đź’° Who Pays for the Bachelorette Party? A Guide for Bridesmaids & Groomsmen
Planning a bachelorette or bachelor party is all about celebrating love, friendship, and good times—but let’s be real, the money talk can get awkward. Who pays for what? Is the bride or groom supposed to chip in? How do you split costs without drama?
Whether you're the maid of honor, best man, or part of the wedding crew, this guide will help you navigate the financial side of bach party planning like a pro.
🥂 So... Who Traditionally Pays?
Traditionally, the bridal party (aka bridesmaids or groomsmen) covers the cost of the bachelorette or bachelor party. This includes:
Lodging
Group meals
Activities (think boat rentals, bar crawls, shows)
Decorations and party supplies
Swag (custom shirts, sashes, etc.)
The guest of honor—the bride or groom—usually doesn’t pay for their own share.
đź’¸ How to Split Costs Fairly
1. Set a Budget Early
Start the planning convo with an honest discussion about everyone’s budget. Transparency avoids resentment later.
2. Use a Cost-Splitting App
Venmo, Splitwise, or group Google Sheets are great for keeping things clear and easy to track.
3. Consider Tiered Pricing
Not everyone may be able to commit to a full weekend bash. Offer options: full weekend vs. day events only.
🛍️ Should the Bride or Groom Ever Pay?
Sometimes, the bride or groom does offer to pay for certain things (like their own airfare or an extra activity they’re dying to do). But this should never be expected.
In cases where a party is super extravagant, the wedding party may ask the bride/groom to chip in—or scale back the plans to stay within budget.
✨ What About Guests Who Aren’t in the Wedding Party?
If you’re inviting friends outside of the wedding party, they typically pay their own way. Make sure everyone knows what’s expected upfront so no one is caught off guard.
🎉 Pro Tips for Stress-Free Planning
Appoint one point person to handle payments and bookings
Collect money before the trip when possible
Plan a mix of free + paid activities to keep things balanced
Communicate, communicate, communicate!
đź’Ś Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the best bachelorette or bachelor parties are about memories, not money. With a little planning and open communication, you can create an unforgettable celebration that’s fun and financially fair.
Need help planning your dream bach weekend? We’ve got you.
👉 Contact us here to start planning with Bach Events by K&A!
