Planning a Bachelorette Party that Won’t Break the Bank

Bachelorette party making a toast for the bride

So you and your girls can’t quite afford a six-person flight to Ibiza, Cancun, or Paris, lounging in the spa of a 5-star hotel by day and sipping $100 bottles of champagne in an upscale VIP lounge by night. So what? You don’t need to be rich or max out your credit cards to throw a killer bachelorette party. All you really need is the company of friends and a little imagination.

Using Ebates makes it even easier, with Cash Back and exclusive promo offers that make snagging sweet deals on party basics a piece of cake. Read on for some awesome and budget-friendly ideas that will help you throw a bachelorette party that’s positively unforgettable.

Road Trip

A stellar getaway could be just down the road. Hop in the car or pool your funds to rent a van if you’ve got a larger group. If you live in a rural area, you may want to head into the city for a night of bar crawling. To save some extra cash, plan ahead and ask to stay with a friend or relative who lives in town, or split the cost and share a budget motel room. You can find some sweet deals at Booking.com. If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle and opt for somewhere a bit more tranquil, take a trip to the seaside and rent a cabin or head out to the woods, pitch your tents, and roast some s’mores over the campfire.

Opt for Independently Owned Shops

Getting pampered doesn’t have to cost a pretty penny. Opt for local, independently owned spas, massage parlors, or nail and hair salons. Not only will you walk away feeling revitalized and beautified, you’ll also have peace of mind as these establishments are typically less expensive and often more attentive. You can also find some excellent deals for anything from manicures to facial treatments via Groupon.

Woman playing paintball holding paintball gunPaintball

No two brides are exactly the same. While one may prefer a day filled with mimosas and manicures, another may be keen on something with a bit more action. Paintball is a not only a ton of fun, it’s also a great way to bond. For some extra laughs, take a cue from the “trash the dress” trend and wear old bridesmaid dresses to the range. Celebrate afterward with some victory cocktails.

Five women in face masks holding champagne glasses, one wearing veilSleepover

Remember as a kid when you begged your parents to let you sleep over at a friend’s house? There was nothing more exciting than the prospect of bunking with your best pals, scarfing down all the pizza and ice cream your little heart desired, and staying up late watching movies and swapping stories. Recreate those nights of revelry for an equally thrifty and fun night in. Swap out the cream soda for some more grown-up beverages like cocktails or wine, and break out the facials and hair masks for some late-night DIY beauty treatments. Find awesome deals on polish and other essentials at Sally Beauty Supply.

Game Night

Whether the bride is more into pinball or poker, there’s sure to be a game she and the rest of the bridal party can enjoy. You don’t have to be a high roller to have some high times at the casino or at home. Even if your budget may not be able to bear the weight of the more risky high-stakes games, you can still have plenty of fun on a penny-pincher’s budget. If you’re heading to the casino, check out the penny slots — they’re not just fun for seniors. Or host the party at a bridesmaid’s place and set up a game night with all of your friends’ favorites. Mix in some drinking games for a little extra fun.

Karaoke

Few things are more befitting of a girls’ night out than karaoke. Like wine and chocolate, or the bride and her groom, the two make a perfect pair. Save some cash by getting the bride mildly tipsy with a few pre-game cocktails before heading out to your nearby karaoke bar. If she’s a bit more reserved, try a couple of duets for a warm-up before encouraging the woman of the hour to show off her pipes in a solo performance. 

Craft Party

The seemingly endless cache of inspirational craft ideas available on sites like Pinterest is proof you don’t have to be the queen of crochet to enjoy good old-fashioned crafting. Grab some blank scrapbook albums and stickers — you can find these for just a couple of bucks at Michaels. Break out some old photos of the bride and friends throughout the years, and make a sweet collection of memories you’ll all cherish for years to come.

Looking Great at a Wedding for Cheap

Wedding guests standing with champagne

Whether you’re one of the betrothed, a member of the wedding party, or simply a guest, you want to look your best on the big day. A high-end ensemble could cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. That’s not to mention the often high price of other primping preparations like hair styling or a manicure. But if your bank account can’t quite bear the blow of a designer suit or dress, or an expensive beauty regimen, there’s no need to worry. There are plenty of options for looking stunning on a budget. Using Ebates’ Cash Back offers and promo codes, it’s easy to look like a million bucks without spending it.

Mega Savings on Mani-Pedis

Manicures and pedicures are a common beauty precursor to any formal event. Especially at bigger chain salons, getting the full treatment can rack up quite a bill. To save a few bucks, opt for local independently owned salons, which are typically cheaper than their bigger counterparts. You can also request polish only as opposed to a complete mani-pedi. Beauty is at your fingertips, and to save even bigger, you can do it yourself. There are plenty of awesome, high-quality shades to choose from at retailers like Sally Beauty Supply.

View Tutorials and DIY Makeup and Hair

You can also go the DIY route with hair and makeup. Not everyone can wield an eyeliner pencil and create a flawless masterpiece in a single stroke with the skillful prowess of a professional. But if you have Internet access, a little time, decent lighting, and some quality supplies (available at retailers like Sephora), you’ve got all you need for a fresh-faced makeover. Practice makes perfect. If you usually opt for bare-faced beauty and this is your first time applying a full face, or if you’re feeling a little adventurous and trying something new, give it a trial run the day before the wedding so you won’t have to stress at the last minute. If you’re attending with friends, you can even set up a pop-up beauty parlor the day of the wedding and make it a party. Chances are someone in the group is ace at updos while someone else is probably the champion of contouring.

Find Some Second-Hand Treasures

Whether you’re a bridesmaid whose soon-to-be-betrothed bestie has asked you to select and buy your own dress, or a simply a guest with a keen taste for sharp dressing, finding the perfect outfit is essential. Formalwear is often pretty expensive, especially if you’re buying. If you’re certain that this is an item you’ll only wear once — like that bejeweled, puff-sleeved hot pink prom dress you’ve buried deep within your closet — renting can be a great way to go. For guys, check out Men’s Wearhouse for deals on suit rentals. However, if you’re looking to buy, it’s equally simple to purchase a knockout outfit without maxing out your credit card. Just head down to your local second-hand shop for some recycled fine fashions. Many thrift stores, thrift boutiques, and consignment shops have specific formalwear sections. You’ll find that these are treasure troves of gently used, high-quality items. You may even score some second-hand designer items, tossed off after a single use by a well-off fashion connoisseur with a more generous bank account balance.

Give a Lesser-Known Tailor or Seamstress a Shot

Especially in the Internet age, it’s common to look into reviews of products and services before making a decision. Established businesses with a heavier stream of clientele are more likely to boast a bevy of reviews than those just starting out. It’s easy, and reasonable, to settle the decision between two prospective places of purchase by the number of quality reviews alone. However, it’s often worthwhile to give the little guys a shot, especially if you’re working with a tighter budget. Smaller establishments are typically less expensive and are often eager to earn the loyalty of a new customer, who could well bolster their business with valuable word of mouth. Check out some of the lesser-known shops for your tailoring or seamstressing needs. Shop around, and choose a professional who provides good customer service and can offer you some samples of high-quality work. Similarly, both budding and established shops are often willing to haggle a bit on the price to make a sale. After all, ‘tis better to sell a discounted service than none at all.

Spring 2015 Runway-Inspired Nail Polish Trends

nailedit

Spring fashion doesn’t just stop at clothes and kicks. Your nails can be an important part of your look and a great way to turn heads no matter what you’re wearing. These nail polish trends are hot off the runways and we found the perfect spring nail colors to help you try them on for size. They will certainly take your everyday outfits to new, high-fashion levels.

Tie Dye Nails

Rebecca-Minkoff-Spring-2015
via PopSugar

Using jewel tones and pastels, nail artists have created this modern nod to the swinging 60s with this boho-chic tie dye look. You can, of course, use any color combo you like for a look all your own.

Half Moons

Delpozo-Spring-2015
via PopSugar

Simple and chic, these coral half moon manis create a barely-there look that will let your clothes and accessories do all the talking. Sometimes it’s all about the little details to create a big impact.

Wiped Out

Zimmermann-Spring-2015
via PopSugar

The key to this undone nail look is to apply polish like normal then simply take nail polish remover and wipe off most of the manicure. You can do this to create a neat or jagged finish. Who knew your two-week-old mani would become a hot runway trend?

Most Wanted Spring Nail Colors

 

 

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