Bachelorette Party Budget

sarahtucker

Is it appropriate to ask each attendee of the bachelorette party to pay for their share? Like if we got a limo for the night, went to dinner, and stayed at a hotel. Could I say "the night is going to cost $$ per person plus dinner"? This is always how the bachelor parties my husband goes to have worked but I wanted to make sure it wasn't a no-no. I'm also doing the bridal shower which I understand is my full responsibility. But it seems silly to me to pay for everyone and everything for the bachelorette party. I of course will take the guests in to consideration when planning the event so as many as would like to are able to afford it. But I also want to make it the best night ever. How much do you think it reasonable to plan that each person would chip in? Oh everyone but the bride to be of course! TIA

julie5220

Are there other bridesmaids?  If so, I'd split the bride's share with them and have all others pay their own share.  Be very up front with people about what the set costs are. "Limo will be this much pp", for example.  Do people have the option of not staying at the hotel?  I wouldn't automatically asume that everyone wants to. 

The other BMs should be helping you with the cost of a shower, btw. 

BlackDiamond3201

Is everyone in the position to pay X amount to attend a bachelorette party? I'd be pissed to know I had to pay for that, a gift for the shower and a wedding gift. Also, as a recent bride to be, I would be livid knowing my friends  had to pay to attend.

I was MOH for my sister's wedding. I paid for most of the party and all of the BM's paid a smaller portion.

kjvogelsang

Yes, I think it is appropriate to ask each attendee to pay their share. And it's also very nice of you to let them know about how much money to plan for. BUT as a tip to you, if you know of someone who is maybe a little hard up for cash, I wouldn't go pick the fanciest places to eat at or bars to hang out in.

As for how much? It depends. You guys staying the night in a hotel? Or just going out?  I have spent anywhere from $20 plus my drinks out all the way up to about $700 (had to fly out to California for one).

ILoveRedVino

I have been the MOH twice.  Both times I paid for the bride's button/crown/veil/sash/whatever, hotel rooms (4 girls to a room) and paid for pre-party drinks in the room while the bride opened gifts.  Everyone else paid for their own meals/drinks and we all split buying drinks for the bride.

GatorWedsNole

Yes, yes, yes.

Every single bachelorette party that I've gone to - has been pay your way.  I would never expect someone to cover all of these costs.

Now, you have to consider whether or not everyone will attend every portion of the night, b/c that affects your costs.

For example, a couple of years ago - it was about 20 girls out on the town but only about 10 stayed at the hotel suite.  Everyone knew ahead of time, of course.

I would suggest putting together a range if pricing for each activity and sending it out to everyone - so it's clear.  Also - consider that many things will require cash b/c it's easier to split things that way.

So maybe:
Dinner at the restaurant X is about $20 + tip and drinks
Hotel room will be anywhere between $40 - $60 per person
Limo will be about: $20 - $25 per person

HTH!

sarahtucker

Thanks ladies!

There are no other BM's, in fact I am not technically a BM. They are having their ceremony at the grooms parents cabin and only immediately family(i.e like 5 people) are invited and there is no aisle. I am just her close friend who has time and loves to plan parties and offered to throw them. She has about 5 other close girlfriends who will be the rest of the invites to the bachelorette party.

I will definitely be taking in to consideration how much each girl can afford. I doubt we'll do a hotel, it was just an example. We'll probably end up doing dinner, a show, and then drinks and dancing somewhere. The biggest expense will probably be a limo. But if that's not doable then it's okay.

Since I'm also doing the bridal shower (again, only one who has time plus I want to) I was stressed about paying for everything for both, so it's nice to know that I can ask. I may ask one other of her close friends to help with the bridal shower.

Thanks!

ChaunteM09

Be sure to take into consideration what everyone can pay.

I just got married and there was a huge falling out for my bachelorette party as the MOH planned everything, and just gave everyone a price tag to pay.. (over $250-- and that didn't include a hotel.. it was a dinner cruise & limo) Once I found out.. I told her no way I was making everyone pay that much for a night out....  So be sure to talk to everyone.

 

Don't stress yourself out and only do what you can manage and afford. She will appreciate it no matter what!