The groom does not pay. The group splits the costs and covers his share. Here is who covers what, what it works out to per guy, and how to settle it before anyone books.
The groom does not pay for his own bachelor party. By tradition, the attendees, the groomsmen and close friends, split the costs among themselves, and the group also covers the groom's share (his portion of activities, meals, and often his lodging and travel). The best man organizes the trip and collects everyone's money up front. In practice, plenty of modern groups adjust this, but "everyone pays their own way and chips in to cover the groom" is the etiquette baseline.
Covering the groom means each attendee's share goes up slightly. Example: a group of 8 (7 guests + groom) splitting the groom's portion means his costs are divided across the 7, roughly a 14% bump on each guy's total. Most groups agree this up front so there are no surprises.
A bachelor weekend's per-person cost swings a lot by city and length, but a common range is $150–$500+ per person for a full weekend once lodging, activities, food, and drinks are added up. A single-day local celebration runs much less. The honest rule: set the number first, then plan to it, not the other way around.
Does the groom pay for his own bachelor party?
No. Tradition is that the group splits the costs and covers the groom's share so he attends for free.
Who organizes and collects the money?
The best man. He sets the budget, collects everyone's share in advance, and books the trip.
Do the groomsmen have to cover the groom's travel and lodging too?
Traditionally yes. His full share, including lodging and travel, is split among the group. Modern groups sometimes cover only his activities and meals; agree on it up front.
How much should each person budget?
Commonly $150–$500+ per person for a full weekend depending on city, lodging, and activities. Set the number before you plan.
What if someone can't afford the full share?
Sort it privately and early. A good best man sizes the plan to what the group can actually swing so nobody's stuck.
Once you know who's paying what, the next step is building an itinerary the whole group is actually excited about. Build your Austin bachelor party weekend. Pick the activities, get times and booking links, and split it cleanly.