Welcome to the wedding column. Whether you’re just engaged (congrats!), starting to plan, or just a really great friend, we’ll be bringing you special wedding content from here on out. Just click on the “wedding” tag to see all articles. Have a question for the DSMG team or have a guide recommendation? Let us know.
Written by Rachel Wermager, DSMG Contributor
Happy wedding season friends! If you’re anywhere from your mid-20s to 30s, your planner is probably filled with weddings almost every year at this point. Whether you’re the one getting hitched, or you have the distinct honor of planning the party, we’ve got your guide to throwing an awesome bachelorette weekend right here in Des Moines.
Themes and Games?
Because a good theme means everything. Here are a few theme ideas that are trending this year:
- Dazed and Engaged
- Bach to the 90s
- She Found Her Lover/End of an Era (For all you Swifties)
- Till Death Do Us Part-y
- Last Sail Before the Veil
- Camp Bach
- Love at First Spritz
- The Final Rose
And don’t forget about games! These can be played throughout the party, and even include small prizes.
- Would They Rather—create a fun list of “this or that” and guess based on what you think the bachelorette would rather
- The Groom Said–a little work needs to be done beforehand, but create a list of questions about the bride, ask the groom and record his answers, then as the group and see if they, or the groom, got the answer right
- True or False—it’s as simple as it sounds. Create a list of statements about the bachelorette and guess if they are true or false
Where should we stay?
Urban Vibes
Even if everyone lives in the area, make the weekend feel like a true vacation with a stay at the Surety Hotel. Nothing beats a slumber party with all of your closest friends—and wine. Enjoy breakfast or dinner at the Mulberry Street Tavern and be within walking distance of downtown bars for a night out on the town.
A hub of all things downtown Des Moines weddings, Hotel Fort Des Moines is where history meets the modern world. Enjoy dinner at Proudfoot & Bird, a cocktail at In Confidence and breakfast at Hob Nob. Everything you could ever want, all in one building.
Suburban Vibes
If you want more of the suburb vibe to come home to, try The Revel Hotel. This newly renovated hotel is perfectly situated next to 80/35, which gives easy access to both West Des Moines and Downtown Des Moines.
With an emphasis on style and sophistication, The Rewind is a great spot to stay if you’re in the burbs. Located near Jordan Creek Mall and many other shops and restaurants. They also have spacious suites available for larger parties.
What’s on the itinerary?
The Big Yellow Bike
Pedal your way to top downtown locations like Hessen Haus, Coa Cantina, 300 Craft & Rooftop, El Bait Shop, and Rita’s. This is such a fun and safe way to go on a pub crawl downtown—and get in a workout. Due to Iowa’s open container laws, there’s no drinking while you pedal, so drink up at each pit stop.
Visit a Local Winery
Enjoy an afternoon at a relaxing winery like Jasper or Summerset sampling different wines and snacking on charcuterie. Or, make it into a winery tour and visit multiple spots on the same day for the ultimate Des Moines winery experience. Who needs Napa Valley?
Pole Party
Grab your friends and head on over to Love Life Pole for a unique experience of dance, fun and a pole routine. This female and minority owned and operated studio emphasizes acceptance of all and can be booked any day of the week. You’re sure to step out of the studio feeling stronger and more confident.
Private Dance Party
Time to get your groove on! Book a private dance party for you and your friends at Pulse dance Fitness Studio. You don’t have to be the world’s greatest dancer, just be willing to have fun with your crew and learn a few new dance moves along the way. This is great way to get everyone moving.
Cooking Class
Learn how to make a delicious Italian dish together at Cooking With Alessandra. No prior experience is needed, just a good attitude and an empty stomach. Alessandra will teach you cooking tips and tricks and by the end of your time together, you may have a few empty bottles of wine and full smiles.
Bike and Brewery Ride
We love a boozy bike ride. What’s even better? A boozy bachelorette bike ride. Use our handy biking and beer guide, or make up your own route with all the groups’ favorite spots. Make sure to bring along a speaker and make a great playlist to enjoy between stops.
Rock Climbing at Climb Iowa
If the bride is an active go-getter consider planning an afternoon rock climbing at Climb Iowa in the East Village. This is definitely an outside-the-box and creative idea that is sure to make memories. Stop by Peace Tree after for some beers on the lawn to continue the party.
Go to a Drag Show
The Garden in the East Village offers drag brunches, dinners, and shows every month. Check the schedule and plan for a night of singing, dancing, and a show you won’t forget when you buy tickets to a drag event at The Garden. Not finding what you’re looking for? Check out Serv’d Events, formerly DSM Drag Brunch, for more!
Outdoor Fitness Pop Up
Throughout the summer, Power Life Yoga Studio offers outdoor classes at places like Peace Tree, The Rose Farm, and Coa Cantina. Check their schedule to find events and yoga classes if the bride-to-be would enjoy a good sweat on her special weekend. OR, for all outdoor pop-ups check our weekend guides for the latest all around town.
Rent a Pontoon at Easter Lake or Saylorville Lake
Easter Lake offers a range of water activities, but the best option for a bachelorette party is definitely the pontoon rental. They offer rentals for groups of up to 11 people, but you will need to bring a designated (boat) driver to be the captain for the day. Saylorville easier to get to? You could do the same from the Saylorville Lake Marina as well.
Plant Classes
Plant loving bride? Check out Art Terrarium‘s list of ever-changing, ever-awesome classes and events as a fun, indoor activity for the bachelorette. Their classes range from terrarium building to moss art and more. Drinks are provided. Have an idea for an event in their space that isn’t listed? The AT team is amazing! Reach out to see what’s possible in their space for your dates.
Aura Photos
Photo from Kindred Auras
If you’ve ever wondered about your aura and the energy in your auric field, having it captured on film is a special, unique experience. In a ten-minute session, this special camera will capture your aura on film, and you’ll also leave with a printed reading of your aura, a keepsake folder, and a description of what the different aura colors mean. Kindred Auras is located inside KIN DSM in the East Village! This is a perfect, memorable group activity in case the weather forecast isn’t looking promising.
What are the best spots for photo ops?
Best places for brunch?
- Eatery A
- Tupelo Honey
- Mulberry Street Tavern
- Inside the Surety Hotel if you’re staying there!
- Fresko
What are our favorite special occasion restaurants for a fancy dinner?
It’s wedding season! 💍
Don’t worry. This is NOT the end of our wedding content. Whether you’re celebrating your engagement, finishing the final touches of wedding planning, or just daydreaming, we’ve working on all the content you’d need to help making wedding planning in Des Moines easier. Check out all of our current live wedding articles at the link below.
