The Party Prep

The Details

You’re engaged! You’re thrilled. You’re in love. You’re ... overwhelmed. Whether you’ve dreamed of the big day your whole life or never thought about it until the moment you said yes, the actual process of planning your wedding is uncharted territory. Let this guide be your road map — and leave the details to us.
Ditch the traditional bachelorette party for a day of activities and pampering with your best friends as you prepare for your wedding day. Sure, you can still have a drink (or three), but who needs a late night when a day party can be just as fun?

Start the day by paddleboarding one of the many waterways in the Southern coastal area. You and your friends will enjoy a buoyant ride on some of the saltiest rivers in the South while taking in the landscape and getting in your daily cardio. Savannah’s East Coast Paddleboarding will personalize your excursion with one-on-one instruction and a mimosa toast to conclude the morning. Group adventures are available for up to 20 people, so you can include all of your bridesmaids and more.

After getting your fill of the outdoors, retreat to the quiet calm of SpaBleu in Savannah’s historic district. SpaBleu offers discounted group pricing for its signature organic facials and massages, and brides have the option to rent out the entire facility. Book appointments well in advance to ensure you and your group can enjoy in the spa’s relaxation room after finishing your spa services.

Don’t forget a little token of appreciation for your brides- maids. A Spartina market tote stuffed with a box of colorful macarons from Le Macaron, a hand lotion from Nourish, lip gloss from Savannah Bee Company and a handwritten note expresses your thanks for their friendship and supports local stores all in one fell swoop.

Courtesy Sea Pines Resort. Photo by Rob Tipton

Groomsmen, too, enjoy an indulgent day of bonding, preparation and celebration with their best buds — perhaps with a morning of exploration and offshore fishing. Brown’s Reel ‘Em N Deep Sea Fishing on Tybee Island’s Lazaretto Creek caters to grooms and groomsmen with a privately chartered boat. Up to 20 guests can catch anything from grouper, amberjack and vermillion snapper to sharks and king mackerel, depending on the time of year. The private charter includes a captain and a first mate who will guide you through the basics of offshore fishing and help you reel in the big catch. Just make sure to line up a reservation, as charters often book up a year in advance.

After you’ve spent the morning on the open sea, head north for a round of golf at Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island. Choose from three courses to test your skills (and patience) with the dunes of Hilton Head as your backdrop. Group pricing is available for golf packages, and parties are encouraged to book in advance to secure their desired tee time.

Before the day’s end, mark your appreciation for your groomsmen with a custom-made gift. For a unique memento that your groomsmen can wear on the day of the wedding, surprise them with a handmade, artisanal feather bowtie by Charleston-based company Brackish Bowtie.