Bachelorette Party Budget Tips
Sources
TLDR
Summary
Chat with GigaBrain
What Redditors are SayingBachelorette Party Budget Tips
Planning a bachelorette party on a budget can be challenging, but with some creativity and communication, it's possible to organize a memorable event without breaking the bank. Here are some tips based on discussions:
Open Communication About Budgets
The most important step in planning a budget-friendly bachelorette party is open communication. It's crucial to discuss budget constraints with all participants beforehand. This ensures that everyone feels comfortable with the expenses involved 
[2:2], [4:1]. An anonymous survey can help gauge what each person is willing to spend [4:2].
Simple and Local Activities
Consider organizing simple, local activities that don't require extensive travel or accommodation costs. Ideas include a picnic in the park, a backyard barbecue, or a casual dinner out [1:3], [1:4]. These types of gatherings can be just as enjoyable and meaningful as more elaborate events.
Shared Costs and DIY Options
Sharing costs among attendees can significantly reduce individual expenses. For example, renting an Airbnb for a group can be more affordable than booking multiple hotel rooms [3:1]. Additionally, consider DIY options for decorations, food, and drinks to save money [5:5].
Focus on Quality Time
Ultimately, the goal of a bachelorette party is to spend quality time with friends. Emphasize experiences that allow for bonding and relaxation, such as a spa day, movie night, or game night [5:6], [5:7]. These activities can create lasting memories without requiring a large budget.
Be Honest and Stand Firm
If you find yourself under pressure to plan something beyond your means, it's important to be honest about your financial situation and stand firm in your decision. True friends will understand and support your circumstances [1:6], [5:1].
By considering these tips, you can plan a bachelorette party that is both fun and financially manageable for everyone involved.
Your AI-powered social listening tool.
Stay ahead of trends with Gigabrain Ultra—set up advanced keyword tracking and instant sentiment alerts, customized for your brand's needs.Source Threads
POST SUMMARY • [1]Summarize
Need ideas for a small committee bachelorette party on a budget
Posted by 3F-Osmanthus · in r/weddingplanning · 6 months ago
ORIGINAL POSTHi everyone.
Sorry to be posting that, to make things short ... I have a very small budget due to the fact that I work part time, in a volunteer activity that's partially paid by my state. I am not paid much, it's 400 per month + 100 from the place's administration per month but in the end of the month. I also have various medical costs I have to pay for each month and my health insurance provider keep sending the funds they are supposed to refund me to the wrong account which has been a nightmare recently. Despite being part time I don't have a lot of time to myself or to make plans as I'm more or less helping a lot of people do a lot of things around, all while I struggle myself with mental health and adhd issues... Thing is, I talked about all of this with the bride in private and yet it seems that it didn't go through, so I am going to have to plan a bachelorette party with almost no budget or time, for a wedding in less than a month....while there's also another planned in another town six hours from here, where I can't go... I'm sort of panicking, I really don't know what to do. I am still not sure how many people will be here besides me and the bride but luckily, not a lot ? I'm also scared because the one other person that was appointed to plan the bachelorette party just isn't responding. So I'm the only one communicating with the girls and I'm scared she might just not show up at all... Which from what I gather would leave only me and the bride, as no one is answering the 'hey would you guys be able to come over for [bride]'s bachelorette? If so when?' message the other organizer for the 6hrs away bachelorette asked.
Would it be weird if I just planned a picnic and bought pastries ? Or going at a zoo? What do people even do during bachelorette parties? I'm sorry, this post is all over the place, I'm absolutely panicking.
Just tell the bride that you don't have the time or money to plan a second bachelorette within a month. She's having a bachelorette and a second one seems excessive given the time limit.
I already told her that, but her friends are pressuring me to prepare one...
Tell them no? Is she backing you up? Does she understand your circumstances? Did you tell her bluntly and truthfully? If yes and she is insisting, She isn’t your friend. Do they know your financial situation? If yes and they are insisting, tell them to venmo you and then you’ll do it. Standing up to people is a necessity in life and learning how to do it with tact is important. It took me decades to learn. If someone views your relationship as transactional - especially monetarily and when you have said you are in a hard place financially, they aren’t your friends.
Those ideas sound perfect for me - I told my friends I wanted to go to the zoo and do our nails and some masks at a friend’s house. These extravagant weekends/weeks away are insane to me.
Hey, first — take a deep breath. You’re doing your best, and that already makes you a good friend. It’s not weird at all to keep it super simple. Honestly, some of the sweetest bachelorettes I’ve been to were just a chill day out — one of them was literally a picnic with pastries and Prosecco in a park, and it turned out way more memorable than the big party stuff.
A zoo sounds like a cute idea too if the bride likes animals — you don’t have to overdo it. It’s really just about spending time with her and making her feel special. Even something like a playlist, a little game, or writing her a letter from the group can make it feel meaningful.
Also, if you're still trying to coordinate with anyone and not getting replies, I’d suggest using FlowTrip. It’s super lightweight and helps you plan and vote on stuff in one place — no endless messages or people ghosting in the group chat. It’s in beta but you can get early access by joining the waitlist. Honestly saved me a lot of stress for a trip I had to plan almost solo.
You’ve got this — small and thoughtful beats big and chaotic any day.
Those idea aren’t weird at all!! I personally cannot get behind this new over the top/destination/multi day Bach parties. We just went out to dinner, and then those that could came over for a fire in the backyard. It was affordable for everyone, and there was no stress!
What you are suggesting is normal for local bachelorette parties because it's default that they are low cost. Anything that is inexpensive works. But don't feel pressured if you don't have time or mental capacity to host anything.
r/weddingplanning • [2]Summarize
What's a reasonable budget per person to spend on a Bachelorette?
Posted by lambocj · in r/weddingplanning · 2 years agoJust opened a separate savings account to save for my friends bach as it looks like we're going to Vegas or Mexico. Should I start a GoFundMe? (joking)
Reasonable budget is whatever the person with the lowest budget is comfortable with (not what they can technically afford).
If no one gets asked about budgets, then I think it’s really only cool to plan something like a local night out, brunch, or dinner.
I really like this! Will be using this for reference when I get engaged/start wedding planning.
Agreed… I feel bad asking my bridesmaids to pay for getting their nails done and me taking them out for lunch for my bachelorette
It really depends on the group and the plans. If everybody is well established in their careers so has money and wants to go all out, go for it. But brides (or whoever is planning the bach) need to take their group’s budget into account as a starting point rather than just assuming people can make it work.
Can I ask a legit question?? When the hell did bachelorette parties turn into this?? I’m so glad I didn’t expect my bridesmaids to pay for something like this. I think this is becoming a bit ridiculous.
I don’t think all bachelorettes have turned into this, just the small subset that get a lot of views on Instagram or this sub. A small, average bach doesn’t garner a lot of attention, but is most likely still the norm. That being said, many people are getting married later and have more disposable income because they are further along in their careers. If someone wants to have an amazing girls weekend and the whole party agrees to it and can afford it, why not have an over the top destination party? Basically, I think it’s super dependent on your group and social circle.
True, but it looks like the bride didn’t ask what everyone could afford since OP is making jokes about a go fund me lol. I just think it’s all nuts lol.
I love it - I'll take any excuse to go away with girlfriends! The opportunities are few and far between.
But expecting people to pay this much when they’re already paying a bunch of money to be in your wedding already is extremely ridiculous.
Only you can decide how much money you want to spend on a party. If you have to save up for a trip, do not do so at the expense of your normal savings- retirement etc.
What's reasonable to me might not be reasonable to you. If it doesn't fit your personal budget, don't go.
Fun bachelorette parties can be planned so everyone that wants to attend can afford to. The idea that your friends have to spend a good chunk of money to take the bride on a vacation or forfeit the invite is just so closed off and classist.
r/wedding • [3]Summarize
Bachelorette drama
Posted by [deleted] · in r/wedding · 7 months agoHi all! My fiancé and I are getting married this October (yay) and I’m in the process of planning my bachelorette. For context: I’m in my late 20s and have friends scattered across the continental US. I basically want my bachelorette to be a chance for the wedding party to get to know each other (not everyone knows each other) and have some slumber party hang-out vibes. I’m planning a chill weekend at a cute boutique hotel where we got an Airbnb-like suite!
When we asked folks to be in our wedding, my fiancé and I tried to be really clear about what was involved in the wedding. I told people that I would be having a bachelorette weekend where most people would be traveling. Once we had chosen a location and date I sent a google form with price breakdown, itinerary, links to activities, hotel details and food and drink estimates for the weekend (I’m pretty type A and I’m afraid of inconveniencing my friends so wanted to over communicate). The bachelorette is in July so people still have time to save based on the estimates I sent (which I gave them all about a month ago).
I have a good friend (and BM) who is tight in finances at the moment. When we were planning, I chose a location where she wouldn’t have to fly so it would be cheaper for her. I’ve also offered to help cover her dress for the actual wedding, and we’re letting her stay at our house the weekend of the wedding so she doesn’t have to pay for a hotel room. I’ve tried really hard to accommodate her so she can be a part of the wedding, but when I told her about the bachelorette plans she said it would be “silly” for her to stay at a hotel 45 minutes from her home. I offered a bunch of solutions for how to navigate the financial situation (her paying me back, only staying one night at the hotel, and skipping an activity). I told her the total for her for the bachelorette weekend with my ideas would be $389. She rejected everything I suggested, and basically told me she can come to one activity and one meal during the weekend. Eventually it became clear that it wasn’t just something “silly”, but instead a hard boundary that she was not willing/able to compromise on. I was left feeling rejected and like she doesn’t want to show up for me. When she reasserted her boundary, she made it seem like I’m asking too much and for her to do something she’s not comfortable with. I wished she had said, “I can’t financially make that work, I’m sorry. Here’s what I can do” from the beginning. Admittedly, I’m partially disappointed because I put so much effort into accommodating her so she can be a part of our wedding, but I’m also feeling like I’m having to accommodate her a lot. I’m already feeling insecure about potentially inconveniencing my friends too much, and now I’m feeling judged for asking folks to go on a trip to celebrate my wedding.
Looking for some validation- feeling discouraged about this BM situation. Would also love hive mind thoughts: am I being reasonable? Is doing this kind of bachelorette too much to ask of a friend? Am I a bridezilla? How would others accommodate a friend who has significant financial limitations? Would it be weird for her to just come to a couple things during the weekend and skip the rest?
She has told you repeatedly what she can and can't afford. Why do you keep pressuring her? She's doing the best she can. That's a lot of money to spend just to make you happy for a weekend. Why can'tshe go home after a club or dinner? She is already going to be in your wedding.
Plus will undoubtedly be getting OP a wedding gift.
Your initial request was not asking too much and was a reasonable request. However after that you became unreasonable. Your bridesmaid is 100% allowed to decline the bachelorette for any reason whatsoever. You are welcome to follow up and ask her if there are any pain points you can help with. But all you should offer is help. You were bridezilla when you pressured her after she said no. You were asking too much off her once the pressure started.
It would not be weird for her to come to just one activity. In fact it would be weird if you told her to come to nothing at all.
She is showing up for you by coming to the wedding. It’s ridiculous to feel like she’s not showing up for you because she also doesn’t want to pay for a party before the party.
At this point, you should be more concerned about you being a bad friend to her than her being a bad friend to you. I would highly recommend that to you apologize to her for applying any pressure. That you’re so thankful for every dollar that she is spending on you and every minute that she is spending on you. Maybe a good compromise would be for you to fly in a little early or a little late and spend a day just hanging out with her doing things that are basically free.
It's easy for any of us to lose perspective. This is why getting input from strangers can be so useful. I appreciate your thoughts here and hopefully OP gains something from it.
I wished she had said, “I can’t financially make that work, I’m sorry. Here’s what I can do” from the beginning.
Based on the tenor of this post, I have a feeling you don't give off the vibe that would've welcomed this sort of honesty upfront. It sounds like your friend tried to gently bow out and you kept pushing.
You have a group of friends who are willing to celebrate with you, including a friend who'll be driving 45 minutes from her home to do an activity and share a meal. How wonderful that is!
Have you fallen into the trap of using bridesmaid participation as a yardstick for "How much do they love me?"
Instead, decide to be grateful however much people can honor you with time in their incredibly busy and complex lives.
And don't forget -- nobody really needs to care about your wedding except you and your fiance.
“I basically want my bachelorette to be a chance for the wedding party to get to know each other”
It’s just a wedding to them especially since they’re also probably in their late 20s. I’m sure they have jobs and lives to continue with and couldn’t care less about knowing the other people on an “intimate level”. Bachelorette should be about a last hurrah. Whoever can’t make, can’t make it. It’s not a big deal and i wouldn’t be worried or ruin your friendship over something minute. Try to plan at less less expensive acitivity to get everyone on board- I’m sure theylll appreciate that. It’s not always about shelling out big bucks to celebrate you. If her boundaries are annoying you, you should shell out the money for her because it seems like you REALLLY want her there. A bridesmaid to me is only obligated to be a part of the party during wedding day and if she can’t come to the parties then so be it.
r/weddingplanning • [4]Summarize
Bachelorette Costs Question
Posted by alexisangeli62 · in r/weddingplanning · 5 months agoIf this is the wrong flair, please let me know!
I’m planning my bachelorette and want to keep it affordable for everyone - but costs are adding up between a fun place to stay, travel costs for everyone since no one lives in Asheville (where I’m having it), and then activities I want to do. It’s inching close to $500 with just two activities and housing (biltmore estate day ticket entry fee and charcuterie board workshop). Is this too much to ask before asking people to chip in for food and drinks for the weekend, before going out to eat, and hitting the bars? How are other brides to be handling bachelorette costs in this economy?
Anonymous survey to see what they are willing to spend. Then you either cut down your bach activities to match it or you can spend whatevers extra from your own pocket.
This is something you have to ask friends. Each friend and friend group will have different budgetary constraints
Personally, I feel like that is on the steep side when food, drinks and travel to Asheville haven’t been factored in (but that’s based on my own budget).
I asked my girls for a budget for lodging and a budget for activities and went from there!
Gotta ask your guests! I’d be fine with those estimated costs, some people wouldn’t be. There’s times in my life where $100 was too much.
If you are planning your own bachelorette, did you ask the participants ahead of time what budget would work for them?
I was planning on giving them an expected spend and then having a poll option for housing (like three or four options). I do plan on partially subsidizing the group activities and letting them know that if they don’t want to participate they don’t have to, but as I’m typing that I’m not sure how practical that idea would be. I’m sure they’d feel the pressure to participate regardless :/
r/weddingplanning • [5]Summarize
Can I just skip my bachelorette party?
Posted by kacidillius · in r/weddingplanning · 2 months agoI (25F) am getting married to my partner next fall and we are having a destination wedding. We LOVE the destination we chose and vacation there often and are so excited to share that experience with our loved ones. With that said, we totally understand the ask that it is on guests (specifically our wedding party) and don't want to make things any more stressful than they have to be.
For me- I've been trying to be really reasonable with my bridesmaids requirements: I'm getting jewelry and accessories for the ceremony and reception for the girls, have very relaxed dress requirements (I assigned colors, fabric, and recommended a very reasonably priced vendor), and even though we are not offering plus ones, we have offered them to all of the wedding party.
My issue is the bachelorette party. I am a travel girly, and don't really enjoy partying or clubbing much. As a general rule, there's a lot of things I don't do on the day to day basis to help fund our travel plans.
I am the type to want a bachelorette trip but honestly, with it already being a destination wedding, I wouldn't feel right pitching that unless I paid for everything which isn't something I can afford, so that one's out. I did mention the travel idea to them and while one of them was down, the other 2 voiced financial concerns which I completely understood and left that idea there. I briefly considered sucking it up and just having like a bar crawl fun night in the city we're all from (Midwest USA); but I don't live there anymore and don't want to travel 2 hours to host an event that I'm not excited about. Not to mention on of my bridesmaids moved east coast at the top of this year and I wouldn't want to ask her to travel back for a half back bachelorette. I wanted to invite them to come to my place for a long weekend in the town we moved to, and I could host and make drinks and plan activities and outings that I could afford, but they honestly didn't seem excited about this idea. I got the energy it wasn't exciting enough.
At this point I'm already over the whole thing and am feeling like it would be easier to just skip the bachelorette party. But I feel like that's a bit selfish and robbing my bridesmaids of a full experience in a wedding party. Any ideas on what I could do instead? Or is it fair to just drop it since no one is agreeing and even if it will disappoint my bridesmaids?
Can’t you just tell them you don’t want a bachelorette party?
Yeah, I mentioned that once or twice and was immediately basically told that we have to and it would be so fun etc etc
you're the bride girl. tell them they're welcome to plan a bachelorette but you have no plans of attending.
But you’re the bride.
Then why don't they plan it themselves?
They’re telling you that you HAVE to have a bachelorette, then they’re shooting down the expensive options because of money, but then they’re also shooting down the cheaper options because they’re lame?? Girl what. Honestly it sounds like you’re catering a whole ton to them (and being ENTIRELY reasonable!) and they aren’t willing to do the same for you. I would either 1. throw out 3-4 options like the ones you’d have mentioned and have them vote, 2. tell them what YOU want and if they can’t make it, then you totally understand (ultimately it is about what you want, and hosting at your place as a slumber party seems SO fun idk why they wouldn’t be into that??) or 3. Call it off entirely if that’s what you want, unless one of them (MOH?) wants to take on the responsibility like they traditionally should. You’re not asking for too much and you’re being considerate, the “full bridal party experience” involves going out of your way to make a friend feel special and to create special memories with her. I hope they can get on board with that :)
I don't think your bridesmaids will feel robbed by not requiring them to take work off, pay money, and travel to a bachelorette party when they are already required to do so for the wedding. I would honestly be thrilled and relieved if I was in a wedding party and my bride passed on the bachelorette party.
My wedding is local to me but a "destination" for most of my wedding party.
Thus, we're renting a big mansion with 7 bedrooms, a game room, a hot tub, and a pool, and having a "wedding retreat" with our whole wedding party instead of a separate bachelorette's and bachelor's. Our reservation is from the night before our wedding to three days after (Fri-Tues).
I am looking forward to this retreat as much as the wedding itself! It'll be lovely to spend time with all of our closest friends.
I just did this! Not a mansion but a 6 bedroom house with 16 women, and a pool. It was absolutely amazing! Granted we’re mostly in our 40’s so that made the cleaning/upkeep a lot smoother than it would’ve been in our 20’s… but we had one uberplanner who took over the food situation, and everyone brought some booze. It was affordable and let us focus on spending time with eachother instead of the destination 🥰 make it work for you whatever you choose to do (or not do!)
Is there a spa or a fun excursion at the destination where your wedding will be?
You could have a girls day before the wedding if everyone is arriving a day or two before the actual wedding.
You’re definitely not required to do one!! I was fully planning on skipping it, but we’re doing a wine and canvas night at my MOH’s instead the night before. It looks different for everyone! I don’t think anyone will be necessarily disappointed, especially if you all aren’t coming to an agreement.
On a separate note, possibly reconsider not giving plus ones if it’s a true destination wedding. I am all for keeping it simple and intimate, but asking people to travel alone can be really frustrating as a guest. Not everyone will take the plus one, and they’ll likely feel much more comfortable in their travels.
This is an excellent idea.
r/weddingplanning • [6]Summarize
Is it wrong for me to feel a twinge of hurt at my bachelorette planning? #bacheloretteblues
Posted by SnooCompliments3787 · in r/weddingplanning · 2 months agoAm in the wrong to feel sad/hurt at my current expectations for my upcoming bachelorette?
Several months ago, some of my friends and I picked the location of the bachelorette and also began looking at airbnbs and flights. We all looked together and got a rough estimate of whether it would be feasible financially to make the trip work. To me it seemed reasonable to my experience of attending and paying for bachelorette trips (flights for this will be roughly ~100-130, lodging roughly ~250 for three nights. I also picked the location because it was in a place where we can hike for free and spend time comfortably at the airbnb without spending money. I don't really want or care to do things that cost a lot of money outside of going to a winery tasting, and even then I understand about half of the girls may not want to drink or participate - and that's completely fine too!!
I know one of two of the girls who are not in my wedding party may be on a stricter budget, but most of them have comfortable income, outside from a family member who I will likely pay for. Roughly speaking, I think the budget for this is around 500 dollars, which I know may be a lot to some, but also I don't think is unreasonable in this day and age for a weekend trip.
A few weeks ago, my two friends that are planning the trip suggested inviting two friends to make the budget easier on people (and suggested two people that I didn't feel I was close enough with at this point to invite) or even suggested changing the location. I do know and understand that not everyone may be able to come (primarily people not in the wedding) but I also felt a little hurt because several of the people invited are going on fancy abroad trips for several weeks and are now asking me to cover my portion when on all the trips I have gone on, we paid for the bride and spent more money than this. I absolutely will pay if that is the make or break on this trip (I'd rather have a fun time then not go), but my fiance and I are already paying for our own wedding because my parents can't really afford to help and I will also pay for this family member to go on the bach trip too. I also feel more antsy the longer they wait because prices will go up on any remaining Airbnbs 😅
I'll summarize to this: I know and understand that everyone has a budget and not everyone will be able to come and feel selfish to draw any kind of line on the budget, but I feel like I'm not asking for much with this trip in terms of overall costs or plans and it feels like everyone else gets to have their fun trips and moments and mine takes a back seat... just feeling a little deflated :(
It's understandable that you're hurt that your friends aren't able to meet your expectations. They obviously offered more than they can deliver and instead of being honest about it they're trying to please everybody and no doubt not pleasing anyone.
I think part of the issue is that expectations around weddings have become unrealistic. Young people have to get out of the mindset that they're owed a free vacation just because they're getting married. How much their friends earn and what they choose to spend their PTO and money on isn't their business and it's actually rude to speculate about those things. Spending your PTO and money on their events is no guarantee that friends will be willing/able to return the favor when it's your turn to get married, so it's not surprising how often these things seem to cause hurt feelings.
When you let other people pay your way, you lose control. The way to get it back is to pay for the trip you want. I'd create an anonymous poll and ask everyone who's invited what their budget is and if they're willing/able to take a 4 day, 3 night trip. Let them know you're paying for your portion, then make plans with the ones who are willing to commit. Don't invite people you're not close to so the cost is cheaper for others because anyone you invite to your bachelorette also has to be invited to your wedding.
Yes thank you, I thought I was the crazy one with the comments I’m seeing. People are out of control with their expectations for bachelor/ette parties.
I need people to understand that bachelorette parties used to quite literally be a night out at a local bar and ending the night back at someone’s house or apartment for a sleepover, with homemade brunch in the morning. Now it seems everyone needs to go to Hawaii for a week. It’s selfish imo to ask people to spend a bunch of money and PTO on a weekend that’s all about you. If people didn’t place such high expectations on their bachelorette parties they would realize a simple night out with your girlfriends is all you need to have fun.
If you’re planning a whole elaborate trip, don’t be surprised when you as the bride end of paying for some of it, and speculating on your friends’ budgets and what they want to spend their money on is kind of crazy.
I’m not having a bachelorette, and my partner is not having a bachelor party, for just this reason. None of our friends want to sit through yet another bachelor(ette) party, and neither do we. They’re pretty played out at this point in our lives, IMO. If our friends are at the wedding, that’s more than enough.
Yeah OP mentioning her friends trips abroad rubbed me the wrong way. I plan my trips a year ahead to help save up/budget. Doesn’t mean I make great money, it means I can budget.
We have had 6 couples in our friend group get married in the last 7 months and the last one currently engaged will be getting married in November. I felt bad for her having hers last because between clothing, accommodation, tans, hair, makeup, travel, activities, etc for all of the other weddings and bachelorettes, we are all out thousands of dollars and on tight budgets.
I don’t want her to feel like she’s getting “less” of a bachelorette just because she went last, so I have been careful with the planning. I asked her if it came down to it would she prefer a weekend away and most of the money goes in accom and we do free activities at the air BnB, no goodie bags, etc, or would she rather have it closer to home and we can go all out and have all of that. She wanted the weekend away so that’s what we have planned.
I managed to find a happy medium where one of the girls attending has a rich aunty and we are going to stay at her house to save on accom. We found a really decently priced activity that had three different things the bride is interested in for only $55pp. I own a cricut, an iPad, an Apple Pencil, and I have a canva pro subscription so I have customised everything for the hens instead of paying (goodie bags with each girls name on them, custom cups, custom sashes, etc), and I’ve made interactive games we can play like bridal Jeopardy on keynote. I’ve organised all the meals myself instead of catering stuff or going out for meals too, and they are all catered to differing dietary requirements (vegan, pescatarian, etc)
At the end of the day I think it’s very much an “if they wanted to they would” situation. This is costing less than $200pp ($120USD) as opposed to the $500+ we have spent on other bachelorettes where we have done/gotten far less.
you seem like a great planner and a wonderful friend!
i just want to say though that, gosh, there are really some kinda sexist expectations when it comes to high-effort things like games, goodie bags, etc. that are so common for bachelorette parties compared to the typical amount of effort/planning that groomsmen put into a bachelor party.
Honestly when my partner and I get married I think I’m gonna sit down and make all the guys little goodie bags and stuff too because it seems sad they miss out. I was at a friend’s house planning this bachelorette and the guys were like damn we want to come to that instead of the bachelors!
I try to be! I really don’t think it’s hard in this day and age with access to so much info across TikTok/Pinterest and even ChatGPT helped me come up with some games - I just fed it some info about the bride and it spat out some suggestions. You can do so much for free and honestly I think the free stuff is so much more meaningful as it’s all customised to the bride.
I even made a fake mock up of tinder and I’ve gotten all the girls to send pics and then turned them into men and written funny bios and the bride is gonna swipe on them and basically do a version of fuck/marry/kill with different drink punishments for each.
It’s easy to book an activity but planning meaningful games that the bride would like costs less in money, just more in time.
I think $500 for flights and accommodations is very reasonable. I was just invited to a bachelorette where the lodging alone was $450 a person. I understand $500 might be a lot for some, but I don’t think you’re in the wrong by feeling disappointed, especially since you seemed to put thought and effort into making this affordable.
Is there anywhere within driving distance you could pivot to? For example, I live in NYC and am doing a Hudson valley bachelorette so we just have to pay for lodging.
It sounds like you haven’t planned anything extravagant or unreasonable and it’s ok to be disappointed not everyone can come. But I think it’s very important to stop yourself from comparing the other trips people are going on with their own time/money and wishing they were spending it on you instead. Vacation, PTO, travel, budget, a million other commitments to juggle - people should take the vacations they wanna take without being resented by their friends for not being more financially generous when it’s a wedding-related event.
Especially if it’s friends who aren’t even in your wedding party.
Yes this! This is why planning needs to start by getting everyone's budget. That ship has sailed unfortunately but you're right; if they can't afford it they should just say so
OP, it’s okay to feel let down, it’s really tough getting married during a time of economic uncertainty. Things are SO expensive these days and folks are probably feeling the pinch. Do you have someone who is definitely in? Go ahead and set the date, get the place, and move forward. Alternatively, make a staycation happen that is less of a burden financially- those can be SO fun!
r/wedding • [7]Summarize
Recommendations for budget-friendly bachelorette party planning?
Posted by [deleted] · in r/wedding · 3 years agoQuestion - I’m Maid of Honor in my sister’s wedding and am trying to figure out what to do for the bachelorette party.
My priorities are 1) to be considerate of what the bride wants (she is not a bridezilla and I want to be a part of blessing her with a fun and memorable day out with all her girls) and 2) also being considerate of everyone’s financial contribution. My sister has already been very intentional about providing us with budget-friendly dress options, so that’s the mindset I’m trying to continue here with her bachelorette party.
I know these things can get expensive real fast, so I’m trying to figure out what and how to plan. I’ve already decided against renting housing since the party will be near my home, so I can comfortably put people up for the night as needed. As far as everything else goes, though, what would be some budget-friendly recommendations for affordable activities, AND what would you personally be willing to spend on a bachelorette party if you were a bridesmaid in this situation?
Thanks. 😊
The most budget friendly bachelorette is the old school way of hosting them where everyone went out together after the rehearsal dinner for one evening of drinks and snacks and whatever fun you have together there.
This is how all bachelorette parties are done in our circles and nothing costs more than $100 per person with everyone contributing to cover bride’s expenses. No overnights that cost PTO and $$$ travel that not everyone can afford, or mixed personalities that don’t mesh (extroverts vs introverts)
I didn't know that having the bachelorette after the rehearsal dinner solved the "problem" of the bride having friends with "mixed" personalities...
OP, if you're planning on an all-day event with an overnight at your house, I like the idea of starting the day off with something outside the house--fun brunch or an activity the bride would love (axe throwing, paint n sip, escape room are all relatively affordable). Then travel to your place for more activities/ending the night for anyone who doesn't want to stay over—cocktail making, games (bride/groom trivia, Head's Up, etc.), ordering in or making dinner together, s'mores. Decor doesn't need to be expensive but really will make being at your place feel really special!
To find out people's budgets, you can send out a Google form--that also helps with gauging people's availability for scheduling the party.
My friend did a downtown bar hopping bachelorette! Except, we got too drunk and didn’t bar hop haha. We stayed at just one VERY fun bar with a mechanical bull.
We split a hotel among 6 of us (2 rooms per 3 people). It was a holiday inn. $23 each, plus $5 each for parking ONE car (we car pooled). You can save money on this part by sleeping at someone house. I was the bachelorette planner, and I decorated the hotel room myself (very sore subject lol. I wish the other girls helped more). I spent like $100 on decorations. You can save money by just going to a cheaper place lol. I went on Amazon. The decorations rocked though! It came with a fun blow up guy.
One bridesmaid bought us alcohol to pregame with. I think she spent about $50 on it. Another bridesmaid bought party games she already owned.
We Ubered to the bar obviously, and back to the hotel. That was like $7 a person. And then we got food. We used grub hub in the hotel, and we ordered whatever we wanted. I think I spent like $25 on my dinner.
The bachelorette was just one night. It was super cheap and very fun!
Sleepover party route could also have an at-home spa theme (face masks, nails, etc) or you could make it themed to when she was in high school (watch 90s or 00s movies, play drinking games, buy candy/snacks popular at that time, board games, etc).
Other ideas: scavenger hunt, picnic, hiking, boozy brunch (rather than going out to dinner), etc.
An old school slumber party could be fun and easily done for less than 100 per person! Build a blanket fort, order pizza, watch movies, tell ghost stories etc
r/weddingplanning • [8]Summarize
Bachelorette Party Budget Challenges
Posted by whereforetodover · in r/weddingplanning · 4 years agoSo I have some incredibly loving and supportive bridesmaids, who have all been 100% great so far. But now I've ceded control (not my favorite thing to do ha ha) of the bachelorette party to my amazing MOH, it's gotten a little tricky!
Basically, we wanna drive out to a nice cabin/airbnb in the woods somewhere for the weekend, and just relax and have a lowkey time. One of my top priorities for the wedding has been making sure everyone's budget is respected; I'm paying for everyone's dresses, alterations, hair and makeup, so their main expenses are travel-related (2/5 are out of state). So when they told me they wanted to pay for my portion of the bachelorette party, I was willing to accept it!
But here's the rub - the places that are in the budget my maid of honor has set are... Ok at best. A lot don't have enough beds for everyone - people would have to share, some don't have AC in August, some are just reaally outdated interiors. I worry my friends would have an unpleasant time. Frankly I worry I would have an unpleasant time - I'm picky about my sleeping arrangements.
I offered to pay my portion (or all of it) so we could increase the budget a little, but they wouldn't hear of it. I was grumbling about it a bit to my mom, and she offered to pay for the whole thing (out of the wedding gift money she was going to give me anyway, which would be more than enough for a really nice place), which I thought would be a neat solution! I don't pay for the party (my friends' concern, not mine), and we get to increase the budget a bit.
Well, my bridesmaids are deliberating on whether to accept this, but so far they are saying that while they might accept my mom's offer to pay they would be uncomfortable with increasing the budget from their original plans. I think they feel they would be taking advantage of my mom, when increasing the budget was kind of the whole point of this exercise.
Regardless, I would like to have my mom pay (since that money is getting gifted to me anyway it's basically a sneaky way for me to pay, in my opinion) - it would make her very happy and further reduce the burden on my friends, but how do I get them to consider slightly nicer places? Should I give up and just accept whatever they land on and assume that it will be a good time regardless (I know this is probably the answer)? Anyone have experience with similar issues with stubbornly frugal friends?
Do you absolutely have to have a destination bachelorette? Would you be just as happy with a local evening out and a slumber party at a friend's house? That way your MOH could stick to her budget and you would get something that was a bit more upscale. I can't fault your MOH for wanting to stick to a budget here and for feeling uncomfortable accepting money from your parents, especially if your MOH is not particularly close to your mom.
I would be fine with it; it was one of the options I initially threw out! When polled we were all equally happy with literally all of the options ha ha. Cabin in the woods was my MOH's pick.
I don't think it would totally solve the problem, though. I'm the only one with a guest room (we live in the city so no one has a house), so we'd probably have to have the party at my place, and people would still have to share beds and sleep on the sofa.
My mom is super cool and everyone likes her; my MOH has met her several times and even stayed at her house before, but I can see how it would be weird.
I suppose I've been thinking of the party less as a gift my friends are getting me and more a vacation we're taking together that I'm somehow not allowed to plan or contribute to even though I should be thanking them for doing me this huge favor of being my bridesmaids/friends. Maybe I should rearrange my thinking.
Living in the city with no one having a house does make the problem a bit harder, yeah... and FWIW I'm on your side about sleeping arrangements. I don't really like to share beds with people who aren't my FH or my mom, so having to share beds would be a no-go for me as well. Would camping be a good compromise or is that not your/your friends' jam?
> I suppose I've been thinking of the party less as a gift my friends are getting me and more a vacation we're taking together that I'm somehow not allowed to plan or contribute to
Traditionally, all the pre-wedding parties are like this (gifts from the wedding party/families) - but the bachelorette is the most flexible imo. This is hard because I really can't fault your MOH for not wanting to take money from your mom, but I also think you aren't in the wrong for not wanting to be in a situation you aren't comfortable with.
Would a night out on the town, going back to your respective places, and then meeting up for brunch the next morning be OK? I know it's not the same feel as everyone staying in the same place.
For mine we stayed local, did a breakout room, karaoke pizza and all crashed at my place. It was awesome. We downloaded a few photo challenge games and such but really I'm a lowkey girl and this was my fun night out.
That sounds fantastic - definitely the vibe I was going for, I think my vacation planning brain is just getting in the way. This may be our backup plan if we can't come to a decision on the cabin situation.
I also paid and booked everything as I have a few Party Party friends which wasn't me. This way I made sure I had the night I wanted.
Oh man. I really feel you on this one and it is the reason I am not ceding control of my bachelorette party.
Similar to you I am paying for all of my bridal party’s expenses except travel, because we’re financially in a better position than most of them and I didn’t want their budget getting the way in my style/taste. I’ve hired out a bathhouse/day spa for a day and Airbnb for the weekend for my bachelorette, all they have to pay for is food and drinks.
I have no advice really. If you think she’d be receptive, maybe just have a one on one chat with your MoH and explain your mother is offering to pay so that you can stay somewhere you’d like to stay for the weekend.
If however you don’t think she’d be receptive, might need to just suck it up. ��
Good plan. I thought I could handle not being in control of literally one thing and clearly it's not working out for me. ��
Look, I feel you on that haha. I did consider it. Seriously spent a lot of time trying to let it go. But I know myself too well and in the end my need for control won out.
I am 100% with you on being picky about sleeping arrangements. I think you need to just tell them everything you've told us. You may want to soften it a little bit but I think you need to tell them that your mom is paying so you can have a place that you will all be more comfortable in.
Good luck ❤️
It’s not at all uncommon — as in very common — for the Bride or her family or her FH to pay for major chunks of a Destination Bachelorette.
r/TwoHotTakes • [9]Summarize
I can't afford the bachelorette party as MOH
Posted by ThrowRA99999987 · in r/TwoHotTakes · 3 months agoI (24f) was asked to be the Maid of Honor for my friend Jessie, and I was genuinely excited to take on the role. Right from the start, Jessie and her fiancé wanted to do a joint bachelor/bachelorette trip, and they assigned me and the Best Man, Nathan, to plan it.
Nathan and I met up, looked into accommodations, flights, activities, and food, and came up with a plan that would cost around $700 per person—a budget-conscious option that still included fun and flexibility.
But shortly after, Jessie decided she and another bridesmaid, Sarah, would be planning the trip instead. I’ll admit, that stung a bit. I was looking forward to helping and felt pushed aside—but ultimately, it’s her big day, and I want her to feel good about everything.
That said, the new plan is looking like this:
$1,300 upfront for flights, lodging, and a rental car
$250 for activities, with $100 of that being “non-optional”
Plus food and drinks, which she estimates will bring the total to around $2,000
Here’s where I’m struggling: I’m a full-time college student working part-time, and $2,000 is basically my monthly income. While I could cut back and make it work, it would be tight—and honestly, stressful.
I’ve already tried gently suggesting more affordable alternatives, but Jessie doesn’t seem open to adjusting the plans. She’s said the other attendees are all okay with the cost.
Now I’m stuck. I really don’t want to back out, especially as the Maid of Honor. But I also don’t want to put myself into a serious financial hole for a trip I had no real say in. I’m torn between being a good friend and honoring my limits.
Any advice? Has anyone else dealt with something like this?
I wouldn't go. A weekend of fun is not worth a few months of financial stress. If she is your real friend then she will be bummed but understanding about it.
In the past in my friends group we have helped eachother financially with the bachelor parties/trips. Its weird to ignore what people in your close friends group can afford.
Tell her you can’t afford that and that’s why you had planned the original trip. If she doesn’t understand that I’m not really sure why she asked you to be MOH
and if there is a group chat with the other bridesmaids, after you tell the bride- I'd send a polite comment to the group that "you are sorry that you can't join on the bach party, you just can't swing it financially at this time but you hope whoever goes has a great time."
something along those lines. why? it reminds everyone else that they don't have to spend money on this if they can't afford it.
you can start to feel like everyone else is doing it. if everyone else is making it work, you have too. but that can become a self fulling prophecy, where no one can actually afford the trip but everyone feels they have to fork over the cash (or possibly the cc debt.)
This. OP, call her today and straight up tell her you can not and will not be paying $2000 for her bachelorette party and you will be unable to attend.
If she pushes tell her you will not go into debt for her wedding and you do not have $2000 to pay for her bachelorette party so you will not be attending.
And, so it can't be twisted around (and to give any other bridesmaids in a similar situation the courage to say no), send a text to the group text stating:
"At $2000 I simply can not afford to participate in the bachelorette party so unfortunately I will not be able to attend. I hope you all have a wonderful time."
Amen. I went to a wedding for someone who had their Pinterest Perfect wedding. The marriage lasted less than a year. She got remarried many years later, had a small beach wedding, and has been happily married ever since. (She matured a lot.) Personally, OP, I would absolutely not put myself in debt for someone else's wedding. If the bride can't understand that some people don't want to make their "special day" a financial priority, she's got some growing up to do.
Good observation Grandma! We eloped and spent less than $150 on everything including the license and fee for the commissioner. Then we got a nice already-made cake from a local bakery and some nice takeout and ate it together. Probably total $150 in food. It was glorious and I wouldn't change a thing.
Kindly tell her its unaffordable for you right now and bow out of being MOH. Tell her you would rather come as a guest. I honestly dont know why couples think their wedding party has to fork out tons of money for their big day without discussing it with everyone first!
The ride did say the other people were all okay with the cost. Just OP can't afford it because she's still in school. So it depends on how much the bride wants her there.
The night before I travelled down for my wedding, me and the mates who lived nearby went to the pub and then on for slap-up curry and more pints. I reckon less than £100 each in today's money. None of us had £1000 we could spare. I'd just bought engagement ring, wedding ring and a flat. I was skint.
I think the ÜberMistress went out with the other nurses, they drank gin, danced around their handbags and had a fine girlie time.
Seems to have worked. Still married.
I told that to a best friend who wanted to do an expensive birthday. She pressured me, guilted me, so I went. Then I couldn’t afford cover fees by the middle of the night and like two weeks later she ended our friendship because I ‘ruined her birthday.’
Lauren, if you ever read this, you’re a cunt.
I came here to say this exact thing. I cannot imagine expecting my bridal party to fork over that kind of money. My husband went paint balling, to dinner and some bars with friends and they stayed at our place or a hotel for one night. I went to my MOH cabin, we had dinner, sat in a hot tub and drank. It’s fucking awful what is expected. I’m going to tell my daughter to NOT be like this when she gets married.
r/wedding • [10]Summarize
Bachelorette party money issues
Posted by [deleted] · in r/wedding · 6 months ago[deleted]
I don’t spend $5,000 on a vacation for my whole family of 4 unless it’s a very special, once in a blue moon, Disney type vacation.
I would not spend even a fraction of $5000 on a bachelorette party for anyone.
I think I spent maybe $500-600 on my best friend’s bachelorette party last summer.
LITERALLY. I went to Greece for 12 days for $4000 a few years ago, and that was staying at decently nice hotels and island hopping...
I feel bad asking my Bridesmaids to buy their own dresses and maybe spend $30 for a lunch next month...
If that's EACH of you, I would 100% be declining. That's outrageous.
ETA - that's a $75,000 bachelorette party. ABSOLUTELY insane.
Insane! When did bachelorette parties stop being ONE night of bar hopping and drinking and being loud and annoying and turn into a full blown vacation with people you barely know?
When did this happen because I cannot stand it.
Edit: Like even money aside (which is HUGE) does no one else have social anxiety??? Everyone’s just cool with traveling and sharing an air bnb and doing everything and eating every meal for multiple days with people you have meet a handful of times?????
None of my bridesmaids live close together! Two of them (I only have three) live 5 hours from me.
I agree $5000 for one person is insane though, mine is in May and we are currently at $450 (housing and events, doesn’t include food) per person. They can be done on a smaller budget.
I feel like overnight/destination bachelorettes and FIVE THOUSAND DOLLAR bachelorettes are separate issues. Bachelorettes stopped being one night when people's friends stopped being local. My bridesmaids and friends are all spread out; the most that live in any one place is three. And that's the case for most people nowadays. So "one night of bar hopping" just doesn't make sense anymore. People would have to travel there anyway.
Sorry yes it is $5,000 each.
That’s insane. As I wrote in another comment, Miami is one of the most expensive places you could go for a bach trip. If it included everything flight/hotel and including food/drinks/table service it’d be good for a vacation that you save up for and choose who to go with. That’s an insane ask for a bachelorette party imo
You can edit your post to clarify.
What the fuck is she planning to do? Buy the damn city?
If this was my "friend" I would decline attendance. When/if she tossed the line about "her special day", I'd read her the riot act.
Now, monetarily, my husband and I are in a good place. BUT. That's what he brings home (roughly) A MONTH.
I don't give to rats farts about ANYONE'S day (and let's be real. The Bachelorette party isn't even actually part of "her day") enough to drop a MONTH of pay on a party. Nope. No way. And I'm going to assume none of you are in a financial situation like this if you're fairly young (no dis, that's just how life goes).
You. And anyone else that's feeling this burn needs to take her by the metaphorical hair and tell her it's not happening. If your friendship ends because of it, she's not as good a friend as you think (that's the old lady in me talking)
$5000 each?
ETA: yeah $5k a person is A LOT! If everyone agreed to the cost then whatever, but if it wasn't marketed as this expensive than that is really lame
Top People to Talk to
Related
AI Answer
bachelorette party budget tips
Here are some key budget tips for planning a bachelorette party:
Set a Budget Early: Determine a total budget for the party and communicate it with all attendees. This helps manage expectations and ensures everyone is on the same page.
Limit the Guest List: Keep the guest list small to reduce costs. Fewer attendees can mean lower expenses for accommodations, meals, and activities.
Choose an Affordable Location: Consider hosting the party in a local area or at someone’s home instead of a pricey destination. This can significantly cut down on travel and accommodation costs.
Plan Group Activities: Look for group activities that are budget-friendly, such as a picnic, game night, or a DIY spa day. These can be just as fun as expensive outings.
Share Costs: Split costs for accommodations, transportation, and group meals. Using apps like Splitwise can help keep track of shared expenses.
DIY Decorations and Favors: Get creative with DIY decorations and party favors. This can add a personal touch while saving money.
Meal Planning: Opt for potluck-style meals or cook together instead of dining out for every meal. This can be a fun bonding experience and save money.
Look for Deals: Use discount sites or apps to find deals on activities, accommodations, and dining. Booking in advance can also help secure better rates.
Recommendation: Prioritize experiences over extravagant spending. The goal is to celebrate the bride-to-be and create lasting memories, which can often be achieved without a hefty price tag.
Still looking for a better answer?
Get more comprehensive results summarized by our most cutting edge AI model. Plus deep Youtube search.