Six Unique Bachelor Party Ideas before wedding

So, he's decided to get hitched, and he wants you to stand beside him as Best Man. With this honor comes great responsibility—you must now throw a bachelor bash that he will never forget. We've assembled six ideas to ensure that you give the groom the ultimate send-off.

The Usual

Although strippers and strip clubs are often synonymous with bachelor parties, you should first talk to the groom to make sure that this is something he wants. If he (or his future bride) is uncomfortable with the idea of a lap dance, then the bachelor may not have fun at his own party. If you do receive the official go-ahead for "girls gone wild," you will then need to decide if you want to go out to a club or have the entertainment come to you. A night at a strip club is likely to require less planning on your part, but hosting the party at home or a hotel will make the evening more affordable for everyone. After all, if you are supplying the beverages, no one will need to spring for overpriced drinks. Either way, we recommend making strippers only one part of the evening. Be sure to plan additional activities before or after the event so that anyone who may be uncomfortable can bow out at some point. Dinner, a comedy show, or a poker game is sure to be fun for everyone invited. Cocktail shakers or personalized cigar flasks make great guy gifts.

Vegas, Baby

The city's slogan promises to keep your secrets safe, which could work to your advantage when planning a bachelor party on The Strip. Las Vegas is a grown man's amusement park with gambling, gourmet dining, golfing, nightclubs, and a wide-selection of entertainment to offer. (And, yes, that "entertainment" does include strippers). However, a weekend in Vegas can be very expensive, so you'd better make sure that the groom's best buddies can afford the trip before you book it. Plan to spring for a nice dinner out and consider hiring a limo if you want to hit the clubs—the cost and convenience of this is sure to outweigh the challenge of hiring multiple cabs. Decide on a budget beforehand and consider leaving your ATM card in the hotel room before you hit the casinos. If you can't stick to your budget, do your best to abide by the Vegas motto and leave your guilt behind. Vegas-themed favors and gifts like roulette wheel cufflinks or professional poker kits are safe bets for a hit.

Great Outdoors

If the groom-to-be is a fan of the outdoors, consider a weekend in nature (and pack plenty of beer for the occasion). Whether you plan a ski trip in the mountains or a couple of days camping beside the lake, it's guaranteed to include some serious male bonding time. Hiking, kayaking, or whitewater rafting can be a great way for the groom to have his best buddies together before he ventures into marriage. But if details are not your forte, consider hiring a company to organize the trip for you. Adventure Bachelor Party organizes outdoor weekend voyages throughout the country, including rafting and kayak trips, cattle wrangling (a la City Slickers), flying, and motoring (on ATVs, airboats, or snowmobiles). Everything is included—from beers to bonfires! Engraved stainless steel army knife or mini flask key rings are popular gifts that may even come in handy on the trip!

Going to Extremes

The plunge into marriage will seem like a piece of cake—especially if the bachelor jumps from a plane at 10,000 feet first. If the idea of skydiving doesn't thrill your crew, try bungee jumping, hang gliding, scuba diving, surfing, rock climbing, mountain climbing, or even "shark hunting" (observing sharks while scuba diving). There's nothing like defying death to bring a group of guys closer together—and just think of the stories the groom will have to tell his grandchildren someday. If you want to stay closer to home, rent a few go-carts for the day, or dust off your old skateboards and ride them back to the skate park.

Game On!

A little friendly competition can bring out the best in friends. Sports are a great way to get the gang together and honor the groom. Organize a tournament, complete with a couple of kegs and personalized t-shirts to mark the occasion (different colors for different teams, of course). Football, soccer, tennis, golf, flag football, volleyball, bowling, or even paint ball can be a blast. Pair the tournament with a barbecue afterwards and you'll have the makings of a perfect bachelor party. If your gang is not the athletic type, buy group tickets to a local sporting event. Don't forget to leave plenty of time for tailgating beforehand. Supply each player with a personalized cooler for snacks throughout the day.

Road Trip

Start with a destination in mind (like Graceland or Vegas), or simply pile the gang into the car and see where the road takes you. Either way, it's bound to be a memorable trip. You just need a full tank of gas, a few good traveling companions, and a good mix of music. Kidnap the groom and surprise him with a weekend back to your old college town, where you can reminisce while sipping beers in your favorite old watering holes. Or, for an added adventure, consider crossing the border to Canada or Mexico—just remember to bring your passports! Prepare personalized CD holders filled with tunes from your heyday for each of the guys as a memento from the trip.