The Guest List
The bachelor party began as a gentlemen’s party: a civilized evening of drawing-room drinking, smoking, and toasting to the bride’s health. Boy, have things changed. While most of today’s bachelor parties have ditched the civilized bit in favor of a raunchy night on the town, the list of attendees has stayed the same. The best man throws the shindig and invites friends and relatives of the groom, usually male-only. The only caveats: The list shouldn’t include 100 of the groom’s closest friends, nor should it include people who don’t get along.
Pick the Location
Bachelor parties can take place almost anywhere. The typical bachelor party usually involves some combination of the following: booze, strippers, gambling (maybe not in that order). But, the trend these days is toward old-fashioned guyness — a weekend spent bonding in the woods, for example. Others plan high-adrenaline adventures such as white-water rafting, skydiving, or rock climbing. Tamer bachelor parties might involve a weekend in Atlantic City gambling, a round of golf and a nice steak dinner, or a fancy night at a cigar bar. Of course, weekend trips involve travel and related expenses. If time is of the essence or all parties involved are on a budget, then a local bar, a hotel room, or the best man’s apartment are fine bachelor party locales.
Time It Right
If you think the night before the wedding is the perfect time for a bachelor bash, think again. The last thing the nervous groom needs on the big day is a hangover. Plus a big night on the town before the walk down the aisle will surely stress the bride out (which is to be avoided). You should schedule the main event up to a month before the wedding and, at the very least, schedule it a week in advance, preferably on the weekend. Some people from out of town won’t be able to attend, but if they do want to show up they can use the advance notice to make plans. Be sure to send out invitations at least three weeks before the party. This way, you’ll be able to avoid scheduling conflicts.
