Is It Okay to Invite People to the Bachelor Party Who Aren't Invited to the Wedding?
Planning a bachelor party comes with a lot of unknown territory for those who haven't previously organized this type of event. One question we frequently hear is in relation to the guest list. Can the groom (or his best man) invite someone to the bachelor party who isn't invited to the wedding? Here, the answer to this (and other) queries about the bachelor party guest list.
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Who gets invited to the bachelor party?
The guest list for the bachelor party should be made up of groomsmen and good friends or family members who are invited to the wedding. Generally speaking, the best man will serve as the host, and should handle inviting the rest of the party's guests. In addition to letting the groomsmen know the plan, the best man should also personally invite siblings of the bride and groom who are not part of the wedding party. Depending on the activities planned, you may want to invite the dads, too.
So, who writes the guest list?
It's often necessary to ask the groom who he'd like to invite to attend his bachelor party, as there may be a few friends or colleagues the hosts haven't considered. The groom should be asked if he would like to include his father and future father-in-law in the festivities, as well as any other friends who are not part of the wedding party.
Does that mean we can't invite old friends?
If those old friends aren't invited to the wedding, it's simply impolite to include them in the bachelor party. Assuming they will be going to the wedding, though, it's entirely acceptable to invite them to the bachelor party, too.
So, can we invite friends to the bachelor party who aren't invited to the wedding?
Nope. If this person is close enough to you that you'd like them to be present at the bachelor party, why wouldn't you want them to be present at your wedding? It's rude to extend the pre-wedding party invite to anyone who isn't going to be invited to the main event, so consider your relationship and reevaluate your wedding guest list if necessary.