Who Pays For The Bachelorette Party? Bridesmaids' Duties Explained

Planning a bachelorette party can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a financial burden for the bridal party. Traditionally, the maid of honour and bridesmaids are expected to split the bachelorette party's costs, including the bride's expenses such as meals, drinks and transportation. However, with changing times and more extravagant itineraries, the cost structure has become less clear-cut. Nowadays, it is common for all attendees, including the bride, to split the costs evenly, especially for destination bachelorette parties. To avoid surprises, it is essential that each guest is aware of their financial responsibilities before the event.

Local vs destination bachelorette party

There are many factors to consider when deciding between a local or destination bachelorette party. Here are some pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision:

Local Bachelorette Party:

• Pros: A local bachelorette party is usually more affordable for the bridesmaids and guests as it doesn't require travel expenses such as airfare or hotel accommodations. It can be easier to plan and organise, especially if the bridal party is busy with other wedding preparations. Local parties are also more inclusive, allowing friends who may not be able to travel to participate in the celebrations.
• Cons: A night out on the town may not offer the same level of excitement and novelty as a destination party. If you live in a small town, there might be limited activity options, and you may have to deal with familiar settings and routines rather than a new and exciting environment.

Destination Bachelorette Party:

• Pros: Destination bachelorette parties offer a unique and memorable experience for the bride and her friends. They provide an opportunity to explore a new city or location, often with a range of exciting activities, restaurants, and nightlife options. Destination parties can also double as a vacation for the bridal party, offering a chance to relax and bond before the wedding.
• Cons: The biggest drawback of a destination bachelorette party is the cost. It can be expensive for the bridal party and guests, especially if they have to pay for travel, accommodations, and activities. Additionally, destination parties may exclude friends who cannot afford the expenses or take time off work. There is also a higher risk of clashing with other bachelorette parties, especially in popular destinations like Nashville, Austin, or Las Vegas.

Ultimately, the decision between a local or destination bachelorette party depends on factors such as budget, time availability, and the preferences of the bridal party and guests. It's important to consider the financial burden on others and ensure that everyone invited is comfortable with the chosen location and activities.

The bride's expenses

For a local bachelorette party, the bridal party will usually cover the costs of the party food and drinks, with each bridesmaid paying for their own expenses. Any additional costs, such as a party bus, are split evenly among the group, excluding the bride.

With destination bachelorette parties, the costs are typically split more evenly between all attendees, including the bride. The bride usually covers her airfare and share of the lodging, and may chip in for other expenses to alleviate the financial burden on her friends. The bridal party may also choose to stock the bride's hotel room with supplies and decorations, or treat her to dinner and drinks.

The Maid of Honour, as the main event planner, often covers some of the bigger expenses, such as decorations, a stocked fridge, or flight upgrades. She may also front some of the costs for group meals and activities, to be reimbursed later.

The bride may also choose to contribute to her costs, especially if the destination is an expensive one, or she may prefer to pay her own way.

To ensure a smooth process, it is recommended that there is transparency about costs from the beginning, and that each attendee feels comfortable with the budget.

Maid of Honour's role

The Maid of Honour is the bride's chief bridesmaid and best friend. She is the bride's right-hand woman, providing emotional support and helping with various logistics throughout the wedding planning process.

Planning the Bachelorette Party

The Maid of Honour is responsible for planning the bachelorette party. She should work with the bride and the rest of the bridal party to select dates that work for everyone and choose a theme and location. If the bachelorette party is in another city, the Maid of Honour should coordinate transportation and accommodations. She should also book activities and make meal reservations.

Setting a Budget

The Maid of Honour should gather the bridal party to discuss the overall budget. She should break down the expected costs into categories such as accommodation, food and drinks, transportation, and activities. It is important to be considerate of everyone's financial situation and set a reasonable amount for each person to contribute.

Paying for the Bachelorette Party

Typically, the bridal party covers the bride's costs as a gesture of appreciation and celebration. This includes her share of accommodation, food, drinks, and activities. The Maid of Honour usually covers some of the bachelorette party expenses, such as decorations, drinks, snacks, or t-shirts. The rest is split between the bridesmaids.

On the Day of the Bachelorette Party

The Maid of Honour heads up the bachelorette festivities, ensuring that the bride has the best time. She should keep the itinerary flexible to accommodate last-minute changes and create a group chat with all the bridesmaids to share updates, ideas, and reminders. She should also have a first aid kit and beauty supplies on hand.

After the Bachelorette Party

The Maid of Honour should send out thank-you notes to express gratitude to everyone who played a part in making the event special.

Budgeting and splitting costs

Local Bachelorette Parties:

If the bachelorette party is taking place in your local area and involves a night on the town, the expectation is usually that the bridesmaids and any other invited guests will cover their own expenses, such as meals, drinks, transportation, and activities. Additionally, it is customary for the group to split the cost of the bride's expenses, ensuring she has a memorable night without financial worries.

Destination Bachelorette Parties:

When the celebration involves travelling to another city or country, the financial considerations become more complex. In these cases, it is standard for each attendee, including the bride, to cover their own transportation and accommodation costs. The host and guests may also decide to split the bride's accommodation expenses to reduce her financial burden.

It is common for the maid of honour or the bridal party to cover decorations, snacks, drinks, and other party supplies. They may also choose to stock the bride's hotel room with special treats and decorations, creating a memorable experience for her.

Planning and Budgeting:

Effective communication is key to successful budgeting and splitting of costs. Here are some recommendations:

• Have an open conversation about the budget with all attendees. Ensure everyone is comfortable with the expected expenses and can provide input on their financial capabilities.
• Establish a realistic budget that takes into account everyone's financial situation. Be transparent about the budget from the beginning to set clear expectations.
• Decide on a system for managing payments. One person, usually the maid of honour, can take the lead, paying for expenses upfront and then being reimbursed by the group. Alternatively, you can use apps like Venmo or Splitwise to facilitate direct payments and expense splitting.
• Keep track of all expenses to ensure accurate reimbursement. Save receipts and use spreadsheets or budgeting apps to stay organised.
• Be considerate of everyone's financial situation. Not everyone may be able to afford lavish destinations or extravagant activities, so be open to compromise and find a balance that works for the entire group.

Tips to Save Money:

There are several strategies to reduce the financial burden on the bridal party:

• Opt for more affordable accommodations, such as Airbnbs or rental homes, instead of costly resorts.
• Include budget-friendly activities in the itinerary, like local hikes, picnics, or window shopping.
• Make expensive activities optional, allowing guests to opt out if they exceed their budget.
• Consider alternative celebration ideas, like an at-home movie night, a pottery-making session, or a group cooking class, which can be just as fun but less expensive.

Remember, the most important aspect of the bachelorette party is celebrating the bride-to-be. By planning, communicating, and being considerate of everyone's financial situation, you can create a memorable experience without breaking the bank.

Payment methods

Travel Expenses:

• For local bachelorette parties, bridesmaids and guests typically pay for their own transportation and accommodation costs.
• If the party involves travelling to another city or destination, each attendee, including the bride, is generally responsible for their transportation and accommodation expenses.

Food and Drinks:

• During a night out on the town, attendees usually cover their food, drinks, and activity costs, in addition to chipping in for the bride's expenses.
• For a weekend getaway or a stay at a rental home, attendees may opt to split the costs of groceries, snacks, and alcohol evenly or request that everyone bring their own.
• When dining out or bar-hopping, each person typically covers their own tabs.

Decorations, Favors, and Accessories:

• The maid of honor and bridesmaids traditionally split the costs of decorations, favors, and accessories evenly.
• The maid of honor usually takes the lead in purchasing these items and can be reimbursed by the other attendees.

Group Activities and Entertainment:

• Any special experiences or group activities, such as spa days, concerts, or boat rides, are considered optional and should be discussed within the group beforehand.
• The bride may choose to cover these costs herself, or the group can decide to split them evenly.

Payment Apps and Methods:

• To simplify the payment process, apps like Splitwise and Venmo are commonly used for splitting expenses and reimbursing one another.
• These apps allow for equal splitting or percentage-based divisions of costs.
• More traditional methods include using spreadsheets to track expenses and reimbursing one person who handles the big-ticket items.

Frequently asked questions