How do you plan a bucks party? Is there a right or wrong way?

Planning the bucks party can be pretty intensive and well you really do not want to get it wrong, we have provided a simple guide to help the best man plan his mates last day as a bachelor.

The bucks party is a final farewell from the bachelor  hood an acceptance and preparation to begin the sanctimony of marriage. The bucks party has roots back in military grounds dating all the way back to the 5th century BC, it began with soldiers toasting each other on the eve before a friend was about to wed.

This bachelor party was to commemorate or bid farewell to one of their mates that was no longer going to be single and in essence leaving the of a ‘buck’ status.

It is a celebration of a man’s last moments as a bachelor. This party consists of activities that may go beyond the normal intent of the party and the standard social and party gathering elements, which are most commonly gambling, alcohol drinking and also the smoking cigars.

1. Confirm Date of Wedding

Sounds obvious but unfortunately many best men get this wrong and don't leave themselves enough time to arrange things.

2. Confirm Rough Dates for the Bucks Party

It is recommended that this should be no closer than two weeks before the wedding although this is flexible. Planning a Bucks Party any later and things can start to go wrong - like the groom doesn't make it to the wedding.

As he is your responsibility (best man) do you really want to face the bride and explain what has happened? Setting rough dates with the Groom will also make it easier in narrowing down the numbers for the event.

It is extremely unusual for everyone you invite to be able to make the Bucks Party. The most important person it has to be convenient for is the Groom, so the dates have to set to suit him.

3. Who To Invite to  Bucks Party's?

The Groom obviously, his friends from home, school, college, work and family. It is becoming more common for invites to be issued to the Groom's father and, wait for it, the Bride's father - you'll have to ask the Groom about that one!

Make sure the bucks party doesn’t get too large. Don't forget you're going to have to organise this lot. The bigger the group the more difficult it is to manage. You'll have to collect the money etc. We've all been there and had that one person who is slow to pay.

Also you have a number of different groups e.g. school friends, college friends, work associates who may split into their respective groups and not mix as much as the Groom would like. So keep the group size manageable. The Groom is the best person to ask as he knows them all.

One important tip is to get the e-mail addresses of all those invited. This is by far and away the easiest way to co-ordinate everyone. Finally we all know one or two, how do we say, difficult people, especially when drinking! It would be prudent to not invite those people to the Bucks Party if you feel they won't get on with the group or locals. You want this to be remembered for the right reasons not the wrong ones.

4. Choosing the Bucks Party Location and What To Do

Again this depends on the Groom. It is becoming more popular to go away for a weekend and try some unusual Bucks Party activities. The budget of the group and the amount of time off work and spent away from partners/families etc will dictate how far you travel.

5. Should You Arrange The Bucks Party Yourself or Use a Company?

This really depends on you and what you intend to do on the Bucks Party. However, it is always advisable to use a company to arrange everything your Bucks Party, especially for bigger groups. This is far less trouble than doing it yourself and can be more cost effective. You should also bear in mind that many places such as pubs, bars, clubs and restaurants no longer accept bucks groups

Ensure that whoever you use arranges everything for you - be sure you know what you are paying for and what is excluded. Is it full board or are evening meals extra, what about lunch? Do you have to drive everywhere yourself or are transfers provided? Do you really want to be looking for your bucks activity venue with a convoy of 10 cars and you navigating?

If you are wary of using a company, then ask the company for testimonials or if you contact past customers. It's your head on the block so make sure the groom has a memorable time (well maybe being memorable is asking too much) !

6. During the Bucks Party

Jokes and embarrassing the Groom are traditional but remember don't go too far. You are the one who will have to explain to the Bride why her beloved hasn't got any body hair! You know the Groom best and will know where to draw the line – don’t you? Best advice is not to come up with any crazy Bucks Party ideas. A good way to get everyone involved quickly is to have t-shirts printed with photos or nicknames of everyone.

This breaks the ice and gets everyone talking. The other one which is very popular is fancy dress - a must not only for the Groom but also the group. ALL Bucks Party’s will come up with the usual dilemma of stripper or no stripper. Again you know the Groom. Don't be pressured by the group.

It is far easier with a big group than going in rounds as someone will be missed out or miss their round - especially as the night draws on. Gather the money early on and replenish when needed. So those who wish to drop out later on in the night can.

Make sure you can get back to your accommodation at the end of the night! Take the address or phone number with you. You'd be amazed how many blokes forget or don't know where they are staying. This is especially true if they travel in someone else's car. Many companies will arrange the transport for you as a matter of course.

Finally and most important of all LOOK AFTER THE GROOM HE IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. You may have to lie for the rest of his life, which could be short if his prospective wife found out about some of the things that traditionally go on.

The bucks party can be planned well in advance and if you take our thoughts to mind we know it will be an awesome party, remember who is the number one mate, the bucks is about your best mate remember that.