The Bachelor Party
Gone are the days of over-the-top, overindulgent bachelor parties. Today’s bachelor parties are low-key and creative, the guests are good friends and the atmosphere is relaxed.
Bachelor Party Etiquette
- The bachelor party is usually arranged by the best man or counterpart, in consultation with the members of the grooms party.
- Since the party is paid for by them, the event should be kept within the financial means of all. Keep the event inclusive.
- Any additional guests are good friends who are invited to the wedding as well as any siblings of the bride or groom who are not part of the wedding party. Sometimes the parents of the bride and groom are also included.
- If alcohol is served, a designated driver should be appointed, or arrangements made for taxi or limousine service. The entertainment or theme should be planned with the groom in mind.
- Whatever entertainment is planned, it should not embarrass, humiliate, endanger, or sabotage the honoree, the marriage, or any of the guests in any way.
- Try to plan the event at least a week before the wedding so all have a chance to recuperate from a late night.
The party may be a simple gathering of good friends over beer and barbecue, a night at a restaurant or an intimate dinner; a day on a boat, at the beach or on the golf course; or an afternoon of baseball, soccer, football or ultimate Frisbee. Aside from toasting the happy couple and reminiscing over great fare, the bridegroom’s dinner is like any other dinner among friends.
Bachelor parties with a twist:
- Fly tying and casting lessons in the morning, an afternoon’s fishing on a river or lake, followed by an evening around the campfire.
- A balloon ride followed by a catered picnic.
- A two-day canoe trip down a scenic river, with a dinner at an inn along the route.
- A “brew your own” beer party at a micro-brewery. (Name the beer for the groom.)
- A day’s skiing or boarding, followed by a private dinner at a ski lodge.
- Golf tournament, with “prize” dinner
