Party, party, party
BY RONDA ADDY

Originally a civilized gentlemen's party of drinking, smoking and toasting to the bride's health, the bachelor party has become a timehonored tradition. The best man is usually in charge of throwing the bachelor party. Planning it may sound easy enough, but as with anything involving a group of people, complications can arise. To avoid surprises and scheduling conflicts, it is a good idea to keep the groom in the loop regarding any plans.

The first thing to do is to make a guest list. There is no right or wrong number of people to invite. Traditionally, the guest list is all male, but if the groom has close female friends who won't be embarassed by the goings-on, you may invite them. If there is going to be something embarrassing happening, you may want to invite people who can keep it to themselves. As bad as it sounds, inviting someone the groom works with may not be a good idea unless you invite everyone. By inviting one person and not someone else, you could create hard feelings in the workplace. Stress the fact that you don't want friends bringing friends.

Next, you need to decide when and where to have the bachelor party. Having the bachelor party the night before the wedding is not a good idea. The stress of having the wedding the next day could keep the groom from relaxing and having fun. Have the party a month in advance to allow those who live out of town to come. If a month sounds like too long, a week before should suffice and preferably on a weekend. Send out reminders at least three weeks before the party.

Where you have the bachelor party may be determined by the groom's interests and likes and dislikes.

• For the sports nut, a private box at a stadium event would be nice.

• For the gambler, a trip to a casino would be on the mark.

• For the outdoorsman, a whitewater rafting trip or a round of paintball would hit the spot.

• For the entertainmentminded person, renting a movie theater for a private showing would be sheik.

• For the more low-key person, a private room in a restaurant is right on.

There is always the ever popular adults' clubs. As you consider a spot, you should keep the budget in mind.

When planning the party, determine how many people are coming and let everyone who is invited know upfront what they will have to pay. The typical bachelor party can cost from $100 to $300 per person. If you have a particular location in mind, book it at least a month in advance. Make sure you get everything in writing: the date, time, charges and what you will be getting for those charges. Watch out for hidden credit card charges. Charging more than 5% in service charges is not allowed, but some places will try to add up to 30% to what you plan to tip. Sample the food that will be supplied, so you know what to expect.

If you are planning adult entertainment, make sure the company you are dealing with is reputable. Ask around for recommendations and get a written contract. Don't always go with the cheapest; remember, you get what you pay for. If you are dissatisified with the entertainment, let the agency know. Check to see if photography or videotaping is allowed.

If you are going to more than one destination, have pre-arranged transportation available- a limo or party van/bus. As the organizer of the party, it is your responsibility to make sure everyone gets home safely at the end of the night. Have a designated driver to look after the other guests while you look after the groom.

The type of bachelor party you have is determined by many factors. One of the most important factors is that the groom has a good time. Make sure you give him a great last hurrah before the big day. Just remember to do so responsibly.