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- Wedding Ideas & Advice for the Couple, Wedding Party and Guests

Bachelor Party: A Boys Night to Remember

Thinking of throwing a bachelor party? Push those thoughts of bad-boy movies out of your mind, and take a few words of advice from us instead. Here’s some general guidelines to throwing a fun and memorable party for your buddy.
Who started this tradition?
Traditionally, bachelor parties were originally called bachelor dinners or stag parties. It’s believed that the bachelor party started in the fifth century in Sparta, where military soldiers would feast and toast one another on the eve of a friend’s wedding. Funny enough, the custom is relatively the same today. Some people believe that X-rated antics are key to a successful bachelor party - but that doesn’t have to be the case. There are many ways to toast your friend’s marriage.
Who attends?
Chances are if the responsibility of throwing the bachelor party has landed on your shoulders, you’re the best man. The guest list should include other members of the wedding party and/or other very close male friends and family. Check with the groom-to-be to see if he would like to invite his younger brother, father or father-in-law to this event. If the answer is yes, you might want to make the party G- or PG-rated.
When do we have the party?
It’s a good idea to throw the party at least a few weeks before the wedding day. It’s definitely not a good idea to celebrate your friend’s impending marriage the day before his nuptials - everyone needs their beauty sleep. Keep in mind, if you have guys traveling in from out-of-town, make sure you give them several weeks notice so they can make flight arrangements.
Where should we have it?
Every groom has his own idea of fun - and the party you throw for your friend should reflect what he defines as a great time with the guys. Sure, he might be the type who wants an all-night party. But if he’s not, there are plenty of other options. How about a camping or ski weekend? Even a day of golf followed by a delicious steak dinner would be an excellent idea. However, the larger the guest list, the more you may have to think about a budget. In that case, a bachelor party at someone’s home or a hotel can also be an option.
Final Thoughts
As the host of the party, you’re in charge of the groom and his good time. You also want to make sure that the other party members are having fun too - in a safe and responsible way.
Keep it Safe - Be very careful that people don’t drink and drive. Hire a limo for the night or make sure you have the phone number of a dependable taxi service.
Cost Conscious - Make sure that you oversee the costs of the evening. Since you’re treating the groom, you want to take care of money arrangements privately. Before the party, discuss how you want to pay for the evening with the other guests.
Your main job as host? Make sure the groom is having fun. And remember to bring a camera - the groom will thank you for the memories.
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