Why I'm Ditching a Bachelorette Party and Going to Paris Instead (And What I'm Packing)
Living far away from all of my family and the majority of my friends has added some serious challenges to the wedding planning process. No one is ever available for calls, I can never bring checks or paperwork in person, and pretty much every decision I've made has been through the lens of a Facetime call. Through it all though, I've managed to stay relatively calm for one main reason: I'm making choices that make the most sense for my current situation. The biggest of these choices is skipping out entirely on a bridal party.
In the past when I'd envisioned my wedding, I could think of a million (not literally, ha) people to include on the altar with me for my big day. But as the planning process took over my life (and grad school, and moving, and traveling, and more [gah]), it just didn't make sense to do because I couldn't give it the effort it and my friends truly deserved. Instead, I called up my best friend from college, asked her to be my Maid of Honor, and called it a day. She's there for me for whatever I need, but I don't have to coordinate outfits, parties, hairstyles, or day-of details. The situation simply is what it is.
Naturally, I reached a similar impasse when asked about my bachelorette party. Don't get me wrong, I truly love a party, but I feel equally as guilty shepherding my friends from across the country to one location where they have to spend money on and in honor of me. Knowing what's right for you and your happiness is essential to staying sane during the wedding planning process, and that looks different for a lot of people.
Ultimately, I googled flights from Los Angeles to Paris and saw they were only $340 round trip. It was simply fate: My friend and I would head off to Paris, where we lived together for a year, and enjoy the things that make us truly happy like exploring, shopping, eating, and just relaxing. I look forward to all the bachelorettes and anti-bachelorettes I hopefully attend, and, for now, feel completely content knowing I did what's best for me and, most likely, my closet. ;)
P.S., If you're curious about what I'll be packing for a five-day getaway to Paris, read on below...
In my suitcase...
1 Graphic Tee (similar here)
2 Bodysuits (black and plaid)
1 Cropped Turtleneck
1 Blouse (similar here)
2 Sweaters (cardigan and shell top)
1 Pair of Jeans
1 Leather Skirt
1 Leather Leggings
2 Printed Dresses (red ditsy (similar here) and black floral)
1 Pajama (leggings & tee)
1 Bra
8 Pairs of Underwear
6 Pairs of Socks
2 Tights
1 Scarf (similar here)
1 Pair of Sneakers (affordable option here)
1 Crossbody (affordable option here)
1 Faux Fur Coat
In my makeup bag...
Wander Beauty Brightening Cream
Beauty Blender
Glossier Stretch Concealer
Glossier Cloud Paint
Tarte Shape Tape
Glossier Boy Brow & Brow Flick
Laura Mercier Caviar Sticks
ILIA Mascara
Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara
Tweezerman Curler
Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick
Dior Lip Glow
Tarte Hotel Heiress Bronzer
Glossier Futuredew
Too Faced Born This Way Foundation
Maelove Love 31 Oil
Sweet Chef Superfood Serum
Wet Brush
Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes
Fragonard L'Eau de Fees Perfume
GrandeLash MD Enhancing Serum
Not Your Mother's Dry Shampoo
Voya Shampoo & Conditioner
Toothpaste & Toothbrush
Makeup Towel
In my carryon...
Stoney Clover Lane Pouch
Deodorant
Hand Sanitizer
Nyquil
Scrunchie
Card Case (similar here)
Pen
Passport Holder (similar here)
Adapter
Wipes
Hair ties
Oribe Hand Cream
Glossier Balm Dotcom
Visine Eye Drops
Summer Fridays Mask
Glossier Soothing Mist
Eye Mask
Airpods & headphones
Kindle
Charging Block
Sunglasses
