by Aimee Lyons
Your BFF just called to tell you the news: he proposed! More importantly, she said yes. Now, as the maid of honor in her upcoming big day, you're taking your relationship to the next level.
While the maid of honor's responsibilities run the gamut from emotional support to bouquet-holding, one of the most important traditions is the bachelorette party. Fortunately, there's no single right way to celebrate your friendship and her imminent nuptials. And contrary to popular fears, a raucous bash — or serene spa day, or wilderness weekend — doesn't need to cost a small fortune. From location to entertainment and more, keep these considerations in mind to give your girl a spectacular sendoff into the wild and wonderful world of marriage.
Location, Location, Location
The single most important factor in your budget will be where the bachelorette party is held. A major city during the peak season will rack up bills much more quickly than a more overlooked destination, and the market for hotels may vary quite a bit by region. Do your research, and consider an option like renting an affordable vacation property where you can easily cook some of your own meals, or having the party during the local off-season.
While you can often save money by staying farther away from the center of a popular destination, keep in mind that you may end up spending more on transportation. Be sure to include this in your budget and take care of those arrangements in advance, if needed.
Events and Entertainment
Every bride is different. For every bridal party that's dancing the night away, there's another exploring the art at the Met or escaping to nature on a weekend camping trip. You know your BFF better than anyone, so don't be afraid to ditch the usual suspects for the activities she'd enjoy the most. Of course, for some, indulging in the rowdiness of the traditional bachelorette party is half the fun. Keep the communication open in order to make sure you and your friend are on the same page so you can give her the party that will mean the most.
Regardless of the main event, however, you'll want to bring your own streaming device for endless entertainment options. Finding a device with an abundance of content options means you can keep the theme going with an afternoon marathon of The Bachelorette or celebrate with a film that mirrors your own friendship. Even if you only want some background tunes while getting ready, a streaming device can be your one-stop shop for all of your media needs, and you'll avoid having to pay for premium channels or movies offered by the hotel.
Don't Forget the Details!
It's easy to overlook the small things, but often it's the details that make the event. Banners and other decorations are a cheap and easy way of ramping up the party, while a sash, tiara, or other standout accessories for the bride-to-be will likely be the gift that keeps on giving throughout the night — no matter where the agenda takes you. If the guest list includes friends who haven't met before, consider fun and easy ways to help everyone learn names, whether that's an icebreaker at the beginning of the weekend or personalized hats.
A bachelorette party holds the potential to be one of the most fun and symbolically significant events in your friendship. Whether you and the bride are tearing up the dance floor at the hottest club in Vegas or throwing an old-school slumber party, it's bound to be a night to remember — and it doesn't need to break the bank to bring everyone together.