Bachelorette parties are an opportunity for the bridal party to have fun, spend some quality time together, and bond ahead of the big day. They are also one of the only parts of the wedding that the bride and groom are not expected to pay for. While this is only fair (weddings are expensive), it can also be a source of stress for the bridesmaids when it comes to planning. How do you plan an event everyone is happy paying for? How do you keep costs low while still making it special for the bride? As it turns out, a little bit of planning and creativity will go a long way.
Research Everyone’s Budget // One person’s “budget party” is another person’s “rent money”, so before you start, make sure you understand how much everyone involved is willing to contribute. Google Forms is the perfect tool for sending out anonymous surveys to gauge everyone’s bachelorette budget and preferences.
Discuss Money Logistics Ahead of Time // In a survey of its community, popular bill-splitting app Venmo found that 88 percent of users agreed it is important to settle how money is going to be split before the event even starts. Follow their advice and make sure everyone is on the same page ahead of time, so you can enjoy the event stress-free.
Rent a Local House // If you want a full weekend getaway but don’t have the budget for actually getting away, why not rent a house in the area? Vacation properties can accommodate large groups, and everyone can split the bill to cut costs.There is plenty to do in and around Orange County to keep you busy. As Turnkey notes, you can easily find a rental that helps you take advantage of the many attractions and activities the area has to offer, whether you want to hit the sand at Newport Beach or head to the Lantern District for shopping and dining. Then, at the end of the day, head back to your shared house for a fun group cooking session and a sleepover in the living room.
Seek Out Budget Destinations // So, your heart is set on the destination bachelorette. Fret not; there are ways to keep things from getting out of control in the money department. Budget-friendly bachelorette destinations include sunny Cabo (head outside of spring break for student prices without the students), trendy Austin, and timeless New Orleans. Look for resorts with group deals during shoulder seasons to make the best savings.
Cut Down on the Booze // If your bridal party has made it clear they want to party hard, then you can skip this one. If, however, none of you are that keen on a big night of drinking, there’s no reason to spend money on lots of booze no one really wants. With the money you save, you might be able to spend more on a non-drinking activity like a craft workshop, spa day, Disneyland trip, or yoga retreat.
Host a Crafty Party // Craft workshops and “sip and paint” classes are all the rage for groups these days, but it’s actually very easy to host a paint party yourself. All you have to buy are the materials, and your supplies don’t have to be high-quality, artist-grade stuff. Just select a subject for everyone to paint, set out some materials, make sure the lighting is good, and don’t forget to set out a drop cloth to avoid messes.
Have a Scavenger Hunt // Another fun and cheap idea is to organize a scavenger hunt themed around the bride and her relationship. The key is to be creative with the clues: Make them funny and personal, but also make them varied and challenging. Different types of clues you can use include picture clues, word searches, codes, or trivia about the bride. Remember that the bachelorette party should be about having a good time with the bride-to-be and bonding with friends old and new. You don’t have to spend a fortune, and you shouldn’t let discussions around money become a source of stress. As long as you have fun people with a good attitude, the rest will follow.