Looking to plan the perfect bachelor party? Here are a few tips to start planning it to be the best day ever. 

Get the Groom’s Input 

Don’t be the hero and think you know everyone that should be going to the bachelor party. The groom may have other ideas who he wants there. If you’re the one organizing, get the groom to send you everyone he wants to invite, and all their contact information.

It’s also important to ask if there are any for sure NO GO things. That could be travel, gentlemen’s clubs, other activities. Respect his wishes, it’s his decision. But let’s be real the day isn’t just about him! There’s a good chance a lot of the group won’t know each other so it’s a great way to meet new people, especially before the wedding. 

Communication Set Up

Technology sure makes things a lot easier. After getting everyone’s contact information, in case you’ve been living under a rock, download the app “What’s App”, and start a group where everyone can discuss all things related to the planning. Some of the dinosaurs of the group may not be all tech savvy so make the exception to call or keep them in the loop somehow. If there are a lot of people, have each guy in the wedding party responsible for a group, or the "speaker." 

Pick a Date

Don’t plan the bachelor party too far ahead of the wedding or too close. Too far in advance and it feels like it’s separate from the wedding. Too close to the wedding and that’s a big kick to the wallet (and liver) in a short amount of time. Spreading things out is more fun and in most cases easier for time off work/school. Keep it within that 1-3 month's range and shoot for a three-day trip.Try for 2 full days of activities. Either get in on Thursday night or Friday morning. Anything more and guys are burnt out. The more notice the better, especially for the guys that have families and a lot going on. It’s unlikely that everyone will be able to go but give 3-6 month’s notice for dates and get feedback from the group what works best. People hate short notice – this will maximize the people that attend. 

Pick a Location

Too many stags stay local. I highly recommend going away. Even if it’s close by, pick a spot where you can’t go back to your own bed. Real-life things get in the way and are distractions so go away somewhere! A destination bachelor party is a great idea if people live all over the place.

We had a bachelor party group where half lived in Manitoba and half in Alberta. Regardless of where we decided, people had to travel. With cheap flights to Arizona, we figured it was the perfect place - also because it’s a great sports city. We planned it when the groom’s favourite team was in town. The only warning is don’t do a destination if you spend more time in airports, or driving than actually having a good time. Go for direct flights and travel no more than half a day. 

Finances

For the planners, consider what people can afford. At the end of the day, you want to make it as accessible for as many people. If you want, give each person in the wedding party a role to focus on getting information and costs. Things like accommodations, restaurants/nightlife, activities, clothing themes, or transportation. It’s easier for one person to pay for an Airbnb or tickets to a sporting event and then split things up afterwards.

Start a spreadsheet for tracking purposes and invite an accountant on the trip to volunteer his services ;). Then guys can add taxi receipts or anything else agreed upon and make each person responsible for submitting expenses. Whoever is tracking can come up with a grand total then average everything out and compare it to who paid what. Then it’s a matter of moving money around. Thank god for spreadsheets and internet banking.

Chip in so the groom doesn’t have to pay for anything or at least the major expenses. The larger the group the less extra for each person. 

Surprise or Not?

There really isn’t a correct answer for this one. If you can pull off a surprise bachelor party go for it. Fair warning, it’s a lot of work. You’ll need to get buy-in from his fiancé, boss, whoever else affected. And you have to make sure no one spills the beans. Why not do the in between? Tell him what weekend it is but leave the details vague. This way the weekend has built up excitement for him and he is left guessing.

If you really want to take it a step further, throw out an accidental fake message to really psych him out.

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