want a bachelorette party filled with drunk antics because I don't drink. At all. What I wanted was to see The Starting Line. I said I didn't care when, exactly, during my engagement this happened, but I wanted to go with my favorite gals to see my favorite band. That's it.

The Starting Line went on long-term hiatus in 2008, but reunites every year for an annual holiday show every December. I was engaged for two Decembers (in 2012 and 2013), so how I didn't have a bachelorette party at any of those shows is a mystery to me. But, truth be told, I didn't have a bachelorette party. It just didn't work out, despite my bridesmaids and maid of honor really wanting to make it work. But just because I didn't have one doesn't mean I don't know a thing or two about them.

If you're planning a bachelorette party, and you're looking for something other than some drinks and strippers, you're in luck. I have five non-traditional bachelorette party ideas (no Chippendales or penis pops here -- real quick, that link is not safe for work; it leads to penis pops, in case you're into those).

5 Bachelorette Party Ideas (That Don't Include Chippedales)

1. Spa Day
Planning a wedding can be stressful, really stressful. Sometimes, all a bride wants to do is sit down and forget about it for a while. What better way to do that than with a massage, a foot rub, and a pedicure. It's a great way to unwind.

The spa that we go to in town serves a really delicious tea while you're waiting. If your local spa doesn't do that, you might want to call and see if you can arrange to bring in your own calming beverages (chamomile tea, mimosas, whatever the spa will allow). When you're calling to book, be sure to let them know you are bringing in a bachelorette party. Some spas might not be so apt to the idea because they are meant to be tranquil and serene and bachelorette parties may not be.

Favor idea: Spa robes and pedicure slippers would be perfect for this outing.

2. Gambling Trip
Personally, I love gambling. It's in my blood. I wanted so badly to go to Vegas for my bachelorette party, but it was too much to ask all my bridesmaids to travel to Vegas for my party and travel to North Carolina for my wedding. I just felt so guilty over the idea of asking them that I wouldn't even have it.

If you are having a local wedding (so all your bridesmaids aren't traveling to it like mine were), book a weekend in Vegas or Atlantic City. Most casinos have really good restaurants and clubs too, if you need a little break from the slots.

Favor idea: Casino chip key chains would be a fun reminder of your trip.

3. Beach Road Trip
I love the beach (although, this summer, all the beaches by us have had shark attacks -- seriously -- so I've been skipping it this year and using the pool instead). How fun would a road trip to the beach with a car packed with your best gal pals be? Pack a beach blanket, a cooler filled with drinks and snacks (personally, I like to pack frozen edamame and when it's time to snack, it's defrosted), and enjoy the sunshine.

Most beach towns have boardwalks with bathing suit-friendly restaurants (with bars) too, so you can grab a bite to eat too. Plus, what bridal party wouldn't like a little extra sunshine before the wedding?

Favor idea: Bikini bags (You put your wet bathing suit in them and the water stays inside so the rest of your bag's contents stay dry. They're a must have!).

4. Comedy Club
Everyone likes to laugh, so what better place to do it than a comedy club? I've been to a bunch of them and they're always a good time. Some of them have cover charges and a two-drink minimum, so be sure to let party goers know about that ahead of time. If you have a guest who doesn't drink, she can always order something and pass it along to the bride.

Just be aware if you do head to one of these adorned with bridal party shirts and sashes, there's a good chance the comic will heckle you a little.

Favor idea: Groucho Marx glasses (these would make for a fun photo) or Mad Libs.

5. Baseball Game
My cousin and I accidentally crashed a bachelor party that rented out a suite. It was so much fun so we stayed a while, ate their food, and watched the game ... until they realized we were just party crashers who wandered in and then we left. The party was such a good time that I really think it's great for bachelorettes too. Baseball is a long game (those nine innings can go on forever sometimes), but that gives you a lot of time to eat, hang out, and just enjoy the party. If baseball isn't your thing, any other sporting event will work too.

Favor idea: Baseball hats for the team you're rooting for.

BRIDAL BABBLE: What other bachelorette party ideas do you have?

Rather stay in?
Check out our 5 At-Home Bachelorette Party Ideas (that don't involve strippers).