The Bachelor Party: Keeping It Local

Staying close to home doesn't have to mean compromising on fun

By Jen Whitten

Photo by iStockphoto.com

Getting together for one last night of crazy fun with the guys before your wedding is an age-old tradition. For many grooms the bachelor party means heading straight to Las Vegas. Unfortunately, unless you live in or around the Vegas area, this can be an expensive proposition for celebrating the end of your single life. Keeping the bachelor party close to home is a viable option that saves time and money without limiting the amount of fun you can have.

• What You Need to Know
• Always check with the groom before hiring strippers or planning a night to strip clubs. Causing problems between the couple is never a good idea.

Step 1:

Look at your city as a tourist would view it. Do you have casinos or sports arenas nearby? Are there geographic features that allow for surfing or hiking? Tourist spots are popular for a reason, so keep them in mind as you plan the bachelor party, especially for a groom who is a fan of the outdoors.

Step 2:

Think about what the groom does for fun. If he's a foodie, reserve a room at a new restaurant within an hour's drive for the bachelor dinner. For the outdoorsman, plan a camping trip within short driving distance and spend the weekend getting back to nature.

Step 3:

When the groom seems overwhelmed by wedding planning and errands, get his friends in on a surprise outing to burn off stress. Paintball, flag football or any other athletic game will get the endorphins pumping while you spend some quality time together. Make a full day of it by hitting the showers and heading out for an evening at his favorite sports bar. Even a day spent at the arcade killing zombies can be a fun bachelor party idea.

Step 4:

Go to a sporting event or concert. Bands and sports teams come to most cities on a regular basis, but how often does the groom make time to go see his favorite bands perform? Use the bachelor party as an excuse to get out in the community and enjoy events you wouldn't normally make time for. Even if you do nothing more than watch local bands play at your neighborhood bar, your efforts will be well spent. You'll enjoy a fun night out, and you may find a new place for the gang to hang out in after the wedding.

Step 5:

Have a relaxing night at home. Depending on how close the bachelor party is to the wedding day, staying at home may be your best option. Order a pizza or take-out, and have a poker tournament while reminding the groom his time as a single man is in short supply. If he wants to have a stripper shows up at the door, so be it.

• Tips & Warnings
• Never plan bachelor party activities that conflict with the groom's religious beliefs.
• Always keep the bride in mind. If an activity at the bachelor party would make her call off the wedding, skip it.
• Contact restaurants and bars well in advance to see if they can reserve a private room for your party.