Imagine balancing a mattress on top of a chain-link fence and sleeping on it. Now imagine doing it after several poorly played drinking games. Not an easy feat. I blame the poor design of the bedframe. The slats either fell out of the socket or dangled to the floor; broken by previous guests. Still, I got the sleep I needed.
After a night of drinking in the Airbnb, we regrouped with a greasy breakfast near Niagara Falls. The waitresses placed giant pitchers of fresh coffee on the table, like they already knew we needed more than a cup. Our debrief over bacon and eggs revealed a similar night for everyone else. Beds buckled under any weight or movement, forcing people to hop between empty beds like musical chairs.
The second night, we ate at an expensive Brazilian steakhouse. I can’t remember anything about it.
I still remember those horrible beds and endless stories we retell years later. Instead, skip the fancy plans and lavish restaurants to avoid these common pitfalls when planning a bachelor or bachelorette party.
4. Bigger is Not Always Better
Bachelor and bachelorette parties are about the people, not the activities themselves. It doesn’t mean a low effort, inexpensive gathering passes for a thrilling event either. Cheaper, simpler parties excel when family and friends come to support the bride and groom. Attendance, especially with a larger group or with guests who recently became parents, means more than the activities.
Years later, you will remember who missed the party.
3. Expensive Often Means Complicated
An elaborate party invites last minute cancelations, chasing outstanding money, and juggling conflicting schedules. And even if everything goes to plan, guests must navigate the awkward tension of covering the bride and groom’s share. As a rule, the guests of honour should pay their way for major expenses. Extras like dinner, drinks, and admission, often get covered as a gift.
2. Skip the Extras
We all get carried away when we’re planning a special occasion or one-time event. As soon as a bachelor and bachelorette party enters the discussion, our excitement doubles. Without hesitation, we start buying coordinated shirts, goodie bags, and themed outfits. For a bachelorette, let’s outline the costs of these common extras per person:
- Customized t-shirt – $25
- Goodie bags – $30
- Additional themed outfits – $50 – $100
- Props and decorations – $20
The extras can add up to about $100 – $150. These items can feel thoughtful or meaningful in the moment, but they add little to the event overall. Almost without exception, they will end up in the garbage before the weekend is over.
1. Don’t Get on a Plane
A far destination gives us the illusion of fun at the cost of increased complexity. Local stays simplify logistics and improve the odds of everyone attending. For my bachelor party, planning even six months out for a local event proved complicated. We planned around birthdays, weddings, and even other bachelor parties. Any destination reachable by plane means asking people to commit more money, more nights, and more time. Avoid the logistical headaches and the attendance disappointment by planning something lower stakes, but purposeful. Effort is all that matters.
Money Method Tip: If guests can only attend part of your bachelor or bachelorette party, make sure to show your gratitude. They made an effort to attend when they could’ve skipped the entire event.
