The Average Cost of a Bachelorette Party (2024)

A bachelorette party can be an incredible and unforgettable experience, but at what cost? Everything from decorations to travel expenses factors into the party’s price tag, so it’s challenging to say how much everyone will pay. Still, the average cost of a bachelorette party can give you a pretty good idea of what to expect.

How Much Does a Bachelorette Party Cost?

Although there are no strict price expectations, the average cost will depend on the location. For instance, a bachelorette party in Scottsdale, Arizona can cost anywhere from $800 to $1,200 for each bridesmaid, excluding airfare. In New Orleans, groups can spend between $600 to $1,000 per person for a two or three-day weekend celebration. In general, throwing a party can cost over $1,000 per person. 

Depending on the group size, the destination and the experiences, things can get expensive. An app for planning bachelorette parties studied around 100,000 planned trips and found that the overall cost is $10,800 on average. 

What Factors Into the Cost?

Bachelorette parties are varied because every group tailors their experience. That being said, a few common costs can factor into the overall amount everyone will pay for the party. 

Here are some of the most typical factors that add to the cost:

• Travel: Destination parties significantly add to the cost because every bridesmaid has to buy a plane ticket or gas to drive there. This is especially significant in 2024 when airfares will remain high due to expensive operational costs, the use of sustainable fuels and inflationary pressures. 
  
• Food and drinks: The bill for food and beverages won’t be as high if the bachelorette party is just a night out, but multi-day trips require multiple meals and experiences. The price for grabbing a few drinks or heading out to brunch adds up after a few days.
  
• Number of bridesmaids: The bridesmaids are the ones who pick up the bill in most situations, so brides often like to get big groups so everyone pays less.
  
• Experiences: A classic bachelorette party is typically just a night out, but more and more brides dream of unique, personalized parties. A winery tour or a yoga retreat can be fun and memorable but also expensive.
  
• Outfits: Custom shirts or matching dresses are cute but can add to the cost.
  
• Decor: Decor is a large part of many bachelorette parties. The bridesmaids typically get together to decorate the space before the bride shows up. Decor doesn’t have to be expensive, but elaborate themes and design elements can cost an arm and a leg.
  
• Duration: Many groups opt for trips where they spend a few days together instead of one night. Duration might be the most significant cost factor since the price of everything else rises along with it.

Who Pays for the Party?

The bachelorette party expenses typically do not factor into the average cost of a wedding, as the bride does not usually pay. It’s customary for the bridesmaids to pay for the entire trip and cover the bride’s expenses. Most are aware of this responsibility, but seeing how much everything costs can still be surprising.

How to Budget for Your Bachelorette Party

Having a great time while saving money is possible if everyone plans. Think about the costs you anticipate for your bachelorette party and consider affordable alternatives to help out the bridesmaids.

1. Keep the Party Balanced

The average size of a bridal party differs, but having up to 10 bridesmaids is common. Larger parties can cost more because they require more rooms, food, outfits, drinks and transportation. Still, while a smaller bridal party can help keep overall costs down, the cost per person rises. 

The solution depends on the type of bachelorette party. For example, a smaller group can work better for a destination party, while a larger group can work better for a local hotel getaway. Balancing the number of bridesmaids with the activities and travel plans can help you find a sweet spot in the overall and individual costs.

2. Thrift for Matching Outfits

Matching outfits aren’t essential to the success of a bachelorette party, but it’s fun to dress for the occasion. To keep things affordable, everyone can thrift for matching or similar outfits. Shopping together can be a fun bonding experience that excites everyone for the upcoming party. 

If you want more high-end styles, head to an affluent area. People who live there don’t want to travel far to drop off their donations, so you might be able to find new or designer clothes at their local thrift stores. 

If you’re not fond of thrifting, consider raiding each other’s closets to find similar styles. It doesn’t have to exactly match — everyone can dress up in the color of the wedding theme or wear the same material. The bride can wear a sash or a tiara to differentiate herself. It can be another fun activity to do together, and it has the bonus of being much more affordable.

3. Stay Local

Traveling to some faraway place can be exciting, but staying local is more affordable. Sure, going to top destinations for bachelorette parties like New York, Las Vegas and Nashville sounds exciting, but plane tickets and accommodation for multiple days are among the biggest factors in the overall cost. It’s not as elaborate as a destination event, but everyone will likely appreciate the money they save.

4. Meal Prep

The cost of multiple meals and snacks can add up, especially if the celebration lasts for numerous days. To keep things affordable, bridesmaids can make food in bulk. Snacks like jalapeno poppers or cookies keep for a while and make great snacks. Overnight oats, burrito bowls, frittata muffins and sandwiches can make tasty and quick meals.

5. Have a Night In

A night out can be memorable and exciting, but it can be expensive. For instance, a night out in Charlotte, North Carolina can cost an average of $224.75 and $221.23 in Austin, Texas. If you’re traveling and can’t take alcohol on a plane, you can buy supplies once you land. Instead of going out and spending money on drinks, everyone can drink before going out to save money.

6. Keep Decorations Simple

Instead of decorating the entire space, keeping everything in one place might be a good idea. For example, you could set up a balloon arch, tinsel curtain or a large sign on a single wall. Having a photo wall reduces the amount of necessary decorations and can be a fun activity for everyone. 

7. Choose an Airbnb Over Hotels

Your squad can save money by booking a large condo or house on Airbnb rather than reserving multiple hotel rooms.  It’s also more budget-friendly and has a kitchen where you and the girls can cook anything, anytime you want. 

8. Invite More Friends

Most bachelor parties limit their invitees to bridesmaids. Ask the bride if she’s open to inviting other family members and friends not part of the entourage to help manage the budget. With the bride’s signal, ask a few other girls to join the party to make big costs more manageable for the entire group. 

Budget for Your Bachelorette Party

A bachelorette party is a fun bonding experience for brides and bridesmaids. The average cost has risen significantly since 2021, and bridesmaids are still expected to cover the cost. To keep things simple and carefree, consider budgeting and planning alternative activities for everyone. A night in with your closest girls can be as meaningful and exciting as a night out.

Original Publish Date May 14, 2023 — Updated 2/23/2024