Philadelphia is a great city to plan your best friend or sister an unforgettable prewedding bachelorette party. We have some ideas and suggestions to make it an experience to remember! Not all destination Bachelorette parties need to end up at the run of the mill locations such as Vegas, Miami, or Nashville. Planning a Bachelorette Party in Philadelphia can be just as fun, economical, and memorable as heading to one of the popular destinations. From inviting guests and all things in between, here’s how to pull of the ultimate celebration right here in the city of Brotherly love, Philadelphia.

Step 1. Consult with the Bride and Bridesmaids

Since this weekend is all about the bride, what better person to consult with than her? If she prefers pampering over clubbing that will help determine which avenue to start your process of planning. You can consult with your fellow bridesmaids to determine a reasonable budget that won’t wipe out everyone’s savings. A destination that is convenient to get to will be an easy way to keep the troop of Bachelorette party revelers happy. Luckily Philadelphia is a great location that is convenient for many people. International and domestic flights are easy to find and Philadelphia is accessible by train, car, and bus from cities all along the East Coast. Located only 2 hours from New York City, 90 minutes from Baltimore, 2.5 hours from Washington DC, make Philadelphia a very accessible location for group.

Step 2. Squad up with the Girls

The invitation list should come directly from the bride herself. Obviously additions to her guest list can be suggested to the bride but you don’t want to bear the burden of inviting someone that the bride does not like or someone that is a bad drunk and can ruin everyone’s experience. We all have that one friend that seems to take it a little too far and you don’t want to be the one inviting the girl that you are carrying out of the bar at midnight or looking for the disappearing single friend that is jealous that her friend is marrying the perfect man and she can’t find a match on Tinder.

Step 3: Communication is key

Once you nail down your exclusive guest list. It’s time to figure out a way to easily communicate with each other. Here are some common communication platforms that you can use to communicate with your fellow Bachelorettes.

• iMessage (if everyone has iPhones)
• WhatsAPP
• Email

Our recommendation is WhatsAPP. This free application is available on both Android and iPhone. The reason we recommend WhatsApp over email is that it is a great way to communicate with the squad during the planning process and during the bachelorette party. You are easily able to share pictures and videos with each other, documenting the revelry that awaits. Everyone will also have access to each other’s phone numbers in case you need to communicate with some of the girls you may not know personally.

WhatsApp will also separate your communication for the Bachelorette party from other forms of communication. You know that one friend that has 3000+ emails in their inbox might lose the emails in the shuffle. You can also create side group messages so you can easily communicate with they girls with similar travel arrangements so you can coordinate with them separately from the entire group. Or maybe you want to be a little catty and complain about the ridiculous hoops the bride is making everyone jump through. Who doesn’t need a little vent session every now and then?

Step 4: Figuring out the Funds to not limit your Fun!

What is proper Bachelorette code of conduct?

Guests Financial Responsibilities
Well traditionally the guests are responsible for paying for the bride except for travel and lodging expense. That means that everyone should pay for the brides meals and activities for themselves and the bride. Even if you choose to abstain from an activity or a meal you should still contribute your fair share of the bride’s expense.

Maid of Honor Financial Responsibilites
As the Maid of honor, you will have additional financial responsibilities than the other guests. If you so choose to purchase decorations and swag for the bachelorette party that would the responsibility of the maid of honor and it would only be a nice gesture from the other guests if they offer to contribute their time and money but its not traditionally their responsibility to do so.

The Bride’s Financial Responsibilities

As stated above, it is the responsibility of the bride to cover her own travel expense and lodging. Outside of that, the guests and maid of honor should cover the expenses during the Bachelorette Party. If the bride wants to buy a round of shots for the Bachelorette party to show her gratitude, there nothing wrong with that. Afterall, planning a bachelorette party takes a lot of time, effort, and money. It’s all about having a good time and what better way to accomplish that with a few celebratory shots!

Paying Each other back
Obviously you don’t want to be that annoying group that puts down 15 different credit cards at dinner. It is usually best to designate a few people to pay for the bill on their credit card and have the other guests pay them back. Here are a few good ways to make sure everyone doesn’t argue about money and the good friend isn’t left paying for meals and activities the group should share in the expense.

• Cash: (Yes it still exists and people can pay for goods and services with it)
• Venmo: Send and request money for free and linked to the bank account of your choice
• Cash App: Send money instantly and free of charge
• Apple Pay: Send money to your friends through Apple Pay

Step 5. Bachelorette Party Hacks to Save Money

Get Creative About Cutting Costs
When looking at venues to celebrate, having a large group of girls often works in your favor. Most venues want your business! You are a large group of girls looking to have fun and that is a valuable asset to many venues. Most venues are willing to offer discount bottle service packages and open bars to large groups of girls looking to celebrate a Bachelorette party in Philadelphia. It’s no secret that bachelorette party expenses can really add up but if you are driving into Philly you can certainly make it an economical experience for those that have budget conscience guests. Here are some creative bachelorette hacks for hosting your Bachelorette Party in Philadelphia

1. If you have a large group look at an AirBNB over staying at a hotel. Most AirBNB have a kitchen you can use to prepare some simple meals instead of eating out. It’s a great way to enjoy meals as group without worrying about a long wait for brunch or lunch. This will give you less meals to reserve in advance for a large party. Most Brunch places do not take reservations for large groups without engaging their private events department which usually means an upcharge and a limited menu to accommodate a large group.
2. Pregame before heading the bars and clubs. If you live outside of Philadelphia, you can save 10% by purchasing your alcohol outside of the Philadelphia city limits. Do not purchase out of state as transporting liquor over state lines is illegal.
3. Avoid Driving into the city where parking can cost upwards of $40 a day.
• Coming from South Jersey. Park your car near a PATCO station and take the high speed line directly into Center City. Uber, Lyft, or Taxis are readily available.
• Coming from the PA suburbs. SEPTA regional rails are available every hour from virtually every Philly suburb.
• Coming from NY or DC. Amtrak offers rail service directly to 30th Street Station. Boltbus, Megabus, and Greyhound offer another economical option to travel into the city. Most buses are equipped with wifi and reclining seats.
• Insisting on Driving? You can park in the following zip codes and find limited street parking. After 5pm your chances of finding a spot are slim to none. Be aware of the parking zones as they only give you a few hours of free parking. Some zip codes close to Center City with limited free street parking are 19146, 19130, & 19147.

Step 6: Have Fun!

Bachelorette parties are all about having fun! Don’t let the differing budgets, opinions, and personalities get in the way of a chance to celebrate a momentous life milestone. Most people only get one bachelorette party in their whole life, so make the most of it. If you get caught up in the little details then you won’t be able to see what a bachelorette party is really about. Look around and be thankful that you were chosen by someone to share one of the most important occasions in their life.

Our Recommendations: Brunch

Harp & Crown

($$)
address
1525 Sansom Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Get Directions

Phone: 215-330-2800
Brunch Hours: 10:30am-2pm
Website: harpcrown.com
Atmosphere: Low Key
Cuisine: Modern American
Service Type: Buffet
Menu: Harp & Crown Brunch Menu
Price Range: $28 a person. Holiday brunches can reach up to $100 featuring a special buffet menu.
Reservations Needed: Yes
Party Size Restrictions: Up to 10 People. Larger groups must contact Harp & Crown directly.

Description:
Harp & Crown is beautifully designed space that infuses old-world touches of charm and luxury with modern sensibility. Harp & Crown executes their brunch as a high-end buffet with cocktails, mimosas, and bellinis served by the glass for an additional charge.

Parc

($$$)
address
227 South 18th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Get Directions

Phone: 215-545-2262
Brunch Hours: 10am-3pm
Website: parc-restaurant.com
Atmosphere: Low Key
Cuisine: French
Service Type: Ala Carte
Menu: Parc Brunch Menu
Price Range: $13-$150
Reservations Needed: Yes
Party Size Restrictions: Up to 5 People. Larger groups must contact Parc directly.

Description:
Parc is a upscale French restaurant located directly on Rittenhouse Square. This is great place for a relaxing brunch where you can have a conversation amongst friends. Typically large groups are sat inside the restaurant as outdoor seating accommodates groups of 2-4 people.

Party Time

Yakitori Boy

($$)
address
111 South 17th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Get Directions

Phone: 215-923-8088
Website: yakitoriboy.com

Vibe: Karaoke, Private Rooms

Karaoke is always a good time! If you’re a little bashful, Yakitori Boy has 8 private rooms that you can rent out and have some playtime with the girls. Once you take some some shots of liquid courage, show off your singing skills in the main room as you sing along to your favorite tunes.

Woody’s

($$)
address
111 South 17th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Get Directions

Phone: 215-545-1893
Website: woodysbar.com

The long time Philly LGBTQ hangout that features dancing, live DJs, and eclectic programming. One of Philly’s most consistently busy bars, Woody’s has been a staple in Midtown Village for nearly 4 decades.

Outside the Box Activities

The Rittenhouse Spa

($$$$)
address
210 West Rittenhouse Square
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Get Directions

Phone: 215-790-2500
Website: therittenhousespaclub.com

Enjoy a spa day with your best friends.

Pamper all your friends and have a bachelorette party that includes a spa day. Spa services include massages, skin care treatments, body treatments, and body rituals. Don’t forget to head downstairs for afternoon tea service at Mary Cassatt Tea Room.

Wine School of Philadelphia

($$$)
address
109 South 22nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Get Directions

Website: vinology.com

If you’re looking for something a bit more sophisticated, consider trying a wine tasting class at the Wine School of Philadelphia. They have a wide array of classes for you and the bachelorette party but classes tend to fill up quick. They do not have special arrangements for bachelorette parties so you will need to book far in advance as many classes only have space for 20 or so people. They have a wide assortment of classes including cocktail and beer classes.

COOK

($$$$)
address
253 South 20th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Get Directions

Phone: 215-735-2665
Website: audreyclairecook.com

With only 16 seats, Cook tends to sell out classes months in advance. You will need make sure you plan this far enough in advance. What better way to bond with the girls than learning to cook from some of the top chefs in Philadelphia? Cook is Philadelphia’s state-of-the-art, fully equipped, sixteen-seat kitchen-classroom where guests come to enjoy chef tastings, culinary demonstrations and cooking classes in a beautiful, intimate setting. Cook is a great way to interactively experience Philadelphia’s robust dining scene.

Philadelphia Event Planning Guide

Planning and booking a private event can be stressful. One of the hardest part of being selecting a venue, but it doesn’t have to be. If you know what you’re looking for and start early the selection process can be much easier.

First Things First.

Before looking for a venue there are 3 things you need to decide. These are budget, estimated event size, and space requirements.

Budget

How much money are you willing to spend. This will help you not only in selecting a venue but also in bargaining with a business.

Estimated Event Size

How many people are you expecting? A 20 person private dinner is very different than a 500 person corporate retreat. The more people in your event the more complex it can become.

Space Requirements

Do you need special A/V equipment, wifi, handicap accessible entrances? There are many great venues in Philadelphia each offering unique amenities. Figure out what your essential amenities are and your list of venues to select from can be shorter.

When to Start Looking for a Venue

The short answer, the earlier the better. Once you have a good understanding of budget, estimated event size, and space requirements you can begin your search.

Generally booking a venue at least 4-6 months in advance so that you will have enough time to plan other critical things. While there are exceptions to the rule, these guidelines will provide the widest range of venues and highest potential attendance, making for a great event.

Happy Hours & Small Semi-Private Events: 4 Weeks

No matter your event type, it’s smart to book an event at minimum four weeks in advance to get it on people’s calendars. This will also give you enough time to make invitations, thoughtfully craft a guest list, send event reminders, prep event presentations, and buy and ship any tchotchkes you may need. Small Semi-Private Events (under 25 people) are not only great for breaking the ice and keeping people engaged, but they don’t require a long booking window because you’re usually just competing with other corporate groups for the space, not necessarily the general public.

Private Dinners & Large Semi-Private Events: 4-5 Weeks

Similar to happy hours, small dinners and large private events should be booked four to five weeks out. Again, this will give you time to prep for your event and find space on attendees’ calendars. If the restaurant is popular, or if there’s a large event or conference in town, you may need to reserve space farther in advance.

Buyouts: 5-6 Weeks

If you’re looking to take over the entire venue, you should be booking at least five to six weeks in advance—possibly more depending on the size of the space. If you get too much closer, you’re competing with other groups, parties, and individual dinner reservations. The extended heads-up also helps the restaurant prep and schedule sufficient staff for your event, allowing for a better experience for your guests.

Holiday Parties: 3-6 Months

As soon as the holidays roll around, restaurants and bars are packed every night of the week. Many start taking bookings a year in advance. For groups of 200 or more, you should secure space for your holiday party at least six months in advance. Small groups looking for private space should reserve their event three to four months out. Believe us when we say that come October and November, you’ll be hard-pressed to find an opening at a venue in a major city around the holidays.

What to Consider When Searching for a Venue

1. Location

The location of your event is crucial. If you’re having an after party or reception, you will want a location in close proximity to your main event. If you have guests coming from different areas, you may want to pick a central location to make it convenient for everyone. If many attendees will be traveling from out of town, a venue near their hotels will be beneficial. In whichever case, don’t forget to consider traffic, transportation, and parking options.

2. Parking

Does the venue have a parking lot or valet parking? A venue with a parking lot is what dreams are made of. If that’s not the case, are there parking lots nearby which attendees can access and use? If there is no parking available, you’re not completely out of luck as you have a few alternatives: like Uber and Lyft.

3. Capacity and Minimums

What’s the capacity? You’ll need to know the room capacity of the venues for a few reasons. First, 500 people (if it is your estimated event size) can’t comfortably fit into a room with a 250-person capacity. And second, there are fire and safety codes that the venue has to abide by.

What are the F&B Minimums? If your venue offers food and/or beverages and sets a minimum food and beverage spending amount (known as an F&B minimum), ensure that the past F&B records from the previous events are in line with the minimum.

4. Services and Amenities

Does the venue have a kitchen and can it provide catering to your event? If so, often a venue will waive the facility fee and only charge a down payment along with the cost of food for each attendee. Those venues without kitchen facilities may have a partnership with a food provider that you’re required to use.

Does it have AV capabilities? Some venues have built-in audio-visual equipment for you to use, and others will require you to bring that in yourself.

5. Layout

Even though you’ll be finding your venue early in the event planning process, you’ll still want to have a rough idea of what types of activities you’ll be including, the amenities you’ll require, and the needs of your attendees.

While narrowing down your selection, get an illustrated floor plan of each venue, and walk through your favorites at least once, making note of important things such as where the outlets are and where AV equipment is or can be located.

The layout and floor plan will greatly affect a few different aspects of your event:

Think about the flow of traffic through your event. The kind of flow you’ll want will be different for each event. What areas will be high traffic at the event? Registration? The entrance? Coat Check? Keep this in mind when choosing your venue, realizing that how you set up the tables and decor will greatly affect this as well. Event activities If you want to have keynote speakers at your event, you’ll either need a stage or a spot to place a rented stage. Will you need a demo area? Will there be a bar?
Related Tips: How to Create Attendee Name Badges in 5 Minutes

6. Ambiance
   Pay special attention to the existing decor inside the venue. What style is the architecture and what does the building’s interior convey? If you’re holding a gala, you’ll likely need different venue accommodations than you would for a happy hour. The less the ambiance matches the desired feeling of your event (upscale, high tech, etc.) the more decorating you’ll need to do to make up for it.

7. Accessibility

Accessibility refers to the possibility that everyone, especially those with special needs, can access the building and its amenities. Before you can answer this question, you’ll need to understand who your attendees are and what their needs are.

8. Acoustics

Have you ever attended an event at a venue that was so loud, it was hard to hear others, causing you to strain your hearing and lose your voice, all in one night? That’s caused by poor acoustics. Acoustics is just a fancy word for how sound travels through the venue. A low ceiling will make the venue seem cozy, but it will make it louder if it’s packed. Alternatively, a large warehouse-style venue will result in echoes, or what architects refer to as “reverberation”.

The second thing to consider in acoustics is the sounds system. Lugging in your own speakers can be a pain — or even impossible if the venue doesn’t allow amplified sound. A good sound system is vital for most events.

9. Cost and Flexibility on Event Date
   Being flexible on the event date can be a great way to negotiate with venues. They may have open dates on their calendar that they want to fill. By providing 2-3 date options, you are more likely to get discounted pricing.

Tendenza

Address:
969 N 2nd St,
Philadelphia, PA 19123
Get Directions

Phone: Coming Soon
Email:Coming Soon
Website: tendenza.com
Neighborhood: Northern Liberties
Cost:$$$$
Amenities:
Multiple Rooms, Valet Parking, In-house Catering, Full Bar, Outdoor Garden, Wifi, Handicap Accessible
Great for: Large Corporate Events, Weddings, Receptions,
Score: 8 of 10

Mushulu

Address:
401 S Christopher Columbus Blvd,
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Get Directions

Phone: Coming Soon
Email:Coming Soon
Website: moshulu.com
Neighborhood: Penn’s Landing
Cost:$$$
Amenities:
Multiple Rooms, Parking Lot, In-house Catering, Full Bar, Outdoor Deck,
Great for: Weddings, Cockatil Hours, Private Dining
Score: 8 of 10

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse

Address:
1426-1428 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Get Directions

Phone: Coming Soon
Email:Coming Soon
Website: delfriscos.com
Neighborhood: Center City
Cost:$$$$
Amenities:
Wifi, Multiple Rooms, Valet Parking, In-house Catering, Full Bar, Handicap Accesible

Great for: Private Dinners & Receptions
Score: 7 of 10

A quick google search or online tools like EventUp can help you parse through the many venues to find the one right for you. You should also not discount word of mouth. Ask your friends and family about events they’ve been to before and what they thought about the locaitons.

As you can see, there’s a lot to consider when choosing your event’s venue. However, if you take the above into consideration when doing your research, you’ll find the perfect venue for your event.

Celebrate Your Best Birthday in Philly

Looking for a place to have a birthday for adults in Philly? There are a lot of great spots for the best birthday ideas in Philadelphia. Below you’ll find all types of ways to celebrate from an intimate experience with closest friends to popping bottles and being the center of attention.

Rec & Royal

Address:
111 South 17th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Get Directions

Phone: 215.883.8088
Email: contact@recandroyal.com
Website: rrphilly.com
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse

Things to do at Rec & Royal for your Birthday in Philadelphia
Rec & Royal provides two unique experiences in an artfully crafted venue. One side is an innovative gaming parlour and karaoke lounge and the other is a cutting edge boutique nightclub where you can party the night away.

They provide you with 6 experiences to choose from to fully customize your birthday party experience

Urban Axes

Address:
2019 East Boston Street
Philadelphia, PA 19125
Get Directions

Phone: 267-585-2937
Email: N/A
Website: urbanaxes.com
Neighborhood:

Things to do at Urban Axes for your Birthday in Philadelphia
Urban Axes is a unique way to celebrate your birthday. You and your group can choose between open throwing (1 hour duration, 6 person max) or Private Group Events (2.5 Hour duration, dedicated area). Axeperts are onsite to assist with first time axe throwers.

Drag Diva Brunch @ Punchline

Address:
33 E Laurel St,
Philadelphia, PA 19123
Get Directions

Phone: 267-5852937
Email: N/A
Website: dragdiva.com
Neighborhood:Fishtown

Things to do at Drag Diva Brunch for your Birthday in Philadelphia
Just as the name sounds you are in for a show, drinks, and a meal. Drag Diva Brunch is a funny and unique way to celebrate your birthday. Each ticket comes with one entree and one drink. Tickets start at $35 plus fees.

Spa Day @ Rittenhouse Spa

Address:
The Rittenhouse Hotel
210 West Rittenhouse Square
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Get Directions

Phone: 215-790-2500
Email:spa@rittenhousehotel.com
Website: therittenhousespaclub.com
Neighborhood:Rittenhouse

Things to do at the Rittenhouse Spa in Philadelphia:
Ready for a day of pampering? You deserve it! As you gracefully age it becomes more important that you take care of yourself. The Rittenhouse Spa offers packages for skincare, massages, body treatments and body rituals. Indulge a little, afterall, it is your birthday!

Sing Karaoke @ Yakitori Boy

Address:
211 North 11th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Get Directions

Phone: 215-923-8088
Email:Reservations@yakitoriboy.com
Website: yakitoriboy.com
Neighborhood:Chinatown

Things to do at Yakitori Boy in Chinatown in Philadelphia:
A little shy of your musical talents? Yakitori boy offers private rooms that accommodate up to 20 people. Izakaya style Japanese pub offering a wide variety of Japanese tapa style dishes, sushi, yakitori, and more. Once you have had enough liquid courage move to main room and show off that shower voice!

Drinks @ Ray’s Happy Birthday Bar

Address:
1200 East Passyunk Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Get Directions

Phone: 215-365-1169
Email:N/A
Website: thehappybirthdaybar.com
Scene: Dive Bar
Neighborhood: Italian Market/Passyunk

Things to do at Ray’s Happy Birthday Bar in Philadelphia:
Kinda tough to go wrong with a name like Ray’s Happy Birthday Bar. From the name you get that they know how to celebrate your birthday the right way. At Ray’s you will find quizzo, karaoke (Fridays), live music, and more. Best part about it is that afterwards you and your friends can stumble to Pat’s and Geno’s for a little late night grub. Don’t forget to ask for your free birthday drink on the house with valid ID.

Cocktails @ Assembly Rooftop

Address:
1840 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Get Directions

Phone: 215-783-4171
Email:a href=”mailto:info@assemblyrooftop.com”>info@assemblyrooftop.com
Website: assemblyrooftop.com
Neighborhood: Logan Square

Things to do at Assembly Rooftop in Philadelphia:
Located on the roof of the Logan Hotel, Assembly Rooftop features an all-weather open air rooftop experience with breathtaking views of the Art Museum district and the Philadelphia skyline. Assembly focuses their beverage program on craft cocktails. Reserve a section for your birthday group and celebrate in style.

After Hours @ Gardendale Social Club

Address:
417 North 8th Street
(entrance at 888 Spring Garden Street)
Philadelphia, PA 19123
Get Directions

Phone: 267-800-7196
Email: N/A
Website: gardendalesocialclub.com
Neighborhood: Spring Garden

Things to do at Gardendale Social Club in Philadelphia:
Philly’s newcomer to the after hours scene, Gardendale Social Club has a notoriously difficult door. Since it is considered a private club, Gardendale is able to serve until 3am. Make sure you know someone before you show up or risk not being able to get it. Once inside, you will find plenty of areas to explore. Gardendale offers VIP table service, pool tables, wide selection of craft beers, and an outdoor area with a food truck and views of the Philly skyline.

Dance the night away @ Woody’s

Address:
202 South 13th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Get Directions

Phone: 215-545-1893
Email: administration@woodysbar.com
Website: woodysbar.com
Neighborhood: Midtown Village/Gayborhood

Things to do on your birthday at Woody’s in Philadelphia:
Woody’s is a Midtown Village LGBTQ staple that has been in business for nearly 40 years. With three rooms to explore, Woody’s offers dancing to several different types of musical genres. Check out the Rosewood, Globar or the dance floor at Woody’s.

Plan a Birthday House Party

House Parties are an economical way to celebrate your birthday. Just make sure that no one drives!

Check out our tips below to plan the perfect birthday in Philadelphia.

Have a Birthday Party Idea? 10 Tips for Planning the Right Way

1. Know the Lingo:

The key to planning a birthday party is to know the lingo. Navigate like a pro so you get the most out the venue that you plan on hosting the event.

Minimum Spend

This may also be referred to as “Food and Beverage Minimum”, “Min”, ”Minimum”, “Table Minimum”, “Beverage Minimum”. This is just an amount that you need to spend to reserve a table, section, area of the venue.

Tax

This is also referred to as “Sales Tax”, “Liquor tax”, “County Tax”. These are the taxes and levies imposed by the state or local municipalities. Many times when you have a table these taxes are passed on to the customer. In order to increase the speed of service at the bar, a lot of places choose to include a tax on orders across the bar. The reason is to eliminate the use of the change when dealing with cash customers.

Gratuity

This is also referred to as “auto-gratuity”, “server gratuity”, “tip”, “autograt”. Sometimes you have to give the pretty girl making your drinks some money. Gratuity is an important part of the business and no likes a bad tipper. The industry standard is 12%-15% for poor service, 18%-20% average service, 22% or more for exceptional service.

Customers that stiff (do not leave gratuity) are customers that have no moral or empathy. That’s like saying you are bad at your job and you should work for free. Tipping 12%-15% gets the point across that you didn’t approve of the service but not leaving a tip or less than 10% just shows that you are a bad tipper. Remember that your server makes $2.83 an hour and they need to give the bartenders and server assistants a portion of their tips each night.

In a nightlife setting they typically only get 2-3 tables a night. It’s not like a restaurant where tables turn and if a server gets a bad tip they can recover with from the other tables throughout the night.

Service Charge

This is also referred to as “admin fee”, “administrative fee”, “processing fee”, ”service fee” “front of house fee”. This nominal charge can range from 3%-8%. The service charge is for the front of house maitre de, host, or hostess.

2. Now your target audience.

If you are planning a birthday party for a someone else, you need to remember that their likes, interests, and tastes may differ from yours. We suggest that you take the role of planning the birthday and putting yourself in their shoes. A birthday is all about making the birthday girl or birthday boy happy. If the birthday girl or the birthday boy like to dance and show off, probably not the best idea to reserve a table at a low key venue. Remember to be aware of your target audience.

3. Know the Real Budget.

It’s all about the Benjamins, well sometimes among friends, sometimes it can get down to the Washingtons. If everyone is pitching in equal shares than you know that you are only as strong as your weakest (or should I say cheapest) link.
It may not necessarily be your friend with the least amount of money (they tend to be the most generous), but rather the friend that has the toughest time parting with their funds. Getting everyone to agree can be a tough task but most of the disagreements are about money.

Your fun doesn’t have to be limited by your funds.

4. Be Realistic.

If you are planning an event and your friends don’t have two quarters to rub together, be realistic with yourself and realize that private dining a high-end steakhouse just isn’t going to be possible. But you can plan a smart event on a limited budget with a little planning the party dollar is an easy one to stretch.

5. No Money, No Saturday nights.

If budget is a concern, pick another time besides Saturday night. Everyone has the same idea as you! Saturday night is most venues make the majority of their revenue on Saturday nights. If you are looking for a deal you will get a better response from venues if you choose one of their slower nights.

Fridays are surprisingly a great night for venues to bid for your business. If you have flexibility during the week pick a night that the venue is open but is their slowest night. Even the busiest places have slow nights.

6. Keep an Open Mind.

Planning a birthday can be stressful and you want everything to be perfect. However, sometimes you just have to keep an open mind! Sometimes non-traditional venues make the best events. Creativity is the mother of all creation. Don’t be afraid to step outside the box!

7. Private Event equals More Money

A private event may sound nice but anytime space is given exclusively to an organizer they can no longer generate revenue in the space if you request to rent it. This is obviously the most costly option.
If your event must be private and you are looking to maximize your budget, we recommend hosting your event on an off night. Avoid Saturday night at all cost if you if budget is a concern for you.

8. The Hidden Risks of House Parties

Everyone loves a good house party. But what are the reasons guests love them so much? Firstly, it is a cheap night out for the invited guests. The host of the party is informally required to provide something for guests to at least snack upon, baseline alcoholic beverages, mixers, ice, cups, cleaning, entertainment, etc. The majority of the cost, efforts, cleaning, and gratitude fall upon the host.

There some drawbacks that organizers forget the beloved house party is the cleaning and trash that a house party creates. Sometimes the party gets a little out of hand. Personal property can get damaged or sometimes even stolen! Drunk people are known to do some stupid things. And the one thing that organizers always seem to forget that in some states, the organizer of the party can be held accountable if an intoxicated guest gets behind the wheel after leaving the party. For example, New Jersey law allows the victim of a DUI accident to sue and recover damages from the organizer when:

• the organizer provided alcohol to a “visibly intoxicated” guest
• circumstances indicated that serving the guest alcohol created an “unreasonable risk of foreseeable harm”
• the organizer failed to take reasonable measures to prevent the harm caused, and
• the guest got into a car accident and negligently caused property damages or injuries to another person.

Every state has different social host responsibility laws but there a large amount of liability that the organizer is exposed to from the traditional “house party”

Pros:

• Budget Friendly
• Complete control

Cons:

• A lot of work and cleaning
• Damage or loss of personal property
• Liability
• Majority of the expense is on the host

9. The Early Bird catches the Worm.

True in real life and true in the party life!
Planning ahead is important! All the best options typically book in advance. If you don’t have a good plan then your plan is to fail! Most successful events are booked at least a month in advance. Book early!

10. Drink Responsibly!

You spent all this time planning the perfect event and you want to drink to the point where you don’t remember it! Just remember that enjoying drinks with your friends isn’t supposed to make the night, just enhance it. Blacking out is never fun, but a little gray is okay.