Bachelorette Party: Bride Pays for What?

Typically the bride does not pay for things like this. One of my bridesmaids did gift bags and I did not even though about them until we arrived at the Airbnb.

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Thanks Meghan! I just wasn't sure about it!

Typically the bride’s only expense toward the party is a hostess gift for whoever is throwing the bachelorette. Other than that, I would just plan to pay for your own drinks, dinners, etc and not assume that others will offer to pay.

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Thanks Caytlyn! Yes I def. won't expect anyone to pay for that for me!

For my bachelorette, my bridesmaids covered the cost of the Airbnb for the weekend and my spot for a dancing class we're taking when we get there! I expect to pay for all of my food, drinks and whatever else I decide to buy there!

To your other details, my MOH has gone all out in favors and decorations. She won't even show me what she's done, and surely wouldn't let me pay for anything if I tried! My mom is supplying all of the snacks and alcohol we will have in the house so none of us have to worry about that! But that's super sweet of you to offer!

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Hey Morgan, thanks for your reply!

I just spoke with one of my bridesmaids and she said to not plan on paying for any of that stuff I was asking about lol. But I def. plan on paying for my own food etc. She and the rest of my party haven't really talked about it much, so I was just seeing what everyone else did before they do start planning!

In my experience, typically the bridesmaids cover those things!

The bride is the guest of honor so everyone typically covers her expenses. Generally the bride is expected by others to pay her way when the event last longer than one night. The hostess should skip the favors, etc to be able to afford those costs.

For my girls they didn't do any favor bags so i did them! you could also just add things to it, i feel as your own gift.

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Thanks Hanna!

I would let them have fun with the favors and not offer to pay - chances are that won’t be the budget breaking item! That said, my one friend secretly picked up the tab for our dinner one night as a thank you to everyone for attending (she had called ahead and arranged with the restaurant so they never brought a check). It was such a nice and unexpected surprise ☺️ The gesture meant more than the dollar value, so something like that might be an option as well!

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Thanks Kristen! I was thinking of doing something like this as well if they end up not letting me pay for ubers or alcohol at our airbnb lol. One of my bridesmaids said she'll doubt any of them will let me spend a dime, but I still want to do something to thank them.

I was hyper-aware of having a destination wedding and a short engagement, so for my bachelorette (the Thursday before my Saturday wedding), I paid for the villa Wednesday and Thursday nights (not everyone stayed, but everyone had the option). I also paid for a few rounds of lemon drop shots and jager bombs.

My MoH paid for decor and favors for the rest of the girls, and a special gift and favors for me. I saw in an email she sent the guests that it would be nice if people took turns buying drinks for me, but no one offered at any point, so I covered myself. I also paid for several Ubers.

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Thanks for the response Kylie, so helpful!

This is a very good question! I feel like there are soooooo many etiquette rules laid out for weddings, but none for bachelorette parties. I know it is an optional celebration, and maybe that is why there’s a lack of clear etiquette, but it sure would be helpful to navigate these events! Whenever I have been MOH in weddings, I have always covered the cost of everything for the bachelorettes (aside from the bridesmaid’s airfare if we did a trip, but I did cover the bride’s airfare). Other bachelorettes I have been to, all of the bridesmaids split the costs. But never have I been to a bachelorette that has required the bride to pay for anything (food, drinks, lodging, etc.). I have just always viewed the bachelorette party as a celebration in honor of the bride, so she should never have to open her wallet. Kind of like a birthday party!

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Hi Ava! That's what my bridesmaids are saying too. They've already voiced their opinions about me paying for things and that they don't want that, but I still want to do a little something for them! I figured covering uber/lift costs or buying dinner for them all one night would be good!

I've only been to one bachelorette and everyone split the cost, each night someone else bought the bride her food and drinks so it was evenly split. I think it really just depends on the group and what they want to do! But it's nice to see everyone's different opinions on here!

I’ve been in several bachelorette party where the bridesmaid will cover everything. But I will say know your girls and their situation. I’m inviting my 3 sisters and my good friend on a bachelorette party this weekend and I actually plan the whole thing myself lol. I know usually the bridesmaid plan it but I didn’t want any drama or confusion because unfortunately I’ve been in that situation in the past with other bridesmaid. I’m being fair, I’m paying my share of the condo and all activities. I already paid ahead for them. I think my sisters are covering my food when we get there and that’s it. I didn’t want my sisters paying because they all have kids unlike me and they are also not currently working due to school and a toddler. I would assume they girls will cover your food and drinks. But be prepared in case they can’t!

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Thanks for the feedback Kim! I'm def. prepared to pay for anything that I need to, so that won't be a problem!