As soon as my brother and his fiance got engaged last April, their bachelor and bachelorette trips were one of the first things to be planned. Andrew decided on Charleston and Lauren decided on Las Vegas. Both were set for the last weekend in March. We had 11 girls attending Lauren’s trip from all over the country, and most of them had never been to Vegas — so needless to say, there was a lot of excitement going into the weekend. This would be my 4th bachelorette trip there, so I happily took the reigns in planning. Well, that and also because I have an obsession affinity for planning things. And of course “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas”…. but I had to share some highlights.

I made goody bags for all the girls (thanks to Sarah M. for the great idea on her sister Meg’s bachelorette trip last summer!)… and again, since I love to plan, I had the best time putting these together. I then realized that because we’d be there over Easter weekend, I was essentially giving out miniature Easter baskets… which Craig thought was hilarious and very “mom” of me. I guess that’s fitting since I was one of the old ladies on the trip. The goody bags included: personalized koozies (found them on Pinterest),  glow stick bracelets (because who does Vegas without glow sticks?), pedialite packets (for rehydration…because it’s so hot out there…), Cheez-its, and candy. I think they were a success!

The lovely bride, all decked out in her white boa at the airport!

We started off with a late night dinner at Javier’s, a Mexican restaurant at the Aria Hotel, where we were staying. We lucked into this ah-mazing private room, complete with the largest table I have ever seen. We had 11 girls and barely filled half of it. There were gorgeous fresh flowers and candles everywhere. And really beautiful sparkly walls. The salsa was really spicy and good, ritas were delicious, and my food was fine… but I wanted to stay just for the room.

First stop: Moon at the Palms. Every time I’ve been to Vegas in the past 10+ years, we’ve stayed there, so it only felt right to pay a visit. Moon has always been a busy, fun club on top of one of the towers at the Palms, but it was sort of dead while we were there. It does have a retractable roof and a fantastic view of the entire Strip from their balconies, though. And this is a pretty fun sign for a photo op.

This was my first stay at the Aria, and omg, I loved it. The hotel is so technologically advanced — as soon as you swipe your room key, the curtains open to reveal a massive wall of windows, the tv and lights turn on, and your name pops up to welcome you on a little directory on the nightstand. They also had a large assortment of restaurants, bars, and the most yummy French bakery. We had brunch at Cafe Vettro the first morning — I got the chicken and waffles… they were so good, I almost ate my plate.

Pool party #1 @ the Liquid Pool at Aria. Hands down favorite thing we did all weekend.
I love a good pool day, and it can’t get much better than 2 poolside beds with dedicated waitstaff.

Dancing at XS @ Encore. Prettiest indoor/outdoor club I’ve ever seen. It was like an enchanted garden outside. Didn’t want to leave here either.

2 visits to Todd English Pub. Make your own Bloody Mary menu, giant soft pretzel sticks & cheese sauce, mini corn dogs…. what’s not to like?

After pool party #2 on the last day, we had our most favorite meal — pizza delivered to the hotel!
We celebrated our last night with a pizza dance party in our bathing suits and bathrobes, and it was so.much.fun.

Vegas is such a funny place. There is hands down the BEST people watching in the world. Nobody sleeps and nothing ever closes.
There’s bright lights, dancing, amazing restaurants, over the top clubs and hotels, casinos so big you literally need GPS to find your way out,
and more sparkly clothes than should be allowed in any one place. It’s like adult Disney World.
I could never in a million years live there, but it is so fun to visit — for a max of 3 days. Till next time!