Get inspired by these fun and memorable party ideas that won’t break the bank!

Bachelorette parties originated in the 1960s when a bride-to-be would celebrate her final night of singledom with a get-together with her female friends and family members. It wasn’t until the ‘80s that they turned into the wild nights we see today. They’ve since evolved into multi-day adventures with outfit changes, activities, and outings galore—and that stuff can start to get expensive!

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you’ve come to the right place. It’s completely possible to have a great time without spending too much. We’ve got plenty of ideas that will guarantee a fun-filled night to remember that’s all about the bride and keeps everyone’s budget in mind.

Considering a weekend getaway or working with a bigger budget? Check out this guide to throwing a destination bachelorette party.

Hotel Slumber Party

Book a suite at a local hotel and tell everyone to bring their cutest PJs to the party. Print out poster-sized photos of the groom, a la Teen Beat magazine, play truth or dare, order pizzas, and take plenty of photos with your Instax Mini camera!

Here’s how you can stretch your budget for your bachelorette hotel slumber party:

• Book directly through the hotel. They often let guests negotiate rates, especially if you have some wiggle room with your dates. Remember to be patient and polite!
• Bring your own drinks. Hotel room service and catering can add up fast, with alcohol marked up to almost three times its wholesale price.
• Buy your decorations on Amazon. Cups for everyone? Check. Festive balloons? Double check. Literally, everything else you need for a bachelorette? Duh.

Depending on where you’re staying, you may have access to on-premise entertainment or be able to snag some VIP treatment if you mention that you’re celebrating a bride-to-be. Life’s too short not to ask for a little special treatment for your bestie before she gets married!

Bachelorette Brunch

What woman doesn’t love a good brunch—especially when there’s something to celebrate? A bachelorette brunch is an excellent option for hosts who don’t mind cooking for a group, but it’s also possible to stay within budget if you’d rather book a restaurant. Not sure which route to go? Don’t be afraid to ask the bride for her preference. That being said, don’t ask for her involvement beyond that single question! She should simply have to show up and be celebrated.

At Home

Hosting at someone’s house means you don’t have to worry about renting space or spending a minimum dollar amount at a restaurant. Here are a few tips for staying on budget:

• Keep the headcount low. Your bachelorette brunch can be a smaller, more intimate gathering between the bride and her closest gals.
• Plan your menu ahead of time. This will help you stay on a budget when it’s time to grocery shop since you’ll know exactly what you need to feed a crowd. Big box stores are also your friend here!
• Mix and match secondhand table settings. Go to your local thrift store and grab all the pretty drinkware and plates you need for a sweet and affordable tablescape.

At a restaurant

If cooking isn’t in the cards, a budget-friendly bachelorette brunch at a restaurant is possible. Get an idea of how much each guest is willing to spend for the celebration (obviously, the bride should not be paying for anything) and look for restaurants that fit within that range. Here are some questions to ask as you narrow down your search:

• Can the restaurant offer a limited menu for larger parties on a budget?
• Does the restaurant allow guests to bring in their own alcohol for a corkage fee?
• Are there any limits on splitting guest checks?

Wine Tasting

Celebrating a wine-loving bride? Set up a wine-tasting bachelorette party! If you’re lucky enough to live close to a winery, give them a call and see what types of group offerings they have. Be upfront about your budget and see what they can do that’s comfortable for your group—you might be surprised! You may be able to bring in your own food to supplement the tasting and eliminate any extra charges.

No winery nearby? No problem. Grab some of the bride’s favorite wines, add in a few new ones you think she might like, and set up a grazing board for guests to enjoy as they sip. Bonus points if you include snack pairings for each wine. Here’s a guide if you’re up for it! Give everyone a tasting sheet to write down their notes to compare after each taste—try to see who can come up with the most ridiculous descriptions! Another tip: keep your selections simple by choosing either a variety from the same producer or a selection of similar varietals from different wineries.

Final thoughts

Remember, you don’t have to dip into your savings or take out more credit card debt to make a bride feel special on her bachelorette. After all, that’s what really matters and what she’ll remember most. Looking for coed bachelor/bachelorette party ideas? Not sure who to invite to the bachelorette party? Check out the Give It Blog for answers to all your questions.