How to Plan a Bachelorette Weekend in New Orleans (Without Losing Your Mind)

May 28

There’s a reason New Orleans is one of the most popular bachelorette party destinations in the country — the music, the cocktails, the energy, and the “anything goes” spirit. But if you’re the one planning it? Things can get overwhelming fast.

Whether you're a maid of honor or the designated Type A in the group, here’s how to plan a bachelorette weekend in New Orleans that’s fun, seamless, and unforgettable — without the last-minute chaos.

1. Start with Dates (ASAP)

The earlier you can lock in dates, the better. New Orleans has major events throughout the year — Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, French Quarter Fest — and those weekends book up fast. If you're flexible, aim for the shoulder seasons (March–May, October–November) when the weather’s great but the crowds are more manageable.

Pro Tip: Always check for major festivals and Saints home games before choosing dates.

2. Set the Vibe Before Booking Anything

Is this weekend going to be:

Classy & chill?
Full-blown chaos?
Somewhere in between?

Setting a vibe early helps manage expectations and ensures everyone’s on the same page when it comes to nightlife, dress codes, and budget.

Decide what kind of memories you want before you build the itinerary.

3. Talk Money Early

It’s not the fun part, but it’s necessary. Decide up front:

A rough per-person budget
Who’s paying for the bride
What’s optional vs. included

Using apps like Splitwise or planning tools can help avoid awkward Venmo requests at brunch.

4. Choose a Central Home Base

NOLA is very walkable — if you stay in the right area. We recommend choosing a place in or near:

French Quarter
Marigny / Bywater
Warehouse District
Garden District (for a quieter vibe)

Avoid places too far from the action unless you want to spend your weekend Ubering.

5. Don’t Overschedule

You don’t need 6 activities a day. The best New Orleans weekends flow with a mix of planned moments and spontaneous magic. Here’s a good rhythm:

Day 1: Arrival + chill dinner or welcome drinks
Day 2: Big activity + nice dinner + going out
Day 3: Brunch + recovery + one fun group activity
Day 4: Coffee + goodbye hugs

6. Add One “Wow” Moment

Whether it’s a boat ride, a private drag brunch, or a second line parade through the streets — make sure there’s one standout moment that everyone talks about for years.

7. Know When to Call In Help

Even the best planners need a hand, especially in a city like New Orleans, where reservations can be tricky, big groups are common, and timing is everything.

That’s where we come in. At Elouises, we plan custom, stress-free weekends for groups just like yours. From building the itinerary to booking the best spots and adding those extra special touches — we’ve got it handled.

Ready to make your New Orleans bachelorette unforgettable? Check out our packages here.

Hannah Rodriguez