If you think splitting a dinner bill with a large group can be difficult, multiply that frustration by a million when trying to collect funds for a bachelorette weekend. Even if everyone involved says they want to give the bride the most memorable weekend possible, it's likely that some of those attending will have different ideas about how much money it takes to make that happen.
In order to avoid arguments over money with other bridesmaids or friends of the bride that will be celebrating the bachelorette, it's important that one or two people are designated as spearheading the event. While the maid of honor is a natural selection, there's not always a MOH to call on and perhaps the bachelorette is one time it's acceptable for the other bridesmaids to handle some of the heavier planning. For my tips on how to organize funds for the weekend, just read more.
The best and most organized way to handle the group's funds it to designate one person as the bank for the weekend. This can be the same person who spearheaded the weekend, but it doesn't have to be. Everyone attending should be told a set amount of cash to bring for the weekend, which will be handed to the bank person upon gathering. At the end of the weekend, whatever money is left will be divided equally among everyone.
This set amount should ideally be figured out a couple months before the bachelorette party, and whatever that amount includes should be clearly laid out in an email to everyone. For example, if the amount is $500, let them know it includes the hotel room, dinner with one drink, etc. If there are any parts of the weekend that won't be covered by the set amount, that should also be mentioned so nobody has any money surprises.
Karen Millen
Kurt Geiger
Rupert Sanderson
Great suggestions!
1Good timing Savvy. I have 3 parties coming up, and of course the on that one of my friends and I are planning had a little hiccup, but thankfully we have gotten past it. If you commit to going originally, you better freaking attend! It really screws up the other girls when one person backs out, and makes it more expensive for everyone else.
I went to one 6 months ago, where one girl from out of town just didn't show. Not only did everyone think the weekend was going to cost $300 (so was scrambling for an add'l $40/person at the very end) but she was supposed to bring vodka and a dessert - major last minute nonsense that was unnecessary - and the poor MOH who organized everything didn't enjoy herself until day 2, cause that just got the weekend off to a rocky start.
2money issues surrounding this type of event are so contentious - of course everyone will have a different opinion about how much is "too much" and what's needed to have a great weekend...you can only hope you don't get the big spender or the thrifty girlfriend on the trip with you to make it awkward....nothing ruins a good time more than money disagreements, and it can happen among the best of friends...not to mention the people attending the bachelorette may not be all good friends, rather they may be girls who know the bride from here, there, and everywhere, which could make it even more awkward!
good tips, thanks!
3Great tips ladies and Savvy, something to really think about.
4POP: May I also suggest using Billmonk.com? It's a website that tracks what different people spend and automatically does the math on who owes whom what. You can also track physical items that you lend.
My roommates and I use it for paying shared groceries, utilities and rent, and my girlfriends & I just used it to keep track of expenses on our trip to Vegas. It was great; we never had to get a check split or figure out what everyone should pay for a cab -- we just kept receipts and let the site do the work!
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