How to Plan the Greatest Bachelor Party (+ Checklist)
Were you asked to plan “the last night of bachelorhood” for your pal? Whether you’re the best man or one of the groomsmen, the task is likely to be both exciting and stressful. After all, this will be the only night like this in their life!
If it’s your first time planning this type of event, you might be feeling overwhelmed by all the things that need to be done. Setting up the guest list, picking the date, choosing the venue, and planning the activities—the list seems endless! But worry not, with our bachelor party checklist, you won’t forget about anything, and you, the groom-to-be, and all of the other guests will have the best night of their lives!
3 Months in Advance
Before we get into the checklist, here’s one principle that guarantees the perfect bachelor party: it should be all about the groom, what he imagines the event should look like, and the experiences he wants to have. As the party organizer, you just have to make sure to meet those expectations. So before we go into any details, ask the groom what he wants and make sure to include it in your planning. Then, you can get started.
1. Decide on the General Theme
Planning all the ins and outs of the party can happen later down the road. However, before getting into any details, it’s good to figure out the overall vibe of the evening: will it be just a one-night bar crawl, a multiple-day hiking journey or a Las Vegas casino trip? Knowing the general theme will help you sort out all the details as you go.
2. Create the Guest List
Work with the groom to create a guest list, and make sure that it includes his closest friends and family members. While bachelor parties are usually held for men only, be open to the groom’s suggestions, regardless of gender.
3. Choose the Date
Plan the bachelor party at least a few weeks before the wedding to allow for recovery time and avoid any potential conflicts. Once you pick the date, send out invitations to the party guests. The choice to send formal invites should be left to the groom, and it doesn’t have to be decided straightaway. For now, setting up a group chat or a Facebook event should be enough to inform guests about the upcoming event.
When choosing the date, remember that while planning it during holidays may make it easier for the guests to take a day off, costs for the venue, the transportation, and any entertainment could be greater than during off-peak times.
4. Set a Budget
Setting up a budget will help you make decisions regarding the venue, activities, and transportation. Talk to the guests about your options to make sure the budget stays within their financial comfort zone. Remember that bachelor party guests are usually expected to chip in to cover the costs for the groom.
5. Choose the Venue
Select a bachelor party venue that aligns with the groom’s preferences and the plans you have for the party. For a multiple-day party, consider renting an entire house or apartment. If you’re planning a shorter celebration, book a restaurant or a bar to give your group space to party.
Not sure where to start your venue search? Here at Tagvenue, we know how time-consuming and tiring searching for a venue can get, so we make it as easy as possible. We have listings for restaurants, bars, party venues, and many other spaces, so you’re sure to find something for your special celebration.
6. Book the Vendors
It’s crucial to book the necessary vendors in advance. Whether you are searching for live entertainment, catering services, a skilled DJ or a mixologist, research reputable vendors, read reviews, and book them early to guarantee their availability.
4–6 Weeks in Advance
With more than a month left before the party, it’s time to get into the party details.
7. Plan the Menu
When planning a menu for a bachelor party, choose things the groom likes and things that match the overall party theme. You can go with the classics, like pizza and burgers, or opt for something more unusual. For drinks, create a well-stocked bar with a selection of craft beers, signature cocktails, and non-alcoholic options to cater to everyone’s tastes.
8. Plan Party Activities
Unless that’s what the groom wants, don’t plan the entire party around drinking. Prepare a few activities that everyone can enjoy, and that will make the occasion even more special. These activities can include things like a brewery/winery tour, casino games, or a hiking trip. For more inspiration, check out our list of bachelor party ideas.
Pro tip: if you’re planning any games, make sure the groom has a chance to win at them 😉
9. Buy Party Supplies
Now it’s time to buy any party supplies you may need. These may include custom t-shirts, photo props, hangover and first-aid kits, any decorations (especially if you’re planning a themed party), games, prizes, and more.
You may also start stocking up on alcohol, drinks, and other food items that have a long expiry date, so you don’t have to do all the shopping last minute.
10. Delegate Tasks
While most of the organization lies with the best man, the groomsmen are there to help with anything as needed. Share the tasks with each other, so everyone gets a chance to enjoy the night.
11. Write Down the Agenda
Write down a rough agenda of the party—what activities you plan to include, when these will occur during the celebration, and who should be involved. Even if you don’t have all the details figured out, having a general idea of what you want to do will help keep things moving smoothly on the big day.
A Few Days Before the Party
The last few days before the bachelor party should be spent checking if you have everything you need and taking care of any emergencies that may pop up.
12. Confirm Attendance
In the last days before the bachelor party, finalize the guest list so you know how many people will show up. Run through the guest list again, and see if you’re missing any attendance confirmations.
13. Check In with the Vendors
A few days before, you can call your vendors to check that everything is in order for the party. Confirm the transportation, entertainment, food, and anything else you’re renting by making a few quick calls.
14. Buy Food and Drinks
If you’re buying food for the party yourself, you should purchase all the supplies a few days before. Pop the drinks in the cooler, and do any food prep (e.g., marinate the meats for the BBQ if you’re having one).
15. Hype the Groom
As the best man and the groomsmen, this is your number one task in the months ahead of the wedding. A big life change is coming to the groom-to-be’s life, and it’s your job to support him. So, ahead of his “last bachelor night”, hype the man up and make the night a memorable one!
Bachelor Party Tips
Before we part ways, here are a few more things you can add to your bachelor party checklist:
🤵 Capture the Memories
Document the bachelor party by hiring a professional photographer or arranging a DIY photo booth with props.
🤵 Surprises for the Groom
Incorporate surprises that are meaningful to the groom. These could include sentimental gifts, heartfelt toasts, or arranging for a virtual call with distant friends who couldn’t attend the celebration.
🤵 Transportation and Safety
Ensure everyone’s safety by arranging transportation, especially if alcohol is involved. Consider renting a limo, party bus, or ride-sharing service to travel between venues. You can also assign a designated driver or hire a professional driver if needed.
🤵 Hangover Recovery Kit
If you’re planning for the party to involve alcohol, prepare a hangover recovery kit with essentials like water bottles, pain relievers, electrolyte drinks, and light snacks.
Key Takeaways
Getting married is a life-changing moment, and preparing for it should be an exciting time for everyone involved. As a person planning the bachelor party for the groom-to-be, you may feel both thrilled and stressed. That’s why we hope our bachelor party checklist will come in handy during your preparations. Just remember, it all comes down to showing support and brotherhood to the groom, so with this in mind, you are sure to have a memorable party!
If you’re looking for more ideas for a bachelor party, check out our articles on ideas for a stag party or an alternative bucks party.
Click on the image to download a full-size bachelor party checklist.
FAQ
Who usually plans the bachelor party?
Usually, the groom’s best man or the groomsmen are responsible for organizing the bachelor party. However, it is essential to consider the groom’s preferences and involve him in the decision-making process to ensure he has the best time.
Should the groom know the bachelor party plans?
While some level of surprise can add excitement to a bachelor party, it’s important to communicate with the groom and seek his input on certain aspects. Finding a balance between surprises and keeping the groom involved in the planning process ensures a celebration that he will truly enjoy.
Is the bachelor party the night before the wedding?
Traditionally, bachelor parties were held the night before the wedding. However, it is now common for bachelor parties to be planned a few weeks or even months before the wedding day.
Do bachelor parties have themes?
The choice of having a theme is entirely based on the preferences of the groom and the group. Themes can range from a specific era or movie-inspired party to activities like a sports-themed party or a weekend getaway.
How much should each person spend on the bachelor party?
The size of a bachelor party budget is determined by various factors, including how much money the group can afford to spend and what types of activities it wishes to include. It’s important to talk openly with the guests about their budget and to make decisions that will allow everyone to contribute and enjoy the day.
Do you give the groom a gift at the bachelor party?
While not mandatory, it is a thoughtful gesture to present the groom with a gift at the bachelor party. The gift can range from sentimental tokens to fun and humorous presents. It’s also customary for the groom not to pay for his bachelor party, and this could be considered a bachelor party gift.
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