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The classic bachelorette party stripper show might be down to its very last trick, with bridesmaids across the country swapping abs and lap dances for a new kind of thrill.
Brides-to-be are changing the rules, with a Melbourne-based magician claiming he’s noticed a massive surge in requests for his services at bachelorette parties recently.
“Over the past year I’ve noticed a big shift away from ‘traditional’ bachelorette entertainment,” Magician Tristan McLindon told news.com.au.
“Every group or bridesmaid who books me says the same thing — they want something everyone can participate in and enjoy without it being awkward or tacky.
“The focus has shifted from spectacle to connection, and creating really memorable experiences.”
Mr. McLindon says his services typically last an hour, and he performs a series of magic tricks from ‘mind reading’ to card games.
This year alone, the popular magician has been booked for over 20 bachelorette parties.
“I’m also seeing more mixed generations at these events, with magic providing an incredible and unique opportunity to break down walls and connect attendees very quickly.
“It’s really quite special.”
He said that he’ll frequently overhear his guests saying that he was “so much better than a stripper”.
Brides-to-be weigh in
So are more brides steering away from hiring strippers? One bride-to-be says she’s definitely felt the change.
Rosie Velardi is getting married later this month and opted for a creative alternative to hiring a stripper, over concerns of attendee discomfort and blurred boundaries.
“Not everyone shares the same boundaries within their relationship when it comes to strippers and that can quickly create an awkward or tense atmosphere,” Ms Velardi told news.com.au.
“Once alcohol is involved, those boundaries can blur and situations can escalate in ways people later regret — not just for the bride or groom, but for guests too.
“That simply wasn’t the energy my partner and I wanted leading into our wedding.”
Instead, she hired Mr. McLindon as a magician to perform at her bachelorette party, and says it was “one of the best decisions” she’s ever made.
“Tristan interacted with every single person, which made the night feel inclusive and engaging,” the 24-year-old said.
“No one felt awkward or left out and everyone was laughing, genuinely comfortable and amazed, which isn’t always the case at bachelorette parties when strippers are involved.”
Ms Velardi says she’s definitely noticed a shift towards her cohort giving “more thought” to the type of entertainment selected for bachelorette parties.
“It feels like there’s more of a focus on shared experiences and connection,” she explained.
“I have seen far more events with activities where everyone is involved — whether that’s performers, games, workshops or something interactive.
“It seems to be more popular than just having a stripper as the main event.”
The bride-to-be still believes that “celebrating” is a core part of a bachelorette or bucks party, sharing that: “You can have an amazing, high-energy night without crossing personal boundaries.”
Similarly, maid of honour Robyn Moir also opted for alternative entertainment when planning her friend Steph’s special day.
“One hundred per cent there’s been a shift from what you might call ‘tacky’ bachelorette parties to more thoughtful, personalised celebrations,” Ms Moir told news.com.au.
She organised a long lunch with delicious food and cocktails, followed by some games, dancing and activities.
“I think it’s so important that the bachelorettes reflects the bride and what she finds fun and meaningful,” she shared.
“Some people would love a stripper, and that’s totally fine! But it does feel a bit outdated and predictable these days.
“That said, we definitely still partied and had a fantastic time.”
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