Hotels offering specialized packages catering to solo bachelorette travelers

A growing trend among brides-to-be is challenging traditional notions of pre-wedding celebrations. An increasing number of women are opting for solo bachelorette trips, eschewing the typical group getaways in favor of solitary journeys of self-reflection and personal exploration.

This shift in bachelorette party norms aligns with broader travel trends. According to data from Virtuoso, a luxury travel network, 71% of solo travelers in 2024 are women. However, the solo bachelorette trip, sometimes dubbed a "solorette," represents a distinct subset of this trend.

Kalie Adams, 29, of Washington state, chose a solo trip over a group celebration for her bachelorette experience. Her decision was influenced by practical considerations and personal preferences.

"My whole bridesmaids group was all over the country and everybody had something," Adams said. "Whether they're a mom or they have a really hard time getting off work or they're between jobs—it's super expensive and all of them were traveling to my wedding anyway, so I felt like I couldn't ask for a trip."

Instead, Adams embarked on a nostalgic journey to the coastal towns near Tillamook, Oregon, where she spent her youth. "I went to all of the restaurants I went to when I was younger. I went on all the hikes I went on when I was younger. And then, at the end, I drove up through the coast to see all the little towns," Adams said.

The solo bachelorette trend is gaining traction on social media platforms. A search for "solo bachelorette" on TikTok yields numerous videos of women documenting their solitary pre-wedding adventures. These trips often focus on personal growth, relaxation, and self-care rather than the stereotypical bachelorette party activities.

Some hotels and resorts are responding to this trend by offering specialized packages for solo bachelorettes. These packages often emphasize wellness experiences and spa treatments, catering to brides seeking a more reflective pre-wedding experience.

For many women, the decision to take a solo bachelorette trip stems from a desire to avoid the stress of group planning and to honor their own preferences. Adams, who describes herself as an introvert, found the idea of a traditional bachelorette party unappealing.

"It just didn't sound that fun to me," she said. "I know that a lot of bachelorette parties these days are a little more. The more I kept trying to think of something that would work, I just kept getting stuck on 'this is supposed to be fun', and I'm trying to plan all these things and trying to put an itinerary together that I don't want."

The solo bachelorette trend also challenges societal expectations surrounding weddings and female friendships. Traditionally, brides are expected to have a large group of close friends to celebrate with, and the absence of such a group can sometimes be perceived negatively.

However, women choosing solo trips are redefining these expectations, prioritizing their own needs and desires over social conventions. For some, it's an opportunity to disconnect from the often stressful wedding planning process and focus on personal growth.

One TikTok user who embarked on a solo bachelorette trip shared that her goal was not to "celebrate the last moments" of single life but rather to find a healing experience in "being in her own company."

Choosing to deviate from traditional wedding customs can be liberating for many individuals, particularly women. This decision challenges long-standing social expectations, often constraining or uncomfortable for those involved.

"My now-husband was actually the first one that was like, 'You don't want to have one?' I think he felt like, to him, that sounded sort of sad," Adams said. "I'm going to go to the beach with my dog alone."

While Adams' spouse ultimately appreciated her solo celebration idea, he preferred a different approach for himself. He opted to host an inclusive weekend gathering for their friends who wished to participate in a more traditional pre-wedding celebration.

"He had a big thing at a lake house over the weekend, which is exactly the kind of thing that he loves. We were all happy with that. Both of us really ended up getting to do what sounded good to us," Adams said.

A solo pre-wedding celebration offers complete freedom of choice in destination and activities. As more brides look for ways to celebrate that feel true to who they are, we're seeing a whole new take on pre-wedding parties.