Bachelorette parties don't have to be too wild

For the bride-to-be, there is always the option of the crazy girls' night out with the limo, the T-shirts and the inappropriate accoutrements. A bar hop and dinner and a few dares might be included in the wild night. But what if the bachelorette is more of the type that likes low-key girl-bonding time?

Heather Speizman is the co-owner of Bottles 'n Brushes, a place where individuals can complete a painting in a few hours with the guidance of an instructor. The painter can be a complete novice, just ready to have a good time.

According to Speizman, ladies love creating their own masterpieces together as a fun girls' group event.

"Sometimes they will book it as private but sometimes they can do it with the group," said Speizman. When the girls are with the group, it is like they are at a restaurant with their own table.

With a wide-range of subjects to paint, often girls want to paint a beach scene or a crab, remniscent of Charleston.

The girls can mingle and socialize, explains Speizman. "We can play the music loud; it is like a mini party."

Painters can bring their own drinks, which Speizman explains makes it more affordable.

The price is $35 for a two-hour class, Monday-Thursdays.

On Friday and Saturday, the price is $45 for a three-hour class.

Sometimes, Speizman says that groups will have an afternoon party and then go out to dinner afterwards.

Visit www.bottlesnbrushes.com for more information.

Of course, any sort of pampering is always welcome when you get a gaggle of girls together. Christina Mikolajcik, co-owner of Sweet 185, said a lot of women want to do something a little more nurturing than your typical crazy night out. The wellness spa and boutique offers an alternative to waxing with a sugaring studio. Also offered are organic facials, holistic massage, and organic manicures and pedicures. Mikolajcik believes that Sweet 185 has the only oxygen bar in the Charleston area. The oxygen bar can "oxygenate" four clients at a time and has become popular with girl groups.

"It gives a slightly euphoric feeling," explained Mikolajcik.

The oxygen allows gueststo breathe four to five times the normal amount of oxygen, and small doses of 15-30 minute increments is what is recommended.

"It is great for your skin, tightens your concentration, boosts your energy level and immunity," she said.

Mikolajcik said that for parties of six to eight, the "sweet feet" treatment which provides 30 minutes of "foot reflexology" is popular. They also offer hand treatments.

"For large parties, especially in the evenings, we will close down the studio for their private event," said Mikolajcik. "We pretty much custom-design treatments for the party based on what they want and what they want to spend," she said.

Visit www.mysweet185.com for more information.

For the adventurous gals in your group, head over to the Isle of Palms Marina. According to Tidal Wave Watersport owner, Mark Fiem, the season runs from the first week in April through the end of October. But boat tours can still be accommodated if the weather is nice (which it often is during the "off season.")

Jump on a wake board or even try a parasailing tour.

The bestseller, according to Fiem, is the safari tour, an hour-and-a-half tour aboard a waverunner following a guide through the "back waters" of the area. Fiem explained that it is 30 miles and people can go shelling and learn about the history of the area. The boat and wave runner tours also go in the Charleston Harbor for those who want to see Charleston, but a lot of times people prefer the "back waters," he said.

Also offered is a custom boat excursion where a mate and captain is provided, along with all of the inner tubes, wakeboards, and boating equipment one needs.

"Sometimes people want to do athletic activities. We can also tie this in with site-seeing," said Fiem.

For the very adventurous, parasailing adventures are offered where people go up to 800 feet in the air. It is safe and fun, and all one has to do is put on a lifejacket and be lifted up into the air.

Evening harbor cruises, which are very popular with women, are also offered.

"A group of women gets aboard with wine and cheese and we cruise the harbor," Fiem said.

Tidal Wave Watersport will customize to needs, like picking up at other marina locations. Visit www.tidalwavesport.com for more information.