What is a bachelor or bachelorette party?

If you’re getting married, you usually start off with a bachelor or bachelorette party. This is the celebration of your last evening as a “single”. These parties often come with some fun traditions. Below are a few examples.

Why have a bachelor/bachelorette party?

The purpose of a bachelor or bachelorette party is to put the bride or groom in the spotlight – in a fun and often funny way. There are different stories about where the tradition comes from. In some cultures, the groom is taken out the night before the wedding to make as much noise as possible, in an attempt to scare away evil spirits. The groom is also sometimes seen as a traitor because he’s leaving his friends for his bride. The party is then a way for the friends to give him a “lesson”. Others believe the tradition goes all the way back to Ancient Greece. In the 5th century BC, Spartan soldiers would organize a dinner to celebrate their friend’s last night as a single man.

Until the 1970s, bachelor parties were only for men. The idea at the time was that men were giving up their sexual freedom when they got married.

When is the party held?

In the past, the party was held the night before the wedding, but nowadays that’s not so common. Most bachelor or bachelorette parties are held about a month before the big day. After all, you don’t want to show up hungover at your own wedding. This way, everyone can enjoy the event to the fullest – even afterwards.

What do you do during a bachelor/bachelorette party?

The party is usually organized by your best friends and can be anything from a night at the bar, a girls’ night, or something completely different. Funny photo shoots or doing a workshop are also very popular. It’s usually a surprise for the bride or groom, which makes it extra fun. So just let yourself be surprised and enjoy your day!

How much does a bachelor or bachelorette party cost?

The cost depends on the activity you choose. The party is paid for by the friends. On average, people in the Netherlands spend about €125 per person for a bachelor or bachelorette party. If it turns into a whole weekend, it usually costs about €50 more. Of course, you can make it as expensive as you want.