When one of your best friends is getting married, you might be filled with dread about arranging the Bachelorette Party. Here are my tips to keep it affordable:
What is a Bachelorette Party?
A bachelorette party is held for someone who is getting married soon. The term is popular in the United States and Canada. Whereas in Australia, the United Kingdom and Ireland the party is usually called a hen’s night.
What happens at a Bachelorette Party?
Depending on your group of friends, you can end up at a comedy club, wine tasting or art class like paint and sip.
Anyone edgy will hold their hen’s party at an axe-throwing venue or modern darts spot.
If your girl gang likes history, you might even get dressed up for a Bridgerton high tea!
If you’re after something a little more relaxed and chill. Then you might like to have a spa day where you can sip on mocktails, as you get mani-pedis.
What is no longer cool at a Bachelorette Party?
Films and television shows tend to portray hen’s nights in a bad light. But going to see male dancers and tacky plastic objects is not cool.
Nothing is cringer than a group of drunk females hopping from pub to pub. If anyone in your party is wearing a pink sash with words on it, please hide immediately!!!
Horse racing or any venue where you can place a bet is definitely out. (You don’t want anyone to get hit on, by a single lonely old guy!)
Select Your Colour Palette or Party Theme
Most hen’s parties are pink and white, sometimes silver. You can select the bride’s favourite colour or the colours that her house will be.
Alternatively, you can think about a fun animal, print, pattern, or object for accents. And go from there.
Use What You Already Own
I have some cloth banners that my Aunty made for me. We also used some of my recycled plastic cups and coconut bowls.
We decorated the table with a pink flowery tablecloth. The tableware was mismatched, but there was a gorgeous floral centrepiece the bride to be made with native flowers.
It was a casual backyard affair. So, the drinks were placed in an ice-filled wheelbarrow.
Thrift Shopping
You might be surprised by what you find at thrift shops. I have bought lots of craft items and party items at a bargain basement price.
At my local thrift shop, I spent less than AUD$10. I bought some pink crepe paper, metallic streams, two packets of cardboard banners and some party treat boxes. I probably saved AUD$40.
Don’t forget that you are helping the charity too. The funds raised may help people access telephone counselling and financial advice. Think Lifeline and Salvos.
Party Shopping at Discount Shops
You can always find affordable party supplies at places like Big W, Daiso, Kmart, The Reject Shop, Spotlight and Target. Think paper napkins, straws, balloons, disposable plates and cutlery.
If you can buy and use reusable items. Otherwise, look for items that are made with recycled materials. I love the recycled cardboard look – it’s a great neutral colour.
Set a Budget
You might like to keep a simple budget in a spreadsheet or Word document. Just add a line for each item you want to buy and how many. If you are clever, you can highlight the column and automatically sum the total at the bottom of the list.
It everyone helps out or pays for their own way, then that’s a great way to keep the costs affordable for everyone.