This post was written by guest writer Aimee Lyon from DIY Darlin!

Bachelorette parties can be memorable events for everyone involved, but they vary so much in theme and cost that it can often be difficult to pin down what you need to plan for. When it comes to making the bride happy, it can be a challenge to find budget-friendly activities, especially if you want to plan for a destination event. The good news is that the number of options you have can work for you since there are so many opportunities to get creative and tailor the party to both the bride’s wishes and your budget.

Careful planning is the key to any great party, so give yourself plenty of time to prepare and book accommodations and transportation. Keep communication open with the bride and everyone else in the group, especially if some of them are coming in from out of town, and keep a checklist of dates to remember. You don’t have to use someone else’s guidelines for fun; the beauty of a bachelorette party is that it can be molded to fit just about any theme.

Here are a few tips on how to save money and still throw a memorable bash.

Plan for the Destination

Destination events don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Many people automatically think of the beach or some other exotic location for a destination party, but you can save money by making your trip more localized. For instance, check for a nearby vineyard that will host a tasting party, or take a camping trip at a local lake. Not only will this save you money, it will probably make it a bit easier for everyone in the group to get away.

If you’re doing something local, you may choose to skip the expense of going out and to plan a fun evening hanging out at home. Prepare a delicious dinner or order some takeout you all love, and mix up some fun cocktails. You can rent a karaoke machine or just listen to your favorite tunes. Another idea is making the night nostalgic by binge-watching some of your all-time favorite movies or TV shows together. You can use a streaming device to access a huge collection of content you can enjoy. With an evening at home, you can still create lasting memories and keep it budget-friendly.

Make It One or the Other

You don’t have to plan for a big lunch or dinner as well as a day out — choose one or the other, and focus your time and money on it instead of going for both. Or, find an inexpensive way to have it all, such as creating a low-key brunch at your home before everyone heads to a spa day. Or, invite the group over for cocktails and snacks before going out to a pub crawl. This way, you don’t have to spend a lot of money on the entire event, and the guests will appreciate having a relaxed moment before the fun begins.

Plan in Advance as Much as Possible

Planning any event on a budget requires a little time. Not only does this allow you to make sure you can get the best deal on things such as flights or hotel rooms, but it will also give you some time to boost your bank account before the big day. Don’t leave the big things until the last minute; get them out of the way so you can focus on the details. Look online for group discounts and find out when you can get the best travel rates.

Planning a great bachelorette party doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. With a little time and some careful thought, you can help your bride have a wonderful day that is all about her so she can relax and have fun, and your bank account will thank you later.

Make sure you check out Aimee Lyon’s blog DIY Darlin for more tips and tricks!