Most people believe a Bachelor Party, or Stag Party, has to be about strippers and night clubs. Although that seems to be tradition, especially for the younger men, there are hundreds of other things men can do to celebrate the last days of bachelorhood before they become a married man.

Depending on the area you live in, and the interests of the groom-to-be and his friends, a night out, or weekend away, before the wedding does not have to end with a hangover during the ceremony.

Many larger cities have places to go for activities like indoor skydiving, go-karting or paintball. What about test flight simulators, where you can pretend to fly a plane or do visual stunts? Someone can even set up a Scavenger Hunt, if the groom is interested in mystery. Some men would enjoy a wine tasting or trip to the spa (it’s not a woman thing).

Outdoorsmen may enjoy a relaxing fishing trip, going to a Nascar race, boating, white water rafting, ATV riding, scuba diving, baseball game or rock climbing. You should gear the party toward the individual.

The best man throws the party, and friends and relatives of the groom are invited – usually men only. If money is tight you plan something close to home or as inexpensive as possible. If you can afford it, a get away is great – planning travel and expenses.

The night before the wedding is NOT the best time for a stag party. You may think it will help the groom to de-stress, but it probably will cause problems with the bride-to-be and more stress on the nervous groom. Plan it for at least a week ahead. If you want to include people from out of town, take into consideration their travel time and expenses so they can make plans for the party and the wedding.

Make arrangements ahead for someone to take people home if their drinking gets out of hand. Hire a limo, or a car service for the night to take people home safely.

Don’t allow anyone to get carried away. Humiliating the groom by doing something stupid that can be regretted later is not funny (Don’t shave his head, or get him so drunk you can take incriminating photos for him to use later on.). The best man’s duty is to protect the groom. If the groom says “NO,” stop! This is his day, and his wishes should be held up.

Costs can be split between everyone attending the party (except the groom), but make sure they are aware of that before they attend.

Enjoy the night, surprise the groom with all kinds of creative things, keep it under control and have fun. You want to make it a night to remember – for all the right reasons.