Among the many responsibilities a bridesmaid has to think about, the bachelorette party is one of the main celebrations besides the shower(s) that requires thoughtful planning. This type of preparation can either be fun or stressful. Have a candid talk with the bride and bridesmaids to make sure everyone is on the same page before jumping off into separate directions. Try your best to stick to the plans so everyone knows what to expect.
Budget-Friendly
Keep in mind that everyone’s budgets will vary and what may sound fun and exciting to the bride, or a particular bridesmaid, may put some pressure on other bridesmaids who have a different income level and perhaps their own vacations and weddings to plan.
Check the Calendar
The bachelorette party is usually around one month before the wedding. As the time for the big day nears, the bride and groom are going to be distracted with details, so hosting a party in advance will give the bride something to look forward to without feeling the last-minute pressure. It’s also a good idea to schedule a date so everyone can get it on their calendar.
Covering the Costs
Traditionally the bride does not pay for her bachelorette party. However, if she has specific requests, especially when they are costly, it’s not unheard of for her (or her family, or the groom) to offer to chip in. For example, she may want to have a weekend getaway at the lake, boating and celebrating at her favorite hotspots. It also happens that her family owns a lakehouse they are willing to let everyone use for the excursion. Most often, the bridesmaids and maid of honor split everything equally.
Plane, Train, Automobile
The bride should pay her own airfare or mode of transportation if travel is involved. However, the bridesmaids would also cover the cost of the limo or Uber to and from the party.
The bridesmaids will come together to decorate, buy food and cocktails, and a gift. T-shirts, monogrammed slippers or other articles of clothing are extras. Assuming everyone wants to pitch in, these should be agreed upon ahead of time. If there are budget restraints, this would be one that is easy to cut back on.
If you are spending multiple days celebrating, pick one event to cover the costs and allow everyone else, including the bride, to pay their own way for the rest. It’s not a bridesmaid’s responsibility to cover an entire weekend or week of celebrations.
Guest List and Thank You
Make sure the bride has invited all of the wedding party and any special friends and family she would like to include. If they are not on the guest list, however, they should not be included in the bachelorette party. Some parties are wilder than others and it’s important to take into consideration the nature of your guests and environment. Depending on the activity, leave younger children at home. Since the bachelorette party is not a formal affair, consider an e-vite or even a phone call to save the date. But, when it comes to thank you notes, handwritten is the only option.
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