The results of a recent study showed that 78 percent of men had more fun at their bachelor parties than they did at their actual wedding.

Clearly, the bachelor party is a big deal. Not everyone can afford or wants to experience a crazy weekend in Vegas or Atlantic City, though. 

If you’re getting ready to plan a bachelor party and you want to make it fun without being stereotypical or uncomfortable for the groom, you’ve come to the right place.

Read on for some creative bachelor party ideas that are a great alternative to the traditional shots-and-strippers approach.

1. Bring the Casino to Him

The groom might love the idea of gambling, but maybe they hate the idea of sitting in a smoky casino. Or, maybe a trip to a big city like Vegas or Atlantic City just isn’t in the budget.

If this is the case, consider bringing the casino to the groom. Set up a poker game, stock up on their favorite beer or liquor, and have a great night gambling from the comfort of someone’s home.

2. Steakhouse Dinner

If the groom is more of the Ron Swanson type, a steakhouse dinner might be the perfect way to celebrate their upcoming wedding. Plan a trip to the nicest steakhouse in town and spend the evening enjoying delicious food and toasting to the future.

3. Charter a Boat

If you live near the water (or don’t mind traveling to a place with easy water access), chartering a boat is a great way to celebrate the end of the groom’s single days. 

Chartering a yacht for a few hours is a fun experience and will give the groom and the groomsmen a chance to relax and soak up the sun in style.

Don’t forget to pack plenty of drinks (champagne is a popular option, but there’s nothing wrong with sticking to the groom’s favorite beer, either)!

4. Chill Beach Trip

A laid back trip to the beach is another good option if the groom and your fellow groomsmen want to spend some time in or around the water.

Bring a variety of beach-friendly drinks and snacks, set out some towels or beach chairs, and bask in the sunshine.

Pack a volleyball or some other beach entertainment in case you all decide you want to do something active during your trip, too.

5. Play a Round of Golf

A round of golf at a country club or another popular course is a laid back way for the groom and his groomsmen to spend some time together before the big day.

You can stick close to home and visit the groom’s favorite course, or you can plan a trip and travel to a course they’ve always wanted to play.

Either way, the groom will appreciate you thinking of him and his interests.

6. Enjoy the Great Outdoors

For grooms who love spending time outside, why not plan a hiking or camping trip for them?

This will be a great opportunity for everyone to unplug, spend some time in nature, and connect with each other in a meaningful way before the craziness of the wedding kicks in. 

7. Learn a Skill

Another good option is to arrange for everyone to attend a class and learn a new skill.

There are lots of one-day or weekend classes out there that will teach you everything from basic woodworking to new cooking techniques.

This is a fun and unique way for everyone to spend time together and do something valuable with their time.

8. Get Nostalgic

Don’t be afraid to get nostalgic, either.

If the groom is someone you’ve known since childhood, why not spend an evening reminiscing on all the fun things you did as kids?

Plan an evening in and spend time playing your favorite old video games or board games and eating the food you loved best when you were growing up.

It’s fun to act like kids for a night before the groom begins this new chapter of his life.

Tips for Planning the Perfect Bachelor Party

No matter which of these ideas resonates with you, there are some basic rules that will help you ensure the party is a success for everyone involved. If you learn more about these tips now, you’ll have an easier time navigating the whole planning process:

Check Everyone’s Schedules

Plan ahead and try to find a weekend that works best for everyone’s schedules.

Depending on the size of the guest list (more on that in a minute), you might not be able to accommodate everyone.

Do your best, though. At the very least, make sure you pick a weekend that works well for the groom.

Make Arrangements Early

Make arrangements for hotels, an Airbnb, or a campsite as early as you can. Don’t plan to wing it and hope something’s available when you arrive. This is a surefire way to start the party off on a bad note.

Keep the Group Small

Try to keep the group as small as possible. The smaller the group, the easier it will be to ensure everyone has a good time and nothing gets too crazy. Limit the group to the groom and groomsmen if you can. 

Create an Itinerary (but be Flexible)

It’s a good idea to have an itinerary written out for the party. This will ensure nobody (especially the groom) ends up bored.

Have a plan for everything you want to do, but be willing to bend if necessary.

Nobody wants to spend the weekend with someone who’s checking their watch every 10 seconds to try and keep the group on schedule. 

Need More Creative Bachelor Party Ideas?

A bachelor party doesn’t need to involve a bunch of scantily clad women or a wild night out in Vegas in order to be a good time.

With these creative bachelor party ideas, you can celebrate the groom-to-be in a way that is fun and makes sense for them.

Do you want more ideas on how to throw an epic bachelor party? Are you considering planning a destination party and in need of travel advice?

If so, check out the Travel section of our site today for access to tons of helpful resources.