Okay, I've been in 5 or 6 weddings, but never the best man. About to embark on that, not until the end of this year though.

My question... is the bachelor party a surprise type of thing or is something you want to get his opinion on and do what he wants?

Also, how soon in advance do you start planning the bachelor party?

Maybe simplistic questions, I'm not much of an organizer, so curious. thanks

It should be to STOP THE INSANITY! Friends don't let friends get married!

Good point. Tried that.

now moving onto the inevitable.

Im thinking you should ask the guy what he wants. And if you want to be not killed by the bride to be...not to rent a stripper!!!


Some guys go golfing on their bach parties.....others drink......ask him if he even wants one.

It's totally your call. Whatever you think the groom to be would enjoy most. Usually it's best to let them know 'something' is being planned and when so they can work around that, because the calendar gets really busy during that time period.

But surprising them with 'what' as long as you are SURE they would love it .. is fun and exciting for them. Takes the stress off (usually .. altho once in a while you find someone who HATES surprises).

Enjoy!!

Ah well you are a true friend. I'd go for a surprise, that way the bride can't be pissed at him. Part of your duty is to be the "bad guy" so he can look innocent about the stag party.

My daughter would have killed her groom's brother if he'd planned anything skanky. I totally agree because a lot of women hate skank.

Maybe a day at Wrigley Field, in the bleachers.

Strippers are overrated... staying away from that, good call.

If you think he would like the game, that's actually a cool idea. The biggest thing is that it's ALL about him .. which is rare in itself, since the wedding is usually ALLLL about the BRIDE. LOL

Have fun .. good to see ya

Yea, which the wedding should be the brides day!

Nice to see you too

That's something I never understood. Why is the wedding day always supposed to be "all about the bride"? Isn't the groom making a huge sacrifice on that day, too? Or is it just another way for the woman to get the impression that she has the upper hand in everything again?

The role of the best man is to-

-get drunk

- hit on the drunken bridesmaids.

Depending if it is a second marriage or a long standing relationship some couples actually have a combined party where the have great food, maybe wine or beer or tap sodas.

If you have out of town people to help get brought from the airport; rent a suite at the Holiday Inn and let everybody jump in the pool and the hot tub.

If the weather is good gathering people at a private campground and setting up a hay ride can be fun.

Sometimes only the closest friends/family and share family history. Burn a nice DVD of Photos of both maybe with engagement/wedding pictures of parent and grandparents.

The important thing is to listen to the Bride & wedding planner so you know where you are to be and when and be on time, calm, and sober.

Go to a Party shop and pick up a couple of ettiquete books. You are going to be expected to toast the marriage at the wedding and be the second couple out on the dance floor after the bride and groom. I recommend taking a dance class so you can be smooth when you dance with the Mother's and Grandmother's as well as each of the bride's maids if they don't have partners.

Put back a few bucks (@ least $200) for an emergency fund. The Best Man is suppose to help head off emergencies. Get a list of the "Players", even pictures, and learn names and significant information like the routes to the wedding, reception, ect. .Write stuff down in a small journal. You will be nervouse and it will be easy to forget stuff.

Nothing to do with that Keith. Silly cynical Keith. LOL

Has to do with the 'party' the 'dress' the 'fashion' the 'pure unadulterated frivolity' of the wedding day.

She's the sparkle, the diamond, that comes down the aisle. Just look in the groom's face when she takes her walk. He'll confirm it. Yep. It's ALLLLL about the bride

Just a few idea:

Organizing a bachelor party is traditionally the responsibility of the best man.

Even though this is your buddy's final night as a single man, arranging a last fling is not appropriate. Do your best to put the bride's mind at ease.

Bachelor parties don't need to focus on booze and strippers. Consider group events such as sports events, paintball, golf or houseboating. A commemorative shirt for everybody can be fun. You can also consider asking the groom what he wants to do, but don't make any promises.

If the bachelor party is the night before the wedding, make sure the groom isn't going to be hungover or otherwise incapacitated for the ceremony.

Discuss potential dates and times with the groom and then confer with the rest of the wedding party.

Try not to involve the groom in anything except choosing the date, venue and guest list.

Tailor the party to fit the personality of the groom-to-be. If the groom's a big hoops fan, go to an NBA game, for example.

Solicit ideas from the other attendees.

Estimate costs ahead of time, and factor in cover charges, drinks and cab rides. Avoid collecting money during or after the event.

Arrange taxis or designated drivers if alcohol is part of the evening's plans

The key is to DE stress the groom. He shouldn't have to worry about anything but getting there.

And I totally agree with Kristi. Make sure he doesn't drink too much. His wedding day is a once in a lifetime event he will want to REMEMBER not as a headache. LOL

Boy, talk about an oxymoron!

<-----lets keith wear the tiara and viel!!! Its all about YOU babe!!