How to Plan a Bachelorette Scavenger Hunt

Gallivanting around town searching for treasure is a great way to celebrate upcoming nuptials for a bachelorette party. A scavenger hunt requires a good deal of advance planning. You'll need to figure out the type of hunt, rules, clues, timing and how to determine a winner.

Instructions

1. Acquire a meeting place for before and after the race. The space should be large enough to accommodate all invited guests, refreshments and whatever items ask the party to acquire while on their hunt.

2. Determine the type of hunt. Popular varieties include video or camera scavenger hunts, list hunts and trading hunts. Consider the pros and cons of each before choosing one.

3. Invite friends and relatives of the bride who would know her moderately well and who wouldn't mind running and competing. Make sure to include the date, time, meeting location and name of the event. Ask the bride to review the invite list before you send the invitations.

4. Decide the rules of the scavenger hunt and how you'll determine a winner. The teams should all be held to and told a list of short, concise rules. Write down what you come up with and make copies for the teams.

5. Create a list of tasks for the teams to complete. Some, but not all, of these tasks should include trivia about the bride, the couple or her husband-to-be. For example, where they first met, where she went school and getting an autograph from the hotel concierge.

6. Do a test run. Drive from place to place, noting the time for each leg of the journey. Add in five to seven minutes for the completion of each task and possible traffic delays. Make sure the total time for the hunt is no more than 90 minutes.

7. Make a list of all refreshments, decorations and supplies you need. Plan to get all decorations and supplies at least a week ahead of time to allow for unforeseen setbacks. Order the cake a week ahead as well. Acquire all other food items the day before the party. Pick up the cake the morning of the party.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask guests to reserve three and a half hours for the party. This gives 15 minutes to meet (allowing for tardiness) and give directions, 90 minutes to hunt and 1 hour 45 minutes to have refreshments, share stories, declare the winner, have the bride open presents and chat. Be prepared to have guests who want to stay longer.

• Trading scavenger hunts usually start the teams out with a small item, such as a marble and challenge them to bring back the most valuable item possible. If you choose this type, make sure to add that the final item will become a gift to the bride to make the hunt about her.

• Divide the bridesmaids and relatives equally between teams to even out the competition.

• Video and picture scavenger hunts require the teams to document the completion of each step with a video camera or camera. Make sure you have enough equipment and batteries available before selecting this type of hunt.