It is normally the best man’s job to throw the bachelor party for the groom. And it is his job to ensure the night is both memorable and original – something that can feel like a tall order. However, why not consider throwing a poker party! At first glance it may seem that a guy’s night out playing poker is not necessarily original, despite being huge fun. However, there are a lot of great ways to turn a night of poker playing into a bachelor party that the groom and your friends will never forget. With the growing popularity of online poker, parties like this are happening a lot more. Pokersites United States has lots of access to the best sites to hone your game at.

When to Throw a Poker Themed Bachelor Party

We’ve all heard the stories of the bachelor parties thrown the night before the “big day” and a hung over groom. It’s much smarter for everyone concerned to hold a bachelor party of any kind a week or so before the big event. That lets the groom have plenty of time to recover and be at his very best for the wedding day.

Choosing a Location

The first thing you have to consider when throwing a poker party is where you are going to have it. For smaller parties, a large basement will work, but if you are going to have more than ten people, you’ll probably want to find a hall.

If the bride and groom are getting married in a church, you might find out if you can rent out their basement for a small fee. Some may frown on gambling so you would have to limit the poker fun to non-money prizes, but those are the most fun anyway.

Your local hotel or motel may have an available conference room where you could have a great poker bachelor party for a low cost. Or, you could go all out and hire a limo, limo-bus or van and go to a local casino to play for real. The biggest drawback of going to a casino for the bachelor party is that it isn’t a private party. However, there is the added advantage of all types of casino games being available, and casinos often offer drinks on the house while you are playing.

Dressing for the Event

Casual attire is okay, but for a real “event,” you should consider a theme. You could make it a black-tie affair like something out of “Casino Royale”, or a roaring 1920’s theme with spats and zoot-suits. For a slightly simpler “costume” you could throw an “Oceans 11” poker party and dress up in 1960s suits. The best thing about the theme parties is that they really create atmosphere and bring a party to life.

What you Need

If you choose to hold your bachelor party at a real live casino you won’t need much but the participants. However, if you are throwing a themed party in a basement, room or hall you’ll need to supply all the typical poker accompaniments

You can throw your poker party with regular card tables if you need to, or find a party supply store, or gaming store and rent real poker tables for an official feel. The number of people you can have at each table will depend on the size and style of the table. Figure on anywhere from 4 to 8 per table.

You’ll also need several new, crisp decks of poker cards and enough chips for the number of tables you plan to have.

What Games to Play

The easiest game for new players who might be at your poker bachelor party is 5-card stud. You can have different games at different tables to let more experienced players choose for themselves, or make it 5-card all around. Texas Hold’em is also hugely popular and most people know the rules of that game from watching it on TV. Any poker games that you find at land-based or online poker sites are a great choice for your bachelor poker party.

Should You Play for Money?

Whether or not you should play for money depends a lot on your personal outlook and, perhaps more importantly, on the outlook of the groom. The bottom line is it is his party, and you should always respect his wishes. Taking money out of the equation can make a big difference in how much fun people have, and a game is less stressful when you are not playing for money.

Foods to Serve for a Bachelor Poker Party

Whatever you do, don’t forget the food. Keep it simple and easy. Finger foods are best and let people eat while they play. Fix or buy deli sandwiches and have plenty of chips and a variety of  drinks available to keep the party on its toes.
Most of all have fun and enjoy the event. Don’t forget to take a lot of pictures so the groom to be can have plenty of memories of the great poker night you made for him.

If you’re planning a Las Vegas bachelor party, you can host it yourself, or find a local casino to play at. However, the ultimate bachelor party is Las Vegas. In Vegas you get all the advantages of real live casinos to add variety to the night, as well as the excitement, glitz and glamour of the world’s most well-known gambling venue.

When you host your bachelor party in Las Vegas, there isn’t much you have to do to prepare. The casinos have it all for you, and even offer drinks on the house, as well as having plenty of food options everywhere. What you will need to decide on is where to stay to get the very best of what Vegas has to offer for playing poker and having a great bachelor party.

The smart choice is to consider all of the options of each hotel, including the types of playing experience they offer. You and your friends can brush up on your games at Casino.org to better prep you for the real deal. While you aren’t limited to one hotel’s casino in Las Vegas, that will be the closest one to choose, and it makes sense to stay at the casino’s hotel because you can often get lots of comps when you are playing. Below is a list of the top 10 luxury suites, along with the options available for a Vegas bachelor party.

#1: Bellagio
One of the really cool things about making the journey to Las Vegas to host your bachelor party is that it is very likely you’ll be sitting at tables elbow to elbow with some of the world’s most well-known professional poker players. There’s no better place on Earth to do that than the Bellagio – renowned in the poker world as one of the best casinos. At the Bellagio you can find poker tables with limits to meet any pocket, and plenty of no-limit tables for high-octane excitement. When you’re done in the casinos you can take the game upstairs for some private bachelor party fun in the luxurious Bellagio suites. With amazing views from floor to ceiling windows, lots of floor space so you won’t be crowded, a large couch and entertainment center in the main room, and huge king-sized bed in the bedroom, you can all sprawl out and enjoy your stay. For really large parties, reserve a villa and live the high life in 8,000 sq ft homes with fireplaces, private pool and whirlpool and lots more.

#2: Rio
For bachelor parties with players of all levels, a little less intimidating scenario exists at the Rio. It is very beginner friendly so you can take your group and know that everyone will feel comfortable and have a great time. The Rio is not one of the busier poker rooms in Vegas. However, that can be a huge advantage for private bachelor parties. After the gaming excitement, retire to beautiful, airy private suites with TV, tables and chairs, sofas and all of the amenities a 5-star hotel offers. The Rio also has some fantastic group packages to kick off your bachelor party in style.

#3: MGM Grand
The MGM Grand gives you the full experience with a huge variety of games so everyone can play poker the way they like it best. Your bachelor party guests can also get the real pro poker experience by getting in on the many daily tournaments offered at this sparkling jewel of the Las Vegas strip. The suites at the MGM grand are spacious, and for a real treat, you can pick the Skyloft for your bachelor party, and everyone can enjoy terraced views of the spectacular Las Vegas surroundings. More American players than ever have gotten interested in playing live since the popularity of US online casinos has grown.

#4: The Mirage
One of the true beauties on the strip, the Mirage has a lot to offer bachelor parties. The ambiance of one of the grand traditions of Las Vegas along with a great variety of games, the Mirage is fun and exciting. The poker rooms are smoke-free, but the entire casino is not, so if you have preferences for a smokeless environment, the Mirage may not be for you. There are five different styles of suites to choose from at the Mirage, each with its own unique flavor. The penthouse is an ultra modern, large suite with dining area, entertainment section and bedroom. The Tower suite offers thrilling views of the Las Vegas strip and desert from the 26th, 27th, and 28th floors. They have two big screen TVs, one in the living area and one in the second bedroom, hydrotherapy tubs and lots more. The Hospitality Suite has two big screen TVs, a wet bar, fridge, in-room safe, and lots of space. The Mirage Suite is a little more intimate for smaller groups, but it still comes with two big screen TVs, a sound bar and entertainment area and wet bar. The final suite is “The Suite Life,” a new penthouse suite that is chic and open with floor to ceiling windows showing you the beautiful Las Vegas skyline and lots of extras including VIP check in.

#5: Caesars Palace
A fun-packed casino, Caesars Palace is one of the traditional Vegas hot spots, and one of the most legendary casinos in the US. The poker rooms at Caesars have their own entrance to keep them separate from the casinos. That gives those who are looking for a more smoke free environment a way to avoid the open casino. The rooms are a little more traditional, but still have glorious views and beautiful accommodations. The Tower Deluxe room is a super-large room with full-sized couch and king-sized bed.

#6: The Wynn
Get a taste of what’s new and exciting in Las Vegas at The Wynn. Not one of the old favorites, the Wynn is actually one of the newest additions to the Vegas poker rooms. The Wynn’s Timeless Luxury Suite is a handsome, light bedroom and living room combo that offers a full-wall window overlooking the Vegas scenery. Regular suites are 700 sq feet, and the magnificent tower suites are a huge 5,800 square feet for all the playing room you could want for your bachelor party.

#7: The Palms
This casino is a huge place with two separate poker rooms that is an excellent choice for big bachelor poker parties. The Palms has the most variety of all the Vegas hotels in Suite accommodations. With everything from the g-suite to the Hugh Hefner Sky Villa, you can choose from 12 different suite styles to suite your party’s taste. The Hugh Hefner is probably the most suitable to a bachelor party and comes with huge round king-sized bed, full wet-bar, balcony overlooking the city, granite marble bathroom and its own swimming pool high above the city. Rich dark black and red colors surround the area and pit style couches and plush chairs are everywhere.

#8: The Monte Carlo
The Monte Carlo has six suite styles, all with beautiful views, 5-star décor and lots of space. The Monaco and Diamond suites have several hundred square feet of room for your poker playing buddies to relax in after a long evening at the tables. The Hotel 32 is the massive penthouse of the group with a shower that can hold up to 20 people and all of the pampering you can wish for.

#9: Binions and the Four Queens
Lovers of tradition will want to host their bachelor poker party at Binions. There are more than 70 poker tables, but what makes this hallmark of poker tradition “the” place to play is that it is the birthplace of the famous World Series of Poker. While Binions no longer has a hotel itself, the nearby Four Queens offers plenty of relaxation comfort after playing at the historic Binions casino. The Suite at the Four Queens is very conservative, but charming and has plenty of room for a bachelor party to relax in.

#10: The Venetian
The Venetian would probably rank a little higher on the list, as this is one classy casino, but the biggest drawback is the poker rooms are right off the front entrance, making it a very congested area. Still, the Venetian offers excellent atmosphere, elegance, 39 tables and all the game options you could hope for your party. The Venetian has seven suites to choose from, the flagship of which is the Penthouse Suite. At 2,900 square feet and complete with multiple HD TVs and fireplaces, the penthouse is glamorous and beautiful.

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.

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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.

With thousands of unique activities and pulsating nightlife the UK really is a fantastic destination for your stag do.

The city of Bournemouth is ideal for a stag party by the sea.

Destinations by the Sea

England offers some of the best activity sites in Europe set along its glorious coastlines.

Bournemouth is top of the list with 7 mile of glorious sandy beaches and more lively bars and clubs then you can visit in a week let alone a weekend.

You are spoilt for choice with the amount of activities on offer that include rage buggies, quad biking, mini car racing, clay pigeon shooting, deep sea fishing to give you just a taster.

Bournemouth boasts Europe’s first artificial reef, which has made this lively seaside town an absolute hub for surfers.

Newquay has always been a hot destination for hen and stag weekends and you will see why from the exuberant nightlife and the activities available.

The centre of Newquay is littered with bouncing bars and clubs all within easy walking distance of your accommodation. Sandy beaches provide the perfect backdrop to the electric atmosphere.

Newquay has one of the best quad bike racing sites in Europe with a track’s capacity of over 30 riders at anyone time. This mile long course will see you tackle adverse and reverse chambers, straights at full speeds and jumps to create air between your bike and the mud.

Newquay is world famous for having reliable swell 365 days of the year so you could become a surf dude or body border or you could throw caution to the wind by jumping off a cliff edge in to the sea during a coasteering session but then again you may feel like putting your two fingers up to energetic activities and just do a spot of sunbathing on one of the blue flag beaches.

UK Cities Rock

A stag weekend in the UK capital city of London has always been choice, however other fantastic UK cities are snapping at its heels. Take Nottingham for example, this city has always been a stag do Mecca, It’s not surprising when you take a stroll around this vivacious city at night with its abundance of trendy bars and fashionable clubs all buzzing.

Nottingham is perfectly set up for the stag do market with an amazing choice of activities to choose from, it also has one of the biggest paintball sites in Europe.

Bristol since it’s billion pound refurbishment is a firm favourite and is now a must do stag destination.

Stag parties that choose Bristol enjoy luxury city centre hotels, copious array cosmopolitan bars and clubs all within easy walking distance. The waterside has stacks of bars and eateries including the American export, Hooters. At the very heart of Bristol you will find some amazing super clubs and contemporary gentleman clubs.

To keep your boys out of the bars during the day the activity sites surrounding Bristol are pretty full on and include activities to keep the adrenalin pumping well into the night.

The Capitals

Edinburgh has an atmosphere you’ll want to pick up and marry, the nightlife is just simply outstanding.

Enjoy the dynamic atmosphere around the Grassmarket bars or eat and party hard in the west end, wherever your stag convey parks up you are guaranteed a cracking good time.

Edinburgh is also only one hour away from the best white water rafting in the UK, however if you feel like becoming a true Scot why not tackle the Highland Games activities which obviously includes tossing the caber.

Cardiff in recent years has been rejuvenated into one of the most modern looking cities in UK. Cardiff Bay has tons going on including loads of bars and clubs, it even offers a man made white water rafting experience.

Just a short drive away is one of the best stag playgrounds for outward bounds type of activities including the extremely popular Gorge Walking.

Last and but not least London, probably one of the most trend setting cities of the world, London is one of the eclectic cities to hold your last days of freedom.

Tour the colourful markets and famous sites by day before experiencing the seven wonders of this great city at night; Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Camden Town, Covent Garden, China Town, Notting Hill and Soho.

So for a Stag Do with a magnitude of epic proportions choose a town or city in the UK.

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Written by the DesignaVenture team.

DesignaVenture is a sponsor of the man registry’s groomadvice blog

If you’ve recently been made the best man for a wedding, your head is probably still spinning trying to form ideas for the wedding reception’s speech. You’ll be forgiven for a 6/10 speech if you can pull off perfect stag weekends, and that’s where we’re here to help.

First, you need to consider the attendees of the groom’s send-off – consider their ages, their budgets and their locations. A factor that affects many best men is that the groom probably has more than one friendship group – often because of university or work these can be from different parts of the country and may never have met. Therefore it’s extremely important to pick a location that pleases everybody, ideally a centre point between these groups.

Ice-breakers

Breaking the ice between groups of people who haven’t met before is vital and can be achieved in a variety of ways. Perhaps a drinking game back at the hotel before you venture out is the way to go. “I’ve Never” is perfect for this. In this game you go around a circle and each take turns saying something you’ve never done, if anyone around the circle has done it they must drink.

Perfect for outing those skeletons in the closet and leaving your stag party open and receptive to one another for the night ahead. Another way to melt the ice is to embark on some activities that give the group a common cause and a talking point.

Location

Europe is perfectly set up to accommodate stag weekends, with cheap inter-continental flight routes and ridiculously thrifty alcohol. Riga stag weekends are particularly incredible, with the city almost built by the God of Stag himself with so many strip clubs and bars per square metre. Latvia’s capital hosts a “parade of the blondes” every year, where beautiful ladies walk down the street, showcasing the incredible beauty possessed by this Eastern European jewel. If you’re looking for some sunshine on your stag weekend, you could do a lot worse than Marbella stag weekends. Marbella is the sun-soaked getaway of the rich and famous and boasts an incredible nightlife, as well as all-year sun and some of the continent’s best beaches.

Get Active

There’s no better way to unite a group than to head out for some good old-fashioned competitive fun. Your group will really have something to talk about in the night ahead if you’ve got a go-karting grand-prix under your belt. You could also earn your stag weekend stripes after embarking on a paintballing war, capturing the spirit of the trenches as you and your boys take up arms against an enemy stag squad. Quad-biking, coasteering and white-water rafting are similar effective in drumming up the spirit of brotherhood for a weekend to remember.

The Night

Ah, of course, any stag weekend’s legacy is surely defined by the quality and the craziness of the drinking action you bring to the city. If you’re in an unfamiliar city for your stag weekend, any research undertaken in the weeks leading up to the big weekend is going to be invaluable.

The worst case scenario is that you leave the hotel and wander around, rudderless, unsure of where the best, liveliest bars are situated. The Stag Company builds in bar crawls with VIP club entry into their packages – road testing them for their stag suitability. There’s really nothing worse than spending the whole weekend traipsing around, wondering if there’s a better party happening elsewhere.

So there you have it, the guide to perfect stag weekends. Keep it fun, keep it activity laden and have the stag weekend your groom-to-be deserves.

By Mark Booth, TheStagCompany.com

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the stag company is a sponsor of the man registry’s groomsadvice blog