Planning a bachelor party in Las Vegas can send even the most confident best man into a cold sweat. This is the day the group will talk about for years to come, and the soon-to-be-ex-bachelor will remember for the rest of his life. This is a big job for the best man and defacto party planner, and the pressure is on.
As Vegas’ premier five-star host and concierge service, I've created some of the most memorable bachelor party experiences this town has ever seen. Here are eight key things to consider before planning the groom's last hurrah of singledom.
1 - Determine What and How Many
While this seems obvious, and as much as you may want to surprise (or shock) the groom at every turn, it's always advisable to check with him to find out what he does - and doesn't - want to do. The groom also knows the others attending the bachelor party best, and can help ensure the trip is enjoyable for all. Work with him to determine how many guys are going to come out and who will partake in what activity.
2 - If You Fail to Plan – You Plan to Fail
Las Vegas is the number one spot on the planet to hold a bachelor party weekend and, with over a half-a-million visitors each weekend, it's not a town for spontaneity. If you don't plan your activities well beforehand, there's a chance you'll be shut out.
While it's a challenge, it's key to find out in advance where the guys want to go to eat, drink, party and recoup. You may want to enlist the the help of a VIP concierge service to get you reservations in all the places you want to hit, and to get you from point A to B to C and back. In one piece.
3 - Assign One Chief – the Rest Are Indians
One person needs to be responsible for the party, (usually the best man), and he should establish a party budget agreeable to everyone. Most Vegas bachelor parties run from $300 - $500 per guy, per night. Get on a conference call with all of the attendees so you'll only have to explain the details once. Listen carefully to everyone's suggestions and make changes to the itinerary ONE TIME only. (If you’ve enlisted a VIP concierge service to help facilitate, have them on the call as well.) Gather and pool the funds from all the guys up front. Don't leave this till the last minute, nobody wants a surprise. Use one charge card to pay for everything, so you can track expenses later.
4 - Be on Time. Or Better Yet, Show Up Early
Be prepared to call no-shows and late arrivals and tell them they are on their own. Vegas night life waits for no one. You must be on time for your limo and night club reservations. If you are even a half hour late to a venue, your spot or VIP table will be given away. Make sure everyone in your party has a copy of the itinerary and knows the times for limo pick up and drop off. This ensures everyone gets to where they are supposed to go, and winds up in the correct hotel by the wee-hours of the morning.
5 - Determine How Mild or Wild the Party Will Be
Remember what happens in Vegas may wind up on YouTube. Las Vegas is a town caught on tape, with anything potentially being filmed at any given point, however clandestinely. Casinos, night clubs, guys with spy cams, all are watching you. Don't do anything you wouldn't want caught on tape for posterity. Remember - you've been warned.
6 - Daytime Counts
Las Vegas is not only a great nightlife town, but offers up wild experiences during the day as well. Consider what everyone might like to do aside from sitting pool-side all day long and frying to a crisp. Exotic Car Rallies, helicopter excursions to the Grand Canyon, ATV-ing in the desert, a Dirty Harry gun competition and, of course, golf, might be high on the list. Any of these experiences should be booked in advance, with later-in-the-day start times to give you a chance to sleep off the night before.
7 - Get Help
A good VIP host can help in planning the party, and also deliver everything requested during the evening, exactly as planned. They take all the hassles and headaches out of the mix - leaving you and your guests free to have as much fun as possible. Lines at Vegas hotspots are often hundreds deep with at least a two - three hour wait in line. Don't think because you have a hundred dollar bill, that it'll get you to the front of the line. A VIP service with the right connections and "juice" will guarantee your group's quick entry, along with bottle service at your night spots of choice.
8 - Check on the Bachelor to Make Sure He's Still Getting Married
Sometimes the bachelor gets cold feet as he experiences his last few fun-filled days and nights as a single guy. Make sure you are a responsible best man and friend. It's your job to ensure the bachelor has fun, but not to the extent that he wants to throw in the proverbial towel on his wedding. And it's also your job to make sure he gets to the church on time. (Or as far, far away from the father of the bride as possible, should he decide to remain a bachelor.)
Special thanks to “The Ultimate Las Vegas Insider” Steven Striker of Striker VIP, Inc. a Five-Star Las Vegas Host, Concierge and Event Service Provider that creates luxury Las Vegas experiences. www.StrikerVIP.com or 866-VIVAVIP.