The Big Night (or Day)

Your duties as host of the bachelor party include kicking it off right and making sure everyone is having fun. Set the mood immediately by playing some upbeat music and setting out great snacks as people arrive. It’s also important to introduce all of the guests to each other; they already have something in common—the groom—so it won’t be long before everyone is old friends.

As the event wears on, check in with the groom periodically to make sure he’s enjoying the festivities. If you can tell he’s not, figure out how to remedy the situation. Does he just need a change of scenery—watching the game on the big screen at home rather than in a noisy bar? Or would he rather be doing something entirely different—doing shots at a nightclub rather than touring a brewery? Even if you think you have the perfect bachelor party planned for your buddy, it’s important to have a few tricks up your sleeve to keep the night humming: a stripper on speed dial in case he changes his mind about nudity, a few “guy” movies that you can pop into the DVD player if the poker game gets slow, etc. Don’t get upset if your carefully laid plans need to change; the important thing is ensuring that the guest of honor is having a good time.

Next: Post-bachelor details…