Are bachelorette parties a thing of the past? Instead, brides-to-be want solo trips

Brides-to-be are ditching the phallic-shaped decor to find a moment of peace.

Bachelorette parties have become expensive multi-day extravaganzas involving plane tickets, huge guest lists, matching outfits, penis straws, club nights and lots of drinking games.

But not all brides like this.

While some women enjoy the extravagant approach, others find it overwhelming, stressful and far from their ideal way to celebrate an upcoming wedding. That’s why some women are ditching their ‘pula dos’ for a solo trip – or ‘solorette’.

For many women, a solo vacation is the perfect way to relax and recharge before their big day.

While a traditional bachelorette party involves partying with friends, which fosters bonding and support, solo travel offers solitude and a chance to connect with one’s thoughts and emotions.

“Going alone allows you to leave [the bride to have] uninterrupted time to focus on yourself, which can be incredibly restorative,” therapist Brooke Spowl explained to Brides.com.

This type of travel provides clarity, allowing the bride to approach her wedding day with renewed energy and perspective.

However, there are also advantages to galavanting around with a bunch of girl friends.

“The benefit of a group trip lies in the sense of connection and support, while solo travel fosters a deeper sense of self-awareness and personal reflection,” Spowl explained.

“Ultimately, the choice is about finding the balance between the need for connection and the desire for solitude. Both experiences can be enriching, but the key is to know what will truly nourish the bride at this pivotal moment in her life,” she added.

It’s also easier to organize for one.

“When you’re planning a wedding, one of the most stressful things is dealing with the wishes, demands and expectations of family and friends,” Kristi Valentini, founder of Readymade Travel Plans told Brides.com.

“She soaks up the joy that comes from wedding planning. Going away on a solo trip is rejuvenating – all you have to think about is yourself. There is no compromise or concern for what others think or feel.”

These trips aren’t just about escaping the increasingly over-the-top singles scene in a culture that pushes people to organize the perfect Insta-worthy weekend, but also about embracing personal growth and independence before entering in marriage.

It’s also not about avoiding friends or family, but about taking the pressure off them.

Kalie Adams, 29, booked a solo trip to visit several seaside towns in Oregon, where she spent her childhood, before her wedding.

“My entire group of bridesmaids were all over the place and they all had something,” Adams told Thrillist.

She admitted that bachelorette parties have become “super expensive” and that most of her wedding party was traveling to be with her when she got married anyway.

“I felt like I couldn’t ask for a ride,” Adams said. “I didn’t want to spend any more time arguing with people than I did about all kinds of wedding stuff.”

The solorette trend also comes as more women are booking trips for one – whether they’re engaged or not.

According to Virtuoso data, 71% of solo travelers will be women in 2024.

Adams isn’t a big drinking or partying girl, and she just wasn’t thrilled at the thought of planning a traditional bachelorette itinerary filled with cocktails and clubs.

“I just didn’t find it that fun,” she said.