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15 Conservative Ideas for Bachelorette Parties

While the strip club or having strippers at your party has become synonymous with having a bachelorette party, there are numerous fun things to do besides that. As fun as the more ‘red light’ bachelorette party may be, understand that not everyone likes that kind of party; plus, having strippers at your bachelorette party can be pretty expensive.

Whether you are a bride-to-be or a maid of honour brainstorming ideas for bachelorette parties reading this, here are a few ideas for a kick-ass bachelorette party ideas that will help you celebrate the upcoming nuptials with friends – and none of these plans includes strippers!

15 More Conservative Ideas for Bachelorette Parties

  • Plan a Staycation

With the stress of wedding planning and all, having a relaxing weekend with your best girls is the way to go. It can be a yummy takeout, watching chick flicks, and a board game night. This is an adult slumber party. Have sweets, snacks, nail polish, and a manicurist at your party.
This is a relaxing, low-cost party idea that is sure to provide a lot of laughs and bonding time.

  • Have a weekend getaway

Don’t want a staycation? Don’t want a single day to spend with your girls? How about a weekend gateway. If you would like to do the opposite of the first idea, you can decide to plan a road trip with friends to the beach or the mountains.

If you decide to go with this idea, it is essential to consider your friends’ budgets and schedules. You can go for an inexpensive cabin and plan to cook and drink at home as much as possible.

While not all your friends may not be able to go on this trip, enjoy your time with the friends that will be there.

  • Have a Bachelorette Photo Shoot

Hire your wedding photographer to take pictures of you and your girlfriends during your bachelorette party weekend. This can be very fun and a beautiful way of creating memories

Bridesmaids laughing it up

  • Pre-Wedding Feast

Don’t just think of pumping you and your friends with champagne and vodka; you can gorge on absolutely tasty meals as well. Book with a restaurant that offers degustation menus, and depending on your appetite, you can get to sample four to nine dishes in one sitting.

Food platter on display

  • Sip and Paint

You can decide to plan a night where you can drink wine, eat appetizers, and paint. This plan will relax you and allow you to have fun while talking with your friends.

  • Go Shopping and brunching

You can go shopping – even on a budget that doesn’t accommodate Chanel stores. You can visit antique stores with your girls and look for gift items for each other or the bride, and you would be surprised at how much fun you would have while shopping.

You could also have your friends pick up some outfits for you to wear on your honeymoon.
But before you start shopping, you could start the day with brunch and then after shopping have lunch.

Bridal affects together

  • Take a Class

Taking a new but fun class is the perfect party plan. You could decide to learn a new skill with your girls. From testing your artistic abilities to learning how to cook, pick a fun subject that will allow you and your girls to bond while having fun.

  • Get Spa Treatments

Take the day off to pamper yourselves. Go to the Spa, get that relaxing 60 mins massage and feel the stress of the past few weeks disappear. Don’t forget to relish every minute of it.

  • Book A Luxury Hotel

Luxury accommodations, tasty, beautiful food, wine pairing courses, and physical group activities can happen when you book a luxury hotel.

  • Attend a Dance Class with Your Girls

This idea will be particularly appealing to the fitness-loving bride. You can plan a physical activity such as yoga, a barre or spin class, or a dance class for the group.

After this, you can decide to get a little pampering or spa treatment.

Bride dancing on the dancefloor

  • A Boat/Yacht cruise

If you decide to have your bachelorette party by the ocean, or a lake, having a yacht party or a boat cruise around the waters with a dance floor and open bar is a great idea.
You get to enjoy the incredible city views and the evening breeze in your hair and dance with your friends.

Sitting on the yacht together

  • Yoga & Meditation Retreat

This idea is a must-do for those who want to unwind and stretch on the mat. Go on a yoga retreat with your girls for ultimate zen and pre-wedding bliss. Take all the time you’ll need to combat wedding stress and find your inner peace.

A fantastic side of this plan is that most yoga retreats come complete with meditation classes, nature hikes, and healthy, organic foods. I mean, what better way to prep for your big day!?

  • Go to Disneyland!

This might sound crazy but think about it. Who wouldn’t want to have their bachelorette party in Disneyland?! I’m talking good food, junk, fireworks and lots of fun – who wouldn’t want that? Might be expensive though from Australia – but there are cheaper options closer to home like on the Gold Coast.

  • Attend a Stand Up Comedy Night

You with your girls, laughing and having fun all night – that sounds like a great night.
You can even let the club know you are a bachelorette party, and this will most likely get you the attention of the comedian,

  • Rent a House Boat

If you’re outdoorsy, consider renting a houseboat and having both the bachelor and bachelorette parties together.
From this idea, you get a week, or weekend of fun, laughter and swimming with your friends, and everyone meets each other before the wedding day.

A houseboat holiday may seem expensive but when you get 8-10 people together on a boat is fast becomes quite affordable, and it’s super intimate ebing the only people around for miles!

House Boat Holiday

Here are a couple of ideas for bachelorette parties and you can now begin planning. While you may decide to plan your bachelorette party, I recommend delegating the party planning to someone you trust, say- your maid of honour.

Leaving the planning to another person gives you free tme to rest, enjoy all the fun, laugh with old friends, and soak up all the amazing memories you are sure to make.

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Al-Ru Wedding – Emma & Nickolai

Emma and Nickolai certainly chose the perfect time of year to hold their Al-Ru wedding – just at the end of Autumn so that they had all the amazing colours that such a stunningly curated garden like Al-Ru Farm can provide!

I would have expected nothing less from Nickolai – landscape extraordinaire – who was sure to give me a thorough botanic lesson on some of the trees we were using as backdrops during their photo shoot!

Emma and Nickolai’s day was beaiutifully laid back, and family-oriented which made for a lovely atmosphere and an over-all amazing day!

Preparation

Nickolai was being prepared nearby in a friend’s house in Gawler. The homebrew beers and some exceptional liquor was handy and paired nicely with the Dominos pizza they had sourced for lunch.

While Nickolai was being prepared alongside a number of friends, both Nickolai and Emma did not have any bridal party, and instead just wanted to be prepared along side friends and family without having to burden anyone with the rigour of official bridal party business.

One rather neat addition to the whole preparation was Nickolai’s gift to his father in the way of a tie adorned with sunflowers – which represented their Ukranian heritage and I thought was rather touching. I was half expecting some other Ukranian customs to be held later too!

Brown Groom shoes
Wedding bands on brown table top
Groom and doggo
Helping with groom’s tie
Guys helping out getting groom dressed
Groom looking in bathroom mirror
Smiling groom with Dad
dad helping groom with tie
Groom holding dog inbetween cacti
Groom with friends
Groom and Dad

Emma and her friends were being prepared at the cutre little cottage on site at Al-Ru Farm. This cottage, I feel is the best spot to be prepared for a wedding in all of Adelaide due to it’s cute aesthetic and huge sweeping windows that suit as a backdrop to almost anything wedding related!

The atmosphere here was fun and laid back, with the proceedings punctuated by a touching first look by Emma’s Dad who came in and made everyone tear up as he spun around and saw his daugher all dressed up as a bride for the first time 🙂

Wedding dress hanging at Al-Ru Wedding
Ring perched in red flower
Wedding shoes boots
Al-Ru Wedding wedding dress
Guests having fun holding one another
Bridal makeup through window
Ladybug jewellery
Flower girls hugging
Bride firends reacting
Bridal hugs
Bride talking to flower girls
Dad’s first look at Al-Ru Wedding
Daddy daughter hug
Bride smiling as she places Dad’s flower
Al-Ru Wedding bride
Al-Ru Wedding bride looking out window
Bride friends surprise

Al-Ru Wedding Ceremony

Emma and Nickolai’s Al-Ru Wedding ceremony took place at the foot of the pond and roman columns set amongst the greenery of the gardens. This meant that Emma approached her ceremony from behind Nickolai and did not walk through her waiting guests to beghin their ceremony.

An Auslan interpreter was on site all day for those who needed it, while the ceremony itself was lovely and simple with some heartfelt vows and readings throughout.

After the cermeony, we staged a bit of a bride and groom exit up on the homestead’s main lawn where the guests lined a corridor to throw petals over the newly wedded couple.

Groom standing out front of guests
Bride approaching through columns
Bride and father approaching groom
Standing together at the top of the steps
Al-Ru Wedding Ceremony
Bride smiling during ceremony at Al-Ru Farm
Groom looking at his bride during ceremony through leaves
Guests watching Al-Ru Wedding ceremony
Guest speaker during ceremony
bride and groom listening to speaker
Bride vows
Bride vows during cermeony
Bride laughing during Al-Ru Wedding
First kiss at Al-Ru Wedding
Bride and groom walking through guests after wedding

Glamour Photos

Oh boy did I have fun taking Emma and Nickolai’s photos! I mean they certainly made it simple for me by choosing an incredible time of year, they are both gorgeous looking people and the surronds you get to work with at an Al-Ru wedding is simply divine. The only thing that was a little dissapointing was the lack of any significant sunset due to cloud coverage, but it was still really pretty!

A big reason why Emma and Nickolai had me as their wedding phtographer was my tendancy to love taking photos with a bit of a landscape feel – bringing the entirety of the scenery into my photos rather than only focusing on them as portraits. There’s few better places to do this than at an Al-Ru Wedding!

We also made sure to use the famed Al-Ru greenhouse at night for a bit of night time photography, and walked around a bit int he dark with some smoke 🙂

Pink Flower girls
Groom having fun on lawn
Bride and groom together during lawn reception
Guests playing lawn games
Bride and groom kiss under tree
Al-Ru wedding photo
Al-Ru farm wedding photo
Bride and groom backlit by sun under tree
Bride and groom walking on lawn in front of cottage
Bride and groom headbutt in ivy
Wedding photo on Al-Ru Farm driveway
Wedding photo on Al-Ru Farm driveway above
Bride and groom at Al Ru Farm wedding
Bride and groom walking under red trees
Bride and groom embracing under red trees
Bride and groom walking in long grass at Al-Ru Farm wedding
Bride flying veil under bush
Bride and groom kiss under autumnal colours
Bride and groom in the Al Ru Wedding reception area
Bride and groom under the moon and dying sunlight
Bride and groom with sheep
Al-Ru wedding photo in front of greenhouse
Bride and groom under stars at Al-Ru Wedding
Bride and groom in front of Al-Ru arms greenhouse
Bride and groom in the rain in front of greenhouse
Bride and groom in the Al-Ru Farm pillars at night
bride and groom at night in the gardens of Al-Ru Farm

Al-Ru Wedding Reception

Emma and Nickolai’s Al-Ru Wedding reception was punctuated by heartfelt speeches through Auslan and interpreters and highlighted by the personal touches they, and their friends had added to their most amazing day – including one of the most interesting wedding cakes I have seen!

The rest of their night was full of singing, dancing and just having a great time. The whole day was awesome to be a part of and I hope Emma and Nickolai enjoy their photos as much as I enjoyed creating them!

Eclectic wedding cake
Bride and groom kiss under raised flutes
Clapping bride
Speech giving parents
Sign language speech
Little boy standing on dnacefloor
Groom giving speech
Bride lauighing during her speech
Bride and groom kiss after speech
Dancing guest jumping
Groom dancing with guests
bride dancing with guests
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Common Wedding Cake trends of 2021-2022

It’s always a bit of fun to look back at some of the wedding trends that take place over the past 30-odd weddings I’ve covered as a wedding photographer – in this case lets have a look at some of the wedding cake trends from 2021 – 2022 I’ve had the privilege of photographing!

A wedding cake is traditionally made to bring good luck to guests and the couple, and in modern weddings it serves as a centre piece of interest at a reception party. As such a wedding cake is a towering tribute to the personality of the couple being married.

3 tiered cakes

As far as wedding cake trends go, it seems to me that the 3 tiered cakes are the way to go over the last couple of years. What does surprise me however is that lack of what was known as the ‘nude’ cake were fondant or icing was used sparingly allowing for the texture of the cake inside to show through to the surface. There werw a few weddings which had this, but not realy as many as there had been in the past.

What was common with these cakes – actuall all cakes in the last few years – is the ample use of floral decorations, creeping up the tiers of the cake, often culminating on top, combining with the cake topper. The use of colour was also quite obvious – with white being the usual traditional choice, accented by pops of colour from eith the colour of the fondant/icing or the flowers themselves.

3 tier white wedding cake on barrel
3 tiered wedding cake
3 tiered white wedding cake
Wedding cake under circle
Wedding cake on display
Wedding cake in front of head table
Wedding cake
Wedding cake on display
Wedding Cheese wheel cake
Wedding cake on barrel
Colourful wedding cake
Wedding cake on display at Ivybrook Farm
Cluedo themed wedding cake

2 tiered cakes

Carrying on with the theme of a heavy use of floral arrangements, the 2 tiered cakes I shot all seemed to use flowers to add a bit of colour to the cake with only a few opting to use the fondant or icing as the colour – but those that did really made a splash!

Wedding cake topped with pink flowers
Wedding cake lined with candles
Wedding cake on display during lunch reception
Wedding cake on display
Flowery wedding cake
White Wedding cake
Green wedding cake
Wedding cake on display in circle
Wedding cake on display 2
Wedding cake at brighton and seacliff yacht club wedding

Single tiered cakes

Many of these single tiered cakes I came across were actually made by either the bride and groom themselves, or a member of their guests – that isn’t to say that they all were but it just seemed to be that way. I actually think it’s a lovely way to involve someone who wouldnt otherwise be this intimately involved with your wedding.

Square wedding cake
mr and mrs wedding cake
Green wedding cake
Wedding cake set up at Krystal Function centre
Wedding cake on barrel
The Robinsons Wedding cake
Wedding Cake on display with Certificate
Wedding cake in front of brick wall
Wedding cake on display at the Manor Basket Range Wedding Reception

Cup Cake Cakes

Instead of going through the fhassle of having to cut up your wedding cake – everyone gets a cupcake! This sort of wedding cake is often topped by a small cake, perfectly suited for just the bride and groom, or their bridal party to share – or even keep in the freezer as a wedding momento. I know I still have a bit of my wedding cake in the freezer 6 years on!

This is another of those wedding cake trends I have mentioned that has seems to lose favour in the last few years – at least at the weddings I have photographed. I know it’s still quite popular though as it tends to be cheaper and easier to personalise, or even produce without the need of a wedding cake designer..

Cupcake wedding cake
bride and groom cutting their wedding cake
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Debunked: 7 Wedding Photography Myths

In the digital age, it’s easy to assume that everything has been done before and there’s nothing new under the sun, but wedding photography myths suggest otherwise. Many of these old-school beliefs simply aren’t true anymore, but brides still believe them, which can result in an awkward and disappointing experience if you subscribe to those wedding photography myths yourself.

Let’s discuss some common wedding photography myths and why they’re no longer valid in today’s society.

Debunked: 7 Wedding Photography Myths

1) All You Need Is a Good Camera

The number one myth is having a good camera will take great pictures. You see it all the time on wedding forums and Facebook groups. “I just bought a new camera; what lens should I buy?” There are so many things wrong with that question. For starters, buying a new camera does not make you a photographer. Just because you own a drill doesn’t mean you can build a house.

So, if you’re getting into wedding photography without any previous experience, then you better have some serious natural talent and know how to use your camera inside and out. But even if you are an experienced photographer shooting with the most expensive gear, it still doesn’t guarantee you will get amazing images on someone else’s special day. A good camera is important, but it doesn’t make amazing images. Great images come from experience and skill!

In essence, it’s prudent that you hire a professional who has years of experience photographing weddings. It takes years to gain expertise in anything, especially when it comes to capturing unique moments at people’s most precious life events.

The SvenStudios satellite wedding photography camera

2) All Wedding Photographers Are the Same Quality

Perhaps the most widely believed myth about hiring a wedding photographer is that it doesn’t matter who you hire because all of them are the same. While there may be some truth to this when comparing different photographers at the same price point, there is a big difference between an amateur and a professional photographer. Wedding photos are one of the few things that you can take away from your special day and cherish for years to come. If you want great images in the future, then hire a professional. This will require spending more money than what your cousin down the street charges, but in the end, you will be much happier with your decision.

Drawing off decades of experience, a professional photographer knows how to work under pressure, keep calm during unexpected events (like rain on your wedding day), deliver exactly what he or she promises, and handle stressful situations without becoming flustered. These are just some of the many reasons why choosing a skilled wedding photographer over a relative bargain shopper can make or break how happy you will be with your pictures. Not every person makes a good photographer!

Bride and groom standing in amongst the sunlight

3) All Expensive Photographers Are Good

There is a wide range of prices out there for wedding photographers. Some photographers charge several hundred dollars for their services, while others can charge thousands upon thousands of dollars for their expertise. Just because someone charges more than another person does not make them better or worse automatically.

The best way to find out if someone is a good photographer is through their portfolio or by asking around to friends who have used them before. It’s just like buying a car; you can pay $20,000 for one car or $50,000 for another car that has the same features and options. The only difference between cars is the brand name and how it looks on the outside. Make sure you do your research before hiring someone for your big day!

A lot of the time an expensive photographer are only expensive as they have a constant inflow of clients and therefore can justify higher prices – this can mean they are extremely talented – or simply really good at marketing, it’s up to you to decide which it is.

bride and groom in Mclaren Vale Ekhidna Wines Wedding vineyard

4) Mishaps Can Be Fixed in Photoshop

Though true, there’s a limit. Many people think that if a photographer makes a mistake, they can fix it later in Photoshop. While this is true to some extent, it’s still better to get it right the first time and avoid any mistakes. If a photograph is out of focus, the photographer will have to recreate the entire image, and this can take hours upon hours. Rather than getting an amateur or even an inexperienced photographer, make sure you do your research and find someone who is experienced and knows exactly what they’re doing.

Groom leading his bride on a walk

5) Professional Wedding Photography Is Too Expensive

When you’re planning a wedding, you need to be able to stick to your budget. And if you’re like most couples, you want the best wedding photography you can afford. But perhaps you think that hiring a professional photographer is too expensive. Don’t fall into this trap! In reality, the average cost of a wedding photographer in Australia is around $2-4,000. This may seem steep at first glance but consider how many hours of hard work go into capturing your special day on camera and editing the images to perfection.

High-quality wedding photography isn’t just a luxury; it’s an investment in preserving your memories for years (and even generations) to come. Plus, these days, there are many ways that you can save money on professional wedding photography. For example, many photographers offer customizable packages so that you can choose what services will best fit your needs and budget.

If you still think that hiring a professional photographer is too expensive for your budget, think again! Professional wedding photography isn’t as costly as most people believe and still provides plenty of benefits. When compared to other costs involved in planning a wedding, such as catering or floral arrangements, it’s more than worth its weight in gold. This is one of those wedding photography myths that really needs to die!

bride and grrom under Bremer Farm arbour at night
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How to Plan the Perfect Surprise Engagement

For many couples, the idea of planning and executing a surprise engagement may seem overwhelming, but it’s actually easier than you might think! In fact, if you follow these simple steps when planning your engagement, then your photographer can capture all the happy tears, hugs, and kisses without having to worry about how to pull off the surprise!

So, read on for some helpful tips on how to plan the perfect surprise engagement, and then get out there and start planning! From finding the perfect spot to pulling off the surprise, this guide should help you create the romantic and memorable experience you will cherish for years to come!

Why Surprise Engagement Photography Matters

Planning a surprise engagement is one of the most memorable milestones in a couple’s journey. The emotions are raw, genuine and unrepeatable, making it the perfect moment to capture through professional photography. At SvenStudios, we understand that these first reactions are priceless. The joy, the tears and the overwhelming excitement all deserve to be preserved beautifully.

Surprise engagement photography allows couples to relive the very moment their new chapter began. Unlike staged portraits, these images carry the spontaneity and authenticity that make them timeless. With our discreet yet attentive approach, we ensure the surprise element remains intact while still delivering high-quality photographs.

Every couple deserves to look back and feel the rush of emotions from that day. By choosing experienced engagement photographers who value both big gestures and subtle details, you can trust that the story of your proposal will be told in its most genuine form: a keepsake to cherish for a lifetime.

What to Wear for Your Surprise Engagement Photoshoot?

Choosing the right outfit can make a huge difference in how your surprise engagement photography turns out. Since the moment itself is spontaneous, the clothing should feel comfortable yet stylish, reflecting your personality as a couple. Coordinating colours without being too “matchy” works beautifully, as it brings harmony to the images while still keeping each person’s style intact.

For a surprise engagement, it’s better to avoid loud prints or overly bright tones that may distract from the emotions of the moment. Instead, opt for soft neutrals, pastels, or classic solid shades that complement the setting. Accessories can add a personal touch, but they should not overshadow the genuine reactions being captured.

Ultimately, the goal is to let your emotions shine. Wearing something you feel confident in ensures that when the big moment happens, your joy and surprise take centre stage, with your outfits simply enhancing the memory rather than overpowering it.

Tips For How to Plan the Perfect Surprise Engagement Photography

Learn how to plan the perfect surprise engagement photography so you can capture every emotional moment beautifully.

1) Choose The Location

Your journey towards a surprise engagement will start at your perfect location. Whether you’re deciding on an indoor or outdoor setting, you want to pick somewhere that has sentimental value as well as some privacy. Whether it’s visiting one of your favorite restaurants or going on a hiking adventure, you’ll want to choose something that is special to both of you and where you can go early before your photographer arrives. That way, your engagement day goes by like any other day; no one will suspect what is in store for them! Moreover, if you do opt for an indoor location, such as a restaurant, then make sure to arrive early enough so that you have plenty of time alone.

This extra planning ahead makes all the difference when trying to pull off a surprise wedding proposal! Overall, if you want your photographer to capture those precious tears and smiles in photos instead of missed opportunities on video, then always plan ahead and schedule plenty of time alone together with low lighting during their engagement session.

Belair National Park engagement photo

2) Choose The Time of Day

Timing is everything, and when planning for your surprise engagement, you want to choose an early time in order to avoid crowds. For example, if you choose a restaurant for your location, then ask about lunch or breakfast reservations. If you go on an outdoor adventure, then you’ll want to check sunrise and sunset times first. By doing your research ahead of time and making sure that no one else will be at your special location during these prime times, you’ll be able to achieve complete privacy during your photoshoot!

Plus, don’t forget to always plan plenty of extra time just in case things take longer than expected or any issues arise. That way, if there are any delays getting back home after your shoot, you won’t need to rush it and miss any opportunities along the way. When all is said and done, though, be realistic with how much time you actually have; rushing through certain aspects of your process could lead to interruptions or incomplete details – both of which could ruin what should be a perfect surprise!

Sunset proposal

3) Choose Who Will Be There

Choosing who you invite will be an important step towards your surprise engagement. While it’s usually best to keep it small, there may be times when you want extra witnesses around for your big moment. For example, if you’re planning on surprising your partner at a restaurant, then consider inviting one of his/her closest friends or family members for support.

On the other hand, if you want to keep it even more private and intimate, then plan ahead with only your photographer and perhaps one or two people who know about your plans. When planning for your perfect location, make sure not to inform anyone else about any details of your big day; otherwise, there is a chance that someone could accidentally spoil it before you are ready!

One Tree Hill Engagement shoot

4) Get A Professional Photographer

Hiring an experienced and professional photographer is one of the most important steps when planning for your surprise engagement. By hiring someone who knows what they’re doing, you can rest assured knowing that all of your precious memories will be captured perfectly. If you’re not sure where to find a qualified wedding photographer, then SvenStudios is your best bet! Our team prides itself on providing exceptional photojournalism at some of Australia’s best photo studios!

Moreover, we offer packages specifically designed for couples wanting beautiful engagements photos taken in unique locations around Australia; if you need any further information about these options or would like us to capture your perfect proposal, please reach out today!

Smoke backdrop for couple

Wrapping Up

It’s not hard to see why planning an engagement is so fun, but it can also be a lot of work! Remember to plan ahead as much as possible getting your photographer involved early on is one of your best tools for success when you plan the perfect surprise engagement. And remember that once you’ve set everything up with them, then it’s time to concentrate on having fun and making sure that you surprise your partner properly.