A bachelorette party is a chance for the bride-to-be and her closest girlfriends, typically the bridal party. They get together for a night or weekend before the wedding day of fun, drinks, and lots of activities.
This sounds awesome and all, but it could be pricey, which is why we need to answer the question: Who pays for the bachelorette party?
This question needs to be answered before the festivities get started. You may get distracted by the engagement party, bridal shower, and other plans you make with the bride-to-be.
Luckily for you, the bachelorette party etiquette is less formal and it involves fewer people.
Depending on the bachelorette party itinerary the prices may vary. Who pays stays the same and you’d be sure that everyone apart of the bachelorette party knows.
Who pays for the bachelorette party?
For the bachelorette party, everyone except the bride is responsible for paying their own expenses. The only person who DOES NOT spend a dime for the bachelorette party is the bride-to-be. The bride squad should treat the bride as splitting her expenses.
In short, the wedding party pays for everything and the bride pays nothing.
There should be a meeting among bridesmaids regarding this event specifically. The bride squad should know the expected price way ahead of the bachelorette party. Especially if they are expected to travel or for a weekend event.
To make sure that the bride-to-be doesn’t come out of pocket the maid of honor may have to step up. The maid of honor may need to pay for her in advance, then collect the difference from the bridesmaids at a later date.
The average cost of a bachelorette party per person?
The average cost per person depends on the activities. Since attendees pay for themselves, planning the bachelorette should be a group activity.
For example, if the bachelorette party consists of a girl’s night out with dinner and a nightclub, expect to pay approximately $50-$70 dollars per person.
If it’s going to be a bachelorette weekend then you have to factor in travel and accommodations. You could expect to pay $150-$350 depending on the circumstances. You will need to make sure everyone is comfortable spending this before you choose this option.
Bachelorette party expenses
The common bachelorette party expenses are travel/transportation, hotel/venue, food/drinks, activities/games, and gifts/favors. Most of these expenses are split individually among the bridal party.
Travel and hotel will be the biggest expense if you decide on a destination bachelorette party. Just make sure that this weekend does not do not take place too close to the wedding day.
Food and drinks vary depending on the situation. For example, if you are planning to surprise the bride with an in-house bach bash, then a potluck will be way cheaper than a restaurant.
Game and activities include any card games, board games, etc. And activities include dancing, karaoke, and strippers (if you dare). Here are some games to try:
Bra Pong Bachelorette Party Game
FREE Bachelorette Scavenger Hunt Game
And if there are going to be party favors, make sure you factor in those costs.
Who goes to the bachelorette party?
Typically the bride’s closest friends are invited to the bachelorette party. This is obviously the bridal party and relatives like sisters, cousins, etc. The people on the bachelorette party guest list MUST be approved by the bride.
It is a small group of women that attends the bachelorette party compared to the bridal shower (where all the women attend). This is a chance for the bride to cut a little loose with the girls after being the mothers and grannies at the bridal shower.
Who pays for the bachelorette party shirts?
Everyone should cover the cost of their own shirt (except the bride). The maid of honor pays for the initial order of the shirts and everyone pays her back so that everyone has their shirt in time. The bridal party should split the costs of their shirts the bride’s shirt evenly.
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