Planning
Whether you're 20 or you're 60, a day with the "girls" is always a wonderful treat. But if you want to take it up a notch, consider combining a day with the girls with a day at the spa! You can take everyone to the spa - or create a spa at home. Going out to a spa is fun - BUT, it can be incredibly expensive, and your group will get split up during different treatments. You will also have to tolerate the presence of other customers - who may be inclined to shush your group if they are trying for a quiet spa experience. The way to fix this is to bring the spa to you. You can create a spa experience at home on a budget, or, you can take what everyone would have spent at the spa and use it to bring in a massage therapist and a beautician for facials, manicures and pedicures! Get pampered while sipping wine with your girlfriends in the comfort of your home!
This style of party is great in combination with other events - such as a Bridal Shower, Baby Shower or a Birthday. Any time you would get together with your friends and do something special - this event would work well. Whether it's a "Just Because" occasion, a celebration of something wonderful, or an opportunity to cheer someone up or get someone to relax that needs a special day - consider a Ladies Spa Day!
On a Budget
Creating the feel of a spa doesn't have to be expensive. Chances are, between everyone in your group you'll find all of the elements of a spa experience. Here are some items that would be enjoyed:
- A Foot spa
- A Paraffin spa
- A facial steamer
- Facial masks and scrubs
- A manicure set - plus different polishes and enhancements
- A pedicure set - plus different polishes and enhancements
- Luxurious lotions and scrubs
- Eye masks
- Heated neck wraps
- A couple of massage chairs/massage mats (that set in the seat and have a program to provide a massage).
- Candles and cozy sitting areas
- Relaxing music
Spending Extra
If you were going to spend money on a Spa, or your guests were all going to chip in, you can use these funds for a Spa Day In with all the extras you'd have out. You can hire a massage therapist for a few hours who will bring their own table, you can bring in a professional beautician to do facials, and a nail artist for manicures and pedicures… And don't forget to select a great gourmet service to cater some goodies for you instead of cooking! Ladies Spa Party
Spa Day Basics
Set up "stations" in your main party area for nails, facial, etc.
- Start your guests in the shower. Set up your bathroom as a spa area with candles and thick soft towels. Ask each guest to bring their favorite bathrobe our lounging wear (or you could provide one for everyone as a party favor!). Each guest will toss their hair up and enjoy the hot water and steam. Include disposable razors, great smelling soaps and after shower moisturizer. Then from the shower they can start their pampering in your party space clean and smelling wonderful!
- Massage Station - if you are including a massage therapist in your Spa Day, discuss with him/her where in your program they feel massages would be most appropriate. Often the best time is right after the shower, before all of the other pampering. However, your therapist may have another idea. Also, if you are doing 1/2 hour massages you probably can't include a massage as a stand alone station, otherwise your guests will have to wait quite a while to move through the circuit. Discuss and plan accordingly.
- Moisturizing Station - have a station with intensive moisturizers and great smelling lotions. After your guests have showered and steamed their skin they can apply moisturizer and lotions while their skin is primed to drink it in.
- Facial Station - You'll want to do a facial before you do your nails. So set up a facial steamer and, if possible, a facial station in another bathroom or at the kitchen sink. (Note, have hair ties available so that it's easy to keep hair away).
- Relaxation break - have a space where there are eye masks, heated neck wraps or massage chairs/mats. Soft music and relaxing aromatherapy will add to the experience.
- Manicure and Pedicure station - supplies, tools, colors and accessories make this station a lot of fun!
The point of the Spa Day In is to bring your friends together in a relaxing atmosphere to talk and relax and spend time together in our otherwise hectic lives. Kids should NOT be home, and you shouldn't hear football in the background… If you can, get rid of everyone but you and your guests! Put a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the front door and turn off the phones! Relaxation is best when it's interruption free. Ladies Spa Party
Food/Drink
You don't have to have a huge meal, nor will you want to worry about serving one. But a Spa Day will last a while so you will need to have refreshments on hand. Consider serving buffet style with cooling/heating set up. A deli tray on a chilled plate with a top? Hot dips and chips with veggies and meatballs? Fruit salad and pasta salad? Catered appetizers and finger foods? The choice is yours. Just make sure that it's something that will require little to no effort from you during your event. Drinks are the same. If you are serving alcohol, make a couple of pitchers in advance of something fruity that only requires a quick blend and pour when you are ready to set it out. Have sodas and wine chilled and a self serve atmosphere. Simple and tasty is the key - your spa is the focus, not the food. Ladies Spa Party
Music
Because the point of a Spa Day is to relax and spend time catching up, music should be in the background. Something with a softer sound that will appeal to the masses. If reminiscing is a goal of your day (such as a Bridal Shower Spa Day), consider putting on music that was popular during High School and College. You know, those songs that take you back to the beach party or graduation…
Ladies Spa Party