When it comes to bachelorette parties, there are a lot of questions about etiquette. Whose responsibility is it to cover the party costs? Can you suggest a guest list? So, how should one act?
It is traditional for the maid of honor to plan and pay the bill for the bachelorette party. It's true that in the past, organizing, and funding such events may have been difficult, but nowadays, you have many opportunities. Some brides might prefer to split costs evenly between their friends, while others may want to designate someone, in particular, to be in charge.
Here are a few guidelines to follow for a successful bachelorette party.
Start Planning Early
Ideally, you should start thinking about your bachelorette party a few months in advance. It will give you ample time to discuss possible bachelorette party themes, plan activities, and make sure everyone can attend.
If you're throwing a party at a specific location, give your guests plenty of notice so they can arrange transportation. And if you're organizing a more casual gathering closer to home, be sure to provide plenty of notice so that people can make arrangements for childcare or other obligations.
Get Input from Your Friends
Another key piece of bachelorette party etiquette is to solicit input from your friends and family. Ask for everyone's suggestions on the bachelorette locations, budget, activities, and preferences. Knowing what other people are looking for will help you avoid arguments and broken feelings.
However, when deciding who should be invited, it is equally crucial to respect people's privacy and other choices. If someone has a strong preference against attending a particular type of party or doesn't want to participate in any bachelorette activities, it's best to respect their wishes.
Establish a Budget
You need to have a firm budget in mind before you can move forward with any serious planning. It will serve as a guideline for the size and breadth of your party and the amount of money each guest should contribute.
Do not forget that there numerous options for securing financial support for your bachelorette bash. You might choose to cover all costs yourself, ask for contributions from each guest, or even host a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds from people who aren't able to attend.
Invite a Diverse Group of People
We've all seen the stereotype of a bachelorette party mainly consisting of single women drinking copious amounts of alcohol and dancing on tables.
While there's nothing wrong with celebrating your single status and having a good time, it can also be fun to invite a diverse group of people. It might include friends from work, family members, and other people you care about.
Communicate Openly with Your Guests
When it comes to bachelorette parties, it's important to be upfront and honest with your guests. Set clear boundaries and expectations, and let them know what you anticipate from them. It will help ensure that everyone has a good time and feels comfortable on your big day.
The Best Way to Have the "Who Pays" Discussion With Your Friends
When it comes to the details of your bachelorette party, it cannot be easy to have certain conversations. But to avoid confusion or hurt feelings, being upfront and honest with your friends is important.
Here are some tips for how to have the "who pays" discussion with your friends:
Clearly Outline Your Budget
It's a good idea to set a clear budget for the bachelorette party so that you and your friends know what is realistic and achievable. Then, when planning the celebration's details, you can open a discussion about who will cover which costs. For example, if you'd prefer to keep the costs of food, drinks, and activities more affordable, you could ask your friends to each cover a certain amount or purchase specific items.
Be Honest About Your Preferences
It's also important to be upfront about any preferences or limitations you may have around the party planning. For example, if you prefer not to have an all-night bar crawl or you have any dietary restrictions, it's perfectly acceptable to communicate this with your friends. Being honest and considerate can help ensure that everyone is comfortable and happy during the bachelorette party planning process.
Compile a Preliminary Budget Projection
If you're planning a large bachelorette party with many attendees, it can be helpful to put together a preliminary budget projection based on your expected expenses. It will help you and your friends estimate how much money you'll need to cover everything, making the "who pays" issue easier to handle.
For example, if your budget projection estimates that you'll need to spend $500 on food, drinks, and activities, you can ask your friends to contribute a certain amount based on their budgets. Alternatively, you could ask each person to cover a specific expense, such as transportation or decorations. Being open and honest about your expectations can help ensure that everyone feels comfortable contributing to the party planning process.
Put a Gift Suggestion on the Invite
If you want your friends to bring gifts, including a gift suggestion on the invitation can be helpful. It will help give guests an idea of what items they might consider purchasing for you.
For example, say something like, "Come celebrate our friend's bachelorette celebration with us!" We're asking guests to bring a small gift or contribution toward food and drinks. Suggested items include wine, craft beers, gourmet chocolates, or spa-related items." By providing some guidance about what you'd like to receive for your bachelorette party, you can help minimize any awkwardness or uncertainty around gift-giving.