Bachelor & Bachelorette Party: Complete Planning Guide 2025

**Bachelorette Party:** The maid of honor traditionally leads planning, with bridesmaids helping coordinate and split costs. The bride should NOT pay for her portion of shared expenses (accommodations, activities, meals). **Bachelor Party:** The best man takes the lead, with groomsmen sharing planning duties and costs. The groom typically doesnt pay for shared expenses. **Modern Approaches:** - Co-ed "bach" parties are increasingly popular - Multiple celebrations (low-key + wild weekend) - Virtual parties for long-distance friends - Combined bachelor/bachelorette trips for friend groups

**3 Months Before:** - Discuss ideas with the bride/groom - Poll wedding party on availability and budget - Start researching destinations or local options **2 Months Before:** - Lock in dates and destination - Book accommodations - Create budget breakdown for attendees - Send save-the-date to guests **1 Month Before:** - Book activities and reservations - Coordinate transportation - Plan games, surprises, decorations - Collect money from attendees **Week Before:** - Confirm all reservations - Create itinerary to share - Prepare any gifts or surprises - Pack matching shirts or accessories

**Budget Ranges:** - Budget-friendly local night: $100-$300 per person - Weekend away: $500-$1,000 per person - Destination trip: $1,000-$2,500 per person **Who Pays for What:** - Attendees split: accommodations, group activities, shared meals - Attendees pay their own: flights, individual meals, personal spending - Bride/groom pays: their own flights, personal extras **Keeping Costs Fair:** - Be upfront about total expected costs EARLY - Offer different participation levels (full trip vs. one night) - Use Venmo or Splitwise for easy cost tracking - Dont assume everyones budget is the same