1) Who pays for the bachelorette party? Many
bridesmaids, maid-of-honor, and
bridesmaids have emailed me and have asked if they
have to pay for the whole bachelorette party themselves
if they are planning the pre-wedding party. The
tradition is no. Usually everyone who attends the party
is supposed to help pay for the bride-to-be. It is not
common for someone to have to cover the bill unless they
are very generous. Since everyone is participating,
everyone should help split the bill for the
bachelorette. It is also helpful for the person(s)
planning the pre-wedding party to ask everyone for money
in advance since I have seen many get stuck with the
majority of the bill if they wait until the party or
after the party. My suggestion is to plan ahead and get
everyone's email and phone number in advance so you can
contact them about the amount as well as when you would
like that amount by. It's the least the party-goers can
do for those who are taking their time planning the
event.
2)
Do I have to purchase a gift for the bachelorette? It is
customary to purchase a gift for the bridal shower but
not for the bachelorette party. The
bachelorette's "gift" is her party and everyone
chipping in to pay for his/her memorable time. There is
no need to purchase a gift. However, many do purchase
bachelorette party supplies, favors, and gag gifts
for the event which can be found in local stores or on
the internet like our top bachelorette party site.
Again, everyone should chip in if supplies, decorations
or gag gifts are going to be purchased and a budget
should be formed to know how much everyone wants to
spend on supplies. The common amount is around $55-$65
all together which comes out at an average of $5-$10
each. Again, the planner of the pre-wedding party should
ask for those going to chip in early before the event.
3)
How do I plan a bachelorette party for those who are
younger than 21? Many times there are some friends or
family who fall into the under 21 range. I feel it is
very important not to leave anyone who wants to go out
of the pre-wedding party. A way to front this issue is
to make the bachelorette party a two event night. The
first part of the night would be for dinner with all the
girls at one of the bride's favorite restaurants. After
the dinner is over, those who are under 21 can complete
the night with the others going out on the town to bars
or clubs. Another way is to do activities that do not
have an age limit including going to see a play,
concert, exotic dance lessons, spa, home party or
weekend getaway.
4)
What should the bachelorette party be about? The big
question is, "What does the bachelorette want to do for
her party?" There are so many times when the bridesmaids
want to plan a crazy night out when the bachelor(ette)
does not want to get crazy. The important thing to
remember about the party is that it is for the
bachelorette and not as much for her friends. It is
absolutely okay to ask the bachelorette what they want
to do for their party. If you are still into surprising
them, get a general idea and keep the rest of the
evening a surprise but still appropriate for what they
want to do. There have been way too many parties where
the bachelorette is upset by the end of the night
because of what his/her friends planned when all they
wanted to do is hang out with their friends at a place
they enjoy. Remember to plan for the bride-to-be's
personality.
5)
Does there have to be a bachelorette party? A majority
of the brides do have a pre-wedding party besides the
bridal shower but it is absolutely okay to not have a
bachelorette party. Many who get married for the second
time do not have bachelorette parties. Some make the
wedding shower a couple's event and have everyone attend
without having a bachelorette party. I went to a
combined bachelor party and bachelorette party in Las
Vegas where it was a fun couple's weekend with everyone
always staying together and just having a great time
without the traditional "Girl's Night Out" or "Last
Night Out" agenda.
