Wedding Planning: Packing for a Bachelorette

Palm Springs is the perfect spot for a bachelorette party with its mix of relaxation, adventure, and nightlife. My MOH planned out a weekend of fun for a few of my girlfriends and I am so excited to head for California this weekend despite the tumultuous relationship between Canada and the USA right now. Palm Springs is a dream destination for a bachelorette party, combining relaxation, adventure, and nightlife into one unforgettable getaway.

We are planning on spending the night in LA when we touch down, 3 days in Palm Springs, 2 days in Joshua Tree and then one last day/night in Los Angeles on the way back. Lucky for us, we are headed into the coolest weather Palm Springs has experienced in awhile and 11 degree weather in Joshua Tree (sarcasm, but at least its not +35 like it was in October) but we are hoping to spend the time outside and in nature as much as we can.

Palm Springs is all planned out by my MOH, but I took on the rest of the planning to take the pressure off for the 5 girls that are staying for the full week! After we’re all done the trip, I’ll put together an itinerary, but in the meantime, I’ll put together all the fun bride things I’m packing for the trip and the variety of weather we are going to experience down there.

Outfit Ideas

Here are some stylish yet practical outfit ideas for the bachelorette trip in Palm Springs and Joshua Tree:

Night Out (Dinners, Bars, Clubbing)

Vibe: Chic, fun, and slightly glam!
Option 1: Satin mini dress + strappy heels + statement earrings + sleek clutch
Option 2: Fitted jumpsuit + bold heels + dainty layered jewelry + stylish blazer (for cool nights)
Option 3: Matching two-piece set (crop top & skirt or pants) + gold accessories + platform heels
Option 4: Flowy maxi dress with a thigh slit + wedge heels + gold cuff bracelet

Style Tip: Go for fun colors like hot pink, metallics, or desert neutrals. A little sparkle (rhinestone heels or glittery bag) adds a festive touch!

Cute Brunch Outfit

Vibe: Trendy & effortless for IG-worthy pics!
Option 1: Flowy sundress + platform sandals + beaded earrings
Option 2: High-waisted wide-leg pants + fitted bodysuit + slides + oversized sunglasses
Option 3: Matching linen set (button-up & shorts) + espadrille wedges + delicate gold jewelry
Option 4: Puff sleeve mini dress + lace-up sandals + rattan crossbody bag

Style Tip: Light, breezy fabrics will keep you comfy.

Shopping Trip in Palm Springs

Vibe: Chic but comfy for walking around boutiques.
Option 1: Flowy midi dress + flat sandals + crossbody bag + oversized sunnies
Option 2: Ribbed tank + denim shorts + sneakers + oversized button-up as a layering piece
Option 3: Bodysuit + high-waisted trousers + comfy mules + mini tote
Option 4: Lightweight jumpsuit + platform sandals + gold hoops

Style Tip: Keep it easy to try things on (slip-on shoes, minimal layers) and bring a tote for shopping finds.

Joshua Tree Hikes (Casual to Moderate Trails)

Vibe: Cute but functional for the desert terrain!
Option 1: Biker shorts + cropped tank + lightweight flannel + sneakers or hiking boots
Option 2: Leggings + moisture-wicking top + baseball cap + trail runners
Option 3: High-waisted athletic shorts + long-sleeve UPF top + sturdy sneakers
Option 4: Matching activewear set (sports bra & leggings) + oversized sunnies + hydration backpack

Style Tip: Layers are key—desert temps shift from warm to chilly. Don’t forget SPF, a hat, and comfy socks.

Packing List

In mid-March, Palm Springs and Joshua Tree typically have warm days (70s-80s°F) and cooler nights (40s-50s°F), so you'll want to pack for both climates. Here’s a detailed packing list tailored my trip and a few of the things I’m bringing with me (including an obscene amount of shoes):

Daytime (Palm Springs - poolside, brunch, exploring)

  • Swimsuits (at least 2-3 for variety): I brought a few white pieces, but I probably will lean towards black bottoms, white tops.

  • Cover-ups / sarongs: I found these on Amazon and they are cute as anything for brides who love pearls.

  • Light, breezy dresses: I have a cute linen Genoa dress from Aritzia, one from Commense, and then a black t-shirt dress I found thrifting.

  • Tank tops & crop tops: I packed my basic t’s from Abercrombie, and then a couple of different white and black shirts to go with everything

  • Sweatshirt: I got one early into the engagement that says"Bride” and its perfect for this.

  • High-waisted shorts or skirts: Black, Light and Dark Denim and White Linen

  • Sunglasses

  • Sandals or slides: Pearl Slides, Activewear Sandals, Gold Buckle Sandals.

  • Runners: for hiking and converse for the plane and casual walking around

  • Sun hat: My favourite Yucca one from last year

Nighttime (Dinners, bar hopping, themed events)

  • Dressy outfits: I have two satin dresses from Temu that I got, very inexpensive and tbh I will never wear again. I can also wear a

  • Heeled sandals: I picked these Kelly & Katie heels up from DSW and they were only $40 (they are now $30!)

  • Fun accessories: A cute Bride Clutch from Amazon, glittery earrings from thrifting (and washed with alcohol)

  • Light jacket: I found a pearl denim jacket from my local consignment shop (here’s a similar one)

Joshua Tree (Hiking & desert activities)

  • Athletic wear (leggings, biker shorts, breathable tops)

  • Sneakers

  • Lightweight jacket or hoodie (it gets chilly at night)

  • Daypack or small backpack

  • Moisture-wicking socks

Toiletries & Skincare

  • TJ Sunscreen (face & body, high SPF) - I swear by this brand and have been using it daily for the last year

  • After-sun aloe or lotion

  • Lip balm with SPF

  • Texture Powder

  • Rose Face mist (desert air is dry)

  • Hydrating face masks

  • Bronzing Drops from Elf

  • Hair ties, bobby pins, Dyson

  • Deodorant

  • Travel Razor

  • Travel-sized toiletries

  • Travel Steamer (because everything white I’m bringing requires it….)

  • These stick on lash clusters I love

Extras & Fun Bachelorette Items

  • Hair ‘Blinger’

  • Polaroid camera or disposable cameras

  • Milk Thistle (the hangovers are real in your thirties)

  • Pasties and lots of tape you can attach fabric to your skin to stay in place

Miscellaneous

  • Reusable water bottle (hydration is key!)

  • Travel-sized first aid kit

  • Portable phone charger (my dad once told me my gravestone will read “My phone is almost dead”)

  • Light scarf or shawl for unexpected chill

  • Tote bag for pool days/shopping

  • Sunglasses case

  • Snacks for hikes & road trips

Tips for the Perfect Palm Springs Bachelorette

  • Pack accordingly: The desert gets hot during the day but cools down at night. Parts of the desert, like Joshua Tree, is actually not as warm as you think, so prepare yourself for a range of cool, warm and hot while you’re down there.

  • Stay hydrated: Between the sun and cocktails, water is your best friend. Bring a reusable water bottle that will be great for all those hikes/outdoorsy activities.

  • Capture every moment: I’m bringing two film cameras (PS on Film is the BEST), maybe my polaroid, my go pro camera, and if I can find Super 8 film, maybe my new thrifted Super 8 Camera.

Hopefully these inspire you for a bach or just a fun girls trip down to Palm Springs!

Love,

-E

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