Bachelorette Parties in Charleston: What You Need to Know to Live it Up in Chucktown
Are you a bride-to-be who is starting to think about the best destination locations for your bachelorette party? Maybe you are a maid of honor who wants to create an unforgettable bachelorette weekend for your bestie before she enters married life. Whatever role you might be playing in the pending nuptials, we promise that a Charleston bachelorette party is the way to go.
But don’t just take our word for it. The team at Modern MOH has reached out to the professionals to hear the latest and greatest on what Charleston, SC—aka Chucktown—has to offer. We’ve reached out to Meredith Rutland, a Charleston native and professional bachelorette party planner with Charleston Bachelorette, and Anabelle Barnett, a blogger and Instagram influencer who has the inside scoop on what to do, where to eat, and what to say.
With these insights, you’ll be sure to plan a bachelorette party that will go down in the memory books.
Meet the Expert Meredith Rutland, a Charleston native, started Charleston Bachelorette Services while planning her sister’s bachelorette party in 2022 and realizing how helpful a service like this can be, especially when trying to pull off a surprise from out of town.
She also owns Lowcountry Party Mom, specializing in balloon decor, so she is able to customize everything to your vision and you can be confident that you are getting professional quality and service. She has partnerships with many local small businesses and each decor package client will receive access to those.
Planning Your Charleston Bachelorette Party
So, let’s get started with the basics.
Planning & Decor: @charleston.bachelorette
Makeup: @abrushwithdestinyhmua
Hair: @drybarcharleston
Venue: @bohorosa
Best Time of Year to Visit
The best time to visit Charleston is from March to May or from September to November when temperatures are mild – but not stifling. Hotel rates, however, will be high, especially around Easter. As Meredith Rutland puts it, “Charleston has something to offer for every group and every vibe. Whether you like history or partying, the beach or the boat, we’ve got it all.”
Budget Requirements
You should plan to spend around $170 per day on a getaway to Charleston. This is the average daily price, not including activities. So, plan for at least $58 on meals, $33 on getting around time, and $90 per day on hotels (assuming 2 per room).
How to Get There
Charleston is super easy to get to and there are multiple travel options:
- By Air: Fly into Charleston International Airport, which is just a short drive from downtown.
- By Train: You can try the train. Take the Amtrak to Charleston on the Silver Service/Palmetto route between New York, Washington, DC, Orlando, and Miami. The Amtrak station is in North Charleston, just 11 miles north of downtown. Local CARTA bus can be boarded at the train station and the Greyhound Bus station, also in North Charleston, around seven miles from downtown.
Recommended Themes
Choosing a theme in advance can make planning a bit easier and can help you know what you might need for bachelorette party decorations and party favors. It can set the tone for the entire weekend. Here are a few fun themes to consider:
- Nautical: Embrace Charleston’s coastal charm with a nautical-themed party. Think navy and white stripes, anchors, and boat trips.
- Southern Belle: Celebrate Charleston’s historic charm with a Southern Belle theme. Tea parties, garden tours, and pastel dresses will make this theme come alive.
- Boho Chic: For a relaxed and stylish vibe, go for a Boho Chic theme. Incorporate elements like flower crowns, flowing dresses, and rustic decor.
Where to Stay in Charleston
One of the biggest decisions you will make when planning a destination bachelorette party is deciding where to stay. Thankfully, there are plenty of options. Meredith says, “We highly recommend staying downtown Charleston if you plan on spending most of your time downtown. But if you are here for the beach vibes, we recommend Folly Beach.”
And, Anabelle suggests hotels such as Hotel Bennett, The Restoration, Emeline, or The Dewberry. She also recommends renting a house through Airbnb in downtown near Upper King Street or on one of the three main islands such as Sullivans, IOP, or Folly. “The Inns is also a great rental option for groups!”
Culinary Adventures for Charleston Bachelorettes
We know that you are all going to have to fit into bridal attire when the wedding rolls around, but that doesn’t mean you can’t indulge a bit by enjoying the culinary delights offered in the area. Charleston has amazing chefs, fresh seafood and mouth-watering oysters, amazing places to relax for brunch, and a menu for everyone.
“We are known for our amazing food! There are tons of options for every food preference, including some amazing private chefs for an intimate meal in your rental. We love working with our groups to make recommendations based on your preferences,” shares Meredith.
So, let’s get into some specifics. For brunch, Anabelle recommends Pages Okra Grill, Mill Street Tavern, or Millers All Day (especially if you love biscuits and gravy) for their exceptional menus and inviting atmospheres. For lunch or small plates, head to Saltwater Cowboys, Home Team Barbecue, or the Co-Op on Sullivan’s Island.
If you’re in the mood for a fancy dinner, make a reservation at Halls Chophouse or High Cotton for an unforgettable dining experience. For a more casual dinner setting, 167 Raw Oyster Bar, Tavern and Table, Little Jacks Tavern, and Coastal Crust offer delicious food in a relaxed environment.
Last but not least, be sure to try the shrimp and grits at 82 Queen in Charleston’s French Quarter or an amazing cut of beef straight from the butcher at Husk or Ted’s Butcherblock.
Getting Your Drink on with the Best Libations in Charleston
Getting a tasty cocktail is definitely a must-do on any bachelorette party itinerary. And your options in Charleston will not disappoint. Meredith says, “Again, so many options! We’ve got cocktails with a view of some of our famous rooftop bars and plenty of beautiful cocktail bars that are Instagram-worthy.”
For the best cocktails, try Vintage Lounge, Bourbon N’ Bubbles, Frannie & the Fox, Camellias at Hotel Bennett, or Citrus Club. If you are looking for a dive bar, be sure to head to Henry’s On the Market or Blind Tiger Pub. And if you want great drinks combined with some dancing, check out Uptown Social, Trio, or Ink Rooftop & Lounge.
Nightlife and Dancing for Your Squad
Charleston is also a great place for dancing an enjoying evening entertainment, with something for everyone. Meredith says, “We’ve got some great partnerships like “Skip the Line” at Republic Garden & Lounge and the VIP experience at Trio is so much fun! There are so many options for this as well depending on the night. Personally, you can find us bar-hopping down King Street.”
If you are looking for something a bit spicier, try Hunk-O-Mania or Unleashed. And if a drag show is more your jam, you won’t be disappointed there either. Check out Illusions or Diva Royale.
What to Do During the Day in Charleston
The daytime offers plenty of great activities for bachelorette parties, too. And as far as what is unique about Charleston, Meredith says, “So many things! The history, charming historical homes, amazing food, beautiful views on the boat, beaches in driving distance, southern hospitality, the list goes on!”
So, be sure to add these to-dos to your list of bachelorette weekend activities.
Spas
For a relaxing and rejuvenating experience, book a day at one of Charleston’s top spas. Meredith recommends, “We love Woodhouse Spa (downtown Charleston) but also really love Charleston Mobile Massage where they come to you!”
Boat Cruises
Take advantage of Charleston’s beautiful harbor with a boat cruise on a party boat. Meredith highlights, “We LOVE boat cruises in the Charleston Harbor! We’ve got some great discounts and partnerships for our decor package clients for some of the most popular companies!”
If you and your bride tribe are adrenaline junkies, consider a jet boat tour. And if booking your own party boat, check out Captain Cocktail Cruises or Saltwater Cycle.
Shopping and Sightseeing
Spend some time exploring the charming streets—don’t miss East Bay Street—of Charleston, filled with unique shops, boutiques, and historic sights. This city is perfect for those who love to combine retail therapy with cultural experiences. Check out Rainbow Row for the lovely pastel houses that are totally Insta-worthy.
Pay a visit to the flagship store for Charleston Candle, Co. and indulge in the tantalizing and relaxing scents from their custom candles.
And, for those interested in learning more about the Charleston area, hire a speaker from the Charleston Area Beekeepers Association to tell you everything you ever wanted to know about beekeeping and honey. You’ll be as amazed as we are about everything a bee can do.
Pool Party or a Beach Day
For a day of fun and relaxation, consider spending time by the pool. Hire the Naked Male Butlers to make it an Insta-worthy and memorable pool party. Don’t forget to bring some champagne to complete the celebration!
And if you want to enjoy the water away from your hotel’s rooftop pool, why not head to the beach for a beach day? Though it is a bit smaller than some of the other options, Sullivan’s Island beach is one of the most beautiful.
Not quite as busy as Folly Beach, the beach at Sullivan’s Island is unspoiled and often uncrowded, ideal for locals’ morning walks or picnics on the sand. And of course, Isle of Palms offers golden sand and plenty of sun to soak up the rays. Rent bikes and explore the beautiful Lowcountry, soaking in the stunning views and the relaxed atmosphere.
Ladies Photoshoot
Capture the memories of your Charleston bachelorette weekend with a professional photoshoot. Hire a photographer for a fun photoshoot with the bride and her squad. With Charleston’s scenic backdrops, your photos will be stunning and treasured for years to come.
Want to find the best photographer to capture those memories? Try Photography by Cameron or Katie Dye Photography.
Getting Your Party Around Town
Getting our bachelorette party around the lovely city of Charleston and the surrounding area is easy. Renting a car is not necessary. Meredith says, “If you’re directly downtown, pedicabs are fun!.” Other options include the DASH shuttle and bus, taxis, and ride shares from Uber and Lyft.
Extra Tips for a Successful Charleston Bach Bash
Coming up with the best packing list can be challenging when it comes to a bachelorette party. You need to plan for the weather and staying comfortable, but you also want some cute options for those nights out on the town.
Meredith suggests, “In Summer months, definitely pack cool clothes, it is HOT here! A bathing suit. Raincoats and umbrellas for the afternoon showers and thunderstorms in the Summer. Sneakers for walking around! The cobblestones are not cool with heels.”
Bachelorette Party Planning in Chucktown
No matter where your bachelorette party will be—we know there are many amazing cities to choose from—it can be a lot of work. That’s why turning to the professionals can be so beneficial. A professional party planner can help you plan a luxury experience or a more leisurely experience. It all depends on what you are looking for.
And Meredith says, “Book with Charleston Bachelorette Services! We are a Charleston native, woman-owned and operated company! We’ve got the best, exclusive discounts and partnerships and work one-on-one with you to help you plan and/or decorate for the bach of your dreams! We help to make your trip seamless.”
So whether you are the bride, the maid of honor, or you hold another special place in the bride’s heart, be sure to reach out to Meredith and team for some planning help!
Planning & Decor: @charleston.bachelorette
Makeup: @abrushwithdestinyhmua
Hair: @drybarcharleston
Venue: @bohorosa
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charleston a good place for a bachelorette party?
Absolutely! Charleston is the ultimate destination for a bachelorette party. With its charming historic homes, vibrant food scene, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re into relaxing spa days, scenic boat cruises, or chic pool parties, Charleston offers the perfect mix of activities to create unforgettable memories with your besties.
What type of cuisine is Charleston known for?
Charleston is renowned for its rich culinary scene, particularly its Southern cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. The city is famous for its seafood, including shrimp and grits, oysters, and she-crab soup. Lowcountry cuisine, characterized by its unique blend of African, French, and Caribbean influences, features prominently, offering dishes like gumbo, fried green tomatoes, and cornbread.
What great hashtags can I use for my Charleston bachelorette party Instagram posts?
For your Charleston bachelorette party Instagram posts, use these great hashtags:
- #ChucktownBach
- #CharlestonBachelorette
- #BacheloretteInCharleston
- #CharBrideSquad
- #CharlestonCharm
- #BachInTheSouth
- #LowcountryLove
- #CharlestonNights
- #BachAndBoujee
Brides and their squads should be sure to tag @modernmoh and @charleston.bachelorette so we can see their amazing experiences!
Ready for the Ultimate Bachelorette Party in Charleston?
We hope that these tips will help you plan the bachelorette party of your dreams. Charleston is a wonderful place for an amazing adventure, and we know you won’t regret your decision to go there. Happy partying, and be sure to reach out to Meredith for help planning an amazing experience!
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