I have four bridesmaid but one lives across the country and has only met a few of the other once. She's coming back for the Bachelorette Party. The idea is to go to Lake of the Ozarks. Her dad has a condo on the lake that we can stay at for free. He also offered to fly us down there on his private plane, as well as be our chauffeur on his boats and let us use their jet skis. This sounds like the perfect getaway that's inexpensive, hassle free and gives them the opportunity to bond before the wedding. Here's where I could use some advice:
His boat and plane only fits six people, which is only enough for him, myself, and four bridesmaids. I also have two personal attendants who I'd like to come. Do I invite them and maybe a few other of my best friends? They would have to drive down separately (5 hours), and we'd have to rent a larger boat. Where before everything was free, we'd just throw him some money for gas and a little extra as a thank you! Where now, we'd have to pay $400 total for a larger boat. I wouldn't make my bridesmaids pay for it all. I'd have everyone split the cost if they want to come. Or do I just have a second Bachelorette Party back home after my Bridal Shower and just invite my personal attendants to that one?
My fiance isn't a huge fan on me having two. He will support me either way. Part of me wants to have a second one back home either way because I have a very large group of extremely close girl friends and I'd like to celebrate with them as well. I also wouldn't make my girlfriend that lives across the country come back for the Bridal Shower and second Bachelorette Party. If I have two, I'd keep the second one informal so they're not having to pay or plan for it. We'd just hit up some bars downtown after the shower.
What are everyone's thoughts?