Destination bachelorette parties mean more fun and excitement for the entire bridal party. And as Brides.com highlights, 44 percent of brides-to-be want a destination event. However, costs can quickly mount up, especially when you factor in flights, hotel reservations, and entertainment. Here are top tips for staying on budget with a destination bachelorette event.

Go Local(ish)

You don’t have to jet-set to far-flung destinations to have an “exotic” bachelorette party. Instead of going international, choose a location that’s a little closer to home.

For wine lovers, vineyard destinations abound all over the United States. If the casino scene is more your speed, look no further than Las Vegas for an authentic experience. Hoping for epic photos that will make the memories last? If so, choose a picturesque location on either coast or book a stay near a gorgeous national park.

Whatever your ideal party locale, odds are you can find an alternative that’s easier to reach yet just as enticing. In fact, you may even find a great destination that’s only a few hours away. A road trip can enhance the party vibe as well.

Be Choosy About Dates

Traveling can be expensive no matter where you’re going. However, if you avoid peak seasons, better deals are available on flights and hotels. Peak travel dates in the US include:

• Spring Break (which can vary by location)
• Memorial Day
• Fourth of July
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving
• Christmas

Cheaper tickets are easier to find immediately before and after peak holiday travel periods. Choose your dates carefully and check out pricing trends beforehand. You may even find tickets to international destinations that are just as affordable as domestic flights.

Choosing an affordable travel day — like Tuesday or Wednesday — can also help with budgeting. Hotels are often pricier on weekends, too, meaning weekdays are prime for partying.

Book Your Accommodations Wisely

Just as airfare prices rise during peak seasons, so do hotel fees. So, consider booking your event in the slower season and on a weekday for the best possible price. Even if you choose an off-season weekend, your costs will be lower than a peak weekend.

If you are flexible with your dates, consider putting off a reservation until pricing is more favorable. Booking within the cancellation window or last-minute can net you better hotel rates. Contacting hotels directly—rather than via an app or service—can also help lower costs.

In addition to hotels and B&Bs, there are alternative accommodation options for your party. A vacation rental for your group can often cost less than a night in a hotel. Think about campgrounds and other unconventional lodgings like yurts, cabins, a friend’s house in another city, or even luxury treehouses.

Stay in for Social Time

Your group of revelers may want to hit the town the moment you check in. However, to save on dining bills, consider staying in your hotel or rental for happy hour, at least. Bar markup is high — especially in tourist spots — and can exceed 200 percent for wine. Prices are typically worse when it comes to liquor, while beer is the cheapest.

To save cash, host an in-suite happy hour with wine or spirits from the local corner store. You’ll save money on your bar tab and keep cash in your pocket for a great meal later.

BYO Entertainment

Hotel stays are often essential to the bachelorette party experience. That said, a traditional hotel stay involves racking up in-room charges for entertainment like movies and extra channels. Fortunately, you can bring your own entertainment solution — a streaming device.

Devices you can take with you give access to movies, TV shows, and music-streaming services. Whatever service you subscribe to, you can plug and play with your hotel’s TV and enjoy high-quality — and affordable — entertainment.

With all the expenses of a wedding, the bachelorette party is where many party planners need to cut costs. Whether it’s the bride-to-be’s preference or a matter of the budget, hosting a destination event on a shoestring is becoming much more common. Fortunately, it’s not as complex as you might think to save while still having an amazing experience.

Photos by The Blumes