The bachelor party is a tradition as old as time. It’s meant to be a celebration of the groom-to-be and his last night of freedom before he settles down with his bride-to-be. It doesn’t matter if your groom is 18 or 60, this event is about enjoying yourself and celebrating the upcoming nuptials with friends. In fact, some people like to throw parties for their buddies even if they aren’t getting hitched! If you’re looking for ideas on how to throw the best bachelor party ever but don’t have much money to spend, we’ve got you covered. From road trips in classic cars to paintballing at night with glow sticks—we’ll show you how easy it can be to plan a fun night out on a budget that won’t break the bank or leave everyone broke afterwards.
Bachelor Party Etiquette
What Is a Bachelor Party?
A bachelor party is a party thrown for the groom-to-be before his wedding. The idea is to let the groom have fun in preparation for settling down with one woman for the rest of his life. Usually, the party is thrown by friends of the groom and he’s present at it—though there are some exceptions where he might not participate.
The tradition dates back centuries, but has evolved over time into its current form: a night out on the town with your closest friends, usually featuring heavy drinking and strippers (if you’re lucky).
Who Throws a Bachelor Party?
- The groom’s friends and family are the most common organizers of bachelor parties.
- This can include the best man, who is typically tasked with planning a bachelor party for his friend.
- Sometimes the groom’s father hosts a party for his son as well, sometimes with help from other men in the family or close friends of both parties involved.
- Brothers, uncles and cousins also throw bachelor parties on occasion—but they’re not nearly as common as other groups mentioned above because these people tend to live closer to each other than they do other relatives or friends who may be celebrating with them at their own event later on down the road (and therefore wouldn’t necessarily need extra help).
When Do You Throw a Bachelor Party?
Bachelor parties are usually held 1-4 months before a wedding. They’re not typically held the night before the wedding anymore. In the past, a final night of freedom was common before tying the knot with a wife or girlfriend. Nowadays, bachelor parties are often held a month before the wedding to have enough time for recovery from any hangover before the big day.
Is It Okay To Plan a Bachelor Party for a Holiday Weekend?
Yes, it is okay to plan a bachelor party for a holiday weekend. The most important thing is to make sure everyone is comfortable with the plans. If you’re planning a bachelor party for Labor Day weekend, make sure you have the right permits and licenses.
As long as everyone’s on board with the idea of having fun during their time off from work or school, then it’s all good!
How Involved Should the Groom Be In Planning the Bachelor Party?
Whether you’re planning a small bachelor party or a larger affair, it’s best for the groom to be involved in some capacity. “Sometimes the groom is completely surprised by the entire weekend, and leaves it all to the best man,” says Rester. “Or sometimes the groom likes to be involved in all the planning that occurs to ensure a great weekend for him and his friends/family!”
Who Gets Invited to a Bachelor Party?
The groom is the one who decides how big his bachelor party should be, as well as who will attend. Some grooms might have small wedding parties but extend the invitation to close friends and family who they think would make the weekend even more fun. Whoever is planning the bachelor party should clear the guest list with the groom before sending out invites, and anyone who attends a bachelor party should also be invited to attend both days of your wedding as an invitee or guest.
Do I Need To Send Formal Invitations?
Invitations are a nice gesture, but you don’t need to send formal ones. Skip the paper invites and get the attendees on a group text chain to decide on important info like dates and location, and then move the conversation over to email when it’s time to book hotels and flights.
Separate yourself from your peers by skipping these outdated practices that are only going to add an extra layer of complexity and stress—and cost—to your bachelor party planning process.
Who Pays for the Bachelor Party?
I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “It’s every man for himself.” This is usually true when it comes to bachelor party planning. All attendees pay their own way, including food, lodging and activities. The planner should give everyone an average estimate of these costs before the guests send any money for deposits or book airfare. Sometimes the parents of the groom will pay for a portion of the costs, whether that’s a meal or part of the cost of your hotel stay or house rental (if you’re staying in one).
If you are hosting a bachelor party at home with friends and family members who live nearby, then it might be worth asking them if they’d like to chip in on some beer or pizza during your get-togethers so that everyone feels included and gets what they want out of their evening with you!
Do You Give Gifts at a Bachelor Party?
It’s not a requirement, but it’s a nice gesture.
A bachelor party gift is not required, though some attendees choose to bring small tokens that can be enjoyed by the group during the festivities. Typically these include alcohol, cigars, sports equipment, or party games. Another iteration is for the group to cover the groom’s cost at one of the events, such as a dinner out, a round of drinks, or a particular outing.
What To Bring To A Bachelor Party
For a bachelor party, deciding on a gift can be challenging as the focus is often on having fun rather than receiving gifts. If the groom desires gifts, he should mention it in the invitation. Below is a list of suggested gifts for a bachelor party.
- A 10 piece leather golf ball travel set.
- Man card wallet bottle opener
- Bottles of wine
- Stemless wine glass
- Liquor decanter set
- Leather tech organizer
- Man snacks bucket
- Portland growler
- Mason jars
- Oversized beer mugs
- Glass barware
Is It Okay To Hire Strippers?
Strippers are something of an oddity when it comes to bachelor parties. Most people associate naked women dancing on poles with bachelorettes, but not so much with grooms—and that’s because they’re usually wrong! Contrary to just about every media reference, not all bachelor parties include strippers. In fact, many don’t even mention them in passing: It’s just assumed that if you hire strippers for your friend’s last night as a single man, then he’ll be thoroughly entertained.
This is something you should only consider if the groom and his friends are comfortable with it—and if you’re unsure of whether adult entertainment is expected, it’s best to consult with the groom and the group that will be in attendance. If you already know everyone well enough, you probably have a good grasp on the matter. Otherwise…the choice is up to your guy or gal! Just be mindful of the fact that this party is for the groom, and less so everyone else in attendance (though we do encourage everyone having fun). If the groom isn’t keen on adult entertainment but everyone else wants it anyway…well then we’d say go ahead!
Steps to Planning a Bachelor Party
1. Determine the Guest List
Choose who you want to invite and decide on the number of attendees. Consider inviting those not in the wedding to include more people.
2. Choose a Theme and Location
Pick a theme for the party and decide on a location that fits the vibe. Consider options like a sports game, camping trip, etc.
3. Set a Date
Pick a few weekends and get input from attendees on their availability. Choose the best date that works for everyone.
4. Book Accommodations
Opt for a house rental instead of hotel rooms for destination bachelor parties. Renting a house makes meal planning and parking easier and creates opportunities for bonding.
5. Plan Activities
Schedule downtime and plan 2-3 group activities like golf, sporting event, brewery tour, or bar crawl. Avoid cramming too many events.
6. Arrange Group Meals
Plan meals ahead of time, stock the pantry, book restaurant reservations if possible, and get some meals catered.
7. Confirm Attendance
Share estimates for booking and activities, get RSVPs and confirm attendance. Let attendees know they’re responsible for their portion of expenses once they confirm.
Our Top Bachelor Party Ideas
Bachelor parties offer opportunities for creating unforgettable moments for the groom and his friends. Consider classic destinations like Vegas or bar crawls, or opt for modern options like brewery tours or gaming nights. Make the most of the celebration, here are some top bachelor party ideas.
1. Road Trip
Road trips are a classic bachelor party idea, and for good reason: They’re cheap and easy to plan. You can drive to a nearby city or state for the day, or even make it a mini-vacation by renting an RV at one of those places that look like they’re straight out of “The Flintstones.” If you do decide to go on an overnight road trip with your friends, be sure to stock up on snacks!
2. Skydiving
Why not sneak in a little adrenaline and some excitement into your bachelor party? Skydiving is the perfect activity for this. It can be done in many locations around the world, it’s cheap, and it will be remembered for years to come!
3. Paintball
Whether you’re looking to host a bachelor party or simply want to do something fun with friends, paintball is an excellent option. It’s inexpensive, and can be done in most major cities. Even better: it can be enjoyed by people of all ages!
Paintball requires little skill and is a great way for groups of people who don’t know each other very well to get acquainted in a fun and competitive setting. Be sure to give them something challenging to shoot at—a cardboard cutout of the groom-to-be might not hold up against their onslaught!
4. Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a great place to have a bachelor party.
It’s got everything you could want in a bachelor party: gambling, drinking, gorgeous women and drinking. And if that’s not enough for you, it also has an abundance of things to do beyond those four things—you can watch magic shows, go skydiving or ride roller coasters. If you really want to make it special, you could even get married while there!
In fact, there are so many options when it comes to what your group will do while in Las Vegas that we had to create subcategories.
5. White Water Rafting
- The thrill of white water rafting is as much about the physical and mental challenge as it is about the adrenaline rush.
- You’ll need to work in a team to navigate rapids and overcome challenges, so you can be sure that everyone will get involved and enjoy themselves.
- It’s easy to see why this activity has become popular among bachelor parties over the years.
6. Bar Crawl
If you’re looking for bachelor party ideas that are low-key and fun, this one is for you. A bar crawl is a great way to get the whole group together for some drinks and a night of laughs. Take a trip around your favorite bars in your hometown or book a weekend away in a city the groom has always wanted to visit. You could also do this as part of an epic pub crawl through London, where there are hundreds of pubs with different themes and types of beer just waiting for you to try!
7. New York City
One of the best destinations for a bachelor party is New York City. Naturally, there are plenty of things to do in this city that will make your friends’ last night out memorable and fun.
8. Bungee Jumping
Bungee jumping is a thrill-seeking activity that involves jumping from a platform or cliff, with a cord attached to the jumper’s ankles. It is performed for fun and competitive purposes, or to raise money through charity fundraisers.
Try your hand at another extreme sport with bungee jumping. This is perfect for adventure seekers, and it’s a thrilling way to start off the day before relaxing for the afternoon and heading to the city for a late night.
9. Brewery Tour
While bar crawls are an institution for bachelor parties, if your groom isn’t into debauchery and drinking games, why not try a brewery tour instead? Research local breweries or book a trip to visit the home of his favorite beer for a sophisticated take on a bachelor party classic. If your guest of honor isn’t a fan of beer, try a distillery tour instead.
10. Laid Back BBQ
A barbecue is a great way to celebrate the groom’s last night of freedom. It doesn’t have to be anything too fancy – just enough to get everyone together and help him celebrate before he ties the knot!
Here are some ideas for how you can throw an amazing backyard BBQ:
- Get your best chef on deck! If you don’t want to do it yourself, consider asking a friend who knows how to cook or hire someone who will make sure all your bases are covered.
- Having guests over? Make sure there is plenty of seating for everyone so that no one has to stand around uncomfortably for long periods of time (unless they want).
- Consider renting tables or picnic tables if your yard isn’t big enough for all those hungry guests! You could even rent some lawn games like cornhole boards if there’s room in your budget (and space!)
11. Scavenger Hunt
A fun twist on a bachelor party, why not take your guest of honor on a tour around the city with a scavenger hunt. Have him and his friends scout around, seeking clues themed around his life, journey and future. Make this a team game and see who can reach the end of the hunt the fastest to win a prize or just bragging rights.
12. Rock Climbing
If the groom-to-be loves the outdoors and spending his weekends hiking or climbing, see if you can find a rock climbing adventure for his bachelor party. Climbing is a great way to experience the beautiful landscape and enjoy some laughs with friends. If an outdoor climb feels too challenging, look for an indoor climbing centre where you can combine this with another activity like laser tag or bowling.
13. Sporting Events
If you’re in the mood for something a bit more active, consider taking your friends to their favorite sporting event. Even if you’re not a sports lover, it can be a fun experience for the whole group. You could try going out for beer or food before or after and see if any of your buddies want to play some pool at the bar—or just hang out and enjoy each other’s company.
14. Winter Sports Getaway
Winter sports are a great way to celebrate a bachelor party. It’s not just about the adrenaline rush of skiing down slopes or snowboarding off jumps. These thrill sports also give you an excuse to get everyone together for one of those memorable trips you never got around to taking, especially if you live in warm climates like Florida or California.
Rally the groom’s closest friends for a winter sports getaway. Ski, snowboard, and try other alpine sports in a mountain location—and don’t forget about après-ski activities!
15. Video Game Night
Video game night is a great option for the groom who wants to stay in with his buddies. You can host an all-nighter where you battle it out against each other on the latest release or stage an ultimate retro game night. Make it the perfect evening with plenty of pizza, snacks and a fully stocked bar.
16. Play poker
Perfect for a lean budget. Grill steaks, get beer from a cheap grocery store, and play Texas Hold ‘Em with a $20 buy-in.
17. Taste whiskey
Not cheap. But arranging your own private “tasting” at a posh whiskey bar—like any of these in New York—lets you class-up an ordinary bar experience.
18. Rent a beach house
Having enough guys chip in will make renting a house cheaper than a hotel, gives you a very Old School-style vibe, and increases the likelihood that the groom will pass out. A good bachelor party should always have that goal. (Unless the bachelor party occurs at the last minute before the wedding.) You would never schedule these events, right?)
19. Fish
Maybe. Obviously, this depends on the personality of the groom. Some guys will find it boring—profoundly so—to stare, for hours and hours, at a tranquil sea of water. He’ll get enough of this tedium in marriage.
20. Skydive
Most guys want to go skydiving…but never do because of the eye-popping cost. (Hundreds of dollars for only a few minutes fun—it’s a worse $/minute ratio than a high class hooker.) Like cigar tasting, you might as well live it up now.
21. Feast on steak
Maybe your group has tons of dough but can’t find a weekend to all get away. No problem: rent a limo and go for a steak dinner. Especially if this is not the kind of lifestyle your groom is used to, this will make him feel like royalty.
22. Ride The Wave
For some men, connecting with nature is a true pleasure, and this is especially true for a bachelor party. Surfing lets you forget about the world for a while and reconnect with your inner self. Waves of excitement and clarity are inspiring.
The cost of sharing this experience is priceless, but it costs between $25 and $100 for lessons. Make sure you ask if the wetsuits and board are included. Moreover, you can’t surf 24/7. Make sure you plan a few bachelor party games when downtime comes.
Conclusion
The best bachelor party ideas are ones that the groom and his friends enjoy. Make sure to take into account any allergies or medical conditions when planning your event and be sure to have a backup plan in case something goes wrong.
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