Wedding trends have seen a rise in throwing out the “traditional” way of doing things, and bachelorette and bachelor parties are no exception. It has been more and more common to see people combining their bachelor and bachelorette parties into one big party to celebrate both the couple all together.

Joining both parties together can add to the fun, especially if both groups of people know each other and typically have get-togethers or parties. There are plenty of reasons to throw a joint bachelor and bachelorette party, but how do you combine the parties without a hitch? We think your bachelor/ette party can be whatever you want it to be, so in this article, we’ll be going over how to combine your bachelor and bachelorette parties to form a joint party to remember.

What is a joint bachelor/bachelorette party?

A joint bachelor/bachelorette party is the combination of two traditionally separate parties. Usually, the bachelor party is “boys only” and consists of the groomsmen, while the bachelorette party is “girls only” and consists of the bridesmaids. The party is held before the big wedding day and is supposed to be one “final hurrah” before settling down and getting married.

Instead of being separated, a joint bachelor/bachelorette party is when you host both parties together on the same date, with both groups enjoying time together!

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How to combine your bachelor and bachelorette party

Planning a joint combined party is just like planning each individual bachelor or bachelorette party, but bigger. We recommend that the maid of honor and best man collaborate on ideas that would best suit everyone. Because this party might have more moving parts, delegate tasks among both sides of the wedding party so the burden of planning doesn’t fall on one or two people. Since the party will be celebrating both the bride and groom, make sure to base the party on both members of the couple’s interests and personalities.

For example, if the bride is more extroverted but the groom is more introverted, be sure that there is a combination of going out activities like bar hopping, and restful, at-home activities like hanging by the pool or hiking. You can also consider coming together as a wedding party for some of the activities, and keeping other events separate between groomsmen and bridesmaids.

Why would you combine your bachelor and bachelorette parties?

You have mutual friends on both sides of the wedding party

If your bridesmaids and groomsmen are mostly all pals, having a joint party is a great choice for fun times with familiar faces. Your spouse-to-be’s best friend might be really close to you as well, and vice versa. Combining your parties allows you to enjoy these moments with all of your friends — regardless of which party they are in.

Saving money

For destination bachelor/bachelorette parties, you can save a significant amount of money by finding a bigger space and dividing lodging prices among more people. Group activities also tend to be discounted in similar ways, meaning that more people can usually enjoy the same experience for cheaper.

You have a small wedding party

While any amount of people can warrant a party, you might have a larger party in mind than a group of 3-4 people. Doubling the group by pushing both parties together can contribute to a larger party! If you have less than 4 bridesmaids or groomsmen, consider throwing a joint party for a bigger party feel. This can also open the door to other friends or family members who are not in the wedding party to join in on the fun!

Activities to do in a combined bachelor and bachelorette party

With a bigger party, there are many activities that your larger group can do. From traditional bach party activities to fun and unique ideas, a joint party truly is double the fun.

1. Have a combined bachelor/ette destination party

As we mentioned, saving some money is a great reason to have a joint party, so why not go for the destination party? Between classic destinations like Las Vegas or New York, there is plenty to do as a group in iconic cities around the world. Mixing some jet setting and celebrations is always a good time.

2. Choose a Staycation

You can choose to keep the party closer to home by splurging on a hotel or Airbnb in your area to make the event feel more special! Take advantage of local activities that are relevant to your city, BBQ, or hire in a private chef. Staycation parties are especially great if you have many people from your bridal party traveling to you for your wedding.

3. Rent a party bus

Another great idea for a joint bachelor/bachelorette party is to rent a party bus! With a private area to drink and dance, you don’t have to worry about losing people at bars with a big group. You can usually have your party bus driver go to whatever destination you would like them to, making this experience customizable.

4. Do a bike bar

Similar to a party bus, a bike bar is a pedaling pub where you can bike and drink around your city. Each person gets their own pedals around a table on wheels while they enjoy a beverage of their choice.

5. Have a NERF war

NERF (or paintball if you’re feeling up for it!) is a great large-group activity. There are plenty of locations that offer obstacle courses and a huge arsenal of NERF guns. This is great for the competitive crowd, and you’d be surprised by how much everyone will get into it. Each person can choose their own NERF gun and team, and similar to a laser gun arena, you fight to the soft-pellet death.

6. Go on an outdoor adventure

For the outdoorsy couple, consider taking everyone on a camping (or glamping) trip to a fun outdoorsy location. This can be a national park, or just the nearby mountains. With a cabin as a home base for your crew, you can go ATVing, zip lining, skiing hiking, rafting and more. Check out our list of 20 great adventure party ideas that could be done as a combined group.

7. Bar hop, but make it a scavenger hunt

Split up into teams (this can be groomsmen vs. bridesmaids or any other combination) to complete a downtown photo scavenger hunt around the bars. The first team to complete the list or get the most in a set amount of time wins. Get creative with your checklist — a few examples are “get a picture with someone dressed like a bride who isn’t our bride”, “take a photo posing with a statue”, “chug a beer with a member from the other party”, etc. etc. We recommend doing this activity on foot in a walkable area where there are a few bars to choose from.

8. Get a pontoon boat

Get everyone out on the lake for a good time pontooning. This is an especially great idea if your party is happening the week of your wedding and you want a low-key day. Grab a cooler and a grill and hit the water to float and swim the day away.

Let us know if you’d ever consider combining your bachelorette and bachelor party, and check out even more great inspiration below: