Q: Who’s supposed to plan the bachelor party? Should I get involved or just stay out of the planning?

A: The bachelor party is a time-honored tradition that shouldn’t be missed by any groom. Traditionally it’s the best man’s responsibility to plan the event, but he can always ask for help from the other groomsmen as well, and you should get involved at least in the beginning to set the stage for the kind of party you’re hoping for. Bachelor parties can range from simple and subdued to wild and crazy, so a bit of direction from you will probably be welcomed!

If you’re not comfortable with the planning that’s going on, or if you think it’s going to cause problems with your wife-to-be, speak up. If your heart’s not in it 100% their planning efforts will go to waste, and one night with the guys is not worth fighting over with your fiancée during such an important time.

Q: Who should be invited to my bachelor party? What about family members like her brother or my Dad?

A: Make a list with whoever is planning your event of all the most important people to invite. If you’re unsure of numbers and family involvement make a few different lists for the different kinds of parties you’re considering and then choose which one sounds like the best decision all around.

It’s totally appropriate for family members like dads, brothers, or cousins, to be involved as long as the activities on the agenda will be fun and comfortable for all of you. If you just can’t decide, have the official bachelor party with everyone invited and go for a tamer time. Then hit the town with just a few of your closest buddies some other night to say farewell to the single life any way you want.

Q: What if I don’t want the typical wild and crazy night on the town?

A: There are as many different options for bachelor parties are there are bachelors, so feel pressured to choose a party that doesn’t feel like you. Here are just a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
• Rent a limo or car service and do a restaurant or pub-crawl of all your favorite places.
• Have a barbeque or tailgate party before heading out to a ball game.
• Play 18 holes of golf and do dinner and drinks afterwards.
• Paint ball! Get out there with your guys and fight it out!
• Are you a videogame guy? Spend all night seeing who dominates in Halo, or have an old school Atari or arcade game battle.
• What’s your favorite movie? Choose a theme from your favorite flick and make plans based on the story.

Q: I’d love a guy’s weekend instead of just one night out. What about a destination bachelor party?

A: Spending a weekend away with your guys is a great way to bond and really catch up with friends you don’t get to see too often. This kind of event will need a lot more planning though, so be sure to give everyone lots of time to make travel arrangements and save up some dough. Be sensitive about budget restraints that may exclude some people from participating, and be prepared for the fact that not everyone may be able to attend.

If you want to stay close to home, try a camping, hiking, skiing or fishing trip within driving distance of where you live. These will have lots of activities to keep you and your buddies busy, as well as down time for catching up. If you want to go further a field, visit a city you’ve always wanted to see, like New York, Las Vegas, Chicago or Austin and meet up with your friends from around the country. Coordinate the timing with a music festival or sporting event that you’d all love to see.