Bachelorette party invitation courtesy of SquashU.com
If you’re familiar with the Chicago area, then you can probably start counting staple last-fling-before-the-ring destinations on your hand (the posses do have a penchant for Howl at the Moon, don’t they?). You might have the evening’s bar line-up locked and loaded, but what about the day’s itinerary? We’ve decided to dole out a few activity ideas for a memorable, yet unexpected spin on bachelorette blow-out favorites, especially if your crew contains a few Windy City residents who think they’ve seen it all.
The educational pour
While Napa Valley and Santa Ynez constitute true wine country, Chicago still touts the knowledge of a great pour (or three!). Enjoy an afternoon wine tasting at The Poison Cup, an art + vino boutique on West Armitage Avenue. Your gals can indulge in a blind taste test or participate in Wine 101, a crash course in wines. Starting at $25 a pop, it’s purse and palate pleasing.
The (beauty) boot camp
You may recall our profile on Dollface Beauty School here–talk about an adorable way to pamper the group with tips they can actually use. Coordinate a private session with makeup artist Jenny Patinkin to target a show-stopping look (like “Lush Lash” for glamorous eyes) or even a cosmetic clean-up to streamline your routine. Ladies will appreciate the tutorial (which start at $35), and can check Saturday night’s makeup off their list (score!).
Give Me Some Sugar space; photo courtesy of GiveSugar.com
The no-cook cooking class
The name says it all. Venture to Roscoe Village for a BYOB cupcake decorating class at Give Me Some Sugar. Sip on some bubbly while you learn basic piping techniques for about $45 for a small class (up to 12). Best of all? Your half a dozen creations are yours to keep and eat! If your crew is more cake or cookie oriented, not to worry–check out Give Me Some Sugar’s full class offerings here!
The non-dueling piano bar
If a male revue isn’t your bride’s thing (or if you have a conservative mother of the bride/groom in tow), skip The Kit Kat Lounge (a great dragqueen and martini destination, if you’re in need!) and head downtown to The Redhead Piano Bar. You’ll love the singing pianist’s renditions of classic tunes and the fact you likely won’t be competing with additional bachelorette parties like you might at other dueling piano bars. Another hidden gem? Try The Zebra Lounge in the Gold Coast.
Beadniks boutique; photo courtesy of Examiner.com
The artsy activity (sans painting or pottery)
If your bride-to-be is quirky or simply loves arts and crafts, explore Wicker Part boutique Beadniks, where you can learn to create your own jewelery. It’s BYO-food-and-drink, and your lady of the weekend can pick a color scheme to create bracelets, earrings or necklaces that the group designs themselves. A fun unifying addition to your attire that isn’t related to a male body part! Two-hour parties go for just $10 per person, plus the cost of materials (which starts around $20).
The non-clubby club
So your leading lady still contests she wants a stilettos-and-bottle-service evening affair. While others begin the Google search only to propose Excalibur and Crescendo, you’ve got another plan. ROOF at theWit offers unbeatable views, no matter the weather, thanks to a retractable glass ceiling. Simplify your spending with a bachelorette package, which includes one bottle of Belvedere Vodka and one bottle of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label, cover charge, dessert, and a VIP table for two and a half hours. Club-like scene, premier table, eye candy, without the sweaty Jersey Shore style messes? Done and done.
Looking for more traditional ideas? Check out Flirty Girl Fitness for some signature pole-dancing moves (or yoga, zumba, or just dancing on top of bars “Coyote Ugly” style), or clink your glasses full of sparkling sips atPops for Champagne. You can also peruse some of Be U Weddings’ ideas from last year here.
What do you have in the works for your (or a friend’s) bachelorette party? What Chicago venues would you consider, or not be caught dead in? Spill!
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