18 Ways to Save Money While Throwing a Bachelorette Party

Aug 30, 2016

Congrats! Your BFF bride-to-be asked you to be her maid of honor. As pumped as you are, you may be wondering just how you’ll be able to pull off a killer bachelorette party while on a budget. No worries — just stock up on these cheap and chic ideas: DIY hangover kits, printable bachelorette games and plenty of *free* activities. Scroll on for all 18 tips on how to save serious bucks while throwing an epic girls’ night out!

1. Accessories and Clothing Swap: If you and your gals plan to hit the town, borrow clothes and accessories from each other. That way you’ll all have something “new” to rock on GNO without actually spending money on a brand new outfit.

2. Printable Neon + Chevron Party Invitations: Get your friends pumped for an all-ladies adventure with these festive invites that are yours with a click of a button. Simply download, then print out the free templates onto cardstock paper. (via Bespoke Bride)

3. DIY Mimosa Bar: No need to rack up a bill from continuous rounds at the bar. Ask your friends to bring at least one item like bubbly, fruit slices or juice to create your own mimosa bar. Throw in yummy brunch bites and you’re all set for a top shelf party! (via Brit + Co)

4. Budget Limit: Prevent breaking the bank by setting the budget prior to planning the GNO. Shoot out a mass email or conduct an anonymous survey to make sure everyone’s on the same page about how much they’re comfortable spending.

5. DIY Flower Crowns: Save money on matching bachelorette getups with DIY paper flower crowns that can double as a party favor once GNO ends. Just host a flower crown-making workshop prior to going out! (via Brit + Co)

6. Go Glamping: Planning a weekend away with your best gals? Rather than spending loads on a B&B, borrow friends’ camping gear and set up your own glamping trip. Add a DIY roll-up trunk canopy to create a lounging area and fill it with throw pillows and blankets for a super cozy outdoor space like this one.

7. DIY Photo Booth Backdrop: No matter where the festivities take you, whether indoors or outdoors, designate an area for a photo booth. Whip up a quick ‘n’ easy DIY garland and tulle pom-poms to hang from any wall for an instantly chic and affordable backdrop. (via Brit + Co)

8. DIY Photo Booth Props: Spruce up your photo booth with stylish props that you can make in a jiffy. Print these free downloads onto card stock paper, cut them out and then tape onto wooden sticks. For a glam touch, coat your props with glue and top them off with a generous dose of gold glitter. (via Mike Carreiro Photography / Something Turquoise)

9. DIY Color Block Cork Serving Board: A picnic-themed bachelorette party is budget friendly, and at the same time allows your DIY skills to shine. For example, you can use the picnic excuse to break out this stylish color-block serving board you made from repurposed corks. Chances are, if you and your girls are avid wine drinkers, you’ll have plenty of supplies. (via Brit + Co)

10. DIY Yard Yahtzee: Make a set of GIANT dice for a larger-than-life game of yard Yahtzee for that bachelorette picnic. You’ll need wooden cubes, paint, round stickers and weather sealant to keep your dice looking their best long after the festivities end. (via Style Me Pretty Living)

11. Something Turquoise How Well Do You Know the Bride + Groom Game: Test everyone to see how well they know your BFF and her beloved with this fun printable game. Add a personalized touch with patterned washi tape and colored cardstock. (via Something Turquoise)

12. Two Ingredient Pizza Hack: A fun and cheap dinner idea is a make-your-own-pizza party. Try this two-ingredient crust hack that calls for self-rising flour and Greek yogurt. In minutes, you’ll have a super tasty pizza with an unbelievably fluffy crust. Pro tip: For a firmer crust, cook the dough on its own for five minutes, then throw on the sauce and cheese and put it back in the oven for another 10. (via Brit + Co)

13. Local Bars for the Win: Instead of flying to Vegas or Palm Springs, save hundreds on travel costs by sticking to local bars for your GNO bar crawl. You and your girls will still have plenty of fun without breaking the bank.

14. Friends Who Cook Together: Celebrate your bride while saving money by throwing a dinner party. Have your ladies pitch in — split up into three groups to cook each course.

15. DIY Hangover Kits: Be a considerate bachelorette party host and have hangover kits for the guests to take home. Give the items a personal touch with custom peel-and-stick vinyl labels. As for what to include in your hangover kits, think anything soothing and sample sized (e.g., lip balm, breath mints, hair ties, gum, bandages). (via Evermine Weddings)

16. DIY Temporary Tattoos: Those sleeveless party dresses are perfect for some arm candy — the tattoo kind, of course. Whip up these stylish DIY temporary tattoos that are sure to be a hit. (via Something Turquoise)

17. DIY Towels: Dry off from a day of fun in the sun with these DIY personalized towels. They’ll make the perfect party favors for a beach bash and are a more affordable alternative to monogrammed ones. (via Mike Carreiro Photography / Something Turquoise)

18. DIY At-Home Spa Day: Don’t spend $100+ at a lavish spa — have your friends bring along their favorite nail polishes and body soaks for the ultimate day of relaxation in your own home. You can even turn it into a DIY spa day by making your own beauty products like we did! (via Brit + Co)

What are some budget-friendly bachelorette activities you have planned? Follow us on Pinterest for more Bachelorette party inspo.

11 Expensive-Looking Amazon Christmas Decorations Under $35

Now that Halloween is officially over, it’s time to lean into all things holiday cheer. My favorite way to get into the Christmas spirit is decorating my space to match all the cookie decorating parties, gift wrapping sessions, and holiday cocktail hours to come this winter. But I’m one to do this on a budget – I often hit the thrift store for Christmas decor. When I’m not there, I’m scouring Amazon for pieces that are cute, but still take it easy on my wallet.

These are the best Amazon Christmas decorations I found that don’t cost an arm and a leg, but rival styles you’d find at more upscale stores like Anthropologie and Nordstrom:

Amazon

Peiduo Small LED Light Birch Trees

These tiny trees lit by twinkly LED lights are perfect for topping your mantle or dinner table. I think they add just the right amount of whimsy to your space, no matter how you decorate with them! They're not necessarily Christmas-specific, either. Their simple design allows you to spruce 'em up in all kinds of ways year-round. Similar pieces at Target and Anthropologie range from $21 $68 for one tree, but you can get two trees for just $25 on Amazon right now.

Amazon

Plaid Throw Pillow Covers

Plaid – specifically red plaid – is timeless when it comes to Christmas decor. It never fails to make a space extra cozy! These 18x18-inch covers are perfect for throw pillows on your bed and couch alike. You can snag this set of 2 in a few other holiday-ready colorways for just $10, and they'll likely last you a while with the right care.

Amazon

Artgar Real Touch Pine Garland

If you have a mantle, use it! A mantle is prime real estate for Christmas decorations like stockings, candles, and cards – but none of that is truly complete without a good garland! This 6-foot faux pine garland can easily span your mantle to fill in any negative space and simply make things cozier. It comes with attached LED lights (no wall plug necessary, just a few batteries) as well as pinecone accents to make the garland itself feel fuller. Plus, $30 isn't so bad for a statement piece like this!

Amazon

Vintage Bow Decorative Tray

This piece reminds me of a tray Pottery Barn Teen and LoveShackFancy sells in their collaborative collection, except it literally costs $60 less. It's not a total dupe, but the one thing it does have in common is bows: the most adorable reference to gifting season! I think this $9 pick could be so cute as a serving platter for Christmas desserts or even as a festive catchall you keep on your coffee table throughout the holidays.

Amazon

Kate Aspen Retro Floral Drinking Glasses

The intricate design on these green-tinted glasses really has me hooked. They'd look so good with any sort of Christmas party tablescape – as long as you're sipping Christmas cocktails out of them! A similar set of 6 is currently being sold on Quince for $48. This one's only $26.

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop even more holiday decor!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

I Made The Starbucks Medicine Ball Drink At Home – Here's How It Went

When I was working barista shifts at Starbucks over the winter, we'd get Medicine Ball orders every single hour. And not going to lie, I really hated them. Let me get this straight — I didn't hate the drink, but I more so disliked the fact that the customers ordering them almost always demanded their tea between a swarm of thick coughs and countless small sniffles. Yuck.

It truly felt like I was on the fence of getting sick pretty much every time someone stepped up to the register. But, I remained strong and I did what I had to do as a service worker, which in this case, was to pour the peachy-citrus tea into a pool of honey syrup, then top it with steamed lemonade. Coughs and sniffles aside, I often questioned why someone would order the Medicine Ball, based on the cost of the drink alone (up to $6, and that gets expensive when you're ordering it all the time).

Popular during sick season, the Starbucks Medicine Ball (AKA the Honey Citrus Mint Tea) may be good, but it's not good enough to cure you of that semi-flu, or whatever other pathogens might have been floating around in my café. It's also not worth putting someone else's health in jeopardy. Turns out, you can make the Medicine Ball at home — which saves money and effort (and spares others' safety) in the long run.

Scroll on to find out how simple making the Starbucks Medicine Ball really is!

@k.ard Medicine Ball for only $1.69 each! #medicineball #fluseason #coldseason #starbucksdupe #budgettok #SephoraConcealers #DrPepperTuitionContest #halloween #fall2022 ♬ Halloween - KenZie DarkStar

TikTok always makes recipes look effortless. So, I took this trusty tutorial into our own hands to compare how good an at-home Medicine Ball could really be against the real one from Starbucks.

Ingredients for the Starbucks Medicine Ball Drink

Starbucks

How can I make a Medicine Ball at home?

Anna Pou / PEXELS

Making a Starbucks Medicine Ball at home is pretty straightforward:

Heat 1 cup of lemonade in the microwave for 45 seconds to a minute.
Add 1 cup of hot water and stir in 1 tablespoon honey.
Add one bag of Peach Tranquility and one bag of Jade Citrus Mint, then steep for a few minutes.
Enjoy your Medicine Ball!

How I Made The Starbucks Medicine Ball At Home

Meredith Holser

First, I embarked on an ever-iconic Target run to gather my copycat Starbucks Medicine Ball recipe ingredients. Since they were out of the exact Teavana teas I needed to replicate the TikTok recipe, I picked up two similar ones: first, the Good & Gather Organic Peach Honey Tea, and the Good & Gather Organic Mint Tea. I also picked up a jug of lemonade, and planned to use the honey I already had at home. All together, the three ingredients I needed ended up costing me about $9.50.

Step 1: Heat Lemonade

Tara Winstead / PEXELS

I measured a cup of lemonade, and just popped my Starbucks mug in the microwave for a minute.

Step 2: Add Water and Honey

Roman Odinstov / PEXELS

While the lemonade was in the microwave, I set some water on in my electric kettle. Once both liquids were heated up, I measured a cup of water and combined it in the mug with a tablespoon of honey. Yum!

Step 3: Steep Tea Bags

Anna Pou / PEXELS

Then, I put the two teabags in the mixture to steep. The tea wasn't overly hot either, and I steeped them for about 3 minutes before giving my homemade Medicine Ball recipe a lil' sip.

Is the homemade version of the Medicine Ball as good as the one from Starbucks?

Meredith Holser

To my surprise, my homemade Medicine Ball recipe was extremely delicious, and it mimicked the Starbucks one so closely. Before tasting, I gave my tea a sniff, and the smell was pretty much identical to the drink made in stores. The flavor hit the exact same mark.

Overall, I rate my homemade Starbucks Medicine Ball a 4.7/5.

The only detracting factors are the temperature of the drink – Starbucks steams their lemonade to make the drink super hot, and mine wasn't nearly as piping. Of course, this is just personal preference, and next time, I can heat the lemonade for a longer duration, or reheat the drink altogether. Another reason for the minimal point deduction is the drink wasn't as sweet as I expected it to be. Again, this is a personal preference, and you can add as little or as much sweetener you desire!

All of this goes to say, that a homemade Starbucks Medicine Ball is just as yummy as the one you can get at a Starbucks cafe. By following the steps above, you can make a copycat recipe that's going to satisfy your hankering for a citrusy, hot tea!

Looking for more at-home copycat recipes like this Medicine Ball from Starbucks? Browse our site for more DIYs!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

how to starbucks recipe drink recipes tea barista diy copycat recipes recipes

13 Cheap Dinner Ideas For Big Savings On Your Grocery Bill

Dinner doesn't have to break the bank to be delicious and satisfying. Imagine savoring a hearty bowl of veggie soup or twirling your fork through a plate of creamy lemon pasta – all without stretching your wallet. We're here to break it to you that it's entirely possible to create a variety of mouthwatering meals that are as kind to your budget as they are to your taste buds. Explore our 13 fave cheap dinner ideas that prove great flavor doesn’t have to come at a high price!

Anniespratt / Unsplash

Fried Rice

Leftover rice is the key to making some bomb fried rice. For the veggies, you can use frozen carrots, peas, and bell peppers, which is way more cost-effective than buying them fresh. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas

These sheet pan fajitas only require a few ingredients, plus plenty of spices that you likely already have sitting in your kitchen. The one-pan aspect of this recipe also makes it super easy and quick, an ideal meal for busy weeknights. (via Brit + Co)

Rebecca Firsker

Citrusy Shakshuka

This savory, citrusy shaksuka only costs around $2 per serving. Using canned goods saves you heaps of money! (via Brit + Co)

Vikalinka

Easy Dan Dan Noodles

The limited ingredient list for this noodle recipe means spending less at the store. But just because you're spending less, doesn't mean that this dish isn't full of flavor! Plus, these noodles are totally on the same level as any costly takeout option. (via Vikalinka)

Averie Cooks

Easy 10-Minute Shrimp Scampi

This shirmp scampi is so worth it, but it doesn't break the bank at all. What's better is that it's packed with protein! (via Averie Cooks)

A Virtual Vegan

Vegan Veggie Soup

This vegan soup is the tastiest excuse to clean out your fridge and freezer. You can easily use canned or frozen veggies in favor of fresh ones to save some coins. (via A Virtual Vegan)

The First Mess

Oven-Roasted Cabbage Wedges with Caper Raisin Relish

Any veggie-based dish is going to be a bit more budget-friendly, since you're not necessarily splurging on meaty proteins. These elevated roasted cabbage wedges hit all the flavor marks, and are ready in just 30 minutes. (via The First Mess)

Whole and Heavenly Oven

Browned Butter Lemon Dill Pasta

Brown butter is a quick and easy way to elevate any sort of recipe from savory to sweet, but it really shines in this simple lemon-dill pasta dish, making the flavors more complex and well-rounded. This cheap dinner idea only requires 5 easy-to-find ingredients! (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)

The Fast Recipe

Easy Spam Eggs and Rice

Spam, eggs, and rice are all some of the cheapest items you can snag at the store. Combine all three for a deliciously easy meal to indulge in after a long day! (via The Fast Recipe)

Rachel Mansfield

Crispy Sweet Potato Chicken Taquitos

All you need is 6 simple ingredients to craft these extra-crunchy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside taquitos. You can even freeze the leftovers once they're done to make your cooking efforts stretch and save you money in the future. (via Rachel Mansfield)

The Girl on Bloor

Instant Pot Chana Masala

If you're willing to do a bit of prep work, this chana masala gets done in about 20 minutes. The most expensive components are likely the chickpeas, onion, and canned tomatoes – but they're not going to set you back too much, plus this recipe yields lots of servings to supply you with ample leftovers. (via The Girl on Bloor)

Earthly Provisions

Vegan Chickpea Broccoli Stir Fry

Toss some chickpeas and broccoli in a pan with this recipe's delicious stir fry sauce for a little bit, then serve over some freshly-made rice for a healthy, cost-effective dinner. (via Earthly Provisions)

Completely Delicious

Salmon Patties

This simple salmon patty dinner idea is easy to whip up and even easier to devour. Each one is seasoned to perfection with the help of lemon and herbs. The best part is you can use canned salmon or even leftover cooked salmon (way cheaper than fresh) to form each bite! (via Completely Delicious)

Subscribe to our newsletter for more easy recipes!

recipes easy recipes cheap meals budget-friendly dinner recipes food

Um, Gavin Casalegno Is Married!

You might ship Jeremiah and Belly on The Summer I Turned Pretty, but actor Gavin Casalegno is officially off the market. On November 12, the actor hard launched his relationship on Instagram by announcing he had gotten married and the chats went crazy. The Vampire Diaries actor has been keeping things very low-key for over a year, so if this news surprises you, you're not alone!

Keep reading for everything you need to know about Gavin Casalegno's wife.

Is Gavin Casalegno married?

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Gavin Casalegno (@gavincasalegno)

"FOREVER CAPTIVATED BY YOU🕊️" Gavin and his new wife Cheyanne said in a joint Instagram post November 12. Gavin wore a black tux while Cheyanne wore a gorgeous strapless gown with a gauzy train and separate, lacy sleeves. As for the veil? The bride wore white fabric over her neck over her shoulders. Gorgeous!

Naturally, the comments went crazy. "okay hard launch !!!!!" one reads, while another user says, "DID I MISS A COUPLE HUNDRED CHAPTERS????"

Gavin and Cheyanne have been together since (at least) spring 2023, when Cheyanne posted him on her Instagram stories. Since then Gavin (or at least, his hair) has popped up on her Insta grid — by the ocean, in Paris, and in the car. Even though Gavin never name dropped his SO at the time, he did talk about dating.

"I definitely have just learned to be more private, which is super interesting because I’m always out in public," he told Shondaland in 2023. "I had to really learn to navigate my own privacy and well-being. So, the quick fix for me is just deleting Instagram and all these apps to kind of check out, to be with my family and be with myself, to spend some time with the Lord — that’s really where I thrive.”

He also told Cosmopolitan that he's had to learn “what it means to just mature a little bit in the dating space."

"You’re dating to marry; you’re not dating to just date,” he said. “I think that gets lost a lot of times in younger generations. So I really try to be intentional with everything that I do as far as spending my time and gift giving and flirting and all these things. I really try to be intentional about it.”

Who is Gavin Casalegno's wife?

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by DAUGHTER OF THE MOST HIGH GOD (@cheyannecasalegno)

Cheyanne King (er, Casalegno) is a registered nurse who graduated in 2023 from Baylor University, according to her LinkedIn.

How many exes does Gavin Casalegno have?

Gavin Casalegno dated model, dancer, and actress Larsen Thompson (who also has 1.2M followers on TikTok) for six years before the couple split in 2022.

Want the latest news on your favorite celeb relationships? Madison Bailey Got Emotional About Rudy Pankow's Outer Banks Exit Amid Cast Drama Rumors.

celebrity relationships the summer i turned pretty relationships celebrity

The Best Drugstore Eyeliner Is SO Good — It Didn't Even Budge When I Cried

TBH, I have a roster of all-star beauty products I swear by. From the best cream blush to the lipstick I can't stop buying, my routine has officially become effortless. But, what if I told you I've been using an eyeliner that'll make you want to part ways with your tried-and-true favorite? And what if I told you it's so inexpensive that you won't believe how well it works?

Since I have your attention, let's have a nice girl-to-girl chat about the best drugstore eyeliner that didn't leak when I boohoo-cried over a movie recently. 👀

Amazon

The best drugstore eyeliner: e.l.f. Cosmetics No Budge Retractable Eyeliner
A smudge-proof, felt-tipped favorite: wet n wild Mega Last Breakup Proof Liner
A waterproof wonder: Milani Stay Put Matte Eyeliner
For the more detail-oriented: NYX Epic Ink Liner
A runner-up pencil pick: Maybelline TattooStudio Eyeliner Pencil

Okay, what's the tea on the best eyeliner?

Amazon

The best drugstore eyeliner I've been using is by none other than e.l.f. Cosmetics. I've talked about their amazing Power Grip Primer (a dupe for Milk's Hydro version), but this No Budge Retractable Eyeliner deserves it's own spotlight. I've tried other brands that I thought were good, but a funny incident that counted as an early pregnancy sign is what earned this one's place in makeup kit.

I usually never cry while watching sad movies, but a random movie night in May 2020 ended with me running into the bathroom and bursting into tears over a distressing scene. My fiancé and I were still in the dating phase, so he was confused about what happened, but luckily made sure I was okay. He even commented on the fact that my eyeliner wasn't running down my face which I filed in the back of my mind.

So, how is it so different from other eyeliners you've tried?

Jasmine Williams

I'm glad you asked! e.l.f's No Budge Retractable Eyeliner is considered to be the "ultimate eye pencil" because it's not only waterproof, but it's also retractable. I don't know about you, but I'm not a fan of sharpening eyeliners. It's a personal preference that's led me to something that feels super easy to use.

The other thing I like about it is how smooth it glides onto my water line. I've poked myself in the eye more times than I'd like to admit, but haven't had that problem with this product. It's also incredibly pigmented so I get an amazing color payoff that frames my brown eyes perfectly.

I'm fairly light-handed while applying it because I love a 'softer' look, but you can apply as much pressure as you're comfortable with!

You know I have to ask: how do other customers feel about the best drugstore eyeliner?

Amazon

With other 22,000 reviews on Amazon, this eyeliner has a 4.4 rating where over half of the reviews have given it 5 stars. Why?

"I love with this eyeliner that it can be a very thin line or a heavy line. You can smudge it and make it very soft. It's very very workable and I love it!"
"This is very easy to use. It's reasonably priced and I can't tell that it's a cheaper product than those you would find at Sephora. I will definitely be purchasing again."
"As a 77 year old woman, eye area can be sensitive and I like this eyeliner because it is a softer texture and does not make me stretch my eyes"
"For a few dollars, I purchased the Elf eyeliner and it is marvelous! It has the richest pigment! Truly, it is a ten, and 'less than ten dollars' and most importantly, cruelty-free!"
"I finally found an eyeliner that doesn't smudge ! I have hooded eyelids and really struggle with makeup coming off because of the way my eyes are shaped. I wore this eyeliner for a wedding and I didn't have any smears! I loved the color too."
"Love this Eyeliner! It's perfect and lasts a long time. My new favorite. My other go-tos were letting me down. This is perfect! Goes on smooth, lasts all day, looks good. Worth it!"

Shop The Best Drugstore Eyeliner Here!

Amazon

The best drugstore eyeliner: e.l.f. Cosmetics No Budge Retractable Eyeliner

Hopefully the above raving sealed the deal for you on this amazing eyeliner!

More Drugstore Eyeliners I Recommend & Why

Amazon

A smudge-proof, felt-tipped favorite: wet n wild Mega Last Breakup Proof Liner

If I wasn't such a fan of a pencil formula, this breakup proof liner would be my go-to. Someone on wet n wild's marketing team knows breakups and tears go together like two peas in a pod so why not create something that's smudge-proof? You won't experience any flaking or cracking with this product either, just 16 pure hours of sharp lines that could do damage if your ex dared to look in your eyes.

Amazon

A waterproof wonder: Milani Stay Put Matte Eyeliner

This eyeliner's bottle lets you know how long you'll be able to wear it which is an added bonus IMO. There's up to 17 hours of waterproof liquid-to-matte formula in this teeny bottle which says a lot. Ever heard of the saying, "Big things come in small packages?" If not, meet the eyeliner that proves how accurate this statement is.

Amazon

For the more detail-oriented: NYX Epic Ink Liner

Waterproof and liquid liner may not sound like they go together, but NYX has taken great care to make sure they do. Most customers on Amazon end up keeping it which lets you know how good it is, but I don't mind convincing you a little more.

It has a precise tip to help you achieve the cat eye you've been trying to master for years and dries to a matte finish. Just be mindful not to poke yourself in the eye because it's not as forgiving as a pencil formula!

Amazon

A runner-up pencil pick: Maybelline TattooStudio Eyeliner Pencil

Clearly I just said I don't prefer eyeliners that to be sharpened, but I'll only make an exception if the pencil doesn't have a sharp point in the package. You'll still get the same smooth application as e.l.f's No Budge version, but Maybelline promises to give you up to 36 hours of wear with this product. I haven't worn makeup beyond 24 hours so I can't vouch for that, but it lasts throughout a school or work day.

Follow Brit + Co's Amazon storefront for more beauty recommendations!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

makeup products beauty beauty products review makeup