Normally, it is the duty of the maid of honor to prepare and host a special night for the bride-to-be. Okay, so I have experienced my fair share of bachelorette party planning and hosting, having been a maid of honor once or twice. ;)

I have found there are actually some websites and agencies that will help you plan a night out with the girls for a so-called, small service fee. Since I’ve had the pleasure of doing this a couple of times or so, in order to save some money on one of my maid of honor duties, I decided to forgo the assistance of a planner and do it on my own.

Now, I know when people think of a bachelorette party, the first thoughts that come to mind are buff, naked men. Well, not all brides-to-be, including those I hosted parties for necessarily had a desire to include this in their last single night out. Don’t get me wrong. It’s not like my posse of pals haven’t enjoyed a show or two of entertainment put on by said men. I just want to point out that there are alternatives to the traditional bachelorette party.

One of my carefully planned out nights included an all female play. The show was a series of gut-busting sketches geared towards a mostly female audience. We all left in need of stitches. Another bachelorette night included dinner and cocktails (no pun intended) and a female impersonation show followed by a night of club-hopping and dancing. I made sure to cater my ladies nights out according to the guest of honor. It just so happened that the blushing brides-to-be I was catering to were more interested in a night out consisting of strictly females. However, if I did have a friend or family member who I know or I expect wants a traditional night of raw, male entertainment, I’d be happy to oblige.

Below are some other ideas for a bachelorette night or even just getting together for a night of girly gossip:

*Go see a play, stand-up comedy, or improv show.

*Go out and dance like you once used to or always wanted to.

*You gotta eat. Grab dinner with the girls and while you’re there, have a couple of drinks (even if it’s the non-alcoholic versions).

*Schedule a private group dance lesson – strip tease, pole dancing, belly dancing are a few ideas.

*Pick up some hair, make-up and wardrobe tips at a drag show and be entertained at the same time.

*Host a sex toy party where you can pick up some helpful hints and gadgets to enhance your romantic life.

*Get a makeover and/or mani-pedi with the girls. You can even hire a professional to pamper you and all your friends in the comfort of your own home.

*Have an old school sleepover either at someone’s house (tell your husband/boyfriend and kids if applicable to go stay with grandma for the night) or pitch in for a large and luxurious hotel room. Hit the sauna or the whirlpool at the hotel and stay up all night gossiping, laughing and eating pizza.

*Have a psychic reader party just for fun.

*Go wine tasting

*Host a jewelry party or a purse party. Maybe everyone can chip in on a special item for the guest-of-honor.

*If money and time and allows, go on a long-weekend get-a-way with just the girls.

*If all else fails, consult the internet or yellow pages for your nearest male entertainment business or venue.