NEW YORK — Don’t tell the bride about this study. Two in five people think bachelor or bachelorette parties are more memorable than the wedding itself (42%), according to new research.
A survey of 2,000 adults looking at sentiments around the traditions involved with the “final night of freedom” and reports that people think bachelor and bachelorette parties are more fun (58%) and memorable (44%), than raunchy (13%) or cheesy (12%).
Americans also have an opinion or two about what makes a good bachelor or bachelorette party, since the average person has been to three throughout their life. A third of respondents are over going to gentlemen’s clubs (34%) – especially women (42% vs. 25% of men).
Many are also ready to stop having explicit-themed items (29%) or visiting a casino (22%), calling these traditions “tacky.” Conducted by OnePoll for CheapCaribbean, the survey finds that while bachelor and bachelorette parties may invoke images of partying and chaos, 65 percent believe they should be an opportunity for the groom or bride to relax — and that the group of guests should cover all expenses for the party (55%).
From drinks to hotels and all of the other party fun, the average person expects to spend about $313 as a guest attending a bachelor or bachelorette party, with men typically budgeting about $100 more than women ($364 vs. $263). The average respondent also believes the ideal bachelor or bachelorette party should last two days and be limited to 10 guests, although a third would be open to partying with a larger crowd (34%).
What’s the best place to have a party?
People prefer parties that take place at an all-inclusive resort where they don’t have to worry about anything (27%) or a bustling city where there’s plenty to do (16%). While many people would prefer getting invited to bachelor or bachelorette parties that are local (42%), nearly one in four would go as far as needed for their friend (24%).
Half of respondents would prefer an even mix of activities and relaxing, with another 27 percent saying they’d prefer to just spend their time relaxing.
“There’s really nothing quite like having your bachelor/bachelorette party in a unique destination surrounded by your friends and family,” says Dana Studebaker, vice president of marketing of consumer brands at Apple Leisure Group, in a statement. “From relaxing on the beach and sipping cocktails to exploring a destination’s nightlife, having that last getaway makes for the ideal pre-celebration before you say I do.”
No matter what, some favored plans for the event include going out to dinner (62%), brunch (49%), or having a sleepover/party at a hotel (38%). With all of this in mind, half of those surveyed are confident they could throw someone the perfect bachelor or bachelorette party (49%).
However, they don’t always go perfectly. Of those who have had one, they would change a few things, such as the activities they did (35%) or who was invited (28%). Thirty-seven percent would opt to change the location they had their party, wanting to choose somewhere other than a small town (24%) or a popular vacation destination (15%).
However, people also reflected on some of their fondest moments from their bachelor and bachelorette parties like “dancing and having fun,” skydiving for the first time, and having a “drinking contest.”
Survey methodology:
This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 nationally representative Americans was commissioned by CheapCaribbean between November 9 and November 15, 2022. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).