A bachelorette party should leave the bride-to-be and her friends with memories of their last night together as single girls. When those memories are followed with an unexpected invoice however it may reflect poorly on the bride. At least it did for the guest of one such party where each girl was sent an itemized bill showing what she owed for each individual snack according to an article in the Independent.
According to the invoice posted online, it included expenses for pizza, cotton candy, popcorn, and even a honeydew melon, which when divided by seven guests, came to $.36 per person. In the accompanying digital video provided by Fox News, the woman who shared the invoice online said any person who takes the time to split the cost of a melon by seven is insane.
The overall cost for each guest was $23.81. Given it may not be a large amount, an invoice is an invoice nonetheless. Why not just charge each guest a cover upfront and collect immediately? Considering I've never planned a bachelor(ette) party, I may be a little biased, especially in this situation. I just don't know that I could throw such an event, and surprise guests with fees for services rendered after.
I spoke to a few women whom had either thrown bachelorette parties or had one thrown for them. One thing they all agreed on (other than not being identified by last name) -- billing your guests after the fact is a totes party faux pas.
Valerie served as maid of honor for one wedding party and a bridesmaid for another where she helped plan bachelorette parties for each. "I volunteered to do the planning because I think that's part of the deal when you're maid of honor," she said. "When sending out invites, I asked that guests plan to pay for their own drinks and dinner...I can definitely see how being presented with a bill after the fact would rub people the wrong way. I would definitely not tell someone after the fact that they owe money. It's better to set expectations beforehand."
Janie and her husband married in 2009. Her friends planned and paid for most of her bachelorette party, adding that guests paid for their own food and drinks at dinner. "I think it would be a really good laugh to get an itemized bill," she said regarding sending guests an invoice after the bachelorette party. "If you're planning your own party, I don't think it's ok."
Mary, a banking project manager, said she threw a bachelorette party for a friend and absorbed all the costs along with two others in the bridal party. "(An) itemized bill is tacky," she said, adding that the bride who sent her guests a bill did not set any expectations.
I understand that throwing a party can be costly, but be mindful about planning your event. Be sure and set expectations for your guests so they know exactly what they're getting into. Above all, be sure you have a fantastic time!
Photo provided by Noah Llamaz
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