25 Real Bachelorette Party Budgets Broken Down by Price and Vibe

Hi, Friend! Jen Glantz her. I’m a bestselling author, the first ever bridesmaid for hire and have been hired by hundreds of brides all over the world. Let’s talk about bachelorette party budget.

Let’s be real for a second: being a bridesmaid is expensive. We all know that specific spike of anxiety that hits when the group chat notification pops up, signaling yet another trip you have to budget for. If you’re stressing, you aren’t crazy—the numbers back you up. Recent data shows that the average cost of a bachelorette party has people shelling out about $1,300 per trip. That is a massive jump since 2019, according to WithJoy.

I distinctly remember staring at my credit card statement after a weekend in Miami, trying to do the math. How did three days of tacos and salsa dancing result in a balance that looked like my monthly rent? You aren’t alone in feeling the pressure. We need to talk about money before we start voting on matching swimsuits. To help you figure this out, I’ve broken down 25 distinct budget scenarios so you can see exactly where your group fits financially.

Quick Resources:

• Bachelorette Party Budget Calculator (Free): https://bridesmaidforhire.com/bachelorette-budget-calculator

• All Bachelorette Party Tools: https://bridesmaidforhire.com/bachelorette-party-tools

• All Wedding Tools: https://bridesmaidforhire.com/wedding-tools

TL;DR

If you’re skimming this while pretending to work, here are the absolute essentials. Understanding the “All-In” budget, the etiquette of who pays for the bride, and the sneaky impact of “aesthetic inflation” will save you a massive headache later.

• Define “Who Pays” ASAP: Is the group covering the bride’s flights, food, and hotel? Or just her drinks? Decide this now, because it changes the math for everyone else.

• Calculate “All-In” Costs: Never create a bachelorette party budget based on hotel rates alone. You have to factor in Ubers, decor, meals, and that random Target run.

• Aesthetic Inflation is Real: Matching outfits and pro photographers add hundreds of dollars fast. You have to choose: do you want great content or a great experience?

• Location Matters: A cheap flight to a city with $20 cocktails often costs more than a road trip to a luxe rental house.

• Communication is Key: Use anonymous polls to check the group’s bank account comfort level before you pitch a $2,000 trip to Tulum.

Get a realistic per-person number with the free Bachelorette Party Budget Calculator

Considerations: How to Calculate a Bachelorette Party Budget

Before we look at destinations, you have to evaluate four things to build a realistic bachelorette party budget. We need to look at the “Who Pays” protocol, the “All-In” pricing, the value of the destination, and the hidden costs of making everything look cute for Instagram. These are the variables that make budgets explode.

Skip the spreadsheet stress and use the free Bachelorette Party Budget Calculator

The “Who Pays” Protocol

The question that causes the most drama: who pays for a bachelorette party? Generally, etiquette says attendees pay their own way (travel, lodging, food) and split the cost of the bride’s expenses (usually excluding her travel). However, for high-end destination trips, the bride might chip in or cover her own flights to keep her friends from going broke.

You need to decide early: Is the group subsidizing the bride 100%, partially, or not at all? For a deeper dive into this awkwardness, read our guide on who actually pays for the bachelorette party.

Expense Category	Standard Etiquette (Attendees Pay)	Hybrid Etiquette (Bride Contributes)
Flights/Travel	Bride pays for herself.	Bride pays for herself.
Lodging	Split evenly by attendees (Bride pays $0).	Bride pays her share of the room/house.
Meals/Drinks	Attendees split Bride’s portion.	Bride pays for her own alcohol/elaborate meals.
Activities	Attendees cover Bride’s ticket.	Bride covers high-ticket items (e.g., spa treatment).
Decor/Favors	Split evenly by attendees.	MOH or attendees cover as a “gift.”

Total “All-In” Per Person

Please, never quote just the hotel price. A realistic budget has to be “All-In”: Flights/Gas, Lodging, Food/Drink, Activities, Decor, and Ubers. The average cost of bachelorette party attendees are willing to spend usually caps around $500-$700 for domestic travel, though luxury trips can easily smash past $1,500.

The “Sticker Shock” Scenario:

• The Pitch: The Maid of Honor tells the group, “The Airbnb is only $250 per person for the weekend!”

• The Reality:

  • Airbnb: $250

  • Flights: $350

  • Ubers from Airport: $40

  • Stocking the Fridge: $75

  • Dinner & Drinks (2 nights): $200

  • Decor contribution: $35

• Actual Cost: $950 per person. Always budget for that hidden $700.

Destination Tier vs. Value

Does the location actually offer value? A cheap flight to a city with $25 cocktails is not a budget trip. On the flip side, a drive-to location with an expensive rental house might actually be cheaper because you aren’t buying plane tickets. If you are specifically looking for bachelorette parties on a budget, staying within driving distance is almost always the smartest move.

Hidden Inflation

We have to talk about “aesthetic inflation.” Bachelorette party costs often balloon because of matching swimsuits, professional photography, and elaborate gift bags. You need to decide as a group: are we prioritizing content (photos) or experience?

Category A: The “Staycation” & Local Gems (Under $350 Per Person)

This is the most affordable tier of the bachelorette party. These five scenarios prioritize bonding over traveling, keeping costs under $350. These are perfect for groups with mixed incomes or tight schedules.

Compare low-cost options instantly with the free Bachelorette Party Budget Calculator

1. The Nostalgic Sleepover

Host this at a bridesmaid’s home and you immediately wipe out travel and hotel costs. Create a DIY cocktail bar, queue up classic 2000s movies, and order in really good sushi or pizza. To elevate the night, hire a tarot card reader or a private chef for one meal. The budget goes entirely toward food and fun, which feels like a luxury.

2. The “BYO” Paint & Sip Picnic

Plan a cute picnic in a local botanical garden or park. You can buy canvases, easels, and paints in bulk, and have everyone bring their own wine and charcuterie boards. Follow this with a nice dinner downtown. It’s low stress and great for low-maintenance brides. How much does a bachelorette party cost here? Likely under $150 pp. If you need more inspo, check out these simple bachelorette party ideas that focus on fun over funds.

3. The Local Winery Tour

Rent a shuttle bus for the day to visit 3-4 local vineyards or breweries. This covers tasting fees and a late lunch. Everyone sleeps in their own beds at night, which keeps lodging costs at zero. You’re mostly paying for the ride and the wine, but the social vibe makes it totally worth it.

Sample Spend: The 1-Day Winery Tour

• Transportation: $60/person (Private Sprinter Van rental split by 10)

• Tastings: $80/person (3 wineries @ $25-$30 each)

• Lunch: $35/person (Casual vineyard bistro)

• Bride’s Subsidy: $20/person (Covering her tastings and ride)

• Total: $195 per person for a full day of luxury.

4. The Spa Day Pass

Purchase day passes to a high-end local resort spa, which usually run between $100 and $150. This gets you into the pools, saunas, and usually includes a 50-minute treatment. Grab dinner afterward. This strategy lets you access luxury amenities without paying for an overnight hotel stay.

5. The “Tourist in Your Own City”

Book one fancy hotel suite for the bride and Maid of Honor while everyone else stays home or splits a second room. Do the “tourist” things you never actually do: observation decks, comedy clubs, and a drag brunch. It saves on flights but you’re still paying city prices for activities.

Category B: The Road Warriors (Drive-To Destinations: $350 – $700 Per Person)

These five regional getaway options avoid the airport headache entirely. We focus on places you can drive to, ranging from lake houses to casinos, with a bachelorette party budget cap of around $700.

See how drive-to trips really stack up using the free Bachelorette Party Budget Calculator

6. The Lake House Rental

Rent a large Airbnb on a lake within a 3-hour drive. You can rent a boat for one day, get grocery delivery for cooking at the house, and enjoy campfire nights. This is incredibly cost-effective if the group is large because you are splitting the rental fee. Food costs drop way down since you’re cooking together.

7. Glamping Weekend

Look for luxury tents or yurts, such as Getaway House or AutoCamp. The experience includes fire pits, s’mores, hiking, and disconnecting. It fits a mid-range budget. You pay a premium for “aesthetic” camping, but you save a ton on nightlife and bar tabs.

Cost Factor	Downtown Hotel Party	Glamping Weekend
Accommodation	High ($250+/night)	Moderate ($150-$200/night)
Alcohol	$18 Cocktails at bars	$20 Bottle of wine by the fire
Activities	Club covers & reservations	Hiking (Free) & S’mores ($20 total)
Transportation	Multiple Ubers daily	One tank of gas (Drive-to)
Hidden Costs	Late-night pizza, wardrobe	Bug spray, firewood bundles

8. The Beach Town Off-Season

Drive to a popular beach town like the Jersey Shore, Dewey Beach, or Gulf Shores during shoulder season (May or September). This offers high value because rental rates drop significantly outside of July and August.

9. Theme Park Road Trip

Drive to a regional park like Dollywood, Hershey Park, or Six Flags. Spend one day in the park with “Fast Passes,” have one nice dinner, and stay in a moderate hotel. This is activity-heavy. The budget goes toward tickets and passes rather than a fancy room.

10. Casino Resort (Regional)

Drive to a casino resort like Atlantic City, Foxwoods, or Biloxi. You can have a pool party by day and hit the gambling floor and club by night. The cost varies wildly here. Hotel rooms can be cheap (subsidized by the casino), but food and drink prices inside the resort are often steep.

Category C: The Classic Domestic “Fly-Aways” ($800 – $1,600 Per Person)

These are the bachelorette party destinations that involve flights and nightlife. I’ve listed seven popular cities and explained the specific cost drivers for each, from cowboy boots in Nashville to bottle service in Miami.

Avoid surprise costs by running the numbers in the free Bachelorette Party Budget Calculator

11. Nashville, TN (The Bach Capital)

Expect Broadway honky-tonks, a tractor party bus, and an Airbnb in the Gulch or 12 South. Cowboy boots and matching hats are practically required by law at this point. The energy is high, but costs are rising rapidly; hotels and Airbnbs command a premium because demand is so crazy.

12. Scottsdale, AZ

This trip revolves around pool parties, ATV tours in the desert, and a large house rental with a pool. It is very photo-centric and comes with a high aesthetic cost. Expect to spend money on pool floats, decor, and maybe even private pool boys or bartenders.

13. Austin, TX

Focus on Rainey Street bar hopping, a boat day on Lake Travis, and a massive BBQ feast. The food scene is incredible. It is slightly more casual than Nashville or Scottsdale, which can help keep the clothing budget down.

14. Miami, FL (South Beach)

Prepare for high-end clubs, beach clubs, and perhaps a yacht rental for a half-day. Food and drink prices are expensive. This budget can easily blow up if you get bottle service. There is high potential for “who pays” friction here if budgets vary within the group.

15. New Orleans, LA

Hit Bourbon Street, take ghost tours, enjoy a jazz brunch, and eat heavy Creole food. This offers high value for partying. Open container laws and walkable areas can save you a fortune on Uber costs.

16. Charleston, SC

Enjoy the pastel aesthetic, historical tours, a beach day at Folly Beach, and upscale Southern dining. The lodging cost is high. Historic downtown hotels are pricey, and staying further out requires transportation logistics. For more affordable options in popular areas, you can review our list of budget-friendly bachelorette party destinations.

17. Las Vegas, NV

Go for a Magic Mike show, a pool party day club, a fancy dinner, and gambling. The “Average” doesn’t exist here. You can do Vegas cheap or ultra-luxe. This budget assumes a mix of both.

The Aesthetic Inflation Receipt (Avg. Costs)	Price Estimate
Custom Jean Jackets	$60/person
Matching Swimsuits	$45/person
Professional Photographer (1 Hour)	$400 (Split by group)
Balloon Arch & Decor Setup	$300 (Split by group)
Custom Cookies/Hangover Kits	$25/person
Total “Aesthetic” Add-On	~$200+ per person

Category D: Niche & Activity-Based ($600 – $1,400 Per Person)

Here are four options for brides who hate clubbing and want specific experiences. We focus on wellness, skiing, festivals, and ranch life, explaining where the bachelorette party budget goes in each scenario.

18. The Wellness Retreat

Head to Sedona or Upstate NY for yoga classes, meditation, hiking, vegan meals, and early bedtimes. This is health-focused. Money is spent on classes and quality food rather than alcohol.

19. The Ski Trip

Visit Breckenridge or Park City. You will pay for lift tickets (very expensive), après-ski drinks, and a cozy cabin. The gear cost is high. If attendees don’t own ski gear, rentals add $100+ per day.

The Gear Rental Reality Check:
When planning a ski bachelorette, remember that half your group likely doesn’t ski.

• Skier Costs: Lift Ticket ($180) + Own Gear ($0) = $180/day.

• Non-Skier Costs: Lift Ticket ($180) + Helmet/Boots/Ski Rental ($75) + Pants/Jacket Rental ($50) = $305/day.

• Tip: Check for “Spa Pass” alternatives for non-skiers to save them money.

20. The Music Festival

Consider Coachella, Stagecoach, or Austin City Limits. You need to budget for tickets, camping or a nearby hotel, and festival fashion. There is a high upfront cost. Tickets must be bought months in advance, and logistics are intense.

21. The “Dude Ranch”

Fly to Montana or Wyoming for horseback riding, cattle drives, and all-inclusive meals. This is an all-inclusive experience. It has a high sticker price, but there are almost no hidden costs once you arrive.

Category E: Luxury & International ($1,800 – $3,000+ Per Person)

This is the top tier of the bachelorette party travel for high-earning groups. These four luxury options include international travel and high-status domestic locations.

22. Tulum or Cabo, Mexico

Book an all-inclusive resort or luxury jungle villa. Activities include Cenote tours, beach clubs, and high-end dining. A passport is required. Flight prices vary wildly, but “All-inclusive” options can actually help cap the spending.

23. Napa Valley, CA

Hire private drivers, pay $100+ tasting fees per winery, enjoy Michelin-star dining (like French Laundry), and stay in a luxury hotel. This is very expensive. It’s basically the highest tier of domestic travel due to the cost of wine and accommodation.

24. The Hamptons / Montauk

Secure a summer weekend rental (extremely high cost), eat lobster rolls, and visit the Surf Lodge. This is a status symbol trip. Lodging alone can eat 60% of the budget.

25. Caribbean Cruise

Book a 3-4 night cruise out of Florida. This includes drink packages, onboard entertainment, and island stops. The logistics are easy. Bachelorette party who pays is easy here—everyone books their own cabin. For more luxury ideas that take the stress out of planning, explore our curated list of unforgettable bachelorette party destinations.

Tie-in: How Bridesmaid for Hire Can Help

Looking at these 25 options, you might feel a headache coming on. The spreadsheets, the “who pays” awkwardness, and the pressure to pick the perfect option can turn a fun celebration into a logistical nightmare. This is exactly why Bridesmaid for Hire exists. Jen Glantz started this business after realizing that being a bridesmaid is a full-time job without the training. Whether you are the Maid of Honor trying to manage 10 different budgets, or a Bride who wants to avoid burdening her friends, Bridesmaid for Hire offers the solution.

Start with the free Bachelorette Party Budget Calculator to keep money from ruining the fun

The Planning Tool

Skip the manual math. Bridesmaid for Hire offers bachelorette party planning tools that streamline the budget, helping you identify exactly the average cost of a bachelorette party for your specific group size and location.

The Professional Bestie

If the drama of choosing between a $300 camping trip and a $2,000 Tulum excursion is tearing the group chat apart, you can hire Jen and her team to be the unbiased mediator. They handle the “dirty work” of money talks so you can stay friends. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, learn how to plan an easy bachelorette party with professional guidance.

On-The-Ground Support

For those larger budgets (like Category C, D, and E), hiring a professional bridesmaid to attend ensures the itinerary runs smoothly, the decor is set up before you arrive, and no one has to play “mom” to the group.

Final Thoughts

Take a deep breath, unclench the bottle of Advil, and step away from the spreadsheets. You have options ranging from a $150 picnic to a $3,000 yacht week, and the “right” choice is simply the one that doesn’t bankrupt your friends.

Even with a tight bachelorette party budget, the bachelorette party can be memorable if the focus stays on friendship rather than finances. The average cost of a bachelorette party shouldn’t overshadow the goal: to have fun. If the logistics feel like too much, let Bridesmaid for Hire handle the dirty work so you can just focus on the celebration.