Pre-wedding parties are kind of a big deal for grooms as well, so having a bachelor party could be considered mandatory. Namely, this is considered to be the occasion when the groom is able some quality time with his closest friends before the big day. However, when is the right time to start planning the bachelor party?
The ideal time to start planning the bachelor party would be between 1 to 3 months before the wedding. Have your party at least one month before your wedding day so you can rest afterwards and get back to preparations for the big day. This timing is also convenient if you plan a destination bachelor party.
Not sure when to plan your bachelor party? Don’t worry, because we got your back. In this article, we’ll discuss the ideal time for having a bachelor party, as well as tips for planning one properly and smoothly.
When Should You Have Your Bachelor Party?
Planning a wedding can be stressful, so including more events in the lead-up can become a struggle. Although the groom is not responsible for organizing the party, he does need to decide when it should take place. Therefore, it is essential to find the sweet spot for celebrating his last night as a bachelor before the big day.
Ideally, you should start planning your bachelor party between one to three months before your wedding. This is convenient because you will have enough time to prepare for it, and then get back to the wedding preparations after it is finished. It’s likely that the last weeks before your big day are going to be hectic since there will be a lot of last-minute stuff to take care of.
Many bachelors tend to have their party at least one month before the wedding, especially if it is held at a particular destination away from their home city. Timing like this gives you the chance to take a breath from one party, and focus on the next – the more important one. You will be well-rested and ready for the main event.
However, there are some bachelors who decide to have their bachelor party one week before the wedding. This could still work, as there is still time before the wedding day. You will still have enough time to finalize details about the main event and be there for your partner in these last (possibly stressful!) moments.
Bachelor Party The Night Before The Wedding
We strongly recommend that you avoid having a bachelor party the night before the wedding like they do in the movies.
Even though it may seem fun and cool to have your party on the last night as a bachelor, it is actually the opposite. First, you and your groomsmen might end up with a nasty hangover, and that is definitely not the mood you want on your wedding day. Second, you will not have enough time to actually prepare for your big day properly, which might really stress out your partner.
Lastly, if you have your bachelor party the night before your wedding, you will be limited to having the party at the same location as the wedding.
Recently it has become more popular to have a bachelor party outside the city you live in, so if you want this to be your option, you will need more time in between.
How Much Involved Should You Be In The Planning Of Your Own Bachelor Party?
It is your bachelor party, so you will definitely have a say in it. However, it is usually up to your best man and closest friends to plan it and decide on the details, and they may even keep the details secret so they can surprise you. If you are a little bit of a control freak, you will have to let it go and let yourself be surprised.
If you’re the type of groom who wants to be 100% involved in the planning, then you will need to have a straightforward talk with your best man, or whoever is in charge. After all, it is your party, so you should have it the way you want it.
Nonetheless, organizer or not, there are decisions that need to be made by the bachelor. That is, even if you are not the organizer, you will need to talk to your friends about several details.
| Party tasks | Responsibilities of the groom | Responsibilities of the best man (or friends) |
| Determining a guest list | Chooses guests | Sends invitations |
| Figuring out the date | Picks a suitable date, or choice of dates | Makes sure that the date works for everyone |
| Picking a location | Chooses a few desired locations | Checks availability of the locations and makes reservations |
| Creating a list of activities | Chooses some activities (optional) or, sets some boundaries/no-go activities | Chooses all of the activities according to groom’s preferences |
Determining A Guest List
It is up to the groom to decide whether they want a big party or a small gathering. If you are the groom, you get to pick your guests because it is your bachelor party, and you need to enjoy it. You do not want anyone ruining your mood at such a special event, or inviting their own friends who you don’t want to be there.
Therefore, discuss with your best man who you want to invite and how big you want the party to be. After that, your best man is responsible for sending out invitations in any way they find convenient, probably by email or text message.
Figuring Out The Date
As previously discussed, you should hold your bachelor party at least a week before the wedding. Ideally, it would be at least a month before. However, you’ll need to consider that the date that works for you might not work for everyone.
Therefore, discuss several possible dates with your best man, and then, let them figure it out with other guests.
Picking A Location
As a groom, you may choose your preferred location. This is your party, so you should have it somewhere you feel comfortable. If it is a destination that requires some traveling, you need to consider the budget of other guests.
You do not want to be inconsiderate, so don’t choose something that will be too big a burden for your guests, particularly if they have expenses to attend the wedding as well. You could select a few options, and then, your best man will try to make it work for you and the guests.
Creating A List Of Activities
Usually, planning the itinerary of the bachelor party is a job for your best man and closest friends. They are the ones who plan what kind of activities are going to take place at the party. Some examples include bar crawling, sporting games, and similar stuff.
If there’s activities you really DON’T want to do, make sure you’re clear with your friends about these, particularly if there’s anything your partner wouldn’t be happy about. You don’t want to start your married life off with a fight! Your friends should respect you on this.
Are you struggling to decide how much you need to spend on your wedding?
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FAQs:
Who Pays For The Bachelor Party?
Generally, all guests are supposed to split the costs, except for the groom. The responsibility of the best man is to collect the money and pay the receipts. However, in some social groups it’s normal for the the best man to foot the bill for some or all of the activities for the entire party.
Make sure to be clear from the beginning how much guests will be expected to contribute and when. No one likes last-minute surprise bills.
Who Organizes The Bachelor Party?
Usually, it is up to the best man to organize the whole thing with the help of other groomsmen. However, there are bachelor parties in which the groom has the main role of the organizer. Talk with your best man very early on and ask how much he can be involved with planning. Don’t wait till it’s too late to have this discussion!
How Long Is A Bachelor Party?
An ordinary, local bachelor party usually lasts for one day or one night. However, if it’s a destination event it’s normal to last for two or more days, usually over the weekend.
Is It OK To Invite Someone To A Bachelor Party But Not To The Wedding?
Depending on your social circle, it may be ok to invite guests to a bachelor party if they’re not invited to the wedding. If you’re having a small wedding, then your friends might not be upset if they don’t get invited to the wedding – you’ll know them best! Just try to be upfront when you discuss it, so they aren’t waiting on a wedding invitation that isn’t going to come.
You could word it something like this: “Due to finances we’re limited to a pretty small wedding guest list. I’m really sorry. But if you would like to come to the Bachelor Party, it would be great to celebrate with you”
Are you struggling to decide how much you need to spend on your wedding?
Download our free calculator here to help you finalise your wedding budget number.