DO: remember that the groom doesn't pay for anything.

From the moment he pops the question, there’s one thing groom-to-be thinks about more than anything else – the bachelor party. This isn’t a new phenomenon either, as bachelor parties are rooted in ancient history. Many believe that the Spartans were the first to hold bachelor parties as a celebration of the groom’s last night as a single man. This celebration included dinner and drinks with many a toast given in the groom’s honor. The term bachelor itself, used as we do today, first appeared courtesy of Geoffrey Chaucer and his Canterbury Tales in the 14th century.

Bachelor parties have come a long way since then, and more importantly, they’ve become much more creative. Unfortunately, they’ve also tended to get more out of hand as well. In more recent times, bachelor party debauchery has even contributed to numerous celebrity break-ups. Paris Hilton, Mario Lopez and Ali Landry have all had relationships affected by the groom’s last night out.

From fancy five-star dinners to a Texas Holdem weekend at the casino, there are many different ways to throw a bachelor party. But regardless of your party preference, there are some basic tips and advice worth following. These bachelor party dos and don’ts can make or break the celebration – and even the groom if you’re not careful.

1. Don’t let the groom pay
No matter how generous he is, the groom shouldn’t have to pay for anything during his bachelor party. It’s his last night out as one of the guys, so take care of him. Certain exceptions can be made, especially if the celebration spans a weekend or longer: think Las Vegas. But make sure to cover him when it counts – after all, it’s his celebration, right?

2. Do something different.
If your group always hangs out at the same bar or goes to the same restaurant or club, don’t go back to that place for the bachelor party. Take the groom somewhere different – hopefully somewhere nicer too. Whether he’ll admit it or not, this is a big deal for him, so do something special. Go all out, that way there are no regrets when he looks back on the night 10 years from now.

3. Don’t let yourself get tired
This is particularly important for weekend excursions or trips to Vegas. No, we’re not talking about doing anything illegal here, but some real simple things can help make sure everyone’s energetic and enjoying the party. Sleep can be hard to come by on a bachelor party weekend, especially if a night-long US poker tournament is in the cards. So know where to find a good cup of coffee if you’re on an overnight trip. Better yet, bring one of your own coffee makers along with you. This can save you some serious money too – Starbucks gets expensive!

4. Do some advance planning
As great as it made the plot of The Hangover, don’t try to hold a bachelor party any closer than three days before the wedding. There’s just too much that can go wrong. Trust me – the bride and her family will thank you. Be sure to start planning early, as well, especially if there are a number of guys traveling for the occasion.

5. Don’t let the groom do anything he’ll regret
He’s still engaged, after all, so don’t let him get too out of control. It’s the best man’s job to make sure the groom behaves, which is actually the second most important thing he has to do – other than plan the bachelor party. Everyone else is on his own, just make sure to keep an eye on the groom. If Mario Lopez can get caught, then there’s no reason to expect that he won’t.

6. Do remember to have fun
Despite all the excitement and planning going into the bachelor party celebration, the most important thing is to just have fun. At the end of the day, it’s all your friends together celebrating an important moment in the groom’s life. Don’t lose sight of that amongst all the other craziness that may or may not be going on. And remember that at the end of the day, it’s not where you are or what you’ll do that matters – it’s who you’re with that really counts.

—-

We want to hear from you. What other do’s and don’ts do you have for throwing a memorable stag party? Let us know in the comment section below.

—

Thoughts? Tell us what you think about this guy’s moves in the comments section below.

Forget the pub crawl. Meet the Pedal Pub!

By Gabi Gesch, BravoBride.com

Hey gents! Looking for something other than strippers and vodka Red Bulls to entertain you on your stag night? Here are some unique bachelor party ideas that really ready you for wedded bliss.

1. Get a sky box or club level seating to a sporting event
Sporting events are man’s best friend, so what better way to spend time with each other than watching your favorite sport in style. Sky boxes are usually owned by companies or by someones rich uncle. If you can, find this rich uncle and ask him  if you guys can take over the box for a game. If you can’t get a private sky box, try looking into club level seating. It still has that luxury feeling but is probably more attainable than your private suite. Another idea is to look into independent league teams and what they have to offer for special events. They are usually less expensive, just as fun, and sometimes more unique.(Hot tubs in the out field? Don’t mind if I do!) Whichever route you go, be sure to try and find out if there is a way that members in your group can be included in the promotional contests in between periods, quarters, innings or whatever.

2. Cabin/ Camping
Do you or one of your buddies have a cabin? Here is a way to save a little money and still have a great time! Seclude you and your merry men up at a cabin for a weekend. You can supply your own food and beverages and come up with some manly events to entertain yourselves. Examples? Hunting, four wheeling, fishing, and of course drinking. Create competitions to make things a little more interesting.  If you don’t own a cabin you can always rent one or rough it out and sleep in tents. What better way to bond with your friends than recreating a Man vs. Wild experience.

3. Road Trip!
What do you get when you have an RV, a group of rowdy men and miles of open road? Something comparable to The Hangover most likely.  A road trip is your chance to see the states like you’ve never seen them before; with all your best friends! Supply your sustenance, pick places to stop and be sure to mingle with the locals. Whether you go to Vegas and gamble all your money away or you find every food challenge location ever aired on Man vs Food, you and your men will always remember (but never tell) all the crazy adventures you went on while touring the states.

4. One small step … One giant ass leap
Before taking the plunge into the joys of matrimony, why not take a plunge that will send you free falling towards earth at 120 mph? Skydiving or bungee jumping is an exciting way to… oh hell, it’s just exciting! If bachelor parties are supposed to be fun and full of adrenalin pumping action then this is a B-party on steroids. You can combine a road trip with this activity being that skydiving and bungee jumping locations are not usually in your backyard. WARNING: This activity may cause some concern for the wife-to-be.

5. Brewery/ Wine tours/ Pub Crawl
Are you a connoisseur of  beer or wine? No? Well that doesn’t really matter. Brewery tours (and/or wine tours) are really fun. You get to enjoy your favorite beverages while expanding your knowledge and appreciation of it. Some tours include snacks or even a meal at the end of the tour. Not into the brewery tours? How about a pub crawl? Although pub crawls do not seem unique, you can always make it more exciting with themes or competitions to spice things up. Have each of your friends put their favorite bar down and then visit each one. Not only will you have fun doing this, but you will learn a little more about your friends along the way. Live in a city that has a Pedal Pub? Be sure to use that as your means of transportation if you can. Drink as you work out, what better way is there?

—

BravoBride.com is the web’s leading destination for brides wanting to buy and sell new and pre-owned wedding items. BravoBride focuses on designer used wedding dresses, jewelry, accessories, ceremony and reception items, unique wedding favors— and everything else you need for the perfect inexpensive wedding.

Picture courtesy of  Fred from Shippies Pub

—-

What do you think his excuse for dropping her was? Post your captions in the comments section and we’ll tweet out our favorites later today.

Sure, the Best Man is responsible for planning a killer bachelor party, writing a humorous heartfelt toast and keeping track of the ring — but what else can he do to really leave his mark as BEST Man?

I was recently invited to guest blog on this very topic over at  Every Last Detail. You can check out my post on “5 Unexpected Ways the Best Man Can Help” here.

Cheers!