Contrary to what movies and TV might show you, some of the best, most memorable bachelorette parties didn’t require expensive hotels or flights to exotic locations. Planning a bachelorette celebration on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice fun. In fact, if you put a little creativity into the planning, it could mean quite the opposite.
Are you trying to throw an exciting, unique bachelorette party on a shoestring budget? Here are 10 ideas to help you get the ball rolling on this exciting adventure.
House Party Like It’s 1999
Nothing says “Sayonara, single life!” like a good old-fashioned house party. While the bulk of your budget will probably go toward food and drink, you’ll need to arrange more entertainment than that. Keep it under budget by purchasing an affordable, easy-to-set-up streaming stick that’s compatible with your television so you can create curated playlists on popular music streaming sites. Create a playlist for different themes, like sappy love songs or funny edgy tunes. You can also stream music for different activities, like a dance-off to disco or a pillow fight to the 80s.
Vacation Rentals Offer Beaucoup Amenities
Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t plan an incredible destination bachelorette party. Looking for a city within driving distance and reserve a vacation rental on a site like Airbnb or VRBO. With everyone splitting the cost, it’s much more affordable than individual hotel rooms. Plus, you can look for a place with amenities like a stocked modern kitchen, pool, large flat-screen TV, and hot tub.
Girls’ Night in for the Win
Celebrate a low-key friend’s next pending nuptials with a pajama party. Add a little pampering with do-it-yourself facials and mani/pedis. Splurge on the bride-to-be by ordering an in-home professional massage. You can even save money by looking for deals on discount websites like Groupon. Once everyone is settled and relaxed, munch on some pizza while streaming some of your favorite movies or binge-watching girl-power TV shows.
Paint the Night Away
For the artsy or unconventional bachelorette, you can check out a paint-and-wine night. Led by a trained artist, these events pair alcohol and food with easels and acrylics. You can also reserve a group room at a pottery painting studio or attend a poetry reading.
A New Adventure in an Old City
Websites like Booking.com offer interesting and affordable experiences for just about everyone. You can search by city and find cool, unique excursions from both locals and professionals alike. From a walking tour of city murals to a homebrewing workshop, you can treat your bride-to-be by experiencing a whole different side of your city.
Hunt Your Way Through a Pub Crawl
One of the most trendy bachelorette party ideas — mostly because it is insanely fun and affordable — scavenger hunts can come in all shapes and sizes. Make a pub crawl more interesting with creative (and complex) challenges like making a wedding veil out of materials donated by bar patrons. Or, expand your search throughout the city by doing a photo scavenger hunt of places sentimental to the bride and groom.
Celebrate in the Great Outdoors
For the rugged, earthy bachelorette, you can plan a destination party on a budget by organizing a camping trip. Find a place no more than a day’s drive with a really special activity — a lazy river to float down, a dark site for unobstructed stargazing, or simply a nearby national forest for campfires, hikes, singalongs, and s’mores.
Coming up with a genius budget-friendly bachelorette party idea only works if you focus on the bride-to-be’s lifestyle and interest. Doing research on out-of-the-box ideas can be fun, but be sure that they focus on your friend, honor her personality, and celebrate her joy.