Bridal showers with cake and paper-plate ribbon bouquets or bachelorette bashes at bars are losing their appeal among many brides-to-be and their girlfriends. Instead, women are opting for Zenlike gatherings with soothing sounds, calming scents and plenty of pampering.

Interest in bridal spa parties has been steadily rising over the past four to five years, as women look for an alternative to traditional-themed bridal celebrations.

R. Todd Fleeman / Special (ENLARGE)

Bella Dia esthetician Stephanie Davis gives a signature facial to bride Claire Culver.

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"It's definitely been a large part of our business," said Katie Ferrari, spa event director at Spa Sydell, which has several locations in metro Atlanta. "I hear a lot with our bachelorette parties that many women are waiting later to marry, so they're over the party thing and want some time to relax and be pampered with girlfriends. It's a better and a classier thing to do than going to a bar. It's like an oasis. We can provide a private atmosphere on the weekend so they are treated like a VIP and pampered. It leaves a good feeling when you go to get married."

No longer an exclusive luxury for the wealthy, the booming spa industry has gone mainstream, its popularity fueled by a more health-conscious society seeking ways to relieve stress and take better care of mind, body and spirit.

Spa parties are an outgrowth of that trend. To meet the demand, more spas are incorporating larger treatment rooms to accommodate groups.

"There's a more sophisticated population," said Kym Anderson, spa manager at D'Lor Salon and Spa on Cascade Road in southwest Atlanta. "As different areas grow, people's priorities change. People are seeking more upscale services. People want to attain a healthy lifestyle, and spas go hand-in-hand with that."

For brides, spa parties can help calm pre-wedding jitters in a setting that makes them feel special, while addressing health and beauty concerns.

Connie Hilderbrand, owner of Bella Dia European Day Spas in Acworth and Austell saw the bridal spa party trend coming not long after opening her first location (Austell) in 1999.

Customers for whom she was doing wedding makeup started asking what she offered for groups.

"For one, people are looking for something unique for gifts," Hilderbrand said. "Some [women] have skin-care concerns they want to address before the wedding. They find that it's a great thing to do together before the stress of the big day. It's the ultimate in relaxation and helps them have fun and takes the focus off being so nervous."

That is what led Pam Culver to book a spa party for five at Bella Dia for her daughter, Claire, the week before Claire's Aug. 4 wedding. Her daughter basked in the calming atmosphere and attentiveness while the group enjoyed facials, massages and lunch.

"I wanted to do something small and intimate for close family and friends," Culver said. "I knew we would be busy the week coming up to the wedding, and we needed that time together to relax and pamper ourselves, and that's what we got. Her grandmother was there, so we had three generations. We laughed, told stories about Claire and had a great time. You walk away feeling fabulous."

Bridal spa parties average about eight to 10 people, with some larger gatherings bringing in more than 20 people, from the mother of the bride to the flower girls. Some spas require a minimum number of attendees for parties.

Bridal packages vary in price based on treatments. Services can be customized to fit individual budgets.

Spa Sydell's Spa Diva Bachelorette Party, at $203 per person for a minimum of five people, includes a 60-minute massage or a Sydell facial, followed by lunch and a manicure and pedicure. Facials, mani-pedis, and massages are among the most-requested services, Ferrari said. Body polishing and airbrush tans are popular for summer weddings.

In addition to lunch or refreshments, spas also can provide decorations, photography, invitations and goodie bags for patrons.

There also are couples packages for the bride and groom.

Château Élan Winery and Resort's groom spa package includes a Chateau Swedish massage, hydrotherapy bath, gentlemen's pedicure and gourmet spa lunch for $225.

"Anyone planning a wedding knows that it's good any time you can plan an event that promotes relaxation, rejuvenation and a way to get away from it all," said Jacqueline Samples, spa group coordinator at Château Élan, which hosts at least one spa bridal party a month — many for brides getting married at the Braselton resort.

Before signing a contract for a spa party, be sure you understand the terms for cancellation, Samples suggested. The costs can be steep.

When reserving space to accommodate a group, some spas require a 10-day notice of cancellation; no-shows or last-minute cancellations are charged at the full rate of service.

"Maybe there's a storm in the Northeast, flights are canceled and some of your bridesmaids can't make it in time," Samples said. "Read the fine print. Sometimes things happen. You have to have a Plan B."

D'Lor, which opened about six months ago, already has hosted four bridal spa parties. The spa's wedding package, $400 per person, offers hair, nail and makeup services as well as spa treatments for the bridal party on the day of the wedding. With locker rooms and showers available, the entire party can get dressed at the spa and take a limo to the wedding site.

"It's great for the bride because she knows everyone is getting ready in the same place and leaving together," said D'Lor's Anderson. "So there's less stress for the bride."

If you'd rather celebrate at home, mobile spa services can bring the bridal spa party to you, with all the equipment needed for the treatments you want and the accessories — from candles to music — to transform your home into a soothing, spalike retreat.

Wherever the party, spa gatherings are giving brides, their families and friends a unique way to celebrate one of life's major milestones.

"Everyone goes out to eat, so I wanted something different," Culver said. "It was a nice day for Claire. It made for wonderful memories for my daughter."