Many brides-to-be can’t wait for their bachelorette parties—and it’s easy to see why. Whether it’s a destination trip or a local night out, this event is often seen as a rite of passage, marking the bride’s “last girls’ trip” before she says “I do.” Plus, it’s the perfect chance for her closest friends and family to bond before the wedding. But if you’re planning or attending one, the excitement might fade a bit once you start adding up the costs.
Between flights, dinners, outfits, and more, the financial strain of a bachelorette party can really kill the vibe. That’s why, if you’re the one organizing (usually the maid of honor’s job), keeping costs low is key so everyone can actually enjoy themselves. The good news? You can still have an amazing time without breaking the bank. Below, we’ve got the best tips for throwing a budget-friendly bachelorette party—especially if you, the host, are watching your wallet.
Meet the Expert
Sadie Crenshaw is the owner and CEO of Hello, Bach Party, a company that provides free online resources for bachelorette party planning.
13 Bachelorette Party Trends We Fully Support
Set a Realistic Budget
Whether you’re on a tight budget or just want to keep things affordable for everyone, your first step is figuring out a budget that works. “Start a group chat early in the planning stages—before anything’s booked—and say, ‘Here’s what we’re thinking, and this is the rough cost,’” suggests Sadie Crenshaw. You can also send an anonymous survey to see what people are comfortable spending.
Since costs are usually split among the bridesmaids, their input is crucial. “If you’re planning something pricier, make some events optional so people can choose whether to join or sit out,” Crenshaw adds. She also recommends checking with the bride on how much she’s okay asking guests to spend—and if she’d like to chip in for any activities.
Budgeting can be stressful, but Crenshaw reminds us to “be understanding—not everyone has the same financial situation.”
Pick the Perfect Location
Destination bachelorettes are trendy, but they’re not the only way to go. In fact, Crenshaw suggests skipping travel entirely to save money. “The cost of a roundtrip flight could cover a local spa day with an all-inclusive package—plus dinner,” she says. If your hometown isn’t ideal, look for the nearest big city. “Most people live within a three-hour drive of a great spot with dining, drinks, and lodging,” Crenshaw notes, adding that driving (or carpooling) is way cheaper than flying.
Another tip? See if a friend or family member has a vacation home you can borrow. If not, go for an Airbnb over a hotel. “Airbnbs are usually more budget-friendly, and if you find one with a pool or hot tub, that’s free entertainment right there,” Crenshaw explains. Plus, it gives you a home base for cooking and hanging out instead of splitting up between hotel rooms. If you do travel, look for group discounts and off-season deals to save on flights and stays.
Plan Fun (and Cheap) Activities
There are tons of affordable—even free—ways to make a bachelorette party unforgettable. Start by thinking about the bride’s hobbies, says Crenshaw. For a book lover, hit up a bookstore and coffee shop. If she’s outdoorsy, plan a camping (or glamping) trip.
Next, see what skills your group has. “Do you have a yoga instructor or bartender in the crew? They could lead a morning session or a DIY cocktail class,” Crenshaw suggests. And don’t forget to schedule downtime—it’s the cheapest (and often most fun) part of the trip. “Just hanging out, talking, and relaxing can be just as special as nonstop activities,” she says.
Need more ideas? Here are some budget-friendly options:
- Karaoke night: Queue up YouTube karaoke videos and sing your hearts out at home.
- Spa night: DIY facials, mani-pedis, and massages.
- Slumber party: Matching PJs, rom-coms, and makeovers for nostalgic fun.
- Bachelorette games: Play trivia about the bride or wedding-themed Jeopardy.
DIY Your Decorations
TikTok might make it seem like over-the-top décor is a must, but Crenshaw says it’s totally unnecessary. Skip the expensive setups and put that money toward food, drinks, or activities instead. “A simple banner, bridal sash, and photo backdrop are plenty,” she says. If you do want decorations, get creative—hit up dollar stores or thrift shops for cheap finds you can upcycle. Handmade touches mean more to the bride anyway.
Save on Food and Drinks
Food and drinks are a big part of any bachelorette party—but they don’t have to break the bank. If you’re staying at a vacation home, Crenshaw suggests stocking up on snacks and drinks in bulk so you can eat most meals there. Cooking breakfast, lunch, and one dinner at home keeps costs down.
For drinks, get creative. “Instead of bar-hopping, bring the bar to you,” Crenshaw says. “At one bachelorette, we hit up different friends’ houses where our boyfriends and husbands played bartender. We brought our own alcohol, so it was way cheaper.” Another fun (and affordable) idea? A bike bar tour around town.