Plan Your Bachelorette Party
Warm weather plus smiling faces and vibrant sunburst chairs can only equal one thing: the best time of the year at the Wisconsin Union, otherwise known as Terrace season. It’s not a coincidence that Terrace season happens to coincide with wedding season, since late spring to early fall is one of the most beautiful times to celebrate love with your friends and family. Why not kick off your wedding festivities by hosting a bachelorette party at the Wisconsin Union?
From customizable crafts to catered cakes, the Union has got you covered for an unforgettable event featuring all of your favorite things. If you’re looking for some inspiration, here’s a sample itinerary of a bachelorette weekend for the books.
Friday night: catch up on the Terrace
There’s no better way to start your bachelorette weekend than with an obligatory life catch-up with your family and friends, and there’s no better place to host it than on the Memorial Union Terrace. Snag a sunburst table and chairs and make yourselves comfortable! You’re in for a night of fabulous food, remarkable music and enlightening conversation.
One of the best things about the Terrace is the wide array of restaurants that are readily available. Everyone in your party has the option to grab their favorite meal, or you can share a pile of pizzas or appetizers amongst your crew.
After dinner, enjoy a free concert or two on the UW Credit Union Terrace Stage, programmed by students in the Wisconsin Union Directorate Music Committee, while enjoying scoops of refreshing ice cream from the Daily Scoop. On top of all that, you’re guaranteed a front row seat to the best sunset in Madison. Can you name a more perfect Friday night?
Saturday morning: lakefront yoga
Move your body and relax your mind with a yoga class on the Terrace—or on Lake Mendota itself! Outdoor UW and University Recreation and Wellbeing have partnered together for another summer of outdoor yoga classes on the Terrace or on stand-up paddleboards (SUPs). Yoga classes are the perfect way to start your Saturday in the sun with a smile on your face.
After your yoga class, satisfy your caffeine cravings with a beverage from Peet’s Coffee in Memorial Union. Bring your coffee, tea or espresso drinks out to the Terrace and bask in the mid-morning glow before the bustling crowds arrive.
Saturday afternoon: paddle with Outdoor UW
After your morning yoga, stay outside and rent paddling equipment for the afternoon. For a self-guided paddle, you and your bachelorette party can choose between kayaks, canoes or SUPs, or you can go all out and rent the eight-person SUPSquatch for a SUPer fun paddling extravaganza.
If you’re looking for a more structured activity, you can select a group paddling event with Outdoor UW. Experiences range from relaxing events like Paddleboard Bonanza to competitive challenges like Sports Bash. Don’t see anything in our catalog of group events that suits your style? You can customize your own adventure by working with the incredible team members at Outdoor UW to plan an individualized experience that you and your group will love.
Whether you choose from Outdoor UW’s list of activities or create your own, fill out this Outdoor UW private group experience request form at least seven days in advance to start planning your adventure.
Saturday night: cater dinner and dessert
Did you know that if you’re a lifetime or annual Wisconsin Union member, you can rent a room for free at the Wisconsin Union for your personal, invitation-only events? (Note: Only lifetime members can reserve spaces for weddings.) End your Saturday with a private evening in one of the Union’s beautiful event spaces, where you have the opportunity to cater food and drinks and set up audiovisual services. The Union offers catering service, including housemade appetizers, dinner, desserts and more. Enjoy delicious foods, reminisce about your most memorable moments while watching a photo slideshow, and play your favorite music—it’s sure to be a night to remember.
Sunday morning: make a Wheelhouse art project
After a good night of sleep, start your Sunday on a creative note with a group art activity at Wheelhouse Studios. Paint a masterpiece with acrylics or watercolors, make gorgeous ink flow tiles, create ceramic trays perfect for storing jewelry, or burn designs into pieces of wood using a wood burning tool. The best part is that you get to take these projects home with you at the end of the session, so you’ll always have a meaningful souvenir to remind you of all the fun you had during your bachelorette party.
If none of these art projects strike your fancy, you can work with the Wheelhouse program director to design the perfect activity to commemorate your bachelorette bash. Regardless of which activity you choose, make sure to fill out a group event inquiry form at least two weeks prior to your desired event date to begin the planning process.
Sunday afternoon: play and dine at Sett Recreation
Ready for one more activity to close out the weekend? Head on over to Sett Recreation in the lower level of Union South for an afternoon filled with bowling and billiards. A little friendly competition never hurts anyone, right? Regardless of who emerges victorious, celebrate your friendship and the end of a lovely weekend with apps and snacks at Sett Rec or explore the dining options upstairs.
Feeling inspired to host your bachelorette party at the Wisconsin Union? Check out union.wisc.edu for more information on all the events and activities that you can include in your bachelorette weekend this summer. Many of our activities can be enjoyed any day of the week, and we welcome your questions at union@union.wisc.edu. We look forward to helping you celebrate!
