You said yes to planning the bachelorette party. Then somebody in the group chat said “Nashville,” somebody else said “party boat,” and now 14 people are waiting on you to make it happen.
Deep breath. This is the exact checklist we give brides and maids of honor who book with us every weekend — what to lock in first, what to bring, what to skip, and the day-of timeline that keeps the whole crew on the boat instead of stuck in a parking lot group-texting “where r u.”
Short on time? Saturdays on Percy Priest Lake book out weeks ahead in season. If your date is set, check bachelorette boat availability now — then come back and finish the checklist.
6–8 Weeks Out: Lock In the Boat
- ✅ Pick your Saturday (or save money on a Friday/Sunday). Saturday afternoons are the first slots to disappear all summer. If the bride’s heart is set on a Saturday, book the boat before you book anything else in Nashville.
- ✅ Get a headcount — then round up. Our party pontoons carry 16–22 people depending on the boat, and there’s always a cousin who joins late. Book for the bigger number.
- ✅ Budget it out. Boats run $250–$500/hour with a licensed captain included. Split 15 ways, a multi-hour private charter usually lands around the cost of one Broadway bar tab per person — and this time you get the whole boat.
- ✅ Want the slides? Say so when you book. Our big tritoons come with water slides (one has a double deck and three of them). If the group photo you’re picturing involves a slide, reserve that boat specifically.
4 Weeks Out: Theme, Outfits & Decor
Boat-proof decor rules from people who clean boats every night: skip glitter, confetti, and anything that blows away at 15 mph. Matching hats, sashes, sunnies, and one inflatable ring for photos beat a trunk full of streamers every time.
Need theme inspiration? This feed is basically a bachelorette mood board that never runs out:
- ✅ Pick a theme the bride actually likes (cowgirl “Last Ride,” “Bride’s Crew” nautical, pink-everything — your call).
- ✅ Order outfits/hats 3+ weeks out so shipping isn’t a crisis.
- ✅ Assign the playlist. Every boat has a premium sound system — you bring the phone, we bring the volume.
2–3 Weeks Out: Build the Rest of the Weekend
The boat is the centerpiece — most groups do a late-morning or afternoon cruise, then clean up for Broadway. While you’re mapping the weekend, keep an eye on what’s happening in town on your dates:
- ✅ Book dinner reservations now — Saturday-night tables for 14 in Nashville don’t happen as walk-ins.
- ✅ Plan how you’re getting to the lake. We launch from Vivrett Creek Boat Ramp in Mt. Juliet, about 20–25 minutes from downtown. No designated driver in the group? Our shuttle picks the whole crew up and drops you back after — nobody misses the boat, nobody drives after drinking.
- ✅ Ask about Party Cove. If your group wants the famous anchor-up-and-float scene, tell your captain you want the Party Cove experience. Wondering lake vs. river for your group? Here’s the honest comparison.
1 Week Out: The Packing List
Here’s the part everyone screenshots. What to bring — and what’s already on the boat so you don’t waste cooler space.
Bring this
- □ Drinks — it’s BYOB. Seltzers, champagne for the toast, plenty of water. (Cans over glass bottles — your feet will thank you.)
- □ Snacks that survive sun: fruit, chips, a charcuterie box. Skip anything with melty chocolate.
- □ Sunscreen — the lake doubles your sun. SPF 50, and a spray for re-application.
- □ Towels, sunglasses, hats — one per person.
- □ Waterproof phone pouch + portable charger — 200 photos will get taken.
- □ The playlist, downloaded — don’t trust cell service mid-lake with your queue.
- □ A dry bag for keys, wallets, and the bride’s veil.
Already on the boat (don’t pack it)
- ❌ Coolers and ice — included on every charter
- ❌ Speakers — premium sound system on board
- ❌ Floats — there’s a giant lily pad waiting
- ❌ A sober driver for the boat — your captain is included and does all the driving
Want packing hacks and day-of tips from people who plan these weekends professionally? Save a few of these:
Day Of: The Timeline That Works
- 90 min before: Everyone dressed, sunscreened, coolers packed. Send the “leaving in 15” text early — it’s never a lie.
- Leave downtown 45 min before your slot (or let the shuttle handle it).
- 15 min early at Vivrett Creek Ramp: meet your captain, load up, quick safety rundown.
- Hour 1: cruise out, playlist on, first toast.
- Middle hours: anchor at Party Cove, lily pad in the water, slides open.
- Last 30 min: golden-hour photos on the way back in. This is when the money shots happen.
- After: back to the hotel, nap, Broadway. You’ll have earned all three.
Common Questions
How far in advance should we book a bachelorette boat in Nashville?
For a summer Saturday: 4–8 weeks minimum. Weekday and Sunday cruises have more flexibility, often with better rates.
Can we drink on the boat?
Yes — every Rowdy Boats charter is BYOB, and your licensed captain does all the driving.
How many people fit on one boat?
16–22 depending on the boat. Bigger group? Book two boats and cruise together — it makes the Party Cove photos even better.
What if someone can’t swim?
Totally fine. Life jackets are on board, the lily pad floats, and nobody has to get in the water to have a blast.
The Only Thing Left on the Checklist
Decor can be ordered next week. Dinner can move. The one thing you can’t fix later is a boat that’s already booked out on your date — and summer Saturdays go first.
Check Your Date & Book the Boat →
Private party pontoons on Percy Priest Lake • Captain included • BYOB • 16–22 guests per boat