What Really Happens at a Bachelor Party

The party must take place in Las Vegas. For guys who don’t want a low-key weekend on a fishing boat, for example, Vegas is the ultimate destination. But the cost (flights, hotel, possible gambling losses) may keep some from joining. For a majority of men, the goal is to have most of your friends attend. I had my party in Key West because it was a low-cost alternative, says Vic, 31. Flights were cheap, and the liquor was cheaper.

Strippers are always involved. Some guys simply don't enjoy strippers. Strippers just don't do anything for me, says John, 29, who didn't have any dancers at his bachelor party last year. It was more appealing when I was younger. I don't see the point now. Strippers are often there for the other attendees, not the bachelor.

Everyone will get severely intoxicated. Guys who party will indulge but possibly no more than he would on a normal night out with the guys. There's also the issue of pacing. If you really get after it the first night, then you may struggle the rest of the time, Chris, 28, says. We're old enough to have a good idea when you'll be hung over and sick, and for the most part, people don't overdo it.

The event is exclusive. Unlike the female counterpart, bachelor parties are pretty laid back. Anybody can join, including people who aren't invited to wedding. Our venue is on the smaller side, and unfortunately, I can't invite everyone I'd like to, says Andy, 31. So I used the bachelor party as an opportunity to include some of the people that I couldn't invite to the wedding. Guys are pretty happy to be included, even just for the bachelor party.

Guys will lose a ton of money gambling. If you're naturally a more conservative gambler, the fact you're at a bachelor party won't make you lose your mind or become a riskier player, says Matt, 35. Guys who already gamble a lot may risk and lose large sums, but a bachelor party doesn't add additional pressure.

The group will show up at a club and throw money around. If you're flying somewhere for a party, it's an expensive weekend to begin with, so overpriced alcohol would not be my priority, says Dave, 27. But most guys will go with the group if a club is the choice. The aftermath is more often a headache, though—not a facial tattoo.

Guys don’t do anything but drink and ogle women. Those are certainly a staple of many parties, but that's not the only reason men go. And entirely different kinds of parties do exist. Eric, 29, did the following: We went to the middle of nowhere, and we basically set up a camp for a four-team color war. We just competed the entire weekend at different sports. Of course, one of those contests was beer pong.

A guy only goes to the party to get out of the house. No, he's confronting for the last time his life as a single male, says Ben, 31, a voice for the bad influences. It's about bonding and manhood. Guys need to do guy things like they have since the dawn of time. Sure, casinos and hearty meals are great, but the majority of guys really go for the bonding.

Guys don't miss their significant others. There's always that one guy who clings to his phone and checks in repeatedly. Don't be that guy. But, from my bachelor party experience, any man with a loved one at home who they care about misses her. Distance makes the heart grow fonder, though. And so does a ride home from the airport and a couple Advil.