Picture this: you and your ride-or-dies in matching pajamas, bubbly in hand, half-laughing, half-painting a sunset that somehow turned into a pineapple. There's paint on your fingers, Chappel Roan on the speaker, and zero pressure to get it "right." These moments capture chaos, creativity, and core memory all rolled into one perfect night.
Planning a bachelorette party can feel like juggling glitter bombs—so many options, so little time. You want something fresh, fun, and actually doable. And honestly? Research from Business Insider shows that attendees spend an average of $1,200 per bachelorette party these days (yikes). That's a lot of champagne and matching tote bags.
These 10 ideas will bring the laughs and full main character energy for the bride without wrecking anyone's budget.
Not-So-Basic Bachelorette Party Ideas
Look, we know your bride deserves something special, but that doesn't mean everyone needs to take out a loan. These ideas mix chill vibes with glam moments, interactive fun, and some totally out-of-the-box options.
They work for different group sizes, budgets, and personalities (because not everyone's a Vegas girl, and that's perfectly fine).
Plus, we picked cheaper alternatives, so there's no guilt when asking people to spend their hard-earned money on your bestie's big moment.
1. Paint and Sip Night
Grab some wine, brushes, and let a pro walk you through creating something you'll actually want to hang up. You can do this in-person at a local venue, virtually from wherever you're comfortable, or at-home with DIY kits delivered to your door.
The best part? Zero art skills needed. All you have to do is bring a fun attitude and prepare to laugh at how differently everyone interprets "paint a tree" after a few glasses of bubbly. We've seen some wild interpretations, and they're all perfect in their own chaotic way.
It's the kind of activity where the process matters more than the result, and everyone leaves with something unique (and usually pretty proud of what they created).
These private party options are perfect for creative, chaotic bashes.
2. DIY Spa and Wine Lounge
Transform someone's living room into a zen paradise with face masks, mani stations, and a DIY mimosa bar. Add some custom robes (or just matching oversized shirts), create a chill playlist, and suddenly you've got a luxury spa experience without the luxury prices.
You can even set up different stations, like cucumber eye masks, nail art, and a little foot soak action. Everyone rotates through while sipping bubbly, catching up, and decompressing in a truly relaxing atmosphere.
3. Themed Costume Bar CrawStand out on your bachelorette bar crawl with fun themed costumesl
Pick a theme and commit: '80s neon madness, disco cowgirl, The Fellowship of the Rings, or whatever speaks to your group's soul. Then hit the town in your coordinated outfits to create your own adventure.
Themes make everything more fun (and way more Insta-worthy). Plus, bartenders tend to love groups that clearly put effort into their night out. Just saying.
4. Private Chef + Cocktail Class
Hire a local chef or mixologist for a cozy, elevated night that feels fancy without the fancy price tag. Learn to make the bride's signature cocktails, master some appetizers, and toast to her future while actually learning useful skills.
Many cities have chefs who specialize in private group events. You get restaurant-quality food, personalized attention, and nobody has to worry about driving anywhere.
5. Drag Brunch Extravaganza
Bottomless mimosas, fierce queens, and inevitable dance-offs—what more could you want? Drag brunches bring energy, entertainment, and that perfect mix of classy and sassy that makes bachelorettes legendary.
Pro tip: Book early because these events sell out fast. Also, tip your performers well. They're working hard to make your morning magical.
6. Resin Art or Candle-Making Party
Get hands-on with activities that leave everyone with cute keepsakes. Resin art lets you create coasters, jewelry, or decorative pieces, while candle-making gives you custom scents to remember the day.
Pair either option with rosé and good snacks for maximum vibes. There's something satisfying about making something beautiful with your hands while celebrating your person.
7. Airbnb Game Night Takeover
Rent a stylish space for the night, bring board games, trivia, karaoke equipment, and all your favorite snacks. Add prize bags for winners to bring out everyone's competitive side.
This works especially well for groups with mixed energy levels—some people can go hard on karaoke while others chill with card games. Everyone gets a night to remember.
8. Wine Tasting Tour
Hit a local vineyard or book one of those party buses that take you to multiple spots. Perfect for groups who love sipping, scenery, and having someone else handle the driving logistics.
Many vineyards offer group packages with private tastings, food pairings, and sometimes even blending experiences where you create custom wines together.
9. Dance Class (Pole, Twerk, Salsa)
A little spicy, a lot empowering, and guaranteed to bring out everyone's confident side. Most cities offer private group bookings for dance classes specifically designed for bachelorette parties.
Pole dancing brings sultry confidence, twerk classes deliver pure fun, and salsa adds elegant flair, but all of them leave everyone feeling fierce and accomplished. Plus, the bride gets some new moves for her wedding reception.
10. Pool Party with a Twist
Think beyond basic pool hangs. Add cute floaties, signature drinks, and a custom photo wall for maximum Instagram potential. You can even take it up a notch by hiring a mermaid performer, tarot reader, or someone to teach poolside cocktail making.
Even a backyard pool becomes magical with the right touches: string lights, themed decorations, and a playlist that perfectly captures your group's energy.
Bachelorettes with Big Vibes and Cute Budgets
Here's the thing: you don't need a Vegas blowout to give your bride her main character moment. All it takes is good friends, a few drinks, and something fun to do with your hands (like painting a sunset that turns into a pineapple while holding a champagne flute in the other).
We make it super easy to plan a bachelorette bash that's creative, low-stress, and won't break your budget. Pick your painting, grab your group, and we'll bring the party supplies, instructions, and all the good vibes.
Ready to make it official? Book your private Paint Nite and let the memory-making begin.
FAQs
Who normally pays for a bachelorette party?
Bachelorette party costs are typically split among all attendees, with each person paying for their own activities, food, drinks, and accommodations. The maid of honor usually coordinates planning and payments, but doesn't cover everyone's expenses.
Some groups choose to cover the bride's costs as a group gift, while others ask the bride to pay her own way. Modern bachelorette party etiquette suggests discussing payment expectations upfront to avoid awkward money conversations later.
Budget-friendly activities like paint nights, potluck dinners, or local experiences help keep individual costs manageable for all attendees.
What really goes on at a bachelorette party?
Modern bachelorette parties focus on celebrating the bride with activities that match her personality and interests. Popular bachelorette party activities include paint and sip events, spa days, cooking classes, wine tastings, drag brunches, dance classes, or themed bar crawls. Many groups choose creative experiences like candle making, karaoke nights, or scavenger hunts over traditional party scenes.
The goal is to create memorable experiences and bonding time with the bride's closest friends. Most bachelorette parties last one evening or weekend and emphasize fun group activities rather than wild partying stereotypes.
How much is normal to pay for a bachelorette party?
Normal bachelorette party costs range from $200 to $600 per person for local celebrations, while destination bachelorette weekends can cost $800 to $1,200 per attendee, including travel and accommodations.
Local bachelorette party activities like paint nights, restaurant dinners, or spa services typically cost $50-150 per person. Budget-conscious groups choose at-home celebrations, potluck dinners, DIY craft parties, or free activities like hiking and picnics.
Planning bachelorette parties with mixed budgets requires choosing affordable activities that everyone can enjoy without financial stress.
What does the maid of honor pay for at a bachelorette party?
The maid of honor typically pays for bachelorette party planning supplies, decorations, small surprises for the bride, and her own event costs. Maid of honor responsibilities include coordinating group communications, booking activities, organizing transportation, and handling logistics.
Some maids of honor choose to cover the bride's bachelorette party costs as a personal gift, but this isn't required by etiquette. The maid of honor should communicate budget expectations clearly with other attendees and avoid overspending on elaborate plans that burden other bridesmaids financially.
