The bachelorette party is one of the most hotly-anticipated events in the lead-up to a wedding. It’s an occasion that brings friends together, including people you may not have seen in years, and provides a great escape from the stresses and trials of everyday life.

But they can also be expensive affairs, with costs often spiraling out of control over the course of a weekend. So, in this guide, we will examine some of the most popular activities and offer a lower-cost alternative.

Home spa

One favorite activity for bachelorette parties is a spa getaway. The getaways can usually involve a sauna, massage, swimming and other treatments, but it’s easier than you might think to recreate many of these elements without booking somewhere out.

While the sauna part may be tricky to recreate, you can hire a spa therapist to visit your party and treat your guests. And doing it this way will likely ensure you receive a more personal and bespoke service.

There are also more spa treatment packs available today than ever before and you can save a significant amount of money by setting them up yourself, rather than getting the works at an expensive retreat.

Take-out feast

When getting together with friends, one of the most fun activities is grabbing something to eat together. But high-end restaurants can set you back a pretty penny, while a big tip will also be expected if you’re dining as a large group – and that’s if you can get a table in the first place.

As an alternative, why not plan a take-out feast for party guests? Scope out where you’ll be staying and spend some time researching the local spots. Websites like Yelp will generally provide extensive information on the best and worst places to eat, with fellow diners’ reviews setting the ratings.

Ordering take-out will save you money and, if you have leftovers, putting them in the fridge is less tricky than asking the waiter to bag your food up for you and carrying it home. And you can still create the restaurant vibe by setting the table, lighting a few candles and playing your favorite music.

Casino night

Rather than heading out to the casino, why not organize a Vegas night at home at your apartment? Online casino games offer great entertainment, including live dealers on screen that you can interact with to play at real-life tables. Online casinos that are popular right now include PartyCasino and Resorts Online, both of which also have bonus offers for new players, as explained on BonusFinder.com.

A trip to the casino can be glamorous and form part of your night on the town, but playing at home allows you to keep your creature comforts close, save money on travel and relax without having to get dressed up. It can even be a great option for while you prepare for heading out. Simply click here if you want to find the best bingo sites to play at home.

Playing casino games online doesn’t necessarily mean huddling around a laptop screen either. HDMI gadgets like Chromecast let you cast your screen from laptop, tablet or mobile to the TV, so you can play the games together with your friends from the comfort of the sofa.

We hope these tips prove useful for planning your next bachelorette party and take some of the financial stress out of the process. After all, bachelorette parties should be fun, but they don’t have to break the bank.