Fun Ideas For Bachelor Parties That Won't Undermine Your Vows

Weddings and wedding planning come with a lot of exciting events, one of which is the bachelor party. This tradition dates back to the 5th Century B.C. when the Spartans celebrated a groom’s last night before becoming a married man. 

Fast forward to today’s bachelor parties. Pop culture depicts them as free-for-all events, complete with strippers, topless waitresses, and getting blackout drunk. Not all grooms find this sort of party appealing, though. Many care about their partner’s opinion on the matter and may prefer a more low-key celebration.

There wouldn’t be a bachelor party if there weren’t an upcoming wedding. Chances are, you really love the person you’re marrying. For that reason, you may want to show your relationship respect while still having a fun bachelor party. This is a list of fun activities to enjoy with your wedding party that won’t undermine your vows. 

The bachelor party is historically a celebration of the groom’s last days as a single man; typically, the best man is asked to plan a bachelor party for the groom, so it’s his responsibility to ensure the groom’s wishes are respected. When you or your best man plan a bachelor party, it should not be at the expense of the other people involved, whether the groom’s partner or groomsmen. Consider thinking of the bachelor party as a time to celebrate the people you’ve chosen to surround you on your big day. These are the people who have been by your side every step of the way. Use it as a time to thank them for their impact on your life. Being at a wedding is a lot of work. They might deserve a party as much as you do.

Snowy winter ideas

Keep in mind that depending on where you live or when your bachelor party is, not all these suggestions will apply to you. They’re arranged roughly from most affordable to least affordable in each category.

Sledding

This might sound childish, but sledding can be a bit more creative than it sounds. Some places put on a cardboard derby where crafts are made out of cardboard and groups sled down ski slopes in them. Letting your inner child out for an afternoon can be great fun, especially if you’ve known your group since you were all kids. If you plan to enter a cardboard derby, this is one of the most time-consuming ideas on the list. Be realistic about how much time you’d have to build a craft if you go that route.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoe rentals are an affordable option. Trails where snowshoeing is the only way to travel in winter tend to be less crowded, so it’s a good way to get the outdoors to yourselves.

Ice climbing/rock climbing

These are in the same category because they’re very similar. Some places where ice climbing is available can be similar to a rock-climbing gym. Where ice climbing isn’t available, rock-climbing probably is. Most rock-climbing gyms are indoor and open year-round.

Skiing/snowboarding

If your group doesn’t have any gear or season passes, this can be an expensive option. It can also be more fun if everyone’s on the same level or someone’s willing to teach. If you decide to go with this option, be sure to bundle up and wear sunscreen. The sun reflecting off the snow can cause a gnarly sunburn, which might be awkward in wedding photos.

Tropical getaway

Many tropical resorts have affordable packages but consider the cost of plane tickets and transportation. Also, if you plan to do any local activities, note how much they cost as well. Especially for winter weddings, it can be nice to get away. If this isn’t an option for everyone in your group, save it for the honeymoon.

Summer ideas

Here are a few warm weather suggestions to get your creative juices flowing:

Hiking/biking

In between hiking and biking, you could walk around to different breweries if your group likes beer. You could also explore downtown and pop into your favorite places. You could play pool in one place, go next door for dinner, and hit another place for dessert. 

Beer mile

A beer mile can be a fun activity for those who are competitive and who have a tough stomach. As the name suggests, a beer mile is running one mile while drinking beers intermittently.

Fishing

For a more relaxed group atmosphere, fishing or chilling on a beach/lakeside can be a good way to go. Weddings can get stressful, so this can be a great laidback option. Sometimes, there’s nothing better than sitting by the water or watching the waves.

Paddleboarding/surfing

Unlike kayaking, paddle boarding and surfing require balance. Depending on where you live, surfing might not be an option, but paddleboarding is available in most places where there are bodies of water nearby. If your group has never done it before, the experience could come with a lot of splashing and laughter. It’s a fun challenge and a way to compete in a lighthearted environment.

Camping

Take the outdoor experience to the next level by staying overnight. If there’s no fire ban in the area, building a fire and chatting around it can be a meaningful experience. There is something undeniably comforting about a warm fire and time with friends. It allows everyone to get away from the distraction of their phones and focus on each other in a more intentional way.

Any season ideas

Here are things you can do for you bachelor party any time of year:

Board games

Board games are a versatile option. Some are lighthearted, while others can be more serious. It depends on what you want to do as a group. You could also skip the board and try a role-playing game like Dungeons and Dragons. 

Escape room

Like board games, escape rooms are great for puzzle lovers and competitive thinkers. Except, unlike most board games, to win an escape room, you must work together. Plus, the experience may build trust and confidence within the group as a whole. By the time the wedding rolls around, everyone might feel more comfortable with each other.

Go out to a fancy dinner

Perhaps there is a restaurant that has particular significance for you or your group. If not, choose an elegant restaurant or one that serves great food, and go out to celebrate your upcoming nuptials.  Spend some time reminiscing about the great times you’ve had in the past and all the ones you have to come. Showing gratitude will help other people feel appreciated, and it could also boost your mood.  

Sporting event

If your group is a pack of introverts or don’t know each other well, a sporting event can be good because it takes the pressure off talking. It might not be as awkward if there’s not a constant stream of conversation since there’s also a game going on. And it gives you something to talk about.

Sky diving

This one is for thrill-seekers. Some say that skydiving is terrifying up until the moment you jump out of the plane. If you have adventurous friends who are willing to get out of their comfort zone, this could be a great bonding exercise.

Concert

In her book, Braving the Wilderness, Brené Brown says we all need to feel like we are part of a community. It gives us a powerful sense of wellbeing and safety to be our true selves. One place that you can feel a sense of community is at a concert. Everyone around you is singing along and cares about the same thing you do. If your group can agree on an artist, this can be a great way to bond and build memories.

Comedy show

Many cities have comedy clubs that host both amateurs and famous comedian acts. Genuine laughter relieves stress and strengthens bonds with others. You can make this one budget-friendly by streaming a comedy from home.

Gambling trip

If you live close enough to a resort and everyone is old enough, gambling can be a fun weekend getaway. You often get free drinks for playing, and there are lots of interactive card games everyone can gather around and enjoy. Make sure to set a budget and not gamble beyond that budget. Suggest everyone in your group does the same, so no one goes home regretting their weekend choices.

Las Vegas trip

Las Vegas is known for strip clubs and gambling, but there are plenty of other entertainment options here as well, including magic acts, comedians, singers, and other talent shows. Evaluate the cost of the plane tickets, transportation, hotel, and shows before booking a trip. 

Stag and doe party

Consider mixing it up and including both the groomsmen and bridesmaids in one party. This can be a fun way to get everyone together. It may also set a good precedent for the future if you want to mix your friend group with your partner’s. 

What if my partner still feels insecure about the bachelor party?

Even if you choose a respectful activity for your bachelor party, you might still face some backlash from your partner. This could mean that you need to build trust as a couple, or they might have insecurities from past experiences. In this case, consider seeking the advice of an experienced therapist.

Pre-marital therapy may be a good idea, even if you aren’t having problems in your relationship. A professional relationship counselor might be able to point out patterns in your relationship that could cause trouble in the long run. The more prepared you are, the better you will handle challenges as they come up.

If you’re planning a wedding, though, it’s not likely you have much spare time to spend in a counselor’s office. Online counseling might be the better alternative given the circumstances. Since you can reach it from home, this form of therapy can save you time you might otherwise spend in traffic or in the waiting room. 

Internet-based couples counseling is backed by science, so you don’t have to compromise quality when you attend sessions online. A recent study found that couples undergoing counseling via videoconferencing received the same benefits as those who attended sessions in-person. These positive outcomes included better relationship functioning and improved mental health. 

Takeaway

Getting married can be a fun and exciting time. While there is much pomp and circumstance associated with these events, it may also be beneficial to plan for the marriage itself. This might mean individual counseling to prepare yourself to be the best partner you can be, or premarital counseling for the two of you. Whatever you decide, Regain is here to support you. Reach out today to talk to one of our licensed relationship counselors.