Groom 101

Bachelor Party Ideas

Chris Easter two men sitting on a boat in the water

BACHELOR PARTY IDEAS

The opportunities are endless with things to do for the bachelor party. Maybe it’s an all-day affair or possibly a weekend celebration is in order – such as going to Vegas or arranging a float trip, hunting or fishing trip, or anything else you think the groom will enjoy.

It’s important to decide what course you want to take with the bachelor party. Hitting the bars, strip clubs, or casinos for the bachelor party are a great time – even with the accompanying next-day headache. Beware of this scene if you have worries of the groom ending up in the doghouse with his future wife.

Not going the “traditional” route does not limit you. If you’re going for the ultimate bachelor party that’s outside the norm (and that you might even remember the next day), an adventure bachelor party might be just what you’re looking for. Because, hey, who hasn’t always wanted to free-climb the Mayan Ruins? These have gained popularity among bachelors and can take place anywhere.

Here are a few bachelor party ideas that will give you some choices on how to help spend the groom’s final night of freedom.five groomsmen toasting at a party on the roof.

EXTREME SPORTS

Is the groom a thrillseeker or just enjoys getting out and active? Skydiving and bungee jumping are options if you want to push the limits of sanity. If you want to try something a little less heart-attack-inducing, there are always other extreme sports like zip-lining, hiking trips, and paintball. Keep in mind the weather when planning for these activities.

BREWERY / WINE TOUR / PUB CRAWL

Is the groom a connoisseur of beer or wine? No? Well, that doesn’t really matter. Brewery tours (and/or wine tours) are really fun. You get to enjoy your favorite beverages while expanding your knowledge and appreciation of them. Some tours include snacks or even a meal at the end of the tour. Not into the brewery tours? How about a pub crawl?

Although pub crawls do not seem unique, you can always make it more exciting with themes or competitions to spice things up. Have each groomsman put their favorite bar down and then visit each one. Not only will you have fun doing this, but you will learn a little more about your friends along the way.

Live in a city that has a Pedal Pub? Be sure to use that as your means of transportation if you can. Drink as you work out – what better way is there?

GOLF TRIP

Always wanted to take a weekend golf trip? This could be the ideal time to make that wish a reality. The bachelor party is a once-in-a-lifetime event, so why not play a once-in-a-lifetime golf course? Some top public golf courses you can plan a trip to are Pebble Beach (CA), Pinehurst (NC), Shadow Creek (NV), TPC Sawgrass (FL), or the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail (Southeast US).

Of course, you can always plan a 36-hole affair in the groom’s hometown as well. This can be a fun option for including the dads, uncles, cousins, and any other relatives you may want to invite. Call in advance to set up a tee time for the entire group and find a course that is fun for varying levels of experience.

If your group isn’t ready to commit to 18 holes, check out Top Golf instead.

WATER SPORTS

A weekend at the lake is perfect for the summer and can provide adventure and still give you some time to kick back and get your drink on. Popular water sports are waterskiing, wakeboarding, white water rafting, and tubing. Just make sure the driver of the boat is sober and can make you do this!

wake boarder at sunset

FISHING

Fishing is one of the most incredible experiences a guy will ever experience. If you’ve never been and you live moderately close to a lake or the ocean, definitely consider this trip as part of the bachelor party weekend. Chartering a fishing boat can be fun, and it’s a no-brainer for grooms who love fishing. But even if all of the guys aren’t fishermen, most people can quickly learn the basics.

(*The Man Registry is not responsible for any shark attacks incurred on deep-sea fishing trips – stay safe!)

Planning a bachelor party in the winter? Try ice fishing! Research optimal areas that will be able to provide you with this unique experience. There really is nothing like bonding with the boys in frigid temperatures while sitting around a small hole in the ice waiting to get a bite.

Maybe you will, maybe you won’t. But it’s really not about the fish, it’s about the loving memories you’ll be creating. (This paragraph sponsored by Dr. Phil.)

four fishing reels in a boat ready to fish in Islamorada , Florida

ROAD TRIP

What do you get when you have an RV, a group of rowdy men and miles of open road? Something comparable to The Hangover most likely. A road trip is your chance to see the states like you’ve never seen them before; with all your best friends! Supply your sustenance, pick places to stop and be sure to mingle with the locals.

Whether you go to Vegas and gamble all your money away or you find every food challenge location ever aired on Man vs. Food, the groom and the rest of the groomsmen will always remember (but never tell) all the crazy adventures you went on while touring the states.

Planning a Bachelor Party Road Trip?

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MOUNTAIN CLIMBING

Unless you’re a professional or do this kind of thing on a regular basis, what we’d recommend is more of a hike. If Mt. Everest isn’t in your price range, there’s some great mountain climbing right here in the states. Consider California, Colorado, Tennessee, North Carolina, or up-state New York.

MOTORSPORTS

NASCAR Experience Weekend, 4-wheeling, dune buggying, go-karting… you get the picture.

man riding atv vehicle on off road track

SKI TRIP

If the wedding is in the winter, a ski trip can be a great time. If Aspen isn’t in your budget, don’t worry. Most large cities in the U.S. have a local skiing destination complete with fake snow and beginner’s classes. They may even offer special group packages for the bachelor party.

CAMPING

Do you or one of the groomsmen have a cabin? Here is a way to save a little money and still have a great time! Seclude you and the rest of the merry men up at a cabin for a weekend. You can supply your own food and beverages and come up with some manly events to entertain yourselves.

Examples? Hunting, four wheeling, fishing, and, of course, drinking.

Create competitions to make things a little more interesting. If you don’t own a cabin, you can always rent one or rough it out and sleep in tents. What better way to bond with your friends than recreating a Man vs. Wild experience.

IF THE GROOM IS A CARD SHARK

Reserve a hotel room at a local casino and the group can gamble, eat, and drink all evening. The bonus is having a place to stay at the end of a long night partying.

roulette table

SKY BOX OR CLUB LEVEL SEATING TO A SPORTING EVENT

Sporting events are a man’s best friend, so what better way to spend time with each other than watching your favorite sport in style? Skyboxes are usually owned by companies or by someone’s rich uncle. If you can, find this rich uncle and ask him if you guys can take over the box for a game.

If you can’t get a private skybox, try looking into club-level seating. It still has that luxury feeling but is probably more attainable than your private suite.

Another idea is to look into independent league teams and what they have to offer for special events. It’s usually less expensive, just as fun, and sometimes more unique (Hot tubs in the outfield? Don’t mind if I do!)

Whichever route you go, be sure to try and find out if there is a way that members in your group can be included in the promotional contests in between periods, quarters, innings, or whatever.

STRIP CLUB

Let’s be honest, when it comes to bachelor parties, the first thing that most men think of is strippers. Yep, nothing says “I’m about to get married” like a strange naked woman dancing all over the groom. A “pole and tassel” themed stag night isn’t for every guy.

Your job is to find out what kind of bachelor party is acceptable for not only the groom… but also his bride-to-be. Naturally, you want to give your groom a proper send-off into married life, but not at the cost of ruining the mood of the wedding if his fiancée finds out what went down during the bachelor party.

Always keep in mind that a bachelor party trip to the club can downhill in a hurry for any number of reasons. Remember to play by the rules and always have the groom’s back. Don’t let him do anything stupid. Also keep in mind that if the guests are rude or do something stupid (like trying to take pictures or video), the party’s over.

TMR Tip: Just remember, bachelor parties don’t always have to include poles and tassels to be fun. The alternate ideas listed above are just a few possibilities. The bottom line is to find an activity that fits the groom and to celebrate the end of his bachelorhood while spending some quality time with his friends.

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