Matron of Honor, Nikki, and Bride, Julie, dressed for a night on the town.
The Bachelorette Party. The magical, mystical event that men don’t understand, women fear, and club owners love. Groups of (hopefully) grown women prowling around seeking a bald man to kiss on the head, some poor fool who is wearing socks and must sacrifice one to the gods of marriage, or the shot girl, because what bachelorette party has ever had enough to drink?
I experienced my first New Orleans-style bachelorette party last weekend, and I must say, my dread for the event has all but disappeared in light of my new surroundings.
My friend Julie came in town to celebrate the upcoming nuptials to her beloved Justin. Once I joined the party, because I live in this fine city of New Orleans, I was instructed to lead the way.
So here is my formula for a New Orleans-style, walkable bachelorette party.
Chalkboard Menu at Coop's Place
1. Start in the mid-afternoon. Stroll through the French Quarter with a gaggle of girls stopping to shop along the way. I recommend Hemline on Chartres, a favorite of mine I didn’t even have to miss when I moved here from Kansas City. Hemline is only in a few cities, and New Orleans is one of them. Pause in Jackson Square to take it all in. Walk slowly, stay hydrated.
2. Eat a late afternoon meal at Coop’s Place in the French Quarter on Decatur. Coop’s has late night fare too– my first time here was Mardi Gras night for a much needed meal. The food here is great. Get the duck quesadilla or a hamburger with sweet potato fries. The taste plate is a no-brainer too. Eat a lot. Fill up. You have a long night ahead of you.
3. Repeat Step 1 post-meal.
New Orleans Sunset from the 14th Floor of the Ritz Carlton on Canal Street. This was the backdrop for the bachelorette party activities in the hotel.
4. Take a nap. Let me specify. Take a nap at a lovely New Orleans hotel, the Ritz Carlton. Get up in time to have coffee and watch the sun set over the city from the 14th floor.
5. Get dressed. And I mean get dressed up. Like costume, beads, masks, wigs, outfits you’d never wear in any other city. Be whoever you want to be, and embrace it. (Side note, the bride spotted a group of bridesmaids all dressed in black bodysuits with purple tutus.)
6. Walk down Bourbon Street. Take it all in. Be simultaneously grossed out and amazed. Talk to strangers.
Big Al Carson at Funky Pirate -- image from georgeweberthenewsguy.blogspot.com
7. Listen to blues master Big Al Carson at the Funky Pirate on Bourbon Street. Dance without shame. Meet people from all parts of the country who love coming to visit New Orleans (and if you’re me, gloat that you live here).
8. Get pizza on the way back to the hotel at any of the corner spots on Bourbon. Talk to more strangers.
9. Return to the Ritz and be surprised that several hours have passed. Sit in the courtyard and girl-talk until 4 a.m. to wind down from the day’s adventures.
Bachelorette Party success is easy in this town. So bring your gaggle of girls and come celebrate New Orleans-style!
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