New Ways of Shaking Things Up at Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties

What comes to mind when you think about those infamous parties that fiancées have before they get married? Other than strippers, seriously, what comes to mind when you think about a bachelor/bachelorette party? Drawing a total blank as I did when I researched this article?

A number of new options are available to those who would like to break tradition, yet keep tradition on the day after at the altar without having a hangover, stories they hope nobody will tell, or regrets that would cause them to question why they are getting married in the first place. For example Special Event Ticketing offers unique tickets as invitations to your bachelor/bachelorette event to your friends and family. While this is a great start and a novel idea, the tickets they showed on their site included such phrases as "The Last Fling" and "Last Weekend of Freedom". Ok I thought we were taking this party thing in a different direction. Here is an idea, since you're using movie/concert style tickets to invite people to your event, why not; a movie of those crazy moments you and your significant other shared with your friends and family. I'm sure someone; somewhere had a camera handy, if not even when you were at their wedding reception celebrating their union. Keep those other moments to yourself, however; in fact, this is probably a good time to erase those tapes.

Hudson Valley Weddings suggests that as a creative alternative to the typical bachelor party the best man should plan an event that includes "weekend-long events involving extreme sports, gambling, or camping". He could even go as far as a toast where he roasts the groom in front of friends. I'd prefer friends that didn't want to go the stripper route anyway, here the idea is that "new spins and new sensitivities merely help to make a good thing better". Basically plan activities that are of common interest to the groom and his friends that differ slightly from those of Neanderthal man. In their case, competitive and male-bonding activities might be a good route to take; dependent on his own sensibilities.

I found another interesting idea at perfect-party-ideas.com ; have the bachelor dress up like the fool that he is supposed to act like on his last day of freedom! In the true story found on the website, as explained by the writer, the groom dressed up like a clown, and the guests dressed up in similar attire. While a bit unconventional, the party was a success. Atlanta Spa Service suggests utilizing their service for a bachelorette party, no reason why the bride-to-be shouldn't enjoy some extra pampering and tlc before that special day! Finally, Bellenza suggests that you incorporate colorful themes and add games and alternative entertainment to keep your guests interested.

From what I've gathered here are some of the suggestions floating around about how to creatively go about hosting a bachelor/bachelorette party:

• Find a creative way to deviate from the norm, while maintaining the goal that the party is supposed to accomplish.
• Rather than indulge the bachelor/bachelorette in shameful activities, find a synergy between the lives they are leaving behind and the life they are entering into, rather than exploiting their loss of the single life for the married one.
• Wholesome activities provide an experience that the couple can easily talk about and have a laugh over later on in the marriage.
• Provide alternative transportation, like a bus, if you are going to serve alcohol. One person's celebration shouldn't lead to another individual's grief.
• Parties centered on activities that actually reflect the goals/interests/aspirations of the bride or groom to be are actually more tasteful, and memorable. It'll give you something to think about when you have to make that toast at the wedding reception.
• Provide alternate activities for guests to keep them around after the main event is over.
• You don't need an expensive party planner for this, just a bit of creativity.
  

The bachelor/bachelorette party does not have to follow the same old formula. As a friend to that bride or groom, the best man or woman can create an event that is not only memorable, but one that will be remembered for a lifetime. Stop reading this article and start working!