A Bachelor's Last Rites: Without Exotic Dancers? by Cheryl Gabiola Galvez

    It's a few nights, or even the night, before the BIG day and you, as the best man, have the responsibility to gather the bridegroom and his best buddies to celebrate the last few hours of the bridegroom's bachelorhood. However, the traditional idea of excessive alcohol and scantily-clad women doesn't sit too well with the bridegroom. Great. Now what? Don't fret! More and more of today's grooms and groomsmen withdraw from the traditional idea of a bachelor party. They opt, instead, for a less risque night out on the town.

   There are many alternatives to the traditional bachelor party. Howard K. Brodwin, Vice President of the Marrying Man Group, Inc. which produces the popular online magazine, unGROOM'd, points out that there are several alternatives to exotic dancers.

   "For the sports minded, you can go to a local professional baseball/football/hockey/basketball game. If he's an athlete himself, get everyone together and play whatever it is he's into - basketball, softball, roller hockey, tennis, golf, etc.", suggests Brodwin. He further suggests, "A camping or fishing trip is a great way to get away from all the wedding chaos and relax. Rent jet ski's and spend a day in the water. Is he into music? Find a good concert in the area. Since most weddings happen in the summer, there are usually some major artists touring around the country, not to mention the big festivals."

   Other alternatives include activities for the groom who's into extreme sports. "For the thrill-seeking groom there's sky diving, auto or motorcycle racing, mock dogfights in antique fighter planes or modern day jets. These activities carry a hefty price tag, but it makes for a unique and memorable bachelor party", explains Brodwin. Paintball is another activity gaining in popularity.

   The bachelor party has often been thought of as a hedonistic night in which the groom and his friends spend time together doing "guy" things. Some brides cringe at the thought of the obligatory bachelor party night simply because of its negative connotation and the reputation it has acquired over the years. Brodwin is quick to point out that "First and foremost, a bachelor party is really just an opportunity for the groom to spend some quality time with his friends before the wedding."

   The subject of bachelor parties has become such a hot topic that the guys at unGROOM'd premiered a new online magazine, BachelorParty411.com (no longer in service as of 2004), in July of 1999. An online guide to planning the perfect bachelor party, BachelorParty411.com will feature resources for a wide range of party related activities - bars, restaurants, gentlemen's clubs, golf courses, pool halls, cigar stores - along with information on cocktails, beer, wine, cigars, gambling, sports and adult entertainment.