If you're looking for a way to pamper yourself and a few good friends, there's nothing more fun than a spa party. Whether you have your party in a salon or spa or do your pampering right at home, all it takes is some great planning to make your gathering a major success.
Deciding on a Location and Providers
Before you can plan your guest list or think about decorations, you need to decide whether you'll have your party at home or in the spa. Each location has advantages and disadvantages, and chances are, one will fit better with your vision for your party.
Having the Party at the Spa
Many salons and spas allow clients to reserve a special room at the facility for events, and others will give you a special deal if you book a specified number of services for your group. Having the party at the spa gives you options you might not be able to provide in your home, such as steam facials, mud wraps, hydrotherapy, and other treatments. It's also convenient, since you can concentrate on your guests, rather than worry about the details of hosting a party in your living room. Often, the spa will even serve light refreshments.
There are a few downsides to having your party at the spa or salon:
- This type of party can be expensive to host, often about $100 per guest.
- You don't have as much control over the decorations, food, and atmosphere as you would if the party were in your house.
- It can be harder to socialize with the guests since the spa may have you receiving treatments in various rooms.
If you do decide to host the party at the spa, contact several salons and spas in your area and talk rates and services. They can offer their best bid to win your business.
Having the Spa Party at Home with Spa Professionals
Another option is to have your party right in your house and hire spa professionals to come perform the services. If you live in a major city, there are companies that specialize in spa party services, such as Spa Chicks on the Go in Manhattan, Labella Home Spa in Minneapolis and Atlanta, or Mobile Spa that operates in multiple states. However, no matter where you live, you can hire your favorite spa professionals to come to you. Simply ask around at your favorite spa or salon.
Having the spa party in your house has lots of advantages, including the ability to decide on the services guests will receive. Often, these types of parties include manicures, massages, waxing, facial masks, pedicures, and more. You'll also have control over the decorations you'll display, the food you'll serve, and more. Typically, this method is also cheaper than going to the spa, since there's usually no pre-set spending amount.
There are also a few disadvantages to this type of party:
- Your home may not have the luxurious and relaxing atmosphere of a spa.
- You can't relax as much, since you'll be hosting the event in your house.
- You won't have access to all spa treatments, especially those that are really messy or require special equipment.
Having a Do-It-Yourself Spa Party at Home
Perhaps the most affordable way to host a spa party is to have a self-pampering get-together right in your home. You don't need to hire spa professionals for this type of event, so it's budget-friendly and low-key. However, that doesn't mean you have to skimp on the fun. In this case, you'll arrange stations for your guests ahead of time with all the equipment needed to paint fingernails, give a pedicure, apply a mud mask, and more. Guests take turns giving and receiving the services.
Although there are lots of reasons to love this kind of party, there are a few disadvantages too:
- Because guests act as the spa professionals too, it's not as relaxing as hiring someone to pamper you.
- You'll have the stress of hosting the party in you home, along with organizing how the spa stations will be set up.
- You'll have to put in a little extra planning to make this type of party feel luxurious.
Choosing Your Guest List
Whether you choose to host the party at your house or in the spa, you'll find that this type of gathering works best with a smaller guest list. Many salons limit the party size to eight or ten guests. To keep providers from getting overwhelmed and allow everyone to have some fun pampering, you'll need to keep the group about that size in your home too. If you're going the DIY route, a smaller group of friends who know each other well is ideal.
Once you've decided who you'll invite, you can choose your spa party invitations to match your theme. On the invitation, don't forget to remind guests to bring a few pampering essentials like bathrobes, slippers, and flip-flops.
Selecting a Format for Your Party
Because spa parties often involve several pampering stations and lots of rotating, it helps to plan the format ahead of time. Consider how much time each guest will have at each station. A good rule of thumb is to allow about 20-30 minutes. This is enough time to give everyone a chance to enjoy each station.
You'll also need to have something for guests to do when it isn't their turn for pampering. Try some of the following activities:
- Favorite romantic comedy or "chick flick"
- Wine bar or cocktail-making station
- Party games, such as charades or Pictionary
- Fashion magazines and other fun reading material
- Party ice breakers for guests to get to know one another better
Finalizing the Details
After you've set up a general plan for your party's location and format, you can work on the details. Planning everything from decorations to financial contributions can help to make your party a success.
Spa Party Food
You can't serve just anything at this type of party. Instead of pizza or burgers, focus on spa party foods like cucumber sandwiches, mini-muffins, and fine cheeses.
Relaxing Decorations
To set the atmosphere, stick to natural, spa-like decorations. Try some of the following ideas:
- Tabletop fountains
- Trays of wheat grass
- Bamboo
- Zen sand gardens
- Pretty rocks and plants
If you're having the party at home, try to remove as much non-spa clutter as you can. A simple look is most relaxing for guests.
Mood Music
You can also help guests relax by choosing the right music. Select instrumentals or nature sounds to help set the right tone for your party. Serenity Supply Co. has a great selection of relaxing spa-style music for your party.
If you're having your get-together at the spa, ask about the music choices that are available.
Spa Favors
Party favors are always fun, and a spa party is a great chance to give your friends a special little gift. Consider some of these ideas:
- Candles
- Bath or beauty products
- Nail polishes in a signature color
- Spa-themed cookies or other goodies
Financial Details
Being clear about the financial expectations can also help guests relax and enjoy the party. Since this type of party can get expensive, it's important to decide who will be paying for the services. Remember that salon and spa professionals will expect a gratuity in addition to the price of the spa services they provide.
Typically, the hostess is the one who foots the bill for the spa party. However, this doesn't mean you are on the hook for every service your guests might want. You can choose to limit them to a specific menu of services that fit your budget.
If you're having a bachelorette party or another informal get-together, you can talk to your friends about all chipping in for the spa services. Either way, it's essential that you're clear about the financial details when you extend the invitation.
Plan Ahead to Relax
By working out all the details ahead of time, you can make sure you and your guests enjoy the pampering experience of a spa party. Do your planning ahead of time, and on the day of the party, sit back and relax with your friends.
