Photo via @bella.weatherill
Planning an affordable bachelorette party is possible, and we’re here to help you make it happen. Bachelorette party planning is a fun and exciting part of celebrating the bride-to-be, but without careful consideration, it can get costly. In 2021, the average bachelorette party cost between $317 and $1,900, according to a survey from the Knot. About 20% of attendees are spending around $1,000 or more to participate in bachelorette parties. *Drops jaw.* Clearly, there’s a huge range of price points when it comes to party planning. Every Maid of Honor and group of bachelorettes want their bestie’s bachelorette party to be one for the books, and a strict budget shouldn’t have to be a setback. We’re convinced that you don’t have to spend a grand to have a grand time.
No matter where or when you plan to party, there are a few simple steps you can take in the process to eliminate extra costs and have a fun yet affordable bachelorette party! Here are the first steps you should take to keep costs low:
1. Determine the budget ahead of time
By setting the right expectations and communicating with your group in advance, you can ensure that the budget is set to accommodate everyone. The whole group needs to agree on the price of the party, and the best way to make sure everyone is prepped and ready is to chit chat about the budget in advance. Figuring out who pays for what at a bachelorette party can be confusing, but once you get that under control, you have the freedom to plan without stressing about the dollars and cents.
2. Keep the party local or utilize free lodging
The biggest thing you can do to cut party costs is to eliminate the need for hotels or AirBNBs. By throwing a bachelorette party that doesn’t require flights, rental cars, and hotels, you can save some major coin! Does anyone in your group live in a fun area, have access to a lake or beach house or just have a house big enough to accommodate the group? Utilize that free lodging to save money that you can use for other parts of the party! A bachelorette party staycation can be just as fun and glamorous as a destination party, but for a fraction of the price! Have a good ole hometown throwdown, and we promise you won’t regret it! Plus, not having to travel home hungover the final day is seriously…the best feeling ever. Your migraine will thank us.
Photo via @megan_hugh
3. Plan no-cost activities
There are so many exciting affordable bachelorette party activities your group can do for low to no cost. If you go the beach or lake route, a day on the water is free and fun. Depending on the location your party is in, sightseeing, hiking, and shopping can be as cheap as you want them to be! Save the money you’d spend paying for flashy group activities like pedal taverns and private workout classes and use it for cute party decor, delicious meals, and boozy drinks! You can check out our bachelorette party planning guides for lots of free ideas based on your location.
Photo via @missmonicamott
4. Skip the party favors
The Stag & Hen girls LOVE a fun party favor, but sometimes the budget doesn’t allow for the extra goodies. If you have to choose between decor and favors, ditch the favors. We encourage you not to skimp on the party decor because the extra thoughtful touches make the bride feel loved and make your pictures POP! Affordable bachelorette party decor is doable and definitely worth every penny! Don’t forget to match the decor to your theme to really take your party to the top. If you still want to do a party favor, but need to keep it really reasonable, we have a full list of party favors under $10 that will give you some inspo!
Photo via @megan_hugh
5. Plan to pizza and pregame
We love a good GNO! Instead of hitting a steakhouse and a cocktail hour that could cost the group close to $100 per person, plan for a pizza pregame at home. Jam to a fun playlist, play party games, order a pizza, and prepare to bar hop afterward! Honestly, this is our preferred way to kick off any weekend. It is easier to enjoy everyone’s company and chat with the whole group when you are chilling at home versus spread out at a table.
Pedal tavern? $50 a person. Private dining room? $500 a night. Booze cruise? $90 a person. Time to celebrate the bride with your besties? Priceless. A bachelorette party budget is just a number. You can’t put a price on a good time! Happy planning, budget babe!
Need more inspiration and cash-saving bachelorette party tips? Check out our real party recaps and city guides that will help you get some major inspo!