Congratulations! You're knee-deep in wedding plans, and amidst the excitement, there's one additional celebration on your list that needs to be planned—the bachelorette party. But who bears the weight when it comes to planning the bachelorette party?

Traditionally, it's been the role of the maid of honor to spearhead the bachelorette party. But times are changing. In recent years, we've witnessed a shift in the dynamics of bachelorette party planning. Brides are extending what used to be a one night celebration into a 3 or 4-day weekend getaway. And why shouldn't they? In an era of remote work with friends in different cities, it's only fitting to have the group meet up in a bachelorette destination for an unforgettable girls trip.

Here's what we think.

If the bachelorette party is a bachelorette trip, promote your most trusted travel planner friend to take the lead on planning. This person does not have to be the maid of honor, but someone in the group who has a handle on booking accommodations and itinerary planning. In fact, you can promote several members of your bridal party and assign them roles. Someone to plan the theme and find cute decorations, someone to scope out party spots, and another person who can start the grocery list. There's no shame in making bachelorette party planning a group effort, especially when you use a group travel app like Let's Jetty.

As the bride's confidante, the maid of honor can still be the guiding force and acting director who orchestrates the event. We'd recommend keeping the bride informed and involved to some extent to ensure the bride's vision, likes, and dislikes are taken into consideration. From glitzy getaways to intimate gatherings, today's bachelorette parties reflect the unique personalities and preferences of the bride. Whether it's a cozy cabin retreat or a glamorous city escape, the options are as limitless and the bride might have certain expectations in mind.

Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room: money.

As bachelorette parties evolve to extravagant getaways, the question of who foots the bill becomes increasingly complex. While tradition may dictate that each member of the bridal party covers their own expenses, the reality is often a bit murkier. After all, not everyone's budget can accommodate a lavish weekend in Vegas or a spa retreat in Bali.

Enter the solution: communication. One way to navigate the tricky waters of splitting costs is to open up a dialogue with the bridal party early on in the planning process. Consider sending out a survey to gauge everyone's comfort level and financial situation. Would they be willing to chip in a little extra to cover the bride's share of the costs? Or perhaps they'd prefer to stick to a strict budget and opt for more budget-friendly activities. Also be sure to consult with the bride who may want to pickup the bill for certain expenses. By having an open and honest conversation about money, you can ensure that everyone feels included and respected throughout the planning process.

So, who plans the bachelorette party?

Well, who in your group would be best for the job? While the maid of honor may still hold the honorary title of Chief Party Planner, you can still promote others to join the party planning committee and lessen the burden from relying on one person. If the bride wants to be involved, that's great too! The bride is increasingly taking center stage and shaping the celebration according to her own vision and desires. After all, the bachelorette party is a celebration of love, friendship, and the journey ahead—a moment to cherish, no matter who's leading the charge.

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