Bachelorette Budgeting Help!

How much is the candle making? I’d ask for that and a small additional amount for groceries (brunch and a few snacks/drinks) and then encourage attendees to bring their favorite snacks to share 🤷‍♀️
$50 is almost $500 total. Do you think you’ll spend that much?

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Hi Cassidy! appreciate the response!

I'm not sure exactly, but i just feel like groceries and alcohol could add up and reach around $200?

and these DIY candle kits i found on Etsy were about $55 to make 4 full size 8oz candles, so if i got 3 sets of that, is like $165, and that's before shipping and tax, so realistically probably $200, I could probably find cheaper sets maybe, I realize it sounds pricey for a DIY activity but I thought since that's really like the one bigger activity and you get to keep a candle or two, and its equivalent to like $25 a person, then its really not bad when you compare it to if we had gone out to multiple bars or something?

Maybe $40 a person sounds good?

We were thinking of asking each person to bring their favorite bottle of wine to share, which would bring down the groceries/alcohol cost. But wasn't sure if it's weird to ask people to pay a fee and bring alcohol.

For an overnight trip and not going out for meals, I think $50 is very reasonable (maybe even too low). The bachelorettes I’ve been to I was usually one of few who had to fly and I’ve never contributed less than those who drove or were local.
Typically the MOH and bride pay for decor and some favors, but the guests pay for their own food/drinks/shirts/activities.

I think $50 sounds super reasonable!

like you said about the wine - maybe they can also bring their own snacks and stuff to share?

I think $50 a person is to low unless they will be paying for their food when you all go out for brunch/dinner. I would do $50 and have them bring a bottle or two of wine to share.

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Ok thanks good to know! I mean if its around $50 i know the two people flying in won't care, but just wasn't sure etiquette-wise if it wouldnt be ideal to charge them since other's aren't paying for flights to attend. so i'll just go include them for the charge

okay and noted! decor covered by bride/host - that is helpful!

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Right, yes food wise - the $50 would just cover food/snacks/drinks in the house - for Dinner and Brunch where we go out to restaurants, guests would pay for themselves

ok cool, yeah i'm thinking definitely include the bring one bottle thing

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Right i think $50 in general sounds low in general, but the fact that we aren't paying for a hotel makes it a cheap for an overnight trip!

$50 per person for a full day party to me sounds extremely reasonable! Not having to pay for lodging is quite a gift and really makes the overall price really good.
I went to a bachelorette party that was similar (guests just had to pay for food, drinks, and activities) we did not go out to eat at all and there wasn't any 'expensive' activity like a candle making kit and they still asked for $80 a person. Also they didn't offer to cover gas or lower the price at all since I was one of the 2 drivers for about a 100 minute drive each way.

Maybe ask the person traveling across the border if they can easily afford the trip and if not offer her a discount.

I think that sounds reasonable. I would reccomend asking each person individually though since reasonable is very subjective and each person's individual circumstance can be very different.

First off, you're doing great! You sound very organized and I'm sure the bride will love it.

- Is it appropriate to include decor in the split of budget, or is that a thing expected of the host to cover? When I've been a bridesmaid, I've preferred to be given a job rather than just contributing money. Like "okay you buy favors" or "you buy wall decor" or "you buy invites" rather than "venmo me $20 for decor". Then I feel like I'm a little more involved if that makes sense and people can shop within their budget and DIY if needed.

- Do I charge guests travelling from far away, a little less? nothing at all? I'm thinking maybe we waive the contribution for guests that need to fly in to attend. If I was flying into a bachelorette, I'd expect to pay. Most of my husband's friends flew in to San Diego for his (including him) and they paid the same as the guys who drove in.

- Does $50 (USD) per person sound like a lot to charge for people attending one day of activities in-house? No. That sounds SUPER affordable. Most bachelorettes I've attended (not including housing, hotels, flights, etc.) cost me at least $100 a day for food/favors/activities/etc.

I think the best way to handle this is to text each girl individually (so no one is embarrassed) and explain where you are at with the budget and see if they are okay spending that.

Fifty to seventy five dollars is reasonable for a n evening out for drinks, or an overnight houseparty with meals plus party food and drink. That is in the realm of traditional bach parties, not mini vacations. Very reasonable.

At your stage in life you need to go for a long term solution. When you get back to work. And housing where you are not on the edge every month, or dependent on the good graces of a boyfriend.

Ignore above. two windows open, wrote this on the wrong one.
Sorry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I personally think you are doing a great job and $50 sounds cheap. I would say keep $50 if you are telling them to bring their favorite bottles wine if not $75 and you can do wine/champagne like a mimosa bar.