Traditionally, one of the key responsibilities of the Best Man is to plan the Bachelor Party…along with getting the Groom to the church on time and not forgetting the ring, toasts, etc.

However in this hectic world, with guys living in different states, with a variety of schedules; planning a Bachelor Party and getting it right can be a chore. If the Groom wants to see all his best buddies and have an event full of laughs and memories, he and the Best Man may have to collaborate and take the following factors into account.

* Whom should be invited?

* When should the event take place?

* How long should it last?

* How can it be made “special”?

* Who can make the arrangements?

Whom should be invited? This is an important first decision, since the make-up and size of the group will have an effect on the rest of the planning. If relatives (Dad, a favorite Uncle, teenage brothers) are to be included it will influence what type of an event, where it happens and how long it lasts. Two and three day excursion or adventure weekends are becoming more popular and can accommodate participants of all ages. The focus is on adventure and making memories, along with celebration, so that older relatives and younger siblings don't feel out of place. The same type of event can also apply for best buddies that are scattered across the country. A geographically centered location coupled with a two/three day event reduces travel time and gives them time to relax and compare notes from the past and present.

When should the event take place? There are several factors to be considered. If the Bachelor Party is to be a weekend adventure event it should be well separated from the wedding itself. This will give groomsmen from out of town time to return home, get back to work and regroup before leaving for the wedding. Also some types of bachelor parties ideas encompass adventures that are best done at certain times of the year, eg lake fishing, white water rafting. Local bachelor parties with local groomsmen can be held the weekend prior to the wedding or the more traditional night before the wedding. If the plan is for a “destination” adventure weekend, then plans and reservations should be made early, using only reputable tour company with Bachelor Party experience.

How long should the Bachelor Party last? Weekend events are becoming much more common. They last from Friday night to Sunday afternoon, and some even start on Thursday. This gives those from out of town, time to travel and also allows everyone to relax, socialize, relive memories and start some new ones. Everything from golfing to sky diving is now being considered for these gatherings. These are mini-vacations for a group of friends and, in some cases, have turned into annual events. Everyone pays their own transportation costs. The weekend ground costs are usually split between all the groomsmen so that the Groom goes free. Everyone is usually surprised how reasonable the costs are, considering this is a mini-vacation and a chance to experience something new for the group.

How can the Bachelor Party be made “special” This is where the Best Man and the Groom need to put their heads together. What is it that would make this a memorable occasion for the Groom? It is more than consuming as much beverage as possible and waking up the next day with a strange tattoo. Great memories are made of sharing an adventure, a special dinner, or sitting around a campfire telling tales from the past. Herding cattle and then challenging each other to ride a mechanical bull makes for a never to be forgotten weekend. Special T-shirts, with the date and Groom's name, videos of the adventure…even an engraved memento to be presented to the Groom at the wedding reception are now becoming more common bachelor party ideas.

Who can make the arrangements? As was indicated in the opening, planning a memorable and exciting Bachelor Party can be complicated and often is overwhelming for the Best Man, even with bachelor party ideas from the Groom. The important thing is keep the idea, not lose the enthusiasm and let someone else do all the planning. Destination weddings have been around for years, and wedding planners or bridal consultants have used their knowledge to take the pressure off the Bride. Now the same logic can be applied to the Bachelor Party. New tour companies have set up weekend adventures with just the right touch, just the right location, just the right ingredients, to meet everyone's expectation.

Let's face it….weddings aren't everyday events…and the Bride certainly has lots of input. Why should Bachelor Parties be different? The Groom should have input and can do everything from hint to the Best Man, to picking the adventure. Brides love the idea of her fiancé involved in something other than the “traditional” wild party, so go for it guys!