Overview: Cost-conscious itinerary maximizing fun while minimizing expenses. Stay at affordable Folly Beach rental , cook most meals, focus on free/low-cost activities, and make strategic splurges only where they matter most.
Arrive at budget-friendly Folly Beach condo or house (3-4 bedrooms accommodating 8-12). Stop at Publix for full grocery shop before check-in—stock everything needed for weekend.
Grocery budget: $50-75 per person for entire weekend
Hit Folly Beach immediately—free activity, beautiful setting. Bring coolers with drinks from grocery store. Relax, swim, settle in to vacation mode.
Cook at rental: taco bar with all fixings, margaritas, casual group dinner. Everyone helps prep—bonding while saving money.
Cost: Included in grocery budget
Game night: Cards Against Humanity, flip cup tournament, or themed costume party (80s night, tropical theme). BYOB drinks from groceries.
If energy remains, walk to The Washout or nearby bars on Center Street. Dive bar pricing much lower than downtown Charleston.
Budget: $20-40 if you go out
Skip paid instructor—use YouTube yoga video on beach with someone's phone/speaker. Free wellness activity with ocean soundtrack.
Breakfast sandwich bar, fruit, mimosas from groceries. Everyone contributes to cooking and cleanup.
Beach volleyball (bring own ball), sandcastle contest, Frisbee, beach games using equipment from home. Free entertainment for hours.
Budget-friendly Folly Beach restaurants. Tacos and margaritas without breaking bank. Most affordable beachfront dining option.
Lunch: $15-25 per person
Walk iconic Folly Beach Pier—$5 admission per person or free to walk around base. DIY photo shoot using nice camera or phones. No professional photographer needed.
Cost: Free to $5
Return to rental, shower, get ready for evening. Pre-game with drinks from groceries before heading to dinner.
Uber to downtown Charleston (split cost among group). Nice dinner at Leon's Oyster Shop or Butcher & Bee—elevated but not outrageously expensive.
Dinner: $40-60 per person, Uber split: $8 per person
Uber to NoMo for brewery crawl: Revelry, Holy City, Commonhouse Aleworks. Much cheaper than Upper King bars, local atmosphere.
Drinks: $25-40 per person
Rideshare back to rental. Late night at house with leftover groceries, games, bonding.
Uber split: $8 per person
Last morning on Folly Beach. Bring coffee in thermoses, relax on sand, take final photos.
Use remaining groceries for beach picnic. Sandwiches, snacks, drinks. Free final meal using what's already purchased.
Group cleanup effort. Pack up, clean rental thoroughly, check out by deadline.
Goodbyes and departures. Some grab quick bite on drive home if needed.
Savings vs. Traditional Weekend: $400-650 per person compared to beach house + full restaurant weekend
Overview: Four-day celebration for groups with extended time and bigger budgets. Combines best of everything: beach house, downtown hotel, comprehensive activities, multiple nights out, and ultimate Charleston experience.
Start weekend downtown at Hotel Bennett or similar. Arrive, settle in, explore hotel. Some guests arriving later can join group as they arrive.
Guided tour through French Quarter, historic downtown, Rainbow Row. Ease into weekend with culture and sightseeing while everyone arrives.
Cost: $30-40 per person
Cocktails with harbor views, live music, sophisticated start to celebration. First group toast to the bride.
Upscale Charleston dinner. Set celebratory tone with elevated cuisine. Thursday crowds lighter than weekend—easier reservations.
Dinner: $80-120 per person
Optional: Hit one or two Upper King bars for drinks. Or return to hotel for nightcaps—save energy for Friday-Sunday.
Leisurely breakfast at hotel restaurant. Pack up, check out.
Group cooking class on Upper King. Learn Lowcountry cuisine, becomes lunch. Interactive bonding activity.
Cost: $85-120 per person
Check into beach house rental. Unpack, claim rooms, grocery delivery arrives. Transition to beach mode.
Massive pool party: inflatables, waterproof speakers, tropical drinks, pool games. Full celebration mode at private venue.
Multi-course chef-prepared dinner at rental. Seafood feast, wine pairings, elegant yet comfortable.
Cost: $75-100 per person
Professional entertainment at beach house. Friday night highlight, private venue entertainment.
Continue celebration: games, music, pool, beach bonfire if permitted. Stay at beach house—no travel needed.
Private instructor on beach. Wellness element, beautiful setting, gentle Saturday start.
Catered breakfast delivery or elaborate DIY spread. Mimosas, fresh fruit, pastries, breakfast sandwiches.
3-hour private yacht on Charleston Harbor. Captain navigates while you party, swim, cruise coastline.
Cost: $200-300 per person when split
Post-yacht beach relaxation. Walk to The Windjammer for casual lunch with live music.
Multiple therapists provide massages, mani/pedis, facials simultaneously. Luxury recovery before big night.
Cost: $150-250 per person
Golden hour photo session on beach. Group and individual shots, bride-focused photos.
Cost: $30-50 per person when split
Full glam—hair, makeup, best outfits. Van service or multiple Ubers to downtown Charleston.
Charleston's finest. Farm-to-table elegance, wine pairings, celebration-worthy meal.
Dinner: $100-150 per person with wine
VIP treatment at Republic or Mynt. Bottle service, skip lines, VIP sections. Bar crawl afterward through Upper King.
Cost: $80-150 per person (bottle service split + drinks)
Van service or Ubers back to Isle of Palms. Late night pool time, nightcaps, crash.
Sleep in, very gentle start. Coffee by pool, minimal expectations, pure relaxation.
Professional picnic setup company creates elaborate beachfront spread. Champagne, gourmet food, styled perfection.
Cost: $60-100 per person
Last hours on beach. Share favorite memories, exchange contact info, heartfelt moments with bride.
Group cleanup, pack up, prepare to leave beach house.
En route from Isle of Palms toward Charleston/airports. Final group meal at excellent Sullivan's Island restaurant.
Dinner: $50-70 per person
Emotional goodbyes. Guests head to airport or home. Weekend of a lifetime concludes.
These sample itineraries provide frameworks, not rigid schedules. Customize based on:
Detailed weekend schedules for every celebration style
Well-planned itineraries maximize your Charleston bachelorette weekend by balancing activities, relaxation, dining, and nightlife while accounting for travel time, weather, and group energy levels. These sample schedules provide proven frameworks you can customize based on your group's priorities and celebration style.
Each itinerary includes detailed timing, activity suggestions, dining recommendations, and practical tips for executing smooth, memorable Charleston bachelorette celebrations. Use these as starting points, then adjust based on your specific preferences, budget, and group dynamics.
| Itinerary Type | Best For | Accommodation | Budget Level | Energy Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Beach Weekend | Groups wanting beach + nightlife balance | Isle of Palms beach house | $$-$$$ | Moderate-High |
| Downtown Party Weekend | Nightlife-focused groups | Downtown hotel (Upper King area) | $$$ | High |
| Relaxation & Beach Retreat | Wellness-focused, low-key groups | Sullivan's Island or Isle of Palms | $$-$$$ | Low-Moderate |
| Budget-Friendly Beach Weekend | Cost-conscious groups | Folly Beach rental | $-$$ | Moderate |
| Long Weekend Extravaganza | Groups with 4 days to celebrate | Beach house + downtown hotel combo | $$$-$$$$ | Varies by day |
| Cultural & Culinary Weekend | Foodies and history enthusiasts | Historic downtown hotel | $$$ | Moderate |
Overview: The most popular Charleston bachelorette format balancing beach house relaxation with downtown nightlife. Stay at Isle of Palms for private party space and beach access while making strategic downtown excursions for dining and bars.
Guests arrive, unpack, claim bedrooms. Grocery delivery or pre-stocked fridge ready. Quick house tour and safety review.
Tip: Assign bedrooms before arrival to avoid awkwardness. Consider drawing names for fairness.
Hit the beach for first swim or relax at pool with inflatable floats, music, and tropical drinks. Keep it casual while everyone settles in.
Drinks: Frozen margaritas, piña coladas, or easy pitcher cocktails
Private chef prepares Lowcountry seafood feast, or order catering from Acme Lowcountry Kitchen. Casual dinner at rental's dining table or outdoor patio.
Cost: $50-80 per person for private chef including groceries
Professional entertainment performance in living room creates Friday night centerpiece moment. Post-performance, continue celebration with games, music, drinks at house.
Book 4-6 weeks ahead, coordinate arrival timing with performer
Optional: Head downtown for Upper King nightlife, or stay at beach house for games, pool time, bonfire on beach (if permitted). Most groups stay in on Friday to recover from travel.
Private instructor leads 60-minute yoga session on beach. Optional for those wanting wellness element; others sleep in or have leisurely coffee.
Cost: $20-25 per person when split among group
Group breakfast spread: bagels, fruit, yogurt, breakfast sandwiches. Mimosas and coffee. Relaxed morning recovering from Friday night.
Prep ahead or assign cooking duties to willing volunteers
Organized beach games: volleyball tournament, sandcastle building, relay races. Or rent jet skis, paddleboards, or do parasailing for adventurous groups.
Water sports: $40-100 per person for rentals/activities
Walk or drive to The Windjammer for casual beachfront lunch with live music. Burgers, sandwiches, drinks with ocean views. Stay for afternoon beach volleyball.
Budget: $20-30 per person
Return to beach house for pool lounging. Mobile spa providers do massages, manicures, pedicures poolside. Relaxing recovery time before big night out.
Spa services: $100-200 per person depending on treatments
Photographer meets group on beach for golden hour photos. Coordinated outfits (white dresses or matching shirts), group shots, bride focus photos.
Photography: $300-500 total split among group
Shower, hair, makeup, outfit changes. Pre-game drinks while getting ready. Call Ubers for downtown (book multiple cars or arrange van service).
Reservations at Husk, FIG, or The Ordinary for celebratory group dinner. Arrive downtown, enjoy elevated Southern cuisine before hitting bars.
Dinner: $60-100 per person including drinks
Start at rooftop bar (The Vendue or Stars), progress through Republic, Prohibition, The Cocktail Club. End at Mynt or Trio for dancing if energy remains high.
Bar budget: $60-100 per person for drinks, possible cover charges
Rideshare back to beach house (expect surge pricing). Late night snacks, nightcaps by pool, crash.
Uber: $45-70 per car from downtown to IOP late night
Sleep in, recovery mode. Coffee, light breakfast, aspirin as needed. Relax by pool, share photos from night before, gentle socializing.
Final beach outing with styled picnic setup: blankets, pillows, gourmet food, champagne. Professional setup service or DIY. Final group photos and beach time.
Picnic: $30-50 per person for food/setup
Group cleanup effort: dishes, trash, general tidying. Pack bags, load cars. Ensure house meets checkout requirements.
Tip: Assign cleanup zones before arrival to streamline process
Group brunch before departures. Last meal together, exchange contact info, share favorite memories. Some guests head home from restaurant, others return briefly to beach house.
Brunch: $25-40 per person
Final goodbyes, promise to share photos, hugs all around. Guests head home or to airports.
Overview: Nightlife-focused itinerary staying downtown for walkable access to bars, restaurants, and clubs. Minimizes transportation while maximizing urban Charleston experiences. Perfect for groups prioritizing partying over beach time.
Arrive at Hotel Bennett, The Dewberry, or similar Upper King area hotel. Check-in, unpack, explore hotel amenities (rooftop bar, pool if available).
Guided wine tour through Charleston wine bars: The Peninsula, Bin 152, wine shops. Includes tastings at 3-4 stops with knowledgeable guide.
Cost: $60-90 per person including tastings
Casual but excellent seafood on King Street. Raw bar, small plates, shareable options. Walking distance from hotel—no transportation needed.
Dinner: $40-60 per person
Start evening at The Rooftop at The Vendue or Stars. Sunset cocktails, harbor views, sophisticated beginning to night out.
Hit The Cocktail Club, Prohibition for craft cocktails, then Republic for dancing atmosphere. Walk between all venues—5-10 minutes max.
No Uber needed—walk safely back to hotel. Hotel nightcap at lobby bar or rooms before bed.
Recovery brunch near Hampton Park. Creative menu, strong bloody marys, outdoor seating. Casual atmosphere perfect for hungover groups.
Brunch: $25-35 per person
Guided walking food tour through downtown. Stops at 5-7 restaurants/shops, combines sightseeing with eating. Learn Charleston history while tasting Lowcountry cuisine.
Cost: $60-85 per person, 2.5-3 hours
For groups wanting beach fix without staying there, Uber to Isle of Palms for afternoon beach time and drinks at The Windjammer. Return downtown by 6 PM.
Alternative: King Street shopping or hotel pool time
Return to hotel, shower, dress up. Pre-game drinks in hotel rooms or lobby bar. Tonight is the main event—go all out.
Reservations at top Charleston restaurant. Elevated Southern cuisine, wine pairings, celebrate the bride with special meal.
Dinner: $80-120 per person with drinks
Pre-booked bottle service table at Mynt nightclub. VIP treatment, dedicated space, bottle service creates celebration atmosphere. Dance until closing.
Bottle service: $300-600 total split among group, plus $10-20 cover per person
Walk to Pearlz Oyster Bar for late-night food. Open until 2 AM with full kitchen. Soak up alcohol before walking back to hotel.
Sleep in, late checkout if possible. Brunch at hotel restaurant or nearby café. Very low-key recovery morning.
Gentle afternoon activity: self-guided walk through historic district photographing Rainbow Row, The Battery, Waterfront Park. Or browse Charleston City Market for souvenirs.
Coffee at Kudu or local café. Final goodbyes before guests head to airport or home.