13 Non-Basic Ways to Throw an Epic Vegas Bachelorette Party

Melissa Paniagua
Jul 07, 2017

With wedding season right around the corner, bachelorette parties are on the brains of every bride-to-be. And what could be better than a weekend away with your squad in a hoppin’ city that offers tons to do during the day AND night? Don’t let the typical Vegas vacay fool you though — this city has a ton of uber unique offerings beyond the flashy casinos. Check out the full how-to guide for having a non-basic trip below.

1. Stay at a boutique hotel. Scope out a luxe destination like The Cromwell Hotel and you won’t even have to hit the town to feel the party vibes. We promise: You and your squad will have #noregrets about it. (via Ceasars)

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People have always come to Vegas looking for a sign. 📷: @fromheretosunday

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2. Tour the Neon Museum. Filled with signs from old casinos and other local businesses, this gaudy, glitzy museum is a must-visit for a girls’ weekend. You can only see it by taking one of their guided tours, so be sure to book ahead of time.

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My kind of prince charming 😍

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3. Watch a live Magic Mike Show. For all of us who watched the movies and thought, “Why couldn’t I have been that wild lady making WOO-ing noises in front of those hotties?” the IRL show makes dreams come true. Just try not to drool too much.

4. Lounge in style. Sometimes, a girl and her gang just need to float around the pool and relax with some solid tunes and drinks in hand. These Ban.do Beach, Please Jumbo Heart Innertube ($24) will help in the chicest way. (via Bando)

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Candy rock log, day 14: I've run out of water but found signs of life. The candy rocks have welcomed me as one of their own. I am at peace.

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5. Visit the Seven Magic Mountains. About 10 miles outside of Vegas, these bright and colorful rocks are waiting for you and your crew to have a seriously amazing photo shoot.

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Would it be appropriate to put a lock on the "Love Locket" for how much we love #ContainerPark (and this picture)?🤔😍 📸: @kim_ichan #DTLV #DowntownLasVegas #MondayMood #Love

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6. Go to the Downtown Container Park. Made entirely of shipping containers, this unique venue offers boutique shops and food outlets with a major *wow* factor. It’s the perf spot to gather and surprise the soon-to-be Mrs. with a memorable gift.

7. Explore Red Rock Canyon. Hello, hiking paradise. Spend a day working off the booze and getting in touch with your inner adventurers at this breathtaking destination. (via Frugal Mom Eh)

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Happy 4th of July! Consider heading up to the roof top to ride and see the fireworks! --- #4thofjuly #fourthofjuly #july4th #independenceday #fireworks #oneofakindexperience #voodoozipline #itsvegasbaby #LasVegas #RioHotel #500feetup #lasvegasstrip #vegasvacation #ziplining #cityviews #voodoo #vegas2017 #lifeisgood #voodoolounge #vegasparty #vegasbabyvegas #thingstodoinvegas #Vegaslocal #zipline #voodoolounge #vegaskids #thrillride

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8. Get a little high. If the squad is more into adrenaline-inducing opportunities, head over to VooDoo ZipLine, which zooms you from tower to tower at the Rio Hotel from 400 feet in the air. No judgment if you need a drink after this.

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Face-sized donuts make the world a better place" - 🎤📸@neverbeenso #Repost #DonutBar #bestdonutsintheworld #TGIF

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9. Brunch at the Donut Bar. Of course, you have to make time for the most important meal of the weekend: brunch. There’s absolutely zero guilt to be found here — just some extremely satisfied brunch babes savoring decadent donuts.

10. Host a photo challenge. Photo scavenger hunts are a recipe for guaranteed fun. This free Stag and Hen Printable will get the group out and socializing with a healthy dose of competition and plenty of good times.

11. Set sail on the Colorado River. Take an afternoon to get in tune with nature while you and your girls casually sip cocktails and float down this gentle stream. You might even spot some exposed geodes under the awe-inspiring wonder. (via Nevada Magazine)

12. Suit up in sisterhood: If you’re a beach babe that rules in a bathing suit, you do you for your bach. Have all your besties don your signature look in matching T&J Designs Squad One Pieces ($28).

13. Go to Old Town Vegas. Stroll along the world’s most sparkly street for some enlivening vibes. While you’re at it, get the bride to add a lock to the love locket just outside the main entrance for extra good luck on her wedding day. (via Las Vegas News Bureau)

Heading to Vegas for your bachelorette party? Tell us your plans @BritandCo!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

12 Sweet Bridesmaid Gift Ideas That Show Your Appreciation For Your Bridal Party

You've already picked your wedding date and the close friends you want to be by your side on your special day, but there's still one thing you need to do: sort through bridesmaid gift ideas! While you don't have to go all-out with a bridesmaid "proposal" gift basket (though those are super cute), I'm a firm believer in showing people how much you appreciate them (and their time) by sometimes surprising them with a gift or two. Don't know where to start? I've got you're back. Here are 12 sweet bridesmaid gift ideas, from adorable accessories to beloved beauty products, that'll be remembered for a lifetime!

Fujifilm UO Exclusive INSTAX MINI 12 Instant Camera

One really lovely bridesmaid gift you can gift someone is this compact instant camera! It has a built-in selfie mirror, comes with flash control for the perfect exposure, and will totally remind you of all your fave Instagram pics circa 2014. Plus, your friend will get super cute pics in less than 10 seconds!

Skims Hotel Shine Short Sleeve Button Up Sleep Set (Snow)

If your maid of honor can't stop talking about Bridgerton, surprise her with a sleep set that she can comfortably lounge in while binge watching every season. The drawstring shorts have an elastic waist so she'll be able to adjust them as she pleases.

Peas Pink Memory Custom Fluffy Slippers

Who doesn't love fluffy slippers? They'll definitely be appreciated the morning of your wedding as you and your bridesmaids are getting ready, but I'd like to think their wear goes way beyond one day. And when they're personalized, your bridesmaids will know you took great care to get this thoughtful gift for them.

If you want, you can even get yourself a pair so everyone can take cute and coordinated 'getting ready' pics!

Papier Tulip Vase Wellness Journal

Everyone could use a little self-care, especially the bridesmaid who seems to have her hands full with everything from Pilates to being a full-time entrepreneur. She'll find 12-weeks of pages geared towards tracking her goals, habits, and anything she's extremely grateful for.

Olive & Piper Mini Bordeaux Stud Earrings (Gold)

The bride isn't the only one who should get something shiny and sparkly! Surprise your matron of honor — or any of your bridal party — with these gorgeous earrings the morning of your wedding to let her know how much you appreciate her.

They're hypoallergenic and nickel-free, so she doesn't have to worry about having an allergic reaction while wearing them.

Mint & Lily Personalized Tie the Knot Bracelet

Have a bridesmaid who can't get enough of customizing virtually everything she owns? Show her that you've noticed by surprising her with this 'Tie the Knot' bracelet! It's made of waterproof stainless steel, comes with a personalized charm, and has a high rating of 4.7 stars on Mint & Lily!

Benevolence LA Store Plush Velvet Jewelry Box (Emerald Green)

I'm sure we all have that one friend who complains about misplacing her favorite dainty necklaces and earrings. Take the weight off her shoulders by gifting her this plush velvet jewelry box!

Topicals Faded Under Eye Brightening & Clearing Eye Masks

Did one of your bridesmaids enjoy your bachelorette party a little too much and has dark circles the morning of your wedding? Tell her not to panic because you've got a tiny gift for her in the form of Topicals Brightening & Clearing Eye Masks! They're hydrating and plumping so all signs of the night before will disappear after tosses these on!

Yes Way Rosé, Southern France

Bridesmaid gift ideas roundup wouldn't be complete without a little booze — especially when it's a pretty bottle of rosé that's budget-friendly! It tastes like crisp rose with notes of ripe strawberry, citrus, and stone fruit so she'll be sipping on something that feels delicious as well as refreshing.

Gold Belly Arabesque — Box of 42 Macarons

You can never go wrong with a pretty box of gluten-free macarons! Some of the flavors your bridesmaid can enjoy munching on are:

  • Blackcurrant Violet
  • Caramel, Chocolate
  • Coffee, Lemon
  • Marie-Antoinette
  • Orange Blossom
  • Pistachio
  • Raspberry
  • Rose
  • Strawberry Candy
  • Vanilla

Simple Modern Trek 40oz Stainless Steel Lidded Tumbler Powder Coat (Pink)

It's not cliché to carry around a stainless steel tumbler anymore, especially if you have a bridesmaid who's known for slipping into her walking shoes and keeping up with her water intake on a daily basis. This one's a little less pricey than a Stanley, which really helps if you're buying one for every bridesmaid.

BÉIS 'The Medium Check-In Roller Suitcase (Atlas Pink)

If you're having a destination wedding and don't have a huge bridal party, surprise them with their very own BÉIS Atlas Pink carry-on roller suitcases! This expandable suitcase has a welcomed TSA lock, 360 degree wheels, and has the best interior organization I've ever seen.

I'm sure this will be one of the top bridesmaid gift ideas your wedding party will thank you for!

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead image via Etsy

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Hold Up, Did Rebecca Yarros' First 'Onxy Storm' Excerpt Just Tease Violet Sorrengail's True Identity?

Fans of Fourth Wing are on pins and needles because Rebecca Yarros just announced she's finished writing the third book in the Empyrean series! It's us, we're fans — along with over half of BookTok.

We can't believe we're getting closer to reading more about Violet Sorrengail's journey, but we know you have a ton of burning questions about the release date for Book No. 3.

We may not have all the answers, but we've done a little digging to share as much as we can because who doesn't want to know what Rebecca Yarros has been up to?

I'm new to the Empyrean series. Are "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame" really worth reading?

Amazon

I'm not going to lie to you. The editorial team, including myself, are extremely biased about Fourth Wingand Iron Flame. From my perspective, I think these are great books for anyone who had the pleasure of growing up during the great Harry Potter era and moved on to watchingGame of Thrones and House of Dragons.

Did she announce the name of book no. 3?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

YES! Book No. 3 is titled Oynx Storm.

Knowing what we do about the manifestation of Violet's powers, I think this could hint she's going to play an even larger role in the series. According to a fan theory shared on TikTok(via Empyrean Riders), it's believed that Violet and Xaden Riorson are actually gods. Stay with me here.

Empyrean Riders noted that Violet's last name means heavenly and that she's able to control time thanks to her connection to the young dragon Andarna (I love her so much!). That sounds pretty god-like to me.

And when asked which two Taylor Swift songs describe Onyx Storm, Rebecca Yarros chose "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" from The Tortured Poets Department and "So It Goes..." from Reputation. "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" is one of Taylor's most powerful songs and definitely translates the idea that Violet's powers are going to be stronger than ever, while "So It Goes..." is equal parts suspense and seduction, and is TOTALLY about "all the pieces fall right into place" to get together with the right person.

There's so much more to unpack so I suggest grabbing a yummy snack while you fall down the rabbit hole. All I'm sure of is that Onyx Storm is going to leave our emotions in shambles just like Fourth Wing and Iron Flame did.

When did Rebecca Yarros announce she's done writing book no. 3 in the series?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

On June 17, Rebecca Yarros shared this image of her laptop to indicate she'd finished the third book in the Empyrean series.

She wrote, "(Pic from one of the very many locations in which this book was written)," towards the end of the caption before adding a few relevant hashtags to it.

When will Onxy Storm be available for purchase?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

Rebecca Yarros exclusively told Good Morning America that fans can expect the book to hit shelves January 21, 2025! That gives us a little over six months to prepare our emotions for what's sure to be a storm of a book.

She said, "There will be politics, new adventures, old enemies and of course, dragons." There's no way she could forget the dragons because I'd willingly riot over them. They deserve to have their stories told forever.

As luck would have it, Cosmopolitan received an exciting first look at what's to come in Onyx Storm. The excerpt begins with Violet realizing the Venin have found their way into Basgiath War College and are wreaking havoc. Alongside Rhiannon, Sawyer, and Ridoc, she races to stop the Venin from releasing Jack Barlowe from his prison cell.

However, Violet's shocked when she discovered one of the "dark wielders" has a long silver braid that closely resembles her own. Before she can fully react, the woman disappears. According to Screen Rant, there are possible theories about why Violet saw her and what this means for her growing power.

Towards the end of the excerpt, Violet discovers the Venin want to capture her too. Also, Xaden makes his long-awaited appearance and it's clear their playful banter in the face of danger hasn't changed. That he hasn't fully changed into the Venin Violet's used to seeing.

I officially can't wait to read the rest of the book in January!

Has Rebecca Yarros revealed the cover for Onyx Storm?

Today/Bree Archer, Elizabeth Turner Stokes for Entangled Publishing

Onyx Storm

Yes!

TODAY received an exclusive look at the cover for Onyx Storm and it doesn't disappoint! Unlike its predecessors, it appears Rebecca Yarros is hinting that darker events will take place.

Fans of the Empyrean series aren't the only ones who are excited to see what fate has in store for our favorite characters though. In a statement to TODAY, Rebecca revealed how elated she is to be working on the series again. "It's amazing to be back with these characters again. She also said, ""I can't wait for readers to see what Violet, Xaden, and the rest of the quadrant have in store for them in Onyx Storm!"

Are you excited for the release of Onyx Storm? Follow us on Facebook for more entertainment news!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

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Where To Shop For Formalwear If You Miss The J.Crew Wedding Line

If you were in the bridal scene in the 2010s, chances are you remember J.Crew's bridal collection. The classic American brand traded boat shoes for ballgowns from 2004 until 2016, opening their first bridal boutique along NYC's Madison Avenue in 2010. Tragically, the once go-to shop for ready-to-wear bridal and bridesmaid gear was sunsetted as J.Crew went back to their traditional roots, leaving a gaping hole in the market.

Don't worry, though. J.Crew weddings may be a thing of the past, but we've got plenty of new brands with their own collections of stylish, classic wedding apparel — whether you're a bride, bridesmaid or guest.

J.Crew

J.Crew

Luckily, you can still find plenty of formal clothing, accessories and shoes from J.Crew's latest list of options for wedding season. There may not be much for brides, but guests can have a field day with this curated selection of stunning pieces.

BHLDN

BHLDN

Anthropologie's bridal brand, BHLDN, has a great selection of wedding-ready gear. Brides can shop from countless gowns for themselves or their bridesmaids, and find fabulous accessories to match.

Lovely Bride

lovelybride.wpenginepowered.com

Shop from a collection of gorgeous, unique gowns guaranteed to make your guests shed a tear of joy. While this is strictly for brides, Lovely Bride also has a brand of bridesmaid and wedding guest dresses.

Birdy Grey

www.birdygrey.com

Deck your bridesmaids out in the chicest dresses yet with Birdy Grey. With tons of silhouettes, every person in your party is sure to find something they'll love.​

Revolve

is4.revolveassets.com

Choose from any one of Revolve's jaw-dropping dresses and you'll be the talk of the wedding (well, besides the bride and groom of course). With so many colors, styles and prices, you're bound to find something amazing.

Which brand has you swooning? Let us know in the comments!

Plan the wedding of your dreams with Brit + Co.

Header image courtesy of Jakob Owens / Unsplash.

Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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WHICH Movie Had Kate Winslet "Sh—ing" Herself?!

Kate Winslet is THE Hollywood actress to me. Not only has she starred in box office smashes like Titanic and Avatar: Way of Water, but she's proven her acting chops in breakout indie flicks and provided mothers and daughters everywhere with eternal Christmas movie nights thanks to The Holiday. But the actress' consistently viral kindness, her dedication to embracing her natural beauty, and her sophistication don't mean she always feels confident. Kate Winslet just spilled on the one movie from her career that had her "sh—ing" herself, and I just had to dive in.

Here's what Kate Winslet had to say about her scariest movie experience ever.

  • Kate Winslet made a name for herself with Titanic, Sense & Sensibility, and The Holiday.
  • However those movies aren't the film she wants fans to ask about!
  • The actress spills on the movies she's proud of, and the one job that had her "sh—ing myself."

Talking to Vanity Fair for her newest film Lee, Kate Winslet revealed one project she wishes fans asked about more is Iris. The 2001 film stars Kate as a young Iris Murdoch against Judi Dench's older counterpart. And for Kate, nothing was more terrifying than working with such a wonderful actress.

"People don’t really ask me about Iris. It’s such a delicate film," she says. "It was the first thing I had done after having my daughter. Going to work with a baby, I’m playing Iris Murdoch, looking to Judi Dench’s older Iris Murdoch — I was sh—ting myself."

Considering how nervous I get when I meet my heroes, I can only imagine what it was like to meet Dame Judi Dench. Talk about a dream! Another film Kate loves is Revolutionary Road, and not just because she got to reunite with Leonardo DiCaprio.

"The thing that people say is, 'You got to work with Leo again.' Then they go off on the whole Leo tangent, which I totally understand," she says of the film, which follows an ambitious couple who find themselves trapped in the reality of 1950s suburbia. "But Revolutionary Road — f—king hell, it just knocked us all sideways. Unbelievably difficult material. I was very proud of that film and what Leo and I were able to create as Frank and April. It was so brutal."

The process for getting Lee into the world sounds equally brutal, considering Kate started working on it over a decade ago. As producer, Kate tells Vanity Fair she doesn't mind the fact she's done more for the film than if she only had an acting credit. "That has felt very necessary for this film. But it’s also just really important to me," she says. "It’s important to me that people know that it’s out there and might feel compelled to go and see it."

Because it turns out, commercial success or stardom on its own doesn't actually help your movie get made! "It doesn’t matter who you are," she says. "No one’s going to go, 'Oh, I’ll just back that pony because she was in Titanic.' It doesn’t happen that way, and I never expected that. That’s really important to say."

"I've gotten older and I’ve learned more and felt more confident in myself about whether or not I could actually do it," she adds. "It’s not something I would’ve done had I not felt so passionately about the subject, and Lee was just—she wouldn’t let me go."

Let us know your favorite Kate Winslet movies in the comments, and since we've officially entered cozy season, check out Why The Holiday Movie Ending Is The Most Important Scene while you're at it!

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Here's A New Look At Florence Pugh's Return As Yelena Belova

Marvel movies are known for their heroes and their hopeful outlook on the world. But in 2025, we're getting a brand new team: the Thunderbolts. This team is made up of antiheroes and former villains, and it's sure to be the wackiest and strangest, as well as one of the most memorable, superhero movies we've seen in recent years.

Keep reading for the latest news on Thunderbolts* before it hits theaters in 2025.

Marvel Studios/YouTube

Thunderbolts* comes out this May, and the cast just showed off some brand new footage at the D23 convention — and thanks to the new 'Celebrating 85 Years' spot, we have the first look too!

We get a look at Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, John Walker, and Ghost. Plus, Yelena Belova, of course. This heartbreaking detail about Yelena's new look connects Florence Pugh's Yelena to Scarlett Johansson's Natashaand I'm WEEPING.

Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Studios

And at D23 Brazil, we got a brand new look at my new favorite team. "There’s something in this film, in terms of superpowers and superheroes, that shows that our superpowers lie in how ‘broken’ we are," David Harbour said at the event. "As if our superpowers came from our relationships.”

What is the plot of Thunderbolts?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Plot

Consider Thunderbolts* to be The Avengers' edgy younger sibling. The movie follows Yelena Belova (who we know off the bat is a "depressed assassin" thanks to a Marvel Studios press release). She's joined by Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, and John Walker. Based on a leak, it looks like we'll see this group of misfits team up against Valentina Allegra de Fontaine after she sends them on a deadly mission.

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Jesse Grant/Disney

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Thunderbolts* hits theaters May 2, 2025.

Who's on the Thunderbolts team?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Cast

Thunderbolts* stars Florence Pugh, Geraldine Viswanathan, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour.

This is a huge cast, and Viswanathan just revealed how crazy the first day of filming was. “My first day didn’t feel real," she tells Vanity Fair. "I felt this extra pressure of, ‘Know your lines, babe. You can’t really play around like you usually do.’"

Historically, sci-fi fans haven't been kind to actresses in their favorite projects (remember when Star Wars fans bullied Kelly Marie Tran off social media?). But Viswanathan is already thinking ahead. “If it’s overwhelming, I’ll log off. But I like discourse around pop culture,” she says. “[Thunderbolts*] felt a little bit edgier and fresher, more existential and dark.”

Jesse Grant/Disney

The rest of the cast also enjoyed working together. “Everyone is going to f—kin’ love me! It’s really, really, really fun to be with a group of actors that you have a good time with," Wyatt Russell says at Comic Con (via Variety), while David Harbour adds, “Florence Pugh [is] just electric to work with. There’s warmth and humor, but there’s also a lot of pathos.”

“This is why we can't stop laughing together, because we genuinely just had such a wonderful time with each other and we've loved working with one another," Pugh tells People. “I feel like this is something that we've never seen before from Marvel...it's a very open and honest and truthful idea. And I'm just really excited for people to watch it.”

Are you excited for this brand new chapter in the MCU? I really feel like Thunderbolts* will usher in a whole new generation of fans and I, for one, CANNOT WAIT! Let us know your thoughts on Facebook.

Lead images via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

This post has been updated.

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