Night at the Museum: NYC Bachelorette Parties

You’ve read that choosing a unique locale like a museum adds an extra-special flair to your wedding day, and it could be a smart budget strategy, too. After all, you won’t have to pay a lot for décor since the place is already filled with stunning scenes and amazing artifacts. But did you know that you can throw pre-wedding bashes in a museum, too? If you’d like something other than the typical boozy, bar-crawl bachelorette party, a museum could put you in another world. Below, three exhibits that are a must-see before you become a Mrs.

1. The butterfly exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History. You and your girls can walk through a tropical dome filled with thousands of ultra-colorful butterflies that flutter all around you. Being in that lush rainforest scene makes for an amazing experience, and you’ll get phenomenal photos – especially when butterflies land on your hand or your shirt. (Insider's tip: tell your bridesmaids to wear brightly-colored shirts, since the butterflies like to land on colors similar to their own. An orange shirt can attract multiple orange and yellow butterfly types, for instance.)

2. Harry Potter Exhibit in New York City's Discovery Center in Times Square. Find out about special exhibits coming to your town or nearest city by checking out your local tourism department at TOWD.com. I looked and here’s what I found: a jaw-dropping Harry Potter exhibit featuring the actual costumes and props from all the Harry Potter movies. We’re talking Hermione’s pink dress (and shoes!) from the Yule Ball, Harry’s robes, Cedric Diggory’s Quidditch uniform, the original invitation to Hogwart’s and wands galore. It’s a stunning show that’s in New York City’s Discovery Center in Times Square from now until September 5, 2011. Visit harrypotterexhibition.com for more info. (Money-saving tip: Go to destinationcoupons.com to get a $5 off coupon, bringing the per-person price down to $21.) Check out amazing Hogwarts-inspired weddings here.

3. Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. Get up close and personal with the likes of Johnny Depp, Carrie Underwood, Selena Gomez, and more at several locations around the country. Imagine what a great party favor it would be for you and your 'maids to sit down with Audrey Hepburn’s Holly Golightly character from Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Or have your groom hit the famous Spiderman pose next to the superhero himself. The best part: Madame Tussauds hosts weddings and special events where you can actually have wax museums appear as "guests" at your party.

And of course, there’s always an afternoon tour of a special art exhibit, like Degas ballerinas, followed by high tea at a ritzy hotel. Again, the tourism websites for your region will tell you what’s showing at your nearby museums, and what’s headed your way. Even the smallest town museum gets some fantastic displays, so don’t count out the little guys.

Your wedding celebration won’t just be different at a museum…it’ll be fun and exciting, interactive and playful, or inspiring and fascinating. One thing's for certain: Your party will definitely be unforgettable!

Sharon Naylor is the author of The Smart Guide to Bachelorette Parties and over 35 additional wedding books. Get more fabulous bridesmaid ideas at sharonnaylor.net.

Photos by Joseph Toris