Brighten Your Day

Bride Ditches Typical Bachelorette Party To Pamper Ladies From A Women's Shelter

August 28, 2016

Bride-to-be Jessika Baldwin didn't want a typical bachelorette party. Instead, the 31-year-old turned the party into a full day of pampering ladies in a Pittsburgh women's shelter.

Photo: Jessika Baldwin

"I was in a tough place in my life before, and I remember wishing for someone to just pick me up, take me out and just make me feel good," she told Revelist. "I really wanted to lift the spirits of some women who are in difficult situations and treat them for a day."

With her bridal party on board, she sent a few emails to salons and restaurants and told the women at the shelter about her plans for the day so those who felt comfortable could come along.

Photo: Jessika Baldwin

"When your closest friends and family get together for your Bachelorette party, that makes for a powerful team!" she said. "I wouldn't want to waste that time and energy, so to use it making others feel good (even if it's just for one day) makes for a better memory than taking shots, stumbling around and bar hopping."

Photo: Jessika Baldwin

On the big day, they met at Starbucks for coffee and went to a salon to get pampered. For three hours, the women got their hair washed, cut and styled and manicures — all donated by the salon. The group had lunch after, went on a shopping spree, posed for a photoshoot, and then capped the evening off with a nice dinner, which the restaurant also paid for in full.

Photo: Jessika Baldwin

"My favorite part was seeing all the smiles on everyone's faces throughout the day!" she told the Huffington Post.

Jessika hopes her story will encourage others brides to give back, too. "And remember, you don't have to be getting married to help others," she said. "this was just the perfect way to celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in my life."