If you’re considering hosting your own watch party, you’re probably already a devoted fan of ABC’s The Bachelor or The Bachelorette. From contestants being in full-fledged relationships back home (we’re looking at you DeMario!) to gentlemen getting in fights over The Bachelorette (hello, Luke P!) this show never fails to provide us with a season full of jaw-dropping drama which hopefully ends in love. While watching the show on your own is fun, hosting a watch party of the premiere, finale or any episode in between is a great way to share the entertainment with friends while also spending some time together! If you’re thinking of hosting a watch party for The Bachelor or The Bachelorette, here are some ideas for decorations, favors, food and drinks and activities to make it a night (and a season!) your friends will never forget!
The Activities
- The Bracket – Before the show starts, provide each of your guests with a bracket! Keep track of your favorites from one episode to the next, and give points based on who correctly guesses who goes home and who stays. Pro tip: Care to make it a little more interesting? Chip in a few dollars per person at the beginning of the season and reward the winner of the bracket challenge on the night of the finale with a bottle of wine or a gift card to their favorite coffee shop!
- The Hidden Ring – Before your guests arrive, hide a fake engagement ring or Ring Pop somewhere in your home. Let your guests know that the person who finds the ring gets a special prize to take home!
- The “Whenever Someone” Game – Start the episode by giving each of your guests a rose to use for this game. Throughout the show, everyone removes a petal from their flower when a certain scenario occurs. Examples of this could be when the couple kiss, a cocktail party conversation is interrupted or someone refers to the show as a ‘journey.’ If the regular game proves too simple for your crowd, add a layer of difficulty for your crew by challenging your guests to not say any of the contestant’s names throughout the episode or risk losing three petals! The last person to have petals left wins! Pro tip: If you’re an adventurous bunch, you could also turn this into a drinking game by switching out the rose for a beverage.
Food & Drinks
- Rosé – This one hardly needs an explanation! Grab a few bottles of this fun and flirty beverage for your guests to enjoy while they’re watching the show. Pro tip: For a non-alcoholic alternative, try Welch’s Sparkling Rosé.
- Finger Foods – Because the main entertainment of your party will center around watching TV, prepare foods that can easily be eaten. Finger foods like chips with dip, bitesize sandwiches or skewered meatballs will make it simple for your friends to eat without missing a second of the drama.
- Tuxedo Strawberries – Make a true fantasy ‘sweet’ for the big night! Dip strawberries in a mix of semisweet chocolate and shortening and allow to cool fully before decorating them with chocolate buttons and a bow tie.
- “Stud” Muffins – Mix up a batch of your favorite (or a few favorites!) muffins, and decorate the tops with a toothpick and a photo of each contestant. Don’t forget Chris Harrison!
The Decorations
- Roses – Can you even have a viewing party of the Bachelor or Bachelorette without roses?! We don’t think so! From red rose floral arrangements to bunting flags, make sure that they’re featured abundantly.
- Glass Tags – Just as you don’t want to give a rose to the wrong person, make sure you’re drinking from your own glass throughout the night! Plan ahead by providing each guy or gal with a wine charm or tag to use for the evening.
- Wall Décor – Make a big statement in a simple way by switching out your standard wall décor for pieces that scream The Bachelor or The Bachelorette! Think quotes like “Here for the Right Reasons”, “Will You Accept This Rose?” or “The Most Dramatic Season Ever”.
The Favors
- T-Shirts – Get your gals or guys the ultimate favor – a customized t-shirt! Pro tip: Pass out the shirts before the watch party so everyone can come wearing it the night of!
- Pint Glasses – Chances are you’ll be enjoying some beverages while you watch the show, so why not set your guests up with personalized glasses. They’ll be handy to have while you’re watching, you won’t have to worry about cleaning up too much at the end of the night and your friends can use them afterward, too!
Instead of sending out a last-minute group text, take the time and plan an at-home watch party for The Bachelor or The Bachelorette! With rose-inspired decorations and beverages accompanied by delicious finger food, your friends will be itching to join you every week. Do you have any other ideas to make a watch party special? Share them in the comments below!
Erika focuses on email marketing, copywriting and merchandising at Zazzle, but she has a secret obsession with all things wedding! During the week you can find her writing punny subject lines while also pinning the latest wedding trends, and outside of the 9-5, she is usually cheering on the San Jose Sharks, reading a good murder mystery, or hunting for the best Philly Cheesesteak in the Bay Area.
