Whether you call it a bachelor party or stag weekend, there’s no denying the amount of planning and anticipation that goes into the perfect groom crew event. If you’re going out of town, there are flights and accommodations to book, activities to scope out, and restaurants to reserve for the ultimate bachelor party experience. Even if you’re just having friends over for a chill event, you have to think about food and drinks, party activities, and possibly party favors.
On top of all that, you need to come prepared and packed for whatever the event throws at you. This will mean something different for every party; you might need to pack bachelor party supplies, several changes of clothing, travel documents, etc. It’s a lot to think about.
For that reason, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you decide what to bring to a bachelor party. No matter what kind of party you’re attending, this article will ensure you have all the essentials.
Planning a staycation bachelor party? There are several items you’ll want to bring for the ultimate bachelor party at home.
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (for those who aren’t drinking due to medical or religious reasons) should be at the top of your list. Purchase a variety of beers, wines, spirits, and mixers so everyone has something to sip on. Also, buy plenty of ice, plastic cups, and shot glasses.
Similarly, stock up on food for your bachelor party. Chips and popcorn only go so far, so spring for a make-your-own taco or pizza bar, charcuterie board, and/or plenty of finger foods. Don’t forget napkins, paper plates, and disposable cutlery for easy cleanup.
Beyond the essentials, what you bring to an at-home bachelor party depends on the activities scheduled. For example, if hosting a poker night, ensure you have card tables, playing cards, and chips. If you’re throwing a pool party, ensure everyone has a swimsuit, sunscreen, and plenty of towels.
Consider bringing decorations, too. A poker night comes to life with red and black balloons or streamers, while palm tree cutouts and flamingo floaties create chill pool party vibes.
No matter what you’ve planned, a successful bachelor party includes music, so make a playlist and grab some speakers. It’s also not a bad idea to provide funny party games like Cards Against Humanity, What Do You Meme?, or That’s What She Said.
Hitting the links or catching some waves? Plan ahead when packing for sporty bachelor parties.
If you’re going golfing, you’ll need your clubs, golf bag, tees, and balls. You should also pack a hat, comfortable clothing, and cleats or spikes. Likewise, surfers are unlikely to forget their board and wetsuit, but they might need a reminder to pack board wax, extra leashes, and a towel.
You won’t need as much equipment if you’re attending a sporting event, but make sure you have essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. No matter the sporting activity, bring bug spray, a water bottle, and first aid kit.
Whether you’re keeping things classic by going to Las Vegas or trying an unconventional destination like Denver, you’ll need to pay attention to your packing list. Sure, you can buy almost anything on the road, but who wants to spend valuable bachelor party time shopping?
While this list isn’t comprehensive, it’s a good starting place when packing for the ultimate destination bachelor party.
Destination bachelor party essentials:
Toiletries:
Clothing
Regardless of the event you’re planning (or attending), it’s always fun to bring an extra bachelor party favor or two. Think of drinking accessories like beer bongs, beer hats, and can koozies. To humiliate the groom-to-be, consider bringing personalized t-shirts, bachelor party hats, or costumes.
Keep in mind that none of these items are bachelor party must-haves. Still, they can turn an “okay” bachelor party into an awesome bachelor party with little effort.
Most bachelor parties include a combination of drinking alcohol, playing drinking games, and participating in sports.
Unlike engagement gifts, there’s no rule about bringing a gift to a bachelor party, so do what feels right for you. If you choose to give a gift, consider bringing something that all attendees can enjoy, like a nice bottle of alcohol, cigars, or party games.
In general, the groom crew all chips in to pay for the bachelor party. Each attendee covers their own expenses plus the groom-to-be’s meals, activities, and drinks. That said, the wedding party isn’t expected to pay for the groom’s transportation and accommodations if the party is out of town.
Joint bachelor-bachelorette parties are becoming more popular, and we’re here for it. Still, as with anything new, it can be difficult to know what to expect. We recommend bringing a small gift for the couple’s home, such as a plant, candle, or set of coasters. Alternatively, bring something everyone can enjoy, such as a game or a bottle of alcohol to these bachelorette parties.
In addition to helping you plan your proposal and wedding, The Groom Club offers all kinds of bachelor party resources. From city guides to theme ideas, we cover just about every topic imaginable. Whether you want to plan a bachelor weekend away or throw a funny theme party at home, you’re bound to find the information you’re looking for. We’re always adding new articles to our bachelor party page, so check back for regular updates!
