A bachelorette around Naperville has a different brief to one in the city. People are driving in, some are bringing kids to grandparents first, and at least two guests do not know anyone else. Whatever you plan has to work for all of them.
Here is what holds up, and how a studio session fits into a bachelorette weekend.
The problem with the standard bachelorette plan
Brunch, then drinks, then a bar. It works for the six friends who already know each other and quietly excludes everyone else. The bride spends the day making introductions instead of enjoying it.
An activity fixes that, because strangers who are doing something together stop being strangers much faster than strangers sitting at a table.
How a bachelorette session works
At Naperville Art Studio the group books spots, everyone chooses her own project, and our team guides the whole table for about 60 minutes. Groups of 4 to 20 fit comfortably, with private buyouts available for bigger parties.
It is $25 a head to book and that comes off whatever each person makes. Nobody is fronting a deposit for the group and chasing Venmos afterwards.
Why it suits a mixed group
Pour painting has no skill gap. The bride’s college roommate and her future mother-in-law get equally good results, because nothing is drawn and nothing is copied.
It is also alcohol-free, which sounds like a limitation and is usually a relief. Nobody has to decide at 2pm whether they are drinking, and the pregnant guest, the driver and the one who does not drink are not sitting it out.
Timing it in the weekend
An hour at the studio works best as the first thing, not the last. The group arrives, everyone talks, and by the time you head to dinner downtown the introductions are done. We are minutes from downtown Naperville, so the rest of the night is easy.
If the bride’s birthday falls in the same week, she paints free. Bring ID.
The keepsake question
Everyone goes home with something they made rather than a sash. Canvases, tumblers, serving boards and resin pieces all work. Out-of-town guests can have theirs shipped home rather than carrying wet art through an airport, which is worth knowing before anyone panics about luggage.
Pieces are finished in about 10 days.
Common questions
How far ahead should we book a bachelorette?
Further than you think. Weekend spots go a week or two ahead normally, and bachelorette weekends are usually planned months out. Book the activity as soon as the date is set.
Can we bring food or drinks?
Light snacks, cake, cupcakes and non-alcoholic drinks are welcome. The studio is alcohol-free.
Does everyone have to make the same thing?
No. Everyone picks her own project and colors on arrival. Matching sets are welcome if you want the photo.
What if some of the group are not creative?
That describes most of our guests. There are no wrong answers in fluid art and our team guides every step.
Can guests from out of town get their art shipped?
Yes, anywhere in the continental US. Tell us at pickup.
Does this work for a bachelorette weekend based outside Naperville?
Yes, and most of our bachelorette groups are. We are a straightforward drive from Aurora, Wheaton, Lisle, Downers Grove, Naperville hotels and downtown Chicago, and guests flying in can have their finished pieces shipped home.
Planning a weekend? See bachelorette parties at the studio, then send the link to the group chat.
Have a question for the studio?
Send us a message and a real person at Naperville Art Studio will get back to you within one business day. Prefer to talk? Call or text 630-441-3951.