The Devil is in the Details

Determining the type of bachelor party is a good start, but you now need to fill in some crucial details.

• How long will it last? Is this strictly an evening affair, an all-day event, or a weekend endeavor? Some of it might depend on how tight the groom’s schedule is and the availability of the key players. If you’re planning a longer party—all-day or a weekend—it’s okay to let guests know that they can opt in only for certain events if they have a scheduling conflict (or insufficient funds).
• Who’s on the guest list? The first rule is that anyone you invite to the bachelor party must also be invited to the wedding. If there’s any question in your mind about whether the groom wants a potential guy included—or whether he’s invited to the wedding—run it past the guest of honor. Also, don’t automatically discount out-of-towners. Assuming you issue invitations well in advance of the party, people who are particularly close to the groom may want to drive or fly into town for the event.
• Where will it take place? This is often the most elusive of the party details, so don’t try to start with this. Once you’ve hit upon some ideas that your friend will like—taking in a professional sporting event, hitting the links, going to an amusement park—the venue will begin to take care of itself. If you simply need a large space to rent out, try hotels, restaurants, and dedicated event centers.
• How will we get there? There’s likely to be some drinking going on, so you may want to think about hiring a party bus or limo to take you from point A to point B (and C and D…). Yes, it’ll cost you, but it’s better than spending the groom’s wedding day in jail on a DUI charge. The great thing about group transportation is that the party never stops; you can eat, drink, and be merry on your way to the next stop. Of course, you can simply take cabs around town too.
• What about the grub? Your food and beverages depend on the venue and type of party you’re planning. If you’ll hole up at someone’s house or in a hotel room, you can make the food as fancy or low-key as you want. It may be as simple as asking each guest to bring a six-pack and a bag of chips. Or you can go all out and hire a bartender to mix up specialty drinks and a caterer to serve sushi and ribs. If you’ll end up at a restaurant during the course of the evening, make sure it’s something the groom likes, whether that’s a hole-in-the-wall bar or the nicest steakhouse in town.

Next: Setting expectation