15 Surprising Rules "The Bachelor" Contestants Must Follow

Have you ever wondered why the fancy dinner dishes on their dates appear to go untouched? One thing I've always noticed while watching The Bachelor was the fact that they never ate anything on dates (with the exception of trying bugs or odd foods on the street). This, of course, led me to the depths of the internet where I learned that there is an entire slew of rules to be followed while you’re on the show. Some of them surprised me, and some, not so much. If you’re considering applying to be on "The Bachelor" or are just nosey like me, you will enjoy learning about the rules that the contestants have to abide by during their journey for love.

1. They Can't Eat on Dates

Maybe you also noticed this, but during the dinner dates on the show, the contestants are not supposed to eat the meal in front of them. It’s simply for the aesthetic. The producers don’t think it’s attractive to watch or hear people eat, so they have it all set up for the dinner to reflect a traditional evening date, but they never eat the food.

2. They Can’t Use Their Phones

For the most part, the contestants have to be hidden from the outside world while they’re on the show. No one can know they’re even a part of the cast until it is officially announced, and when they begin filming, they have to give up their phones. No calling family, checking the internet, or scrolling on social media for weeks or even months, depending on how long they make it. 

3. They Have To Buy Their Own Clothes (Which Must Fit the Guidelines)

This is a rule that surprised me. Between dates and rose ceremonies, there are so many outfits and fancy dresses that they need, and the cost of that adds up quick. Women’s Health reported that “Chelsea Roy had a good way around this by telling local boutiques that it would be worth their while if they donated some items to her. Meanwhile, Jillian Harris re-mortgaged her house and spent $8,000 on clothes to go on Jason Mesnick’s season.” I have to wonder if Christina from this season was able to borrow some Pink Lily outfits for her dates – she’s a model for their company!

4. Only Two Suitcases Allowed!

I get anxiety just packing for a week-long trip, so I really don't know how I'd pack only two suitcases for any potential weather situation, let alone for a TV show where the whole nation is going to see me. But this is the rule for the contestants, and if they break it, there is a fee for extra baggage. 

5. Contestants Have To Take an STD Test Before the Show and Before Fantasy Suites

I mean, are we really shocked by this rule? I personally wouldn’t sleep with a man who might’ve slept with other women the night before and after being with me, but it has obviously happened on the show, so... I guess it's better to be safe than sorry. 

6. There Is a Two Drink Per Hour Limit

There is speculation that this rule has been broken, as many contestants seem to get drunk and start drama as the night goes on, and we all know that producers love the drama. But at one time, there was a rule enforced that you could only have two drinks per hour. Rose ceremonies go on for hours, sometimes through the night (ever notice how it will be dark at the beginning of the ceremony and sometimes be morning at the end?). The contestants often drink more than they eat, and then they are tired from the many hours of filming, causing emotions to go wild. 

7. The Winning Couple Is Contractually Obligated To Make Promotional Appearances for a Period of Time After the Show

The winning couple is required to do as many promotional appearances after the show as ABC would like them to. You may or may not be surprised that Bachelors and Bachelorettes get a salary for their season, somewhere around $100,000 (give or take, depending on their negotiation when they’re cast). When they sign the contract, part of that deal is to continue making appearances after the show for a certain period of time.  

8. No TV, Music, or Books (besides the Bible) Allowed in the House

Sometimes when you watch the show and it gets extremely dramatic for seemingly no reason, you have to wonder how they got to that point. But when you find out that the people living in the mansion have no access to any entertainment, such as phones, tv, internet, or even books, it starts to make sense. Their focus is only on the man they are pursuing and their competition, ultimately leading to understandably heightened emotions.

9. Contestants Can’t Run for Political Office for a Year after the Show 

Right on the eligibility requirements for casting, it states that if you're cast on the show, you're not allowed to be a political candidate during the show and for a year after the last broadcast. Fortunately... this doesn't seem to be a huge issue for most contestants.   

10. The Word “Process” Is Banned

Bachelor alum Sean Lowe revealed that every time he’d say the word “process,” they would re-tape and switch it out with the word “journey.” How strange, right? They do this because it seems more romantic and is apparently better for TV. 

11. Producers Have a Say In Who Gets Roses

Let's say it in unison now: "We knew it!" Some of these women appear absolutely crazy, yet for some reason, they stick around for a good chunk of the show. Episode after episode, we're left screaming at our tv screens and asking ourselves why the lead can't see what we're seeing. When you think about it, it makes sense from a ratings perspective though. If the season "villain" is creating a ton of drama and making the series more enticing to watch, the producers are going to milk that for as long as they reasonably can.

12. Contestants Must Participate in Dates

You never know what the producers have up their sleeves for the dates, but guess what? If you’re a contestant, you have to participate. Skydiving not your thing? Oh well, you’re jumping out of a plane. Not into doing witchcraft in an odd ceremony for a group date? Too bad. 

13. They Have To Meet With a Private Investigator Before Going on the Show

Casting and production will dig up all the dirt they can find when they are choosing their contestants. When you sign up for the show, at some point in the casting process, contestants meet with a private investigator, and they learn all they can about you and your past so there are no surprises on their end. 

14. Contestants (Besides the Lead) Have To Do Their Own Hair and Makeup

There are no professionals doing the girls' hair and makeup. This was surprising to me, because they always look very well put-together on their dates. However, the contestants are allowed to help each other with this. So, a tip for any girl heading to the mansion? Make friends with the go-to beauty girl stat.

15. Some “Casual” Conversations at the Mansion Are Forced by Producers

Contestants are allowed (and contractually obligated) to be filmed 24/7, and sometimes producers will have them sit down and discuss what’s going on. You may think that you'd hide away in your room to avoid the drama if you were a contestant, but sitting around in a group asking and answering probing questions is pretty much a requirement. Needless to say, these conversations make for juicier TV and more conflict. 

Closing Thoughts

Some of these rules might sound crazy, but people who produce TV shows do what they have to do for the ratings. This isn’t always beneficial for the people on the show, but if they sign a contract, they have to follow through with it. The plus side of all this is that contestants are paid for their role, and usually they leave the show with a following, even if they play the villain. It leads us to ask the question on everybody's mind: Is the show really about finding love, or is it more about providing entertainment for the viewers?

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