Organize a bachelorette party from guest list coordination and budget polling to theme selection, activities, accommodations, and dietary needs.
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Guest List and Budget
Align the guest list with the bride before inviting anyone
The bride should approve every name on the list. Typical groups are 6-15 people. Include the bridal party and the bride's closest friends. Do not assume someone is invited just because they are in the wedding party's social circle.
Ask the bride if she wants family members (sisters, mom, future mother-in-law) included
Send invitations 6-8 weeks before the party date
Send a budget poll to all attendees before planning anything
The average bachelorette party costs $400-$1,200 per person for a weekend trip. Use an anonymous survey to find each person's comfort range. Plan around the lowest number so nobody drops out due to cost.
Decide whether the group covers the bride's costs
Traditionally, the group splits the bride's share of lodging, activities, and meals. For a group of 8, this adds $50-$150 per person. Discuss this openly before booking so everyone knows the total commitment.
Date and Location
Schedule the party 4-8 weeks before the wedding
Avoid the week before the wedding when stress is highest. Send a date poll with 3 weekend options. If attendees are spread across different cities, pick a date at least 2 months out so everyone can book travel.
Choose a destination or local celebration based on budget results
A destination bachelorette (2-3 nights) averages $800-$2,000 per person with travel. A local party (1 night) costs $150-$400 per person. Beach towns, wine regions, and walkable downtown areas are popular group-friendly choices.
Book flights and lodging 2-3 months ahead if traveling
Book a house rental or suite that fits the whole group
A rental with a common area (pool, patio, living room) gives the group space to hang out together. Book a place that sleeps everyone comfortably. Expect to pay $150-$400 per night total for a house that fits 8-12 people.
Theme and Decor
Choose a theme that reflects the bride's personality
Popular themes include last fling before the ring, disco night, coastal cowgirl, garden party, and spa weekend. Pick something the bride will genuinely enjoy rather than following a trend she would find embarrassing.
Order matching items or party supplies 3-4 weeks ahead
Custom items (sashes, hats, tote bags, t-shirts) take 1-2 weeks to produce and ship. Budget $10-$25 per person for matching gear. Assign one person to order so items look coordinated.
Get a special item for the bride that stands out (different color sash, tiara, etc.)
Order decorations for the house or hotel (balloons, banners, photo props)
Prepare a welcome bag or gift for each guest
Simple welcome bags cost $10-$15 each and set the tone on arrival. Include snacks, water bottles, a mini itinerary card, sunscreen or lip balm, and a fun accessory that matches the theme.
Activities
Plan a mix of group activities and free time
Schedule 2-3 planned activities per day with 2-3 hour breaks in between. Over-scheduling leads to burnout by the second day. Include a balance of active events, relaxation, and social time.
Book reservations for group activities 2-3 weeks ahead
Include at least one activity the bride specifically requested
Casually ask the bride months in advance what her dream bachelorette would include. Whether it is a wine tasting, dance class, boat trip, or spa day, build the centerpiece activity around her wish.
Plan games or interactive activities for the group
Games like bride trivia, scavenger hunts, or a custom quiz about the couple work well during downtime. Prepare 2-3 games and play them when the group is together at the house. Award small prizes to winners.
Plan the evening out with dinner and entertainment
Book restaurant reservations for large groups 3-4 weeks ahead. Many restaurants require a deposit or minimum spend of $50-$100 per person for groups over 8. Call ahead to confirm they can seat your full party together.
Food and Dietary Needs
Collect dietary restrictions and allergies from all attendees
Ask about food allergies, intolerances, and preferences (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) when you send the initial invitation. Note restrictions in your planning document so every meal and snack accounts for everyone.
Stock the house with breakfast and snack supplies
Order groceries for delivery on the day of arrival. Budget $15-$25 per person for 2 days of breakfast items, snacks, and drinks. Having food at the house means nobody starts the day hungry or hungover without options.
Include plenty of water, electrolyte drinks, and non-alcoholic options
Plan for non-drinkers and varying alcohol preferences
About 20-30% of attendees may not drink or may drink minimally. Stock mocktail ingredients and non-alcoholic beverages alongside the alcohol. Never pressure anyone to drink. Make sure non-drinkers feel fully included in every activity.
Logistics and Communication
Send a detailed itinerary to all attendees 1 week before
Include daily schedules, addresses, reservation details, dress codes, and what to pack. Use a shared document or pinned group chat message. Update it if anything changes rather than sending separate messages.
Collect payments from attendees 2-3 weeks before the party
Do not pay for everything yourself and collect after. Request each person's share before the event so all deposits, bookings, and supplies are covered. This also confirms final attendance for headcount-dependent bookings.
Arrange group transportation for evenings out
Pre-book a rideshare, party bus ($300-$800 for 3-4 hours), or designate sober drivers. For a group of 8-12, splitting a chartered vehicle is often cheaper per person than individual rideshares during peak hours.
Assign roles to other bridesmaids to share the workload
The maid of honor should not do everything alone. Assign tasks like decorations to one person, games to another, and grocery shopping to a third. Delegating keeps the planning manageable and gets more people invested.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a bachelorette party cost per person?
A local bachelorette night (dinner, drinks, activity) costs $100-$250 per person. A weekend trip to a nearby city averages $400-$700 per person including accommodation, food, activities, and drinks. Popular destinations like Nashville, Scottsdale, Miami, or wine country run $600-$1,200 per person for a 3-day weekend. The maid of honor typically covers the bride's share, split among all attendees.
How far in advance should a bachelorette party be planned?
Start planning 3-4 months ahead for destination bachelorettes to secure flights and group accommodations at reasonable rates. Local celebrations need 4-6 weeks of planning. Poll the group on dates using a tool like Doodle or When2Meet 8-10 weeks out — aligning 6-10 schedules is the biggest logistical challenge. Collect deposits or full payment 3-4 weeks before to lock in reservations.
Who is typically invited to a bachelorette party?
The bridal party (bridesmaids) is the core guest list, plus any close friends or sisters of the bride who are not bridesmaids but are close enough to celebrate. Typical size is 6-12 women. The bride's mother and future mother-in-law are sometimes invited to a portion of the activities (brunch or spa) but not the full weekend. Everyone invited must also be invited to the wedding — no exceptions.
What bachelorette party activities are most popular?
The top bachelorette activities by booking volume are: spa days (massage, facial, manicure — $100-$200 per person), wine or cocktail tastings ($30-$60 per person), cooking classes ($50-$80 per person), boat cruises ($40-$100 per person), and themed dinners. Non-bar activities are increasingly popular — 45% of bachelorettes now center around a wellness, adventure, or creative experience rather than nightlife.