One rule only: no strippers...

This was the only advice my brother gave me when my other brother and I were tasked with organising his bachelor's party. And let's be honest being told no strippers leads to downcast faces all around... particularly among the single guys.

Bachelor's parties can be hit and miss affairs. I once went to a friend's bachelors that meant having to endure a dodgy play about angels — at least that is what I think it was about — made up almost entirely of dudes in tights. For the most part, myself, and the rest of our group, had to stifle childish giggles throughout.

The best man claimed he had been misled by the title 'Strip', but considering it took place at 'On Broadway' he should have known better.

I have, however, been to some great parties as well. My own was pretty special — paintball, drinks and then more drinks, with a mechanical bull thrown in for good measure.

But with the expectation of grooms everywhere growing larger I thought it would be best to get some professional advice in the form of Pam Black at Celebration House.

A little more grown up

"Perhaps because it has become common for guys to wait until their thirties before marrying, bachelor parties are definitely becoming more 'grown-up' affairs. More and more grooms are choosing to spend memorable time with their buddies, instead of just opting for a night of boozing, along with the inevitable stripper," says Pam.

Like I said, strippers are a no-no, and like Pam says booze is generally guaranteed, so why not make a day or even a weekend of it? Here are some handy ideas if you are preparing to throw the mother of all bachelor parties:

• "Golf days have become a popular way to do some male bonding on these occasions," says Black. "As you don't have to be an expert to take part, and all ages can be included. And remember that 'goodie bags' are not only the domain of the ladies; enlist the aid of a female member of the retinue and add a bit of fun to the occasion by giving each guy a bag containing a golf towel, golf ball, tees etc. You could also liven up the occasion by handing out a few prizes in the pub at the end of the day."
• Shark cage diving is always big hit, while crocodile diving in Oudtshoorn is another handy way to scare any foreigners in the group...
• If the groom fancies himself a good gambler, set up a few tables and invite the guys around for a poker evening.
• Paintball is a great option as well. It can get a bit pricey, but then most guys are willing to lay down the cash if it results in peppering their mates with pellets! It is also a good way for the groom to relieve some of that pre-wedding stress...
• For outdoor enthusiasts there's deep-sea fishing, or a hunting weekend — neither of which is a cheap option — but if guests can afford it, and the groom is up for it why not?
• Other ideas include go-cart racing, zip-lines, hot-air ballooning and more.

So what did we end up organising for my brother? Quad-biking across Elgin Valley followed by a night of revelry in which the two groomsmen got more out of hand than the prospective groom...

For contact details for over 100 adventures including abseiling, toboggan tracks, camel rides, Harley Davidson Tours, clay pigeon shooting and sea kayaking visit www.dirtyboots.co.za

For information from Pam Black visit www.celebrationhouse.co.za

Is there a right or wrong way to organise a bachelor's party? Share your party stories with us!

RSS

   Digg

de.li.cious

facebook