3. BOOK IT

Once you've decided on the venue for your party and the types of entertainment you'd like to provide, it's time to make the arrangements.

Setting a budget
Booking strippers

Setting a budget

First determine how much you are willing to pay. Genius, isn't it? Almost universally, all attendees will split the costs evenly and the groom will not pay a dime. While costs will vary greatly depending on the activities planned and the amount of people, expect that when transportation, drinks, rental/reservation fees and entertainment are tallied, each person could typically be out $100-$300. To make sure that everyone's clear on this, when you call people to invite them or send out the invites, give them a rough idea of how much they'll be expected to front.

As for booking a location, get a reservation for at least a month in advance, and get your deal in writing (including the date, times, prices, and what you get for it). Watch out for hidden credit card charges. Though agencies are not allowed to charge any more than 5% in service charges, some will try to add on as much as 30% to whatever you plan to tip.

Finally, don't be fooled by the bait-and-switch. This is applicable to food, beverages, hotels and other venues. For example, if you're ordering catered food, you may want to sample it first, if possible, to ensure you are getting the quality you expected. Less reputable companies will often promise you one thing (knowing they don't have it), and when the big day comes, you have no choice but to take what they give you.

Booking strippers

While it sounds like fun to round up a bunch of strippers and have them take their clothes off, you actually have to be extremely careful about how you go about it. Many of these "adult entertainment" companies are not as reputable as, say, your bank. So follow these important tips:

  • Make sure to call around and compare prices. While you don't necessarily want the cheapest, you do want the one that acts the most professionally.

  • Many companies may tell you they can't guarantee an "entertainer" unless you book her over the phone during your initial call. Do not be persuaded by these types of threats. If they don't want your business, someone else surely will. This is a sure sign of a rip-off artist.

  • Get any deals you make in writing. Most reputable companies will fax you a copy of any contract agreed upon. Also, ask for a written description of the "show" for any entertainment you book.

  • To put it delicately, agencies may send entertainers to your party that aren't exactly of the "quality" you expected when you booked them (e.g., they smell bad, they have no teeth, they're hairier than you are . . .). If this happens, you'll have no choice but to take another swig, squint your eyes, and let them in. This is why it's vital to prepare in advance - ask friends what agencies they have used successfully in the past before committing to one. However, you should complain to the agency later if you are unsatisfied.

  • Ask whether photographing or videotaping is allowed. Usually, it's taboo. You don't want an angry stripper - or far worse, her 300-lb. security guard - confiscating your camera later on.