Inexpensive Bachelorette Party Ideas

Host a party for the bride-to-be that doesn't break the bank

By Julie Hampton

Photo by iStockphoto.com

Having an expensive bachelorette party isn't always necessary. A variety of parties can be planned on small budgets and still be a hit. Commonly hosted by the maid of honor with the help of the bridesmaids, the bachelorette party can take place in a variety of settings and remain easy on the pocketbook. Learn how to stretch your dollars and plan an economical bachelorette party by following just a few steps.

Progressive Dinner

Move the bachelorette party from one house to the next to enjoy appetizers, a main meal and finish off with dessert. Three guests open their homes for the evening and the dinner moves from house to house. The party starts at the first house -- the appetizers and drinks house. Guests can then carpool together to the remaining two houses. Pick houses that are within a 5- to 10-minute driving distance. Choose a food theme for the evening. One idea is to choose foods from the couple's honeymoon destination. Allow for about an hour at each house and finish the evening by going out as a group for evening cocktails.

Beauty and Massage School

A day at the spa is ideal for a bachelorette party; however, spa treatments are expensive. Choose to have the party at a local beauty or massage school. The rates are sometimes up to 75 percent off regular spa prices because students are performing techniques they recently learned in a classroom setting. From facials to massages, a variety of treatments can be added to the spa package. Call the school to see if they would be willing to host a bachelorette party group and if you can get a discount. Inquire whether finger foods and snacks can be brought it for a more party-like atmosphere.

Sleepover

Enjoy an old-fashioned sleepover with the girls. Ask each guest to bring a dish for a potluck-style dinner. Have a variety of games planned, including truth or dare and a Ouija board. Play the classic slumber party game "light as a feather, stiff as a board." Have the bride lie on the floor with all the guests around her. Everyone places two fingers underneath the bride. One person sits at the head of the bride, rubbing her temples, telling a ghost story involving the bride. At the end of the story, the guests chant "light as a feather, stiff as a board" as they pick up the bride. Invite a guest, such as a belly dancer, to teach dance lessons, or a massage therapist, to give massages. A sleepover is a great way to for the guests to share stories about marriage and give advice to the bride.

Take a trip

If you are intent on taking a vacation, but don't want to go broke paying for hotels and flights, consider a destination in driving distance with reasonable weekend housing rentals. Renting a house and splitting the cost between a large group of women is typically much cheaper than paying for hotel rooms. Not to mention, housing rentals include kitchens, so you can make your own meals and avoid overspending at restaurants. Driving is substantially less than flying, so consider all of the local tourist destinations within driving distance.