Before you start planning the invitation, you might want to decide on a party theme. Does the groom like to golf? Nine or eighteen holes with the guys might be in order. Did he just graduate from college? Maybe you'll throw a party with the colors of his alma mater used for decorations. Other possible bachelor party themes include martini, disco, fishing outing, hula, pool party, sports, black tie, Mexican and, of course, the ever-popular dancing girls.
Once you've settled on a theme, you're ready to create the invitations. Usually, the best man plans the bachelor party, with the help of the other groomsmen. If you are the artistic type, you might want to make your own invitations. It's really not a hard task, and you can create a personal invitation that brings a smile to those who are invited.
If you have a photo scanner, consider creating a montage of photos of the groom from over the years. Scan them into your personal computer, or have them copied onto photo paper at a copy store. Or, you can download clipart from the Internet that fits your theme. If you have photos and clipart saved to your personal computer, you have everything you need. You can now create invitations with any word-processing program.
Another option is e-vites, which are becoming more and more popular. This involves sending an e-mailed invitation to the guys on your party list. Instead of a sending a regular e-mail, there are many web sites that will help you send invitations with graphics, and also have a built-in RSVP system that all who are invited can view. Many web sites offer this for free.
If you choose not to make your own invitations, contact your local stationary shop for help. They will carry pre-made invitations that allow you to just fill in the blanks. There are also many web sites that will make your invitations for you. The pricing will depend on how elaborate you want your invitations to be.
If you're the especially creative type, you might take the invitations one-step further by creating a "party pack" for each guy on the invite list. For instance, if you are planning a golf outing, you might find golf-themed bags at a party store, and fill them with golf balls, tees and a divot-repair tool. This idea could be carried into any theme with a little imagination. The time, place and other necessary information could be printed on the bag, or on a simple gift card tied to the bag.
Don't hesitate to go all out on a creating a special bachelor party. After all, this is the groom's last chance to party it up with the guys before he walks down the aisle. PS - We also have a Bachelorette Party article!
