If you've ever received an invitation email for a bachelorette party, you're probably familiar with the common salutation of “Hey ladies!” However, the direction the email takes from there is usually up to personal preference. Traditionally, the initial communication includes a comprehensive list of relevant details such as RSVP deadlines and payment information.
If you're preparing to send this type of email for the first time, you may be wondering which essential details you should include and how many emails you should send. To provide guidance on this, we sought advice from the co-authors of Hey Ladies!: The Story of 8 Best Friends, 1 Year, and Way, Way Too Many Emails. They shared insights on the best and most effective approaches to this commonly used form of communication.
What to Do Before Sending a Bachelorette Party Invitation Email
Before sending a “Hey ladies!” email, Caroline Moss suggests having individual conversations with each potential attendee to gauge their budget and preferences. She emphasizes the importance of managing everyone's expectations beforehand to avoid uncomfortable situations when discussing finances with the entire group. Michelle Markowitz adds that personal phone calls or one-on-one texts are usually the best methods for this type of communication.
While it can be demanding for the maid of honor or the organizer, streamlining communication prior to the group email ensures efficiency and prevents unnecessary brainstorming or information gathering. If it's not possible to connect with everyone individually, a mass email can be sent to all recipients using the BCC feature, allowing each person to share their thoughts without feeling pressured in a group setting.
What to Include in a Bachelorette Party Invitation Email
When it comes time to write the email, striking a balance between fun and effective information sharing is key. Markowitz suggests using organizational methods from your work life to ensure efficiency. While planning these events is about having fun, there is considerable work involved. The most important details to include in the email are the dates, location, estimated costs, a list of potential activities, and an RSVP deadline.
Providing this information gives everyone a clear picture of the trip and enables them to decide whether they can attend. Moss recommends including a section for questions and a clear timeline for responses. This way, when you follow up, it's apparent that you're not being bothersome but rather requesting the previously identified information by a specific time. The more straightforward “yes” or “no” questions, the better.
Do You Need to Send a Save-the-Date for a Bachelorette Party?
While you'll likely send multiple emails throughout the planning process, save-the-dates for a bachelorette party are not mandatory. However, if you choose to send one, it's important to provide as much information as possible, particularly regarding the location. This allows everyone to have a general idea of the trip and determine if they can save the date. Sending a save-the-date at least six months in advance is advisable, especially if long-distance travel is involved.
What to Avoid Writing in a Bachelorette Party Invitation Email
If the email chain includes a large number of guests, Markowitz suggests avoiding jokes. Making a joke that everyone will understand can be challenging when there are 30 women from different parts of the bride's life involved. There's a risk that your joke may fall flat and clutter everyone's inboxes, so it's best to save inside jokes for in-person interactions. Additionally, remember that anyone in the group could screenshot and share what you say, so it's important to communicate professionally to avoid providing fodder for gossip. Lastly, refrain from sending excessive mails that might overwhelm everyone's inboxes. Unless urgent information needs to be shared, it's best to consolidate updates and share everything at once.