Who Really Pays for the Bachelorette Party These Days?

The bachelorette party is such a fun and celebratory way for bridesmaids and close family and friends to honor the bride ahead of her wedding day. Although these pre-wedding events provide an unforgettable experience for everyone in attendance, there’s no question that these gatherings can put a dent in your wallet—even if you're not the one planning the function. 

According to Abbie Clinton, CEO and owner of bachelorette party planning company Got Your Bash, the average cost of a bachelorette party is about $1,000 per person for a three-night stay, excluding the flights. And with the influence of social media on the ever-growing trends, these pre-wedding soirées are only getting more expensive, Clinton says. Although destination bachelorette parties are known to be the most costly since flights, hotels, and car rentals come with a hefty price tag, a single night on the town that includes a dinner, drinks, transportation, and a new outfit still adds up.

Wondering who foots the bill? We asked Clinton to give us the breakdown on who really pays for the bachelorette party these days. Read on to discover who’s responsible for which costs.

Who Really Pays for the Bachelorette Party?

Although most groups will figure out a system that works best for them, the rule of who pays for the bachelorette party today really depends on the location. 

Local Bachelorette Parties

If you’re hosting or attending a local bachelorette party that simply includes a night on the town, rather than a weekend getaway, the bridesmaids and any other invited guests are expected to pay for their own share of the bill, plus the bride’s expenses, like dinner, drinks, and other activities. 

Destination Bachelorette Parties

Things start to get more nuanced if you’re jetting off to another destination for multiple days. Whether you’re headed to San Diego or Puerto Rico for a weekend away, these trips require spending a significant amount of money on travel, accommodations, meals, activities, and more. So, the host and the rest of the guests usually pay for their own costs, but not the bride’s. “As a bride, if you’re expecting your guests to travel a ways away, [you should help] out with extra costs,” Clinton remarks. 

Typically, the bride will cover her airfare and her share of the lodging. Sometimes, she’ll even chip in to alleviate the financial burden of her loved ones. “As a destination bachelorette bride myself, I’m helping with lodging accommodations because I was so appreciative of all my guests traveling for my bachelorette,” Clinton says. The bride may even purchase gifts for the attendees to show her gratitude, per Clinton.

From there, it’s up to the group to decide what else they want to pay for. For instance, the bridesmaids and any invited friends and family might decide to stock the bride’s hotel room with supplies and decorations. In that case, Clinton says the maid of honor, who typically plans the pre-wedding event, will take care of that cost and any other extras. The crew might also want to treat the bride to dinner and drinks one night, but the woman of the hour is expected to cover the rest of her meals on the trip.

How to Deal With Bachelorette Party Finances

The responsibility of setting, managing, and tracking the budget falls on the person who is tasked with planning and hosting the bachelorette party (which is typically the maid of honor). If you’re in charge of spearheading this pre-wedding event, here’s a step-by-step guide to dealing with the finances.

Consult the Group

Before you make any decisions, like the destination, the hotel, or even an activity, you must have a conversation about the budget with anyone on the guest list. Since each individual will be contributing a hefty sum, everyone should feel comfortable with the final amount. Instead of holding a group discussion, which could sway each person’s response, Clinton suggests asking each person individually. “We always recommend sending out a poll to your guests before you start planning and asking all your guests anonymously what they feel comfortable spending,” she says.  

Establish a Realistic Budget

After you take everyone’s responses into consideration, you can then set a budget that accommodates each request and financial status. Make sure to share the decided price point with the group, so everyone has realistic expectations from the get-go and can decide whether or not they’re going to attend. “The best thing to do is be completely transparent from the beginning of the planning process,” Clinton points out. 

Once you get the green light from the crew, you can begin booking accommodations, planning activities, and making reservations that fall within that guideline. Share pricing information on each one, so everyone can start budgeting.

Make the Payments

As the one hosting the bachelorette party, you’re in charge of making the payments, from the hotel to the group yoga class. Figure out a system that works for you. For instance, you can put all of the expenses on your credit card and have everyone pay you back via Venmo or Splitwise at the end of the pre-wedding affair. To save yourself a headache, Clinton encourages you to pay for as many events and activities in advance. 

For any other costs that you don’t cover ahead of time, decide how you’re going to pay. For example, you and your bridesmaids might split the bill during mealtimes. But if your group is too big, putting down your card might be the best solution.

Track the Expenses

From the prepaid happenings to those you purchase on the actual trip, you’ll need to keep tabs on every expense, so you can charge each person on the bachelorette party the right amount. “Track what’s coming in and what’s going out,” Clinton advises. Save all of your receipts and make a spreadsheet to input every bill. 

Tips to Save Money on the Bachelorette Party

There are countless ways to throw a budget-friendly bachelorette party, which we explore below.

Look at More Affordable Accommodations

Instead of splurging on a costly resort, consider a less expensive option, like an Airbnb. Once you figure out which area you want to stay in, look at a few lodging spots that are within the price range. To keep costs down even more, Clinton recommends reaching out to the rental company instead of booking through Airbnb, so you can bypass some of the fees.

Add Budget-Friendly Activities to the Itinerary

If the bride has requested some high-cost activities, like getting a massage or a facial, make sure to incorporate ones that are more affordable or free, such as a local hike, a picnic in the park, or window shopping. You can also make the big-budget tasks optional, so those who don’t feel comfortable spending a large sum can opt out.

Consider a Unique Alternative

Weekends away are the most pricey types of bachelorette parties, so the best way to save money is forgoing a multi-day affair all together. Consider an alternative that costs little to no money, like an at-home movie night, a pottery-making session, or a group cooking class.