Your bachelorette party is a chance to have fun with your favorite people before tying the knot. However, juggling friends, money and different expectations can get a little tricky.
Even tiny hiccups can sometimes snowball, making what should be an epic trip feel overwhelming. Here are expert tips to ensure a night of laughter and bonding, not blunders.
Blunder 1 — The Budget Is Undefined or Inconsiderate
Money issues can immediately cause resentment. Being a part of the wedding party is already costly, so it’s important to be considerate of each other’s budgets. A 2023 study revealed that people spend an average of $1,300 on a bachelorette party, depending on location and activities.
With around 56% of bridal party members feeling obligated to spend more than they can afford, it’s important to have an open conversation about money before making any bookings. Create an anonymous poll or survey for guests to indicate their comfortable spending level.
If you’re on a budget but still want to have fun, consider renting a house rather than booking hotel rooms. It allows you to prepare your meals, helping you save on dine-in and takeout costs. Plus, it offers so much private entertainment space for nights you stay in.
Blunder 2 — The Bride Isn’t the Priority
Sometimes, the planning committee gets so excited about creating an itinerary that they forget to prioritize the bride. Remember that you get the final say. As a bride-to-be, you must stay true to your vision and communicate your must-haves and absolutely-nots.
You can express your wishes to the maid of honor and have her share them with the bridal party. If you feel unsupported, have a frank but calm conversation with your bridesmaids about your feelings.
Blunder 3 — The Itinerary Gets Messy
There are two risks with an itinerary — either there’s no plan at all or a minute-by-minute schedule that leaves no room for spontaneity. While it’s tempting to fill the schedule with exciting activities — especially for a destination bachelorette party — it can immediately feel exhausting and less enjoyable.
Communicate with the party about your needs as the bride, including how much leisure time you prefer. You may have a list of must-haves for the trip, but use the timing and budget restraints to help you narrow your own list before seeking planning input from the maid of honor and other bridesmaids.
Blunder 4 — Unspoken Drama Steals the Show
Your bachelorette party is a special moment where your diverse group of friends comes together, and often for the first time. However, subtle conflicts can overshadow the fun of the celebration.
Inside jokes, passive-aggressiveness and excluding others can quickly sour a fun celebration. Advise your maid of honor to send a group text a week before the party, stating to leave any stress at home and focus on having the most amazing weekend.
Blunder 5 — Guest Etiquette Goes Out the Window
Your bridal party should keep a few things in mind to ensure everyone has an awesome time. It’s best to make reservations early, so guests must follow the RSVP deadline. Attendees should also prepare to pay their portion by the deadlines set by the maid of honor.
Since it’s a celebration, remind everyone to be mindful of their drinks. No one wants to end up babysitting someone else, and it keeps things fun for everyone.
Blunder 6 — Someone Posts Unflattering Content
Sharing photos and videos on social media is fun, but sometimes it means you and your guests miss out on being in the moment. Plus, posting the wrong thing could accidentally hurt someone’s feelings.
Ask your maid of honor to set some social media ground rules before the party kicks off. You could help set up a private group chat or a shared photo album so everyone gets a say in what gets posted.
Blunder 7 — Guests Receive Last-Minute Invitations
The timing of your invitations can set the tone for your celebration. Nobody likes feeling like they were added to the list at the last minute. Aim to have invitations sent a month before the event.
You can even send it a few months before so your attendees have plenty of time to make reservations, save up money and arrange for time off work, especially if you’re having a destination bachelorette party.
Enjoy a Stress-Free Bachelorette Party
The key to a successful bachelorette party is open communication. Talking about budgets, expectations and your wishes up front is the best way to sidestep drama and resentment. You deserve to celebrate this milestone with your best friends. With these tips, you and your bride squad can handle whatever comes your way.
This is a guest post.
