Budget Bachelorette Party Advice!

Here's the thing... if you've got the cash for an Ibiza getaway or Coachella weekend, more power to you. But for the rest of us, let's keep it real and celebrate on the cheap.

We've all been burned by those sneaky expensive bachelorette parties. A "weekend in Palm Springs" they said… it’ll be fun, they said… But then, someone cancelled so the airbnb cost went up, you were forced to take a wine tour, or eat at an expensive restaurant, you had to chip in for swag you didn't even want to wear, the list goes on. So here’s my top advice for anyone planning a bachelorette party without draining your wallet.

1. There Are Two Phases to Planning

Planning a bachelorette weekend is a little different from other events because it’s more complicated to nail down the details. People can’t fully commit until they know what the event looks like, and you can’t lock things in until you know how many people are coming. It's a chicken-and-egg situation.

Here’s how I recommend breaking it down:

Phase 1: Get Interest First
Start by sending a text or invite to see if your crew is into it. Tell them what you’re thinking, mention your top choices, and get everyone’s availability for a few weekends. Don’t worry about the exact details yet—just get a feel for who can come and when. 

Phase 2: Present the Plan
Once you’ve got the dates and you've done some actual research, come back with a solid plan. Research could change everything. You thought it was cheaper to have a weekend in Tahoe when actually everyone can fly for cheap to Vegas. Or vice versa, actually look at the details of travel. Then present the details to the group: where you want to stay, what you want to be doing, and the overall costs. Work with one or two close friends to help make sure the plan is realistic before presenting it to the group.

Finally: be graceful about the fact that it's optional and set a deadline to commit. Sometimes letting guests book their own accommodation at the same hotel or airstream village or what have you, is a great way to go. I know this is a blog post about saving costs, but I assure you this relates. Getting buy in (literally), means less attrition. You don't want the cost to go up for everyone if someone has to cancel.

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2. Choose a Nearby Destination for a Weekend Away

You don’t have to travel far for a memorable bachelorette weekend. Instead of splurging on expensive flights or long road trips, pick a destination that’s within driving distance. A charming town nearby or a rustic retreat is often just as relaxing and fun.

Ideas for nearby weekend getaways:

• Cabin in the woods: Find an affordable cabin or Airbnb rental close to nature for a cozy, unplugged weekend of fun. Think board games, campfire sing-alongs, and simple meals.
• Lakeside retreat: A quiet weekend by a lake can be a serene and scenic option for a bachelorette celebration. You can rent a small house or cabin, and spend the weekend relaxing by the water.
• Quaint small town: Explore a cute nearby town with quirky shops, art galleries, local restaurants, and a laid-back vibe. Towns with charming bed-and-breakfasts or local inns can offer affordable accommodation and a cozy atmosphere.
• Camping: Two words: "group sites" search your nearby campgrounds for those with group sites. Many of them hold up to 20 people and are VERY inexpensive. Otherwise get a group together, pick a weekend and see where you can get availability. Your girls will love the cost savings. 

The beauty of staying within driving distance is that it’s usually cheaper for everyone, no expensive flights to book, and everyone can pitch in for gas or carpool to make the trip even more affordable.

3. Embrace a “Down Home” Theme

One of the easiest ways to keep costs low for a bachelorette weekend is to embrace a fun, down-home theme that focuses on simplicity and comfort. It’s all about celebrating the bride in a laid-back, non-pretentious way, where everyone can feel at ease and enjoy the moment.

Ideas for down-home bachelorette themes:

• Rustic Charm: Think flannel shirts, denim, cowboy boots, and a whole lot of country charm. Decorate with mason jars, fairy lights, and wildflowers. Host a cozy bonfire with s'mores, play country music, and share stories around the fire.
• Picnic Party: Pack up your favorite homemade dishes and snacks, and head to a local park or nature reserve. Bring a blanket, relax, and enjoy simple, homemade comfort foods (sandwiches, fruit, chips, and lemonade).
• Farmhouse Fun: If you’re near a working farm or a country inn, you could spend the weekend immersed in farm life. Participate in fun activities like apple picking, petting animals, or cooking a farm-to-table dinner together.
• Backyard Bash: Keep it local with a relaxed, backyard celebration at someone’s home. Think string lights, DIY decorations, and a BBQ. Everyone can contribute a dish, and you can focus on fun activities like lawn games or a karaoke session.

By keeping the theme simple and focusing on rustic or homemade elements, you can create a warm, inviting atmosphere without the need for fancy decorations or activities that come with hefty price tags.

4. Limit Expensive Activities

One of the best ways to have an affordable bachelorette weekend is by keeping the list of mandatory activities minimal. The more you add to the schedule, the more the costs add up—whether it’s booking a wine tour, paying for a spa day, or going out for a fancy dinner.

Instead of expensive experiences, opt for activities that are either free or incredibly low-cost:

Affordable activity ideas:

• Nature walks or hikes: If your getaway is near a park, nature reserve, or trail, explore the outdoors together. Hikes can be a beautiful way to enjoy nature, chat, and spend quality time without spending anything.
• DIY Spa Day: Instead of booking a spa treatment, set up your own spa experience in the cabin or at your accommodation. Bring face masks, nail polish, and soothing oils for a self-care session. You can even take turns giving each other massages!
• Game Night: Bring along a few board games, card games, or party games like "Truth or Dare" or "Bachelorette Bingo." Games are a low-cost way to keep the energy high and ensure plenty of laughs.
• Family Dinner: Making food together at home helps everyone save big and get to enjoy food they can eat. Be sure to have food that accounts for everyone's allergies if you are asking for everyone to chip in for groceries. Eating in is a great way to save on funds and then going out for a drink or a desert can still be a fun way to see the town. 

5. Skip the Stuff

Too many bachelorette parties go overboard with branded cups and bags and shirts and hats... blah blah blah. Do people really want a shirt that says Bridesmaid on it? Limit decorative items and mandatory swag. If you, the maid of honor or the bride wants to give everyone a little gift, that's different. If the maid of honor keeps it reasonable and gets a few items, ok I'll allow it. Otherwise, put your funds to better use. Or better yet, save your money and just skip it. 

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a big budget to have a bachelorette weekend full of fun and memories. By keeping things close to home, choosing a down-home theme, limiting expensive activities, and embracing simple pleasures, you can create a weekend that celebrates the bride without putting a dent in anyone’s wallet.

A cheap bachelorette party is all about making the most of what you have and enjoying each other’s company. So, skip the pricey clubs and expensive outings—focus on what matters most: the friendships, the fun, and the laughter. Here's to an unforgettable bachelorette weekend on a budget! 🎉