Cut the Cost of Your Retreat

Okay–of course you would like to plan a two-night women’s retreat as opposed to a one-night retreat.  But the cost can be prohibitive.  Adding that extra night and several extra meals at a hotel or retreat center can double the cost.  So how can we cut corners to make that two-night retreat possible?

Cutting costs for lodging:  Allowing four ladies to a room (having two queen-sized beds) is the best cost-cutter we have for lodging in a hotel, and that only cuts about $20 per person off the retreat cost for a two-night retreat.  Other retreat locations may afford other lower cost lodging options to explore (for instance, bunk beds in a large room).

Cutting costs for meals:  Our most recent cost-cutting measure?  Don’t provide the lunch on Saturday.  At a hotel, this saves about $20 per attendee.  Give your ladies the option of going out for lunch (this only works in a city setting) or bringing something with them to snack on. It may add a little inconvenience, but we haven’t had any complaints!

The “Un-Retreat”

7-Up was marketed as “The Uncola,” a drink that was refreshingly different from the normal cola.  The “at home” retreat could be referred to as the “UnRetreat.”

There are hurdles to planning a women’s retreat.  Particularly for the small church, there can be seasons when, for one reason or another, your women’s ministry can’t pull off a full-blown women’s retreat.  We have had years like that. That is the perfect time to try the “Un-Retreat”!

What is it?   It is a retreat held at your own church, where women go home Friday evening after the session (although some women may choose to have their own “slumber party”), and return on Saturday for a full day/evening of retreat events.  Although you are in the familiar territory of your own church, it is still possible to create a retreat-like atmosphere.

Advantages to the “Un-Retreat”:

• For those women who find it difficult to leave behind their children/home/familiarities, this might actually be the perfect setup for them;
• An “un-retreat” slashes the costs, of course, as you don’t have to pay for the meeting room and your lodging;
• The cost for meals is significantly less; women can eat breakfast before they come; and it may even leave room for some fun snacks at other times (women may enjoy contributing their own special treats to make it more personal);
• Childcare issues for the women could possibly be easier; if husbands can’t take care of the children, at least they don’t need to find overnight care.  In addition, it may be possible to provide some childcare at the church.

Disadvantages to the “Un-Retreat”:

Our preference is to get out of town for our women’s retreats.  But if that is not possible for your church at this particular time, try this great alternative! And don’t be timid in making it seem to be as much of a special “get-away” as you can. It will be noticed…and appreciated!