How to plan a bachelorette party on a budget

Bachelor and bachelorette parties are a fun way to celebrate an upcoming marriage with friends and family. But costs quickly add up, especially if the celebrations involve travel and accommodations, as those things are often the highest costs. However, with some thoughtful planning and insider tips, you can throw an unforgettable party for the bride- or groom-to-be without overspending.

Here’s how to plan a bachelorette party on a budget—and many of these ideas can work for a bachelor party too.

Organizing a memorable event without spending a lot of money just takes the right plan. Whether you’re planning a celebration for the bride, groom or both—or even for yourself—these tips can help you create an unforgettable event while staying within your budget.

If you’re wondering how to plan a bachelorette party (or a bachelor party) on a budget, start by reaching out to those who are going. Talk honestly about what each person can comfortably afford to spend so you can set realistic expectations. This may include deciding whether those going will be taking care of the bill for the guest or guests of honor.

Once these decisions are made, create a budget and stick to it. Allison Odhner, founder and CEO of a bachelor and bachelorette party planning service, says it will often cost from $1,000 to $1,500 or more per person for a destination event that will last a whole weekend. However, this can vary widely based on location, travel dates and planned activities.

“The absolute best advice is to be upfront about costs and make sure the group is on the same page before committing to anything,” she says.

Inviting fewer people helps lower costs and makes planning easier. Focus on the guest of honor’s closest friends and family first.

If you’re up for it, instead of taking the usual route of separate bachelor and bachelorette parties, think about throwing a larger coed celebration, meaning the party would have guests from both the bride and groom. These combined parties are becoming more popular, and not just because they can help save money. A coed party is also a fun way to make shared memories and let friends and family meet ahead of the wedding day.

Look for destinations with free or low-cost activities that are easy to get to so people can drive rather than fly.

That said, it might be worth going farther away to find what you’re looking for on a budget. “Have a weekend where you stay outside of a city—in a more remote destination with a big house—and get creative,” Odhner suggests.

Booking a short-term rental house instead of separate hotel rooms can help the group split the cost of their stay. You can also cook some meals together and spend more time enjoying each other’s company.

If you prefer hotels or other more formal lodging, always double-check if there are group rates or direct sites for booking. You can also lower costs by picking a less popular location or traveling during the off-season.

Focus your spending on making memories together rather than on decorations or party favors. Put more of the budget toward one or two fun activities that fit the guest of honor’s interests. Do they have a favorite team? Get tickets to a game. Do they have a hobby? Sign up for a group class.

Balance eating at restaurants with cooking or catering some meals at your rental house or hotel. Stock the fridge with sodas and light bites to avoid paying for overpriced drinks and snacks. Plan downtime for casual activities like playing cards, video games or board games that allow more than one player to enjoy at a time.

Looking into how to plan a bachelorette party on a budget? There are many creative and budget-friendly ways to celebrate the guest of honor. Here are some exciting and memorable options you might not have thought of.

Plan a bachelor or bachelorette party trip around activities like swimming, fishing, kayaking, hiking, grilling and stargazing. Book a simple cabin or stay in tents to keep costs for your stay doable. Add some classic games like Scrabble for extra fun. Then gather around the campfire for ghost stories, jokes and s’mores.

Embrace your inner child. Create teams and organize relay races, obstacle courses, tug-of-war matches, water balloon fights and other nostalgic childhood games. Give trophies or small prizes to the winning teams.

How about a casino night? Set up poker, blackjack and craps tables, and let everyone gamble with a set amount of fake money. Serve drinks and give prizes at the end of the night.

Another budget-friendly stay-in theme to consider is a painting or pottery class. Guests bond over creating artwork while enjoying punch, cookies and other drinks.

Look into the best-reviewed food trucks or hole-in-the-wall spots in town and plan to visit a few of them throughout the day or evening. Vote on favorites in categories like best taco, burger, pizza or dessert.

We’ve shown you how to plan a bachelorette party on a budget. But if you’re willing to spend a bit more, here are some ideas that balance a moderate price tag with a memorable experience.

Treat the guest of honor to a concert from their favorite band. To keep costs reasonable, get lawn seats or general admission tickets. Bring your own snacks and sodas if the venue allows.

Rent gear and hire a local guide for excursions like deep-sea fishing, whitewater rafting, rock climbing or an ATV tour. Look for group discounts and package deals that include lunch.

Book a three- to five-day cruise to Mexico, the Caribbean or just around your nearest coastal area. Cruises can be cost-effective since your stay, food, entertainment and transportation are often bundled together.

Rent a cabana or daybeds at a hotel or resort pool with a DJ and buffet. Or host a pool party at someone’s house with rented speakers, inflatable floats and a grill.

No matter your budget, it’s possible to throw a celebration that’s both fun and affordable. Here are a few more tips for how to plan a bachelorette party on a budget without sacrificing the experience.

Make the most of credit card rewards, hotel points and airline miles to cover travel costs when you can. Cash in hotel points and airline miles to lower the cost of transportation and of where you’re staying.

Whether you’re at a hotel or a restaurant, it never hurts to ask for a special rate. Many places offer discounts for larger parties or throw in perks for the guest of honor.

Know someone who works at a restaurant? See if they can get you on the guest list or snag a discount. If you know a photographer or makeup artist, ask if they’ll give you a deal to be the group’s photographer or glam squad for the weekend.

Don’t spend a lot on decor. Instead, hit the discount stores or shop online using coupons and promo codes. Or DIY: Have a crafting session ahead of time to make fun party favors, such as personalized sunglasses or friendship bracelets. It’s a simple way to add a personal touch while keeping costs low.

A memorable bachelor or bachelorette party doesn’t have to be expensive. Talking openly about costs and focusing on meaningful experiences can help you celebrate the guest of honor without creating financial stress for yourself or the group.

In summary, here’s how to plan a bachelorette party on a budget—or a bachelor party, depending on the guest of honor:

• Talk openly about costs: Having an honest conversation early helps everyone agree on a budget before committing to anything.

• Get creative: DIY decorations, activities and thoughtful touches can help you save money while making the celebration feel personal.

• Focus on the experience: The best memories often come from spending time together, not from how much money you spend.

Whether you’re saving for a bachelorette party, an emergency fund or your next big milestone, putting your money in the right savings account can help it grow over time. Consider a 360 Performance Savings account designed to boost your savings and give your future self a head start.