The modern bachelorette party has evolved from one night out to a multi-day production with matching pajamas, signature cocktails, costumes and daily themes, Josephine Walker and Avery Lotz, two Gen Z maids of honor, write.

• Bridesmaids in 2026 are dropping hundreds — in some cases, thousands — on other people's pre-wedding celebrations.

💸 Follow the money: The average price tag per attendee shot to $1,300 in 2023, up $600 since 2019, per wedding planning site The Knot.

• Guests who flew spent an average of $2,000.
• Those who drove spent $900.

That price tag sounds absurd to some. We'll admit, it is.

• But as homeownership and other milestones drift further out of reach, more Zoomers are prioritizing smaller, meaningful moments instead.
• Then there's the Instagram effect: the unavoidable, made-to-post trend of private jets, chefs, yachts and surreal spa dates.

😵‍💫 Friction point: Assembling gift bags stocked with skin and makeup products, custom clothes and personalized gifts alone may feel staggering, especially if the price falls all on one bride or bridesmaid.

• Of course, zero shame to those squads — we're impressed. But we say the best trips hinge on preparation, practicality and positivity.

Here's what we learned:

• 🛍️ Don't: Obsess over the gifts, glam and social media (and remember, day one's decor is day three's groggy cleanup).
• ⏰ Do: Provide an itinerary early so guests know what to pack.
• 🪩 Don't: Choose themes that require a shopping spree.
• 📞 Do: Make your reservations — and ask about allergies — way in advance. Nobody enjoys a long wait, line or surprise trip to the ER.
• 🤝 Don't: Buy tickets to any events, regardless of the bride's wishes, without clearing the cost with everyone first.
• 🧃 Do: Supply electrolytes and ibuprofen. This one speaks for itself.

The bottom line: Spend what you can, skip what you can't — just make sure it's unforgettable.

• After all, these trips are the new rite of passage.

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Axios Charlotte's Ashley Mahoney hiked along part of the Appalachian Trail and was rewarded with 360 views of the mountains in North Carolina and Tennessee. Check out her adventure.