By Alexis Crisman Kelly

With all the stress surrounding one’s wedding day, brides and bridesmaids need a place and time to celebrate and enjoy some down time. It’s no wonder then that ladies are flocking to the estimated 12,000 spas around the country to de-stress and get down to some good old girl bonding. Luckily, 24 percent of the spas are located in the Northeast, and a majority of them are catering to girl gatherings. Here in New Jersey, many spas offer packages designed specifically for this event; and if they don’t offer a specific package, they are more than happy to help you create something. We found numerous options that offer everything from overnight stays to in-home massages. Ladies, let the bonding begin.

Lynne Walker McNees, president of the International Spa Association, says that spa visits for brides and their maids are a popular way to alleviate pre-wedding stresses. “The number one reason people go to spas is to relieve stress and feel relaxed,” she says. “Spending time at a spa is a perfect way for brides and bridesmaids to relax in a nurturing environment before the excitement of the wedding day.” And Justin DePasquale, director of DePasquale, the Spa, in Morris Plains, agrees, “It’s the ultimate bonding experience and counteracts all the stress synonymous with weddings.”

If a day of partying is ahead of you, why not start it out in a calm way? Stop by the salon and spa Blink (Marlton Crossing II, 245 Rt. 73 S, Marlton; 856-810-2552, www.blinksalon.com), for massages, facials, and manis and pedis. Depending on the size of your group and spa availability, the salon can close down for your exclusive use on Sundays. “It’s a great option for the whole party to be together,” says Jimmy DeMarco, the spa manager. If you can’t come on a Sunday, DeMarco will work with you to make sure that everyone is getting treatments at the same time. He suggests getting the mini facial ($50) and half-hour massage ($75), as well as the deluxe manicure ($23) and pedicure ($55). Trust us, it’s worth it. Blink also offers great services for the party on the big day. “We want to take care of everything,” adds DeMarco. Remember to ask about their discount for parties receiving a few treatments.

To ensure a true bonding experience and an all-around relaxing atmosphere, some spas are creating specific areas for ladies to gather and relax. “The ladies should be together and talk,” says Lisa Dolan, co-owner of Bloom Studio in Morristown (973-292-3377). With this in mind, she and business partner Marlo Ricciardelli created the ultra-modern b-lounge, a room that was specifically designed to offer parties a place to hang out and unwind while awaiting beauty services. The lounge is decorated in mauve, charcoal, and chocolate hues, and is accented in platinum and dark wood. There are large comfy pillows strewn about and a main cushioned platform area where four women can sit comfortably. Music is piped in, but if you have a certain mood in mind, you can bring your own tunes. And, if you’re coming for an early-morning get-together, breakfast can be provided. “We really want to cater to the party,” says Dolan. Depending on what you are interested in having done, different packages can be put together and can include things like wine and cheese, manicures and pedicures, facials, massages, a blow-dry, or a makeup session. “We rotate the ladies in an out of their services and the b-lounge so that everyone is being pampered,” Dolan adds. And if you come after regular hours, the whole studio can be yours.

“We are in the ‘make people feel good’ business,”  says Frank Rizzieri, owner of the Rizzieri Spa at Marlton and Rizzieri Haven Spa at Tower Square in Sewell (856-985-5500; www.rizzieri.com). This attitude is evident in the overwhelming variety of services offered and willingness to make each visit special. If you’re looking to come with your group a week before or the day of the big wedding, the Girls Day Out ($175) package is sure to please. The package features the vital focus massage, pure focus facial, personalized signature manicure, and Rizzieri signature pedicure. Another added bonus, depending on the size of the group, is that lunch can be arranged.

Looking for a very relaxing atmosphere for the bride and her attendants to spend the day getting pampered? Check out DePasquale, the Spa (Morris Plains; 973-538-3811; www.depasqualethespa.com), which has great group options as well as the opportunity for guests to customize packages that meet their individual needs. A popular package is the DePasquale Experience (90 minutes for two, $305), which includes a soak in a Japanese steeping tub, a soothing Italian rain shower, and a relaxing massage or a Day of Beauty & Wellness ($285) that includes a full body massage with steam, facial, a manicure and pedicure, a paraffin hand treatment, and a hairstyle. There’s even a room for men. The spa suggests booking your event at least two to three months in advance.

Maybe you’d like to host a party for the bride or bridesmaids in your home. Make it extra special with Ocean Grove-based We Do Weddings (732-502-0514), which provides on-location massages. Alvina Quatrano, a licensed massage therapist and owner of Holistic Healing Arts, and her business partner Mildred Iezzi started We Do Weddings to help brides, grooms, and bridal parties de-stress before the big day. “Usually everyone is all jitters. Massages help to calm them and clear their heads,” explains Quatrano. “We can accommodate any size party and customize each massage, taking into consideration any sports or health issues.” Their services are based on the Asian philosophies of shiatsu and acupressure. For complete relaxation, Quatrano recommends a full hour alone, without your friends around. But, if you’d like to have a more group-like atmosphere, chair massages or reflexology is recommended. Prices start at $100, and they will travel throughout Ocean and Monmouth counties.

Want to get away for an overnight? Crystal Springs Resort (Minerals Resort and Spa, Vernon; 877-827-5996; www.crystalgolfresort.com) is geared for the perfect girls’ night away and allows you to build your own package. “This gives our guests more flexibility,” says Carole Huettig, the resort’s vice president of sales and marketing. Packages can include deluxe accommodations at Minerals Hotel, a snack basket, which is in your room upon arrival, unlimited access to Minerals Sports Club (racketball courts, saunas, Jacuzzis, and an indoor and outdoor pool, a track, and gym facilities), a full breakfast at Kites Restaurant, and a number of amazing and pampering treatments at Elements Spa such as the Native Spirit wrap or the Elements hand ritual. You can also add on things like yoga or Pilates classes, private sessions with a personal trainer, or wine tasting at the Warwick Valley Winery (845-258-4858; www.wvwinery.com).

            Colleen Brennan of Vernon and a group of her friends recently stayed at the resort for a girl’s weekend. “We had a blast,” she says. “We relaxed in the spa and had total makeovers, took a bunch of fitness classes, and stayed up all night watching movies, giggling, and telling stories in our room, just like we did when we were kids.”

The Seaview Resort & Spa, A Marriott Resort (Galloway Township; 609-652-1800; www.seaviewmarriott.com), which is only 10 miles from Atlantic City, is another great place to get away and relax. Not only does it offer great room rates ($99 to $349), but it offers great packages, too. The Escape Your Way package starts at $430 and includes a room (with one or two beds), breakfast for two, and a resort credit of $200 that can be applied to dining, golf, or spa services. There are two golf courses to pick from on the premises, as well as numerous spa treatments at the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salon and Spa (609-404-4100). “We want our guests to step into another world and relax their body, mind, and soul,” says Suzanne Chew, spa sales manager. “Every guest is special to us and we want them to feel special.” If you want to go with a spa package, there are a few to pick from, but the Elizabeth Arden Body Essentials and the Red Door Signature Spa Experience are sure-to-please options. Body Essentials ($246) is a half-day package that features a facial, Swedish massage, and warm cream manicure. The Signature Spa Experience can be either a full- ($550) or half-day ($291) package and includes services like the signature facial, massage, and manicure. The full-day package also includes a cream and sugar body scrub, the signature pedicure, a haircut, makeup application, and spa lunch. A la carte is another option for groups who have been tapped out by all the wedding spending. Chew suggests choosing one or two of the services like the classic facial ($110) and massage ($110) or the Red Door Signature manicure ($45) and pedicure ($68) and then taking advantage of the many other amenities the spa offers, at no additional cost. Every customer has complimentary access to the fitness facility, heated outdoor mineral pool, saunas, Jacuzzis, and a locker room fully stocked with toiletries. 

One of the first true full-service hotel day spas in New Jersey, the Spa at Short Hills (973-912-7956; www.hiltonshorthills.com), provides a perfect atmosphere for relaxation. Brides and her pals can indulge in complete makeovers or luxurious body treatments and massages. You can also arrange for a session with one of the spa’s personal trainers or take a yoga class.  “The Spa at Short Hills provided the perfect environment for my daughter’s bridal shower,” says Judy Drone of New Providence. “It’s sophisticated and professional, yet comfortable and user-friendly.” Drone and her party of ten lunched at the Hilton Short Hills’s Terrace Room before retreating for massages, facials, manicures, and pedicures. “Everyone had a great time,” she adds. “It was such fun running around in our robes, talking by the pool, and being pampered.” If you’re looking to splurge, try the Pamper Package ($942), which includes a 90-minute Hot Stone Massage, Valmont Select Facial, Rejuvenating Mud Therapy, Hydrating Spa Manicure with Paraffin, and Raw Earth spa pedicure with paraffin. Or if you need to save a little, the Spa Retreat ($358) with a 60-minute Swedish massage, 60-minute deep cleansing facial, manicure, and pedicure is a deal you can’t beat. There’s also the Spa Relaxer for Two ($378.50), which has two 30-minute Swedish massages and two 30-minute refresher facials. And if you get too tired to drive home, the spa is inside the Hilton Short Hills.

It could be said that beauty products are a girl’s best friend, so what could be better than celebrating your soon-to-be married friend with a party surrounded by luxurious Kiehl’s products? Since opening in 2006, the Westfield location (908-389-1719; www.kiehls.com), New Jersey’s only freestanding store, has hosted more than a dozen in-store bridal parties. Based on availability, any size group can reserve the space free of charge; the store even hosts parties (of more than 5) before and after hours. Guests are treated to complimentary consultations and as a parting gift from the host, can receive pre-purchased gifts sets or hand-pick a few products themselves. Additional items, like food and games, can be brought in. Kiehl’s also provides light refreshments. “We want the ladies to feel comfortable and at home in the space,” says store manager Michael McGeeney. The store also provides each guest with a complimentary gift bag that contains Kiehl’s travel essentials.

With all of these great options, there’s sure to be a luxurious choice that fits your budget and your celebration. Let the gatherings begin!