There are two things pretty much every bachelorette party goers can agree on—batch bashes are really, really fun. And they can also be really, really expensive. 

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Between flights, hotels, food, and drinks, the cost is already racking up. And then what about booking special activities, like spa treatments, excursions, or tickets to a show? And then what about things like decorations, party favors, and cab fares? It can add up fast and make even the most enthusiastic party guest start to sweat the bill.

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So how do you make sure you can throw the best possible batch bash for the bride-to-be without breaking the bank? Here’s how.

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Set the budget early

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Do your best to figure out all the potential costs of the weekend ASAP, from the big-ticket items like airfare to the smallest considerations, like paying for parking when you get to the concert hall.

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Bachelorette parties don’t have to break the bank, check out this list of ways to make your bachelorette party more affordable without skipping out on any of the fun.

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Be transparent

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Discuss the budget with the whole party early on to find out what everyone is willing and comfortable contributing to the weekend. That way you can go into planning with reasonable expectations for what you can spend and where.

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Prioritize the bride-to-be

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Always keep in mind what’s most important to the bride to see where you should splurge and where you can scrimp. If she really really really wants to go on that riverboat cruise, you can put more resources toward making it the best riverboat cruise ever, and compromise in other areas not as important to her, like making brunch at home versus going to a restaurant.

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DIY when you can

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Things like decorations, meals, and entertainment are all things that can add up in cost … or can be done as DIYs for a more budget-friendly option. Make tea sandwiches and chocolate-covered popcorn for a party-worthy treat. Bring a bluetooth speaker from home so you can blast a custom playlist (way cheaper than hiring a DJ!). And get crafty with balloons, banners, and tons of glitter to make personalized decor that looks like a million, even if it only costs pennies.

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Plan ahead

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Sometimes prices change the closer you get to an event, whether you’re looking at tickets to a show, accommodations, or airfare. Try to book these things as far in advance as you reasonably can to ensure you get the best possible price.

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Always ask about group discounts

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Batch has hundreds of partners across the US all in one place, enjoy easy booking and discounts when you book multiple itinerary items with us. If you book your entire itinerary through BATCH it’s cheaper because we give you bundle discounts! 10% off your 2nd experience and 15% off your third! Browse our marketplace full of fabulous group activities! 

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For other things your group plans for the weekend, why pay full price if you don’t have to? Lots of places will give you a discount if you’re booking for a group, which can help you stretch your dollars and make the most of your trip. Pro tip: Always ask about discounts, even if they’re not listed anywhere. You might be surprised how much you can save just by asking.

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Make it a BYO party

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If your food budget is on the smaller side, make it a potluck party! Or pool your money for a delicious meal but have everyone bring their own cocktail of choice. It’s still a fabulous way to eat, drink, and be merry without getting an eye-popping bill at the end of the night.

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Fun food ideas for a potluck party:

Mini bruschettas

Stuffed mushrooms

Caprese skewers

Cheese and charcuterie board

Greek salad

Pasta salad

Fruit salad

Quinoa salad

Lasagna or baked ziti

Chicken skewers or kabobs

Pulled pork sliders

Vegetarian casserole

Garlic bread

Roasted vegetables

Macaroni and cheese

Mashed potatoes

Cupcakes (perhaps in a bridal theme)

Chocolate fondue with fruits and marshmallows for dipping

Cake or pie

Cookies (e.g., heart-shaped or initial cookies for the bride)

Wine or champagne

Signature cocktails (perhaps create a special one for the bride)

Non-alcoholic mocktails

Lemonade or iced tea

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Be roomies

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If you’re looking at a destination trip or even just need to book an overnight stay, look into renting a house or a condo where everyone can stay together. Splitting the cost like this can be waaay cheaper than booking individual hotel rooms. Plus, it makes it feel like one big sleepover!

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Be creative

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Not every bash has to be bougie! A movie night with snacks and drinks, a day at the beach, or a high-voltage game night are all ridiculously fun ways to spend time together and celebrate the bride-to-be—which is what a bachelorette is all about.

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Keep track of your spending

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Keep a running list of everything you’re spending, from buying decorations to booking activities. That way you’ll be able to see if you’re staying within budget, or if you need to make adjustments along the way to keep things affordable for all involved. Pro tip: Setting up a bachelorette Venmo makes it extra-easy to split costs and keep track of who’s paid for what. 

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Delegate Responsibilities

Break down the planning process into specific tasks (e.g., booking accommodation, planning meals, organizing games), and assign each task to a different attendee. This ensures that the workload is distributed, and everyone can contribute in a meaningful way.

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Communicate Clearly: Set up a group chat or shared document where everyone can update on their tasks and expenses. This helps to avoid duplication of tasks and keeps everyone informed about the progress.

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Match Tasks to Strengths: Delegate responsibilities based on each attendee’s strengths or preferences. For example, someone who is crafty might handle decorations, while a food lover might be in charge of meals or restaurant reservations.

Avoid Last-minute Shopping

Plan ahead and create a detailed shopping list well in advance, from decorations to party favors and everything in between. This allows time to compare prices, find deals, and make thoughtful purchases rather than rushed decisions.

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Starting early gives you the chance to buy items during sales or with discount codes, which can lead to substantial savings. Sign up for newsletters from retailers where you might purchase supplies—they often send discount codes to subscribers.

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Last-minute shopping can be stressful and may lead to making hasty and often more expensive purchases. By planning and buying in advance, you’ll have everything in order and can avoid the stress of last-minute scrambles.

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Shopping online can allow for better price comparison and may offer more options and discounts. Be mindful of shipping times to ensure items arrive when needed.

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Focus on Fun & Meaningful Experiences

Remember the Purpose: The heart of a bachelorette party is to celebrate the bride-to-be, not to compete with other parties you might have seen on social media. Aim to create memorable experiences that the bride and the attendees will cherish.

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Personalize: Plan activities that are meaningful to the bride, such as visiting a place she has always wanted to go, or engaging in activities she loves. Personal touches like handwritten notes, shared stories, or a group photo album can make the celebration unforgettable.

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Quality over Quantity: Instead of trying to squeeze in numerous activities or splurging on expensive outings, choose a few significant activities that allow for bonding and creating lasting memories.

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Whether you stay in and have a pajama party or hit the town for an all-out rager, what matters the most is that you can all be together and give the bride the best batch possible—and that’s something you can do on any budget.

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