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35 Super Fun Bachelor Party Ideas & Must-Knows That Don’t Involve Strippers

Sick of the typical strippers and bar crawls? Try these fun bachelor party ideas and you’re guaranteed to have a crazy time!

bachelor party ideas

Planning the perfect bachelor party is hard. This is especially true when you’re straddling the line between an over-the-top stripper rave and a dull round of golf between you and your buddies. Surely there are better bachelor party ideas than that!

Nowadays, most bachelor parties will follow the same template. Strippers, nightclubs, and over-the-top drinking are thought of as the norm. But in reality, your bachelor party should simply consist of you and your buddies doing something that you love.

[Read: 33 honest questions to ask before marriage to know if you’re a good match]

Just because your bachelor party will be breast-free doesn’t mean it’s going to be lame. This feature will show you how to plan the ultimate bachelor party, with ideas and top tips for the best night ever.

The world is your last-day-as-a-single-person oyster—so here’s how to make it count!

Why strippers are a bad bachelor party idea

For some men, the bachelor party represents the last hurrah. For others, it’s just a reason to get together with friends before you’re too busy having racy sex to hang out anymore.

Stripper-free bachelor party ideas may seem like the exact opposite of what a bachelor party represents. But, there are plenty of reasons why a couple may decide to do away with a naked night out.

Here are just some reasons the groom may be opting out.

1. He says no strippers

Girls are no strangers to strip clubs, come the bachelorette party.

If the groom is jealous, or simply doesn’t want his wife-to-be grinding against another man’s hard-on during her “last night as a single woman,” they may have agreed mutually to abstain from strippers.

2. She says no strippers

If his fiancée is the jealous type, she may not like another girl’s booty in her groom’s face the day before they exchange vows of everlasting fidelity.

This may seem like a downer to you boys, but remember this: at the end of the day, he has to go home with her… not with you guys.

Happy wife, happy life! [Read: How to be a good friend – 49 traits and friend codes that define a real pal]

3. Underage groomsmen

Ah, the joys of being 18 or younger. If a member of your group is underage, this can make sneaking into a strip club an unnecessary hassle.

Even if he can get in, if he is under 21 he still won’t be allowed to get hammered with the rest of you.

4. It’s predictable

Whether the groom is a daredevil who spends his time on great adventures or an introvert who prefers party chats on Xbox Live, why would they waste time on something as predictable as a strip club?

Believe it or not, some men find this wedding ritual awkward, and maybe less enticing than spending the night at a hockey game.

[Read: 72 Bromandments – the Bro Code rules every guy must follow]

How to plan a bachelor party – The must-knows to a fun time

While the bride-to-be has probably planned the entire wedding out on her Pinterest board, for the groom, the only planning he will have to do for this event is probably going to be his bachelor party.

So, how do you plan the perfect party without falling back on the typical beers-and-boobs structure?

Let’s start by answering some FAQs.

1. What is a bachelor party?

This might sound like a dumb question to be asking in a feature about bachelor party ideas. However, if you want to know how to do something right, you first need to understand it.

A bachelor party, also known as a stag night or buck’s night, is a party held for a groom before he gets married.

Some people say that a bachelor party is a guy’s “last chance” to let loose and have fun before the ties the knot. But we think that’s a little old-fashioned.

If you’re getting married to somebody, you probably think they’re pretty fun to be around—so why would the good times stop with marriage? [Read: 18 secrets to be happy in a marriage that make or break your romance]

Instead, we like to think of a bachelor party as just a great opportunity to make memories with the closest guys in your life. It’s a way to thank your bros for all the support they’re giving you on your wedding journey, and a chance to enjoy doing the things you all love.

[Read: How to politely decline being the best man]

2. When should you have a bachelor party?

Traditionally, grooms used to hold their bachelor parties on the night before their weddings. But there’s a reason why we moved on!

Imagine going out for a crazy bar crawl, getting absolutely blasted, crawling into bed… and then having to wake up at 6 am the next morning for the most important day of your life. Where everybody’s taking photos.

Sounds like a nightmare, right? Exactly. And that’s why people don’t hold bachelor parties the night before the wedding anymore.

Instead, most wedding planners recommend holding your bachelor party one to four months before your wedding. That way, your mind won’t be full of last-minute wedding prep—and you’ll have plenty of time to recover!

3. Who usually plans the bachelor party?

Usually, it’s the job of the groomsmen to plan a bachelor party. The head of the planning team is the best man, whilst all the other male members of the bridal party pitch in to make the night a success.

That way, the groom doesn’t have to take himself away from the wedding planning to sort out a separate event.

Yet nowadays, more and more and more guys are planning their own bachelor parties. There’s nothing wrong with throwing a party for yourself.

After all, who knows what you like better than you do? Or, if the groom doesn’t want to plan it all solo, he can still get involved in the planning. Then you’ll come up with bachelor party ideas he’s guaranteed to enjoy.

[Read: 18 fun secret ways to be the life of the party]

4. Who should be invited to a bachelor party?

The guest list for a bachelor party should be made up of people that the groom knows and loves. It’s tempting to bring along extra randoms to bulk up numbers, even if the groom doesn’t know them that well. It’s better to be in a crowd, right?

However, if you want to have the best bachelor party possible, everybody needs to feel comfortable.

Nobody’s going to want to get crazy if they’re feeling judged by people they’ve never met before. So, ditch the strangers. Just stick to the best man, the groomsmen, other close friends, and family members.

5. Should I bring a gift?

Of course, if you’re a generous person, you can treat a bachelor party like any other gathering. A small gift like a six-pack of beers or a bottle of whiskey—which everybody can enjoy later in the night—could be a sweet gesture. [Read: Surefire ways to keep it classy at a party]

But it might come across as strange if you bring something too large or elaborate.

The bride and groom are going to receive a lot of gifts in the time leading up to their wedding, so maybe save the big presents for the bridal shower. Or, save your money and pick out something from their wedding registry for the big day.

6. Who pays for everything?

This question is more of a toughie. Most of the time, everybody pays their own way at a bachelor party. If it involves travel or a stay in a hotel, it’s usually good etiquette to pay for your own ticket.

Even if you aren’t traveling, most groups will split the cost of the whole event between everybody involved.

If you’re the person planning the party, make sure you calculate the cost per person as you plan. Think about whether the guys at your party will be able to afford it, too.

If you know that one of your bros’ wallets is tighter than the rest, plan something based on what he can afford. Then, nobody’s priced out.

[Read: Party hours – what your go-to drink says about you]

Bachelor party dos and don’ts

Before we break into our best bachelor party ideas, we need to talk about some basic dos and don’ts.

If you want your bachelor party to go off without a hitch, there are some things you’ll need to remember—and remember to avoid.

So, here are our golden rules for a night you’ll never forget:

1. Do something different

Don’t let your bachelor party plans become predictable. We’ve talked before about the usual ritual of strippers and booze. Or maybe even gambling if you’re feeling extra adventurous.

*Sigh*. Nobody wants to do the same old played-out activities—they want to see something new that reflects the groom’s personality.

So, make sure you do something different. Actually choose something that reflects who the groom is, what he loves, and what makes your friendship special.

2. Don’t let yourself get tired

Make sure everybody has enough energy to party, or it just won’t be a good time. This includes making sure nobody gets too drunk. If one of the groomsmen starts to flag, it could bring down the whole group’s vibe – and that’s always a bummer.

Instead, make sure to keep everybody pumped up with a fun-packed schedule that isn’t too overwhelming. [Read: Hangxiety – what it is and 21 ways to deal with post-party anxiety]

3. Do some advanced planning

Plan everything down to the last detail. If you’re in charge of planning the bachelor party, you need to know where you’ll be eating, sleeping, drinking, dancing, and everything else for the whole duration of the event.

A well-planned party is always successful. So make sure you plan with military precision, and don’t leave any space for failure.

4. Don’t let the groom do anything he’ll regret

It might seem tempting to make the groom do something crazy, like dressing up as a ballerina or downing a whole bottle of Jagermeister. However, it’s not the groomsmen’s job to destroy the groom’s life.

Things that seem funny now could have devastating consequences later. So remember to be a good friend, and help your buddy make good choices. [Read: Outrageous, fun, and spunky party themes for adults]

5. Do remember to have fun

But most importantly, a bachelor party is supposed to be fun! So don’t get too caught up in your responsibilities. Let your hair down *so to speak*, and enjoy a special night with all of your best bros.

Bachelor party ideas for the Best. Night. Ever.

Without further ado, here are some of the best bachelor party ideas that don’t involve slipping dollar bills in a G-string.

1. A road trip

Not all bachelor party ideas that involve a road trip have to finish up in Las Vegas. A getaway weekend is a perfect way to celebrate the groom’s last days of singlehood.

Get the boys out on their bikes and head out for a day or a weekend of biker antics. Or, jump in the car and see where the road takes you!

2. Foreign vacation

Take the lads on tour! Explore underwater caves, swim in crystal blue waters, zip-line, or check out ancient ruins in Mexico. Or, head out to New Orleans, where you can party on Bourbon Street and check out the architecture, jazz music, and alcohol.

You don’t even have to speak French to visit Montreal for museums, the biosphere, and the cool city atmosphere. [Read: 22 super fun drinking card games to get the party and fun times going!]

3. Stay on a dude ranch

Book a weekend at a Dude Ranch. Grab your cowboy hats and buckle up for an experience in the wild, wild, west!

A “guest,” or dude ranch, is a cattle ranch that is converted to a tourist “resort.” Here you’ll be able to ride horses, hunt, and view nature at its finest. Oh, and did we mention drink?

4. Guy’s night in

Just because your night is low-key doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Have a kickass guy’s night in with gaming, movies, or sports. Choose dude sagas like Rocky, Star Wars, or the National Lampoon movies to make your night fun. You can even play a drinking game—take a shot every time you see a certain character, or Samuel L Jackson says a curse word.

Or, try a gaming fest. Play co-op games all night long, or even crack open the old nostalgic games from high school!

If the groom likes sports, why not have a viewing event to be remembered? Get your favorite junk food, loads of alcohol, plenty of snacks, and gather around the biggest TV you can find and get your game on. Guy’s night in must-haves include chips, pizza, beer, and wings. 

[Read: How to network at a party, talk like a VIP, and interact like a social butterfly]

5. Tickets, tickets, tickets

Really, bachelor party ideas don’t have to be complicated. Buying tickets to an upcoming event is a great way to spend your last night as a bachelor and can accommodate a large or small group of your buddies.

Get tickets to see the groom’s favorite band in concert, or even for a once-in-a-lifetime experience like track racing.

If watching sports doesn’t hold a big enough wow factor for a bachelor party, why not get box seats to the groom’s favorite sports team? Be sure to do your fill of tailgating, and get your drink on beforehand to ensure you have a wild, competitive night.

6. Camping trip

A guy’s camping weekend is the ultimate macho experience. Camp scout-style under the stars and engage in all the activities that go along with it.

This includes swimming, hunting, kayaking, fishing, water sports, white water rafting, building fires, and drinking plenty of beer.

Make this activity a winter edition by renting a cabin and hitting the slopes for snowboarding or skiing. [Read: 58 best and worst reasons to get married and signs you’re not ready for it]

7. Paintball

As long as everybody’s fit and capable *and has a high pain tolerance*, paintballing is always a good idea. This activity brings out your competitive side and gets your adrenaline pumping!

Just make sure you don’t hit the groom in the face—or anywhere else that might be important after the wedding!

8. Do something dangerous

Perform death-defying stunts in front of your closest friends. If you’ve ever wanted to jump out of a plane, bungee jump, rent an ATV, scuba dive, or do anything else that may risk your life in the process—the night before your wedding is definitely the time to get it done!

Hey, at least someone will be witness to your madness and be able to explain to your wife what happened when she’s visiting you at the hospital!

9. Map out a personalized bar crawl

This isn’t just any typical bar crawl. Plan out a bar crawl that takes in all your buddy’s favorite places, and all his favorite drinks.

Maybe consider going back to his hometown and drinking at all your old haunts. Or, hit all the places that have meant something to you over the course of your friendship.

You can still have a great time with a classic bar crawl if you make it personalized. [Read: Marriage advice – 20 real-life tips and lessons for a happily ever after]

10. Get your spa on

Who says pampering is just for bachelorettes? More and more guys are recognizing the importance of personal grooming, so we’re giving you permission to let loose and enjoy some spa time.

Chill out in the sauna, or even try out a mud bath. It could be hilarious seeing your guys all covered in clay! Plus, you deserve some relaxation time after the stress of wedding prep.

11. Hire a virtual chef or sommelier

This might not sound like a fun time. But if you didn’t know, a sommelier is just a fancy French word for a wine waiter. That’s practically a bartender, right?

Get lit while you learn about what makes a good wine, and feel like a real connoisseur. It’s the most classy way possible to get extremely drunk.

Or, if food is more your thing, try out a virtual cooking class. Get hold of some ingredients and work together to make a new dish. You could even compete to see who makes the best version! [Read: 25 obvious signs you’re high on wedding fever]

12. Create a custom quiz or board game

Create your own version of Monopoly where you buy places from the groom’s life. Or a version of Trivial Pursuit where the questions have answers only you guys will know! You can easily adapt a board game into something special and memorable.

Or, create a custom quiz with funny answers that bring back hilarious memories.

13. Sing your hearts out

It’s karaoke time! Sing your hearts out at a karaoke bar, or even a private booth. Everybody has a song they’re good *or hysterically bad* at! It can be a great laugh hearing your drunken friends wail along to classic tunes.

Just make sure nobody records you and sticks it on TikTok—or worse, in their best-man presentation!

14. Brewery tour

Find out where your favorite booze comes from. Most of the big breweries offer guided tours, where you can see how that delicious golden nectar comes into being. You could even try going to an independent or craft brewery, where you might get a more hands-on experience.

Also, did we mention that most breweries also offer tasting sessions? [Read: Are they just wedding jitters or signs to back out?]

15. Laid-back BBQ

A barbecue is a great alternative bachelor party idea if you don’t want to opt for a night out. This is also a perfect option for mixed parties or events that are being held in the afternoon.

Gather all your best friends for a laid-back yard BBQ, and reminisce about carefree times gone by.

16. Rock climbing

Take the fun to new heights with a rock climbing session. Go down to your local outdoor activity center, and take a rock climbing class with an instructor.

Or, if you have some experience, just rent out a wall and have a good climb. This is a cheaper, safer way to get high!

17. Cheese-making and pizza night

Some say the moon is made of cheese. Although this isn’t likely to be true, cheese can still make your bachelor party!

Try out a cheese-making class, and make your own wheels to take home. Nothing like some cheesy fun, right? [Read: 100 very funny cheesy pick-up lines to make a girl laugh]

Once you’ve made your cheeses, you can take them home and use them on your very own pizza night! There’s nothing like a good pizza, and it’s even better when you’ve made the cheese yourself.

18. Drone racing

Yes, it is a sport! Racing drones—those little flying helicopter-looking robots they use for aerial shots in films—is a great way to have fun outdoors. Just rent out a couple of those babies, and take them down to the nearest open space. Save a horse, and race a drone!

Of course, you can’t just race drones anywhere. You might have to go to a dedicated drone racing area, where your drones can’t get into any trouble. There are some rules and regulations about where you can fly them—nowhere near airports, for example.

The bachelor party survival kit

So, now you know what to expect for a bachelor party, and a big list of bachelor party ideas, there are still a couple more things you need to learn.

Next, let’s talk about what you need to bring. There are several must-haves you should remember to take on a bachelor party weekend. Let’s go through them!

1. Emergency first aid kit

If you’re getting into some crazy scrapes, chances are you’ll get some… well, crazy scrapes. Make sure you bring along an emergency kit for minor injuries, that includes everything you’ll need to patch up one of your soldiers if they lose their fight for the right to party.

A typical first aid kit includes band-aids, gauze, antiseptic, simple painkillers, scissors, and tweezers. That should cover any injury you’ll suffer at a bachelor party. But remember, if things look serious, just go to the hospital! [Read: 50 crazy and impulsive things to do with friends that you won’t ever forget]

2. Hangover cures

This is especially important if your bachelor party ideas cover a whole weekend. You don’t want to wake up the morning after the night before, only to find you’re still too wasted to take part.

So, bring along a second little first aid kit specifically for hangovers. This should include a large water bottle, rehydration salts, painkillers like Advil, and vitamins.

3. Plenty of food

Of course, they’ll usually have food where you’re going. But it’s important to bring snacks, especially if you’re drinking or going on a long journey.

If you’re traveling, bringing snacks for the trip will save you spending cash on costly marked-up treats. And if you’re drinking, food will soak up the alcohol; helping you stay sober longer and keeping you from feeling sick.

4. Drinks!

It’s not a bachelor party without drinks. Usually, this means alcohol, so stock up on beer, wine, and spirits to keep the fun flowing. Don’t forget mixers, too.

Of course, you can still have a ton of fun at a dry bachelor party, where you don’t get super drunk. But either way, it’s better to have something to sip on as you celebrate. [Read: How to avoid a hangover]

[Read: Weird weddings – barn weddings and other strange trips down the aisle]

Just because your bachelor party ideas don’t involve naked ladies doesn’t mean your pre-marriage celebration isn’t going to kick ass. Give your friends a night they’ll never forget, and enjoy your last night as a single guy!

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Preeti Tewari Serai
Preeti Serai
Preeti, the founder of LovePanky, is an eternal optimist and believer in the beauty of love and life. With an exhaustive experience in love, relationships, and ...