Charging Guests for Bachelorette?!

I think it is pretty normal to expect guests to pay their own way for a bachelorette party and then a share of the bride's expenses as well. $30 seems reasonable to me. What are the plans?

Tell the host you simply won't be able to make it.

But can't you do something on the side? Babysit, dog walk, etc. $30 is not that much.

Usually people pitch in to help out and cover the brides expenses as well. Not always but I think that is pretty typical.

View Quoted Comment I definitely would understand paying for my own drinks but to help cover the cost of a party bus to me is on the bridal party/hosts. I was just baffled by the request. I’m on a budget so planned on only having two drinks (which here is $10 max). So now I don’t believe I can go.

View Quoted Comment I work two jobs as it is, so no not really. $30 may not be much to you but it is to me.

View Quoted Comment I’d love that but I can almost guarantee I will be asked why by the bride.

Just tell her you can't make it.

It's normal for guests to pay. It isn't mandatory to attend if you can't afford it. Maybe reach out to the bride and suggest another time when you could get together with her doing something that you can afford.

Yeah, $30 to cover transportation is not a lot at all...if they are planning on stocking a bar on party bus and driving everyone to and fro safely, $30 is far more than reasonable and it ensures everyone is safe and not worried about who is or isn't driving and keeping people together etc.

I guess to me it would be up to the hosts but thanks for the input ladies!

I sympathise with you dear been there done that, have the t-shirt and sunglasses (but only because they were free). Honesty is the best policy. No reason to be ashamed. If she is a true friend she will understand. Things are really tight for me financially right now. I truly hope you have a wonderful time and I am so looking forward to your beautiful wedding thank you for including me in among the invitees for your party. It is the honest truth. If she isn't the type of friend you can be honest with then she have her feelings regardless of your reasons and simply say I'm sorry I won't be able to attend I have something I have to take care of that day/night.

It's pretty normal to have the guests pitch in to pay for the party.

View Quoted Comment Thank you I hope that we don’t have any issues I just feel bad not being able to attend.

Definitely let her know that it is not in your budget and offer to do something with just the two of you that you can afford. There is no need to break the bank just to go out for a good time. I say keep that $30 for gas and hang out with her another time. But on a side note, do expect for her to be a little upset that you won't be attending that party. Just be honest though.

IMO this is pretty normal, I find $30 pretty reasonable too for a contributing to the costs esp. if that includes a party bus.

If you really can't afford it then you certainly can decline. Everyone has a budget.

I invited a bunch of people to my bachelorette party and some were unable to attend due to finances and some due to work and being unable to take off. Just be honest! I’m not offended that people can’t attend my bachelorette because they can’t afford it, I totally get it! Just let her know and opt out if it’s not in your budget, at least you’re showing up for the wedding which is most important!

View Quoted Comment And that is what makes you a true friend. If you could be there you would.

If you can’t afford it, decline the invitation. But it is normal for everyone to contribute to costs.

It’s normal to pitch in however if you can’t spare the money at this time don’t feel bad declining. I’m sure your friend would understand.

Where I live all the guests (not the bride though) pay their share of the party bus so it’s not unusual to me.