Getting married soon? Have a friend who’s about to get hitched? If the answer to either of those questions is yes, then it’s time to start thinking of some bachelor party ideas.
If your bachelor party does take you and your friends someplace abroad, you’d best prepare. Brush up on your luggage-packing skills by reading this guide on how to pack a suitcase efficiently. You’ll thank yourself later. It’d be a waste of a trip to come back from abroad empty-handed, wouldn’t it?
What is a Bachelor Party?
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Simply put, a bachelor party is a celebration held to commemorate someone’s final nights as an unmarried man. Events like these vary in length, with some lasting only one night. On the other hand, some bachelor parties can last days or even weeks, depending on how everyone is willing to party.
Bachelor parties are often organized and hosted by the groom’s best man or best friends. It’s also possible for the groom-to-be to set up the bachelor party himself. The bottom line is that friends all work together, collaborating to give the groom a proper sendoff as he enters the next stage of his life as a married man. Familial responsibilities will keep him occupied for a long time. It’s best if you and your friends party as much as you can before the groom-to-be gets too busy.
The groom typically invites some of his closest friends and relatives to the bachelor party. More often than not, this kind of event is for men exclusively, but this isn’t a strict rule. You’re free to invite friends of other genders if ever you feel they deserve a spot at your bachelor party.
Morning to Afternoon Bachelor Party Ideas
Some bachelor parties are best done while the sun is still out. Listed below are five bachelor party ideas that can be done from the morning up until the afternoon.
1. Kart Racing
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If you feel like getting your game face on and racing your friends around a track, then try kart racing. When it comes to plotting the perfect bachelor party, it ticks all the right boxes: it’s thrilling, something everyone can take part in, and a novel experience that’s sure to stick with you forever.
Odds are you and your friends have never had the chance to go racing around in automobiles before. Given that drag racing is illegal and it’s very unlikely you’re professional racers, you’ll have to do with the more accessible and beginner-friendly kart racing instead.
2. Shooting/Archery Range
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Nothing says masculinity like unloading a dozen rounds into a target dummy with a big, heavy gun. It’s not every day you and your friends get to go to a shooting range, so the novelty of the experience alone could make for a memorable party. Depending on your country, you might need to get a license to own or utilize firearms. Once you’ve got one, however, you should be set.
If firing guns isn’t your jam, you could always hit the archery range instead. More often than not, archery ranges come with specialized courses that feel more game-y than anything. You and your friends could make fun competitions out of it. Archery tag, for instance, lets you form teams to go toe to toe against one another, firing foam-tipped arrows until one team remains.
3. Obstacle Courses, Homemade or Otherwise
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Admittedly, this does sound a little ridiculous at first. There’s no denying that they look incredibly fun, though. You and your friends likely watched television series like Wipeout or American Ninja Warrior in the past — both of which are classic examples of obstacle courses. If you’re lucky, you might be able to find one within your city. If that’s the case, then go wild! Let the groom unleash his inner child one last time before tying the knot.
However, if there aren’t any venues for obstacle courses within your area, don’t fret. You could always try something a little different to mix it up. By that, we mean making an obstacle course at home for the groom-to-be.
That’s right. Think back to the good old days when you and your friends used to run around and play all sorts of kooky games at home. Since getting married effectively marks the end of a man’s childhood, why not have a little fun before sending him off by having an at-home field day of sorts?
With household supplies, furniture, and appliances, you could work together with some mates to create an obstacle course in someone’s backyard. With items like pool noodles, cones, wooden planks, and fabric, you could make many different kinds of obstacles. For instance, you can create tunnels for people to crawl through or a plank or seesaw for people to balance on.
You don’t have to stop there, however. Why not take it a step further and plan out even more exciting party activities such as games that you and your friends played as children? Musical chairs, spoon races, and outdoor games like dodgeball are a surefire way to put a smile on everyone’s faces.
Just don’t say you weren’t warned when the tears start rolling. Nostalgia’s one of the most powerful feelings in the world, after all. In a few years time, you and your friends might feel nostalgic over a bachelor party like this one.
4. Skydiving
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It’s very, very likely that you’ve never gone skydiving before. The odds of you even knowing someone who’s done it are equally slim. Bachelor parties are meant to be memorable, and there are a few things more memorable than leaping out of an airplane, plummeting miles off the ground, and landing with all your limbs intact.
Skydiving is one of the more thrilling bachelor party ideas on the list. It’s an activity that’s best done while the sun is still out. Knowing how to land is an important step, but it’s more important to know where to land. This step becomes significantly more difficult if visibility is poor. Night-time skydiving does exist, though the darkness makes it significantly riskier. To prevent potential accidents, a special license is required for those interested in skydiving with flares in the evening.
5. Paintball
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Feeling a little competitive? Why not commemorate the occasion by dividing your group of friends into two teams and battling against one another? Celebrate your buddy’s upcoming wedding with a trip to a local paintball field and take turns shooting one another! However, if partnering up isn’t your jam, you could always opt for a free-for-all match — the winner being the last man standing.
Paintball is a game that’s as fast as it is fun, and it definitely gets your heart racing. Take care, though. Getting hit with a paintball hurts; doubly so if you don’t wear some kind of protective armor. Luckily, most paintball fields offer all the equipment necessary for first-timers, such as body armor you can borrow, protective masks and goggles, and even the paintball guns themselves.
The best thing about paintball is the activity doesn’t take up the entire day. You can squeeze in some additional activities after the sun’s set. Better yet, you and your friends will be pumped up and full of adrenaline after spending the morning running and gunning. This doesn’t change the fact that paintballing in itself could be a fun bachelor party idea, and you could spend the whole day at the paintball field if you and your friends are up for it.
Just be warned that if you don’t play responsibly, you’ll likely end up injuring yourself. Coaches and moderators on the field will warn you on site, but it’s best to be informed just in case.
- Always wear protective goggles or masks. Never take them off while you’re on the field.
- When you’re eliminated, announce that you’ve been shot by saying “Out!” to avoid getting shot at further.
- Do not alter, remove, or tamper with the cylinder or valve of your paintball gun.
- Be sure not to shoot at other players with the intent to cause injury or harm.
- Under no circumstances should you play paintball under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Late Night Bachelor Party Ideas
While some bachelor parties are best done while the sun is still out, others are infinitely more enjoyable after sundown. This is largely because such activities are best accompanied with liquor. There’s an unspoken rule that you’re not allowed to drink in the morning and afternoon, after all. Listed below are five bachelor party ideas that are best done late at night.
6. Beach Bonfires
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Beaches are fun. Bonfires are fun. Mix the two and you’ve got something good going. Hosting a bachelor party on the beach makes for a fun and novel experience as you seldom get the window to have the beach to yourself. More often than not, you’ll be forced to share it with other beachgoers — doubly so if you stay in a resort.
Staying at a private beach house eliminates that possibility. Because of this, it’s one of the better bachelor party ideas when it comes to guaranteeing a good time.
The best part? Having a bonfire by the beach means you’re less likely to run into strangers. This is especially true if you find yourself staying at an Airbnb. Because of this, it’s generally a lot safer with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic. You can relax and take off your masks for this one.
Having a beach bonfire party means you and your friends are free to drink, cook, and swim as much as you like. Enjoy a trip to the beach like never before with a bonfire and some booze!
7. Casinos
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Gambling isn’t for everyone, but if you and your friends are keen on spending the evening dressed up and pushing your luck, then a trip to the casino could be the bachelor party for you. Casinos are great partially because it’s likely you’ll be able to get yourself a nice meal and a few drinks while you’re there. Smoking lounges are also open. If you’re the type who enjoys a little competition, you can also play against your friends at card game tables, roulettes, and betting games.
The kicker is you’ll have to pay close attention to the people attending the party. Among the bachelor party ideas presented thus far, you’ll need to take extra care with this one. You have to make sure you and your friends are old enough to gamble, and that none of you should have a history of gambling addiction. You must also consider whether or not they’re interested in gambling, to begin with. People don’t like losing money for nothing, even if there is a chance to win big.
8. Outdoor BBQ
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Outdoor BBQs are one of the first few concepts that come to mind when one thinks of bachelor party ideas at home. They’re fun, they’re easy to organize, and there are many factors you can control. Unlike celebrating a bachelor party at a restaurant outside, you won’t have to worry about outsider interference here. You’re free to invite your friends to grill up meals and down some bears together. Backyard stag parties also come with the added benefit of being customizable.
If you and your friends are keen on getting your game on, set up a table for poker night. If you want to get drunk, bring out a cooler and stuff it full of beer. Since the entire party takes place at your house, you can control what you want to set up and where.
9. Karaoke
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Sure, you could have a karaoke party any other day. What makes this one any different? And sure, you could argue that spending your evening at a karaoke bar or singing at home sounds like a waste of a bachelor party. They’re meant to be novel, and they’re meant to be memorable.
You could argue all of these things, but does that make you right?
Probably! But consider this:
Karaoke parties are one of the best bachelor party ideas because they’re an activity that complements other activities. Instead of just going for a simple house party, you could invite everyone for drinks and have a karaoke night. The same goes for ordering fancy food. You have dinner together with your friends, then immediately belt it out to some of your favorite tunes. What’s not to love?
10. Strip Clubs
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Of course. It was only a matter of time until this made the list. It’s an age-old bachelor party idea that’s persisted for generations. While you might find a bachelor night like this uninspired, there’s nothing wrong with doing something a little more cliche. After all, going to a strip club right before getting married is a time-honored tradition. While it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, there’s no denying that it can be fun and lighthearted with the right company.
Strip clubs themselves are simple. You walk in, take a seat, and buy a few drinks. All the while, you get to look at gorgeous women dancing to their heart’s content as loud music plays in the background. You could even ask for a private dance if you’re feeling particularly bold. Possibly even ask for a lap dance.
Just be sure to get approval from the bride-to-be first. You wouldn’t want to start a fight right before the wedding. Since it’s a once-in-a-lifetime occasion, she’ll likely agree to it so long as her future husband follows the unspoken rules of any strip club: look, but don’t touch.
Some women might even feel uncomfortable with their partners getting lap dances, so know where the two of them draw the line.
Speaking of drawing lines, you’ll need to practice proper strip club etiquette while at the venue. As tempting as it is to push your luck and ask for a little more than dance, that’s generally inappropriate, and you could get in trouble for it. Bouncers and staff will remind you, but it’s best to be in the know just in case.
- You’re allowed to look at the strippers, but unless it’s specified otherwise, you’re not allowed to touch them in any way.
- Shower, apply deodorant and dress nicely before coming. Don’t wear jeans — especially if you want to ask for a lap dance. The material is uncomfortable for dancers.
- Be mindful of the strippers and other patrons. Don’t expect special treatment just because you’re throwing a bachelor party.
- Don’t even think about throwing change at strippers. Instead, pay tips with paper money.
- You should always tip the dancers, perhaps even the waitstaff and the DJs. It’s how they make money, and it’d be rude not to.
- Never offer tips to a dancer below $5. It’s disrespectful.
- Mind yourself around strippers. Don’t do or say anything inappropriate. Getting a dance isn’t the same as “getting some”, so keep your hands to yourself and let her do her job.
- You should keep your phones off. In most strip clubs, you’re not allowed to take photos, and it’s in poor taste to broadcast to all your followers on Facebook and Twitter that you’re looking at naked women.
All-Day Bachelor Party Ideas
Some bachelor parties are best held while the sun is up. Conversely, some bachelor parties only work well at night time. Both options are perfectly viable; however, if you’re looking for something that lasts a little longer, then why not consider a stag party that you and your friends can enjoy the entire day?
In fact, you could take it a step further and turn the occasion into a weekend party — possibly even longer. Here are five all-day bachelor parties that will give you and your mates a wild and unforgettable time.
11. Amusement Parks
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You’re going to have a hard time running out of things to do in an amusement park. It’s in the name, after all. You and your friends can spend the whole day at a place like Disneyland, Six Flags, or perhaps something a little more local. As a result, it’s one of the more accessible and universally loved bachelor party ideas since there’s something for everyone at venues like these. If you’re in the mood for something to get your heart racing, then why not climb aboard a roller coaster and buckle up? On the other hand, if you want something a little cozier, why not ride on a Ferris wheel with your friends? You can get a better view of the park from up above and take a minute to breathe and relax.
While some might find this activity childish, it’s important to consider that bachelor parties effectively mark the end of a man’s life as a young and unmarried man. It’ll be more difficult to find opportunities to do such things in the future, so it’s best to cross these activities off your bucket list before it’s too late. Besides, it takes a certain kind of person not to find joy in trips to places full of rides, games, and delicious food.
12. Festivals and Concerts
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A bachelor party like this one will require a little scheduling and a lot of waiting. Unless you live in a major city, it’s unlikely that there will be a festival scheduled in your area any time soon. If you’re willing to wait or if you’re willing to travel, then this might be an option worth considering. There are many different kinds of festivals, and all of them are fun. For instance, there are festivals dedicated to food and wine from all over the world. You can also find festivals that offer copious amounts of booze and funfair activities like the globally renowned Oktoberfest.
However, if the groom-to-be, in particular, is fond of a specific band or genre of music, then it’s also worth considering concerts. You and your friends could travel to catch your favorite musicians live. Festivals like Coachella feature colossal rosters of world-famous performers. Food and drinks are also available at events like these. Festivals and concerts last for days, meaning you can incorporate them into weeklong trips abroad or out of town. These are among some of the more expensive bachelor party ideas, but they have a lot of potential to create fond memories.
13. Road Trips
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Speaking of trips out of town, why not gather up some of your best buds and go on a tour across the country? People seldom get the opportunity to travel. This is doubly true when it comes to traveling with friends. If there are any destinations that you and your group of friends have always wanted to visit, such as an amusement park on the other side of the country or a specific city famous for something you love, then a road trip sounds like the perfect bachelor party.
You can make the most out of road trips by plotting out some of the best stops along the way to your real, final destination. Things like restaurants, small towns on the way, and even tourist attractions make for some of the best places to visit. Road trips make for great bachelor parties as it’s difficult to find the time and opportunities to do such things as a married man.
14. Travel Abroad
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Think of one country you’ve always wanted to go to. Think of the food you want to eat, or the places you want to visit. Now imagine that with friends. If you’re planning a bachelor party for yourself or a friend, it’s good to pick out a place that you know everyone wants to visit. You have to make it count — it’s not every day you get to travel to another country.
One of the best parts about having a bachelor party abroad is that you can squeeze in a lot more activities. Because of this, it’s one of the more exciting and novel bachelor party ideas. Sure, you could go to a local strip club and call it a night, but why not go big and check one out in Las Vegas? While you’re there, you can also try your hand at gambling or go on a massive pub crawl with your mates.
When you’re traveling with friends, good times are guaranteed. Don’t be afraid to go the extra mile — or several, in this case — to try and make the most out of a bachelor party. Unless he’s unlucky, a man should only have one bachelor party in his lifetime.
15. Boating
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For a lot of people, it’s hard to beat the novelty of sailing around on a yacht with some of your best friends. You could do plenty of things there to celebrate your friend’s upcoming wedding. You could offer a toast to your friend and drink with one another, or sail around and enjoy the ocean breeze. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you could even have a grill and cook some meals out in the sea.
Since this is a bachelor party, you can have a little fun with it by giving the groom-to-be funny props like a sea captain’s hat. The point of sailing around on a ship isn’t so much about the destination but rather the journey. You could spend hours on a ship, only to wind back at the very same dock you set sail from. The trip would still be worth it.
And the best part? You also get to go fishing with your mates.
Sure, it might sound like a stereotypical “dad” activity, but it has the potential to be a lot of fun. Besides, given that your friend’s about to get married, it likely won’t be long until he becomes a dad himself. That doesn’t change the fact that fishing is an enjoyable activity for anyone, regardless of their age.
This is doubly true if you plan on cooking up your catches later for lunch or dinner. What’s good about fishing as a bachelor party is that you can make a great big competition out of it. Kick off the celebration by sailing deep into the ocean and contending with one another to catch the biggest, baddest fish.
3 Traits of a Good Bachelor Party
It’s one thing to know what makes a bachelor party a bachelor party. It’s another thing entirely to understand what makes a bachelor party good. For a party to be considered “good,” there are three key traits they must possess. The first of these traits is that they must be fun and, they must build a sense of companionship. Last but not least, parties must be impossible to forget.
1. Fun and Exciting
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The first trait of a good bachelor party is that it’s fun for all parties involved. You could do as many zany and novel things as you want, but there’s no point if nobody’s enjoying it. Because of this, it’s important to plan out activities that everyone will be on board for — especially the groom-to-be.
You’ll have to consider all the things your friends are into. It won’t be fun to have a bachelor party in the ocean if everyone in the group is prone to seasickness. You should also avoid celebrating at a strip club or a casino if there are people uncomfortable with the idea, whether they’re worried they might go overboard or if the idea simply isn’t appealing to them.
This doesn’t mean you should play it too safe, though. Half the charm of a bachelor party is having novel experiences with the people you care about. You’re not going to have a good time if you celebrate your friend’s upcoming marriage with a simple trip to the bar. You can do that on any other day.
As for what makes activity fun, that’s something you’ll have to figure out on your own. You know your group of friends better than anyone, so don’t be afraid to get creative! Read on if you’re keen on seeing some of our suggestions, listed further down below.
2. Builds Solidarity and Companionship
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The second trait of a good bachelor party is that it strengthens the bonds between friends. It’s no good if a celebration ends up driving people apart. These parties exist to bring people together as a final hurrah before the groom-to-be starts dedicating his time to his family. This doesn’t mean it’s the end of his social life, but rather the beginning of his life as a husband with other priorities.
For a bachelor party to build companionship, it has to provide you and your friends with ample avenues to work together or share your thoughts and feelings with one another. This could include playing paintball together or spending the weekend at a luxurious hotel. You could even travel abroad for a week and map out an itinerary as a team.
The bottom line is, that a bachelor party is meant to be done and celebrated as a group. Even though the groom-to-be is the real man of the hour, there’d be no point in having a bachelor party if he was the only one who got to have all the fun.
3. Impossible to Forget
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Last but not least, the third trait is memorability. Bachelor parties must be impossible to forget. You’re commemorating some of the final nights of your friend’s life as an unmarried man, after all. An ideal stag party is an event you’ll want to look back on several years down the line.
There’s no fixed or guaranteed way to make a bachelor party memorable. While the novelty of having one alone is enough, certain ingredients elevate good parties into excellent ones.
You and your friends could share a sentimental moment late at night, talking about your sense of camaraderie and trust in one another. You could also wind up dealing with a comical accident or mishap that you can all bond over, bringing the group closer together.
The party could also last a little longer than anyone could have anticipated. It’s easy to lose yourself in the moment. You and your friends could drink and dance until dawn without even realizing it, smiling all the while.
The point is, that these are all moments and feelings that can’t be lost over time. A good bachelor party is a memory that you and your friends can look back on fondly.
10 Things to Bring to Every Bachelor Party
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It doesn’t hurt to come prepared for any type of bachelor party. Some celebrations might bring you out of town, while others can take place in your backyard. Anything can happen during events like these, so it’s best to prepare accordingly. Seemingly simple things like toiletries and personal IDs can make or break a party, so you’ll need to ensure these items are accounted for.
Here are 10 items that every person needs to bring to a bachelor party to guarantee a smooth and pleasant experience.
1. Extra Clothing.
When it comes to bachelor parties, it’s always a good practice to pack extra clothes. Articles of clothing like socks, underwear, t-shirts and shorts could come in handy if you find yourself staying somewhere overnight.
2. First-Aid Kits
For bachelor parties that can get particularly rowdy, and even the ones that might not, it’s a good idea to bring first-aid kits in the event that someone gets injured. Typically, one can expect to find things like gauze, tourniquets, medical tape, bandages, splints, and shears inside a first-aid kit.
3. Formalwear
Whether it’s a dress shirt, a jacket, dress pants and a belt, formal shoes, or all of these things, it’s always good to keep formalwear ready. Certain hotspots such as casinos, restaurants, and bars might have strict dress codes, so it’s best to bring a snazzy set of clothes with you.
4. Toiletries
You owe it to yourself to pack soap, shampoo, toothpaste and a toothbrush. Never assume the venue in which you’ll be staying at will have enough for all of you. It doesn’t hurt to bring your own. Deodorant, aftershave, and cologne could also come in handy. You’d be doing yourself and everyone else a favor if you brought extra toiletries to the bachelor party, but this isn’t required.
5. Towels
If you’re planning on staying someplace overnight, or if you find yourselves partying in a place close to the water, then you’re going to want to bring a towel. There’s no worse feeling than going to the beach or the pool and having nothing to clean yourself with after. Likewise, showering without a towel to use afterwards is a recipe for a bad time.
6. Camera
Smile! Though it might seem like a hassle at first, bringing an expensive camera around to a bachelor party, you and your friends will appreciate the extra effort many years down the line. With a camera, you can immortalize precious memories by taking photos of the groom-to-be and all of your friends having fun.
7. Footwear
It’s good to keep extra footwear around. Depending on the occasion, you’ll want to pack slippers, trainers, or formal shoes. For instance, if you plan on going to the beach, it’d be good to have both a pair of trainers and slippers ready if you decide to go out into town after a trip to the seaside.
8. Phone Chargers
Phone batteries don’t last forever. That’s an unavoidable fact of life; grass grows, birds fly, and phones will inevitably run out of juice. You’ll need to prepare for the worst by bringing a phone charger. Similarly, power banks can be used to charge up devices on the go, making them invaluable for long trips away from usable sockets. You won’t get many windows to charge your phone when you’re on the plane or on a road trip, after all.
9. Travel ID and Documents
You’re going to have to bring some form of ID with you when you travel. Things like driver’s licenses, passports, and other essential documents are things you’ll need to keep on your person at all times. This is especially true if your bachelor party weekend brings you to another country, or to places like casinos and bars where IDs are required.
10. Food and Water
You and your friends will always be grateful to have some extra snacks for when you’re hungry, or drinks for when you’re thirsty. Whether the bachelor party takes place over the span of one day or several, it’s good to come prepared. Most guys aren’t picky about what they eat, so you can get away with bringing just about anything with you.
Best Bachelor Party Ideas: The Final Takeaway
By now, you should have be more familiar with some of the bachelor party ideas you want to use. Whether the party is for you or your friend, it’s important to consider the three key traits. You know what works for you and your circle, so from here on out, it’s all up to you.
If your bachelor party does end up bringing you abroad, then you’ll need to prepare accordingly. You should read up on some of the best travel accessories for the adventurous man to make your journey that much smoother.
