Planning to attend a bachelor party? Don't show up empty-handed.
Whether you're the best man or just one of the guys, arriving prepared makes you the guest everyone's glad came. Here's what to pack, what to bring for the group, and how to handle a room where half the people have never met.
Hosting one instead of attending? I keep a separate bachelor party checklist for the host with supplies and a schedule.
What to Pack
These are the personal items worth having in your bag:
- Cash. For unexpected expenses, tips, or group activities.
- Phone charger. Keep your device powered for photos and coordination.
- Comfortable clothes. Pack according to the planned activities.
- A small gift or card. A thoughtful gesture for the groom.
- Name tags. Genuinely useful when different friend groups meet.
Pro tip: Name tags are a cheat code at bachelor parties, where the college friends and the work friends often meet for the first time. Put yours on the right side of your chest. It's easier to read when you shake hands.
What to Bring for the Group
Coordinate with the other guests so you don't end up with four bottles of the same thing:
- One bottle of the groom's preferred liquor
- Mixers, sparkling water, soda, or juice
- Light snacks like chips, nuts, or pretzels
- Ice, if the venue isn't providing it
- Cups and basic supplies
Not everyone drinks, so bring some non-alcoholic options too. It costs you nothing and it matters to whoever needs it.
Pro tip: Keep the food simple. Avoid anything that needs a fork and a seat. The goal is to keep people moving and talking, not sitting down to a meal. More on that in how to encourage mingling.
What to Bring for Entertainment
- A playlist of the groom's favorite music
- A few simple party games
- A deck of cards
- A harmonica, which is the fastest way to get everyone's attention
- A camera, so the memories don't all live on one person's phone
Picking a Gift for the Groom
Choosing the right gift is a head-scratcher. You want it meaningful but not sappy, unique but not bizarre.
Funny or heartfelt. If the groom will appreciate a laugh, a "husband survival kit" lands. If he's sentimental, a letter or a photo album of your years together does more.
Personalized. Engraved cufflinks, a custom beer mug, a flask with his initials. These say you put thought into it.
Experience-based. Concert tickets, a day at the racetrack, a weekend away. These get remembered long after the wedding.
Group gifts. Pool money for something significant, a shared experience voucher, custom groomsmen accessories, or a joint contribution to the honeymoon fund.
Pro tip: Coordinate gifts in a group chat beforehand. It prevents duplicates and gets you a better mix.
Grab the free 2-page party checklist.
How to Handle Mixed Friend Groups
Bachelor parties pull together people from every part of the groom's life. College friends, work friends, cousins, the neighbor he's known since he was nine. Most of them have never met.
- Use name tags with a conversation starter on them
- Make mixed teams for any games or activities
- Introduce people to each other rather than waiting for it to happen
- Tell stories that include more than one friend group
Pro tip: Break up the existing cliques on purpose. Mixed seating or mixed teams forces the mingling that makes the night memorable instead of four separate conversations in four corners.
Etiquette: The Dos and Don'ts
The aim is a night everyone walks away from smiling, not a cringe-worthy story.
Do:
- Know the groom. Tailor the night to his tastes and comfort level. If he'd rather play board games than bar hop, respect that. It's his night.
- Plan ahead. Coordinate with the other guests, make reservations, and have a plan B.
- Set a budget. Money is a touchy subject. Agree on the number early so nobody's stuck.
- Include everyone. From the groom's 18-year-old cousin to his 60-year-old uncle, plan things everyone can join.
- Capture the moments. Assign someone as the photographer, or hire one.
Don't:
- Don't pressure anyone. Nobody has to drink, dance, or join an activity they're uncomfortable with.
- Don't overshare. Be careful what goes on social media, especially without the groom's consent.
- Don't forget the details. Dietary restrictions, transport home, a first-aid kit. Small things, big difference.
- Don't exclude. If someone can't make it, find a way to include them, even by video call.
- Don't overdo it. There's a wedding coming. Everyone should be in decent shape for it.
FAQ
What are the essentials to bring to a bachelor party?
Drinks including non-alcoholic options, food that suits the groom's tastes, and basic party gear like music, name tags, and a game or two. Bring a mix that works for everyone attending.
What should I bring if it's outdoors or at an unusual venue?
For outdoors, think portable seating, sunscreen, bug spray, and a first-aid kit. For a beach or a cabin, bring what the location calls for, like beach games or blankets for a bonfire.
What can I bring to make the groom feel special?
A memory jar where everyone writes down a favourite memory with him works well. So does a surprise video message from someone who couldn't come, or a photo collage of his life so far.
I'm going to a destination bachelor party. What should I pack?
Pack for the climate and the planned activities. Travel adapter, any personal necessities, and if it's abroad, something local you can surprise the group with.
How do I make sure what I bring fits the plan?
Ask the best man or whoever is organizing. If you're unsure, default to the groom's own tastes, and skip anything that might make him or another guest uncomfortable.
Before You Go
Pack light, coordinate with the group, and bring name tags if the friend groups don't already know each other.
If you're the one organizing rather than attending, start with the bachelor party checklist for hosts instead.
Send me an email with the date of the party. I'll answer any question you have, free of charge.
