Congratulations, you’ve been chosen as the best man! Not everyone gets this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But this also means you’ll have to give the groom the send-off he deserves: a bachelor party.
According to research, two in five people consider bachelor parties more memorable than the wedding (42%). So, no pressure. While planning a send-off party for the groom, a little preparation can make it unforgettable.
But first things first, where do you start? The bachelor party can be simple or extravagant, depending on the groom’s personality. It can be a low-key weekend drinking on the coast with a few close friends or a fun-filled night clubbing for a more outgoing husband-to-be.
Before planning, consider the following to ensure you’re on the same page with the groom.
Budget
As with any other party, a bachelor party can quickly turn expensive. A survey from The Knot shows that the median cost of one day of partying was $350. It helps if you determine your budget before thinking about activities and looking at venues.
Your budget will vary significantly depending on location, activities planned, number of guests, and the groom’s preferences. Have a clear understanding of what is included in the budget, such as transportation, accommodations, activities, and food, to avoid overspending.
The budget for a bachelor party is determined by what the groom and the organizer are comfortable with spending. But remember that it’s all about creating lasting memories — not about how lavish the event is. Besides, even a fantastic party can become a disaster if the cost is a burden.
Schedule
You can hold a bachelor party any time leading to the wedding date. It’s usually held one to three months before the wedding day. For the groom’s and other attendees’ convenience, plan your bachelor party on a weekend when people don’t have work commitments.
Try to plan both bachelor and bachelorette parties on the same day. This way, the couple has similar yet different experiences to share later. Make sure you plan months before the festivities, depending on how elaborate your itinerary will be. This gives attendees enough time to complete bookings or reservations.
Activities
When thinking about fun activities for the groom, consider his interests. Does he like sports? Consider an excursion to the golf course or a private sporting event. Does he love good food? Arrange for a banquet at a sophisticated restaurant.
Contrary to what most people see on television, not all bachelor parties have strippers. But if you’re unsure if adult entertainment is necessary, consult with the groom and those in attendance. If you know everyone best, then you probably know the answer to the matter.
Alternatively, you can put hiring strippers up for an anonymous vote. However, don’t forget that the party is for the “groom” and not for other people in attendance — even if other guests are excited to hire strippers, but the groom says no, you’ll have to respect his wishes.
Whichever activity you decide on, remember to take accommodations into account. Look for conveniently located hotels or rentals that can accommodate the number of guests in your group.
Lastly, ensure that all attendees are aware of the itinerary. Give out invitations early or create a group chat to keep all involved informed. Being on the same page helps ensure everyone gets to have a good time, especially the groom!
Guests
It’s entirely up to the groom who gets invited to his bachelor party. Unless, of course, it’s a surprise and the groom left all the decisions to you, his best man.
Whoever facilitates the bachelor party should examine the guest list with the groom before sending invitations. Also, make sure that anyone who attended the bachelor party is also invited to the wedding.
Once you have a reasonable estimate for lodging and activities, share it with the group so they can make adjustments for attending. It’s imperative that you confirm attendance because once they do, they agree to a portion of the expenses. So there’s strictly no backing out.
Location
What’s the vibe and theme of your bachelor party? Is it a camping trip in a secluded wood cabin? Or is it an exciting trip to see the group’s favorite sports team compete in a playoff game?
Deciding on the vibe of your bachelor party is the first step to determining the perfect location.
Create a Night He’ll Remember
The groom’s interests should be at the forefront of the planning process when arranging a bachelor party. Activities should be chosen carefully, ensuring they are engaging and exciting for the groom and his guests.
Clear communication with the groom and guests is crucial to ensure that the event goes off without a hitch. With proper planning and attention to detail, a bachelor party can be a remarkable celebration of friendship and forthcoming nuptials.
Further Reading:
- Expert Advice: Grooms Attire for hot and humid weather
- Don’t Make Costly Mistakes: Currency Exchange Tips
