Page 4 Berthoud Weekly Surveyor • February 17, 2013 State of the Union ❧

As weddings have grown more elaborate over the years, so have the pre-parties. With

so many folks waiting until their late 20s and 30s to get married, cou-ples have the funds avail-able for bigger weddings and crazier parties — and they are splurging.

Bachelors have been celebrating their last night as single men since the time of the Spar-

tans, while the bachelorette party is a relatively newer phenomenon. Stag parties, as bachelor parties are referred to elsewhere in the English speaking world, were originally a

dinner given by the groom for his friends.

Over the years, these par-ties got a little crazier. One no-torious stag party was that of P.T. Barnum’s grand-son in 1896. The party he threw for his brother was raided by police because they had received information that a famous belly dancer was going to perform at the event in the nude.

Called a hen’s night in the United Kingdom, the bachelorette party doesn’t have the same long and wild history as the bachelor party. While it was common throughout the centuries

to hold some sort of gather-ing in honor of the bride-to-be, such as a wed-ding shower, the bachelorette party didn’t come about until the 1960s and, even then, the fi rst party-planning book about bach-elorette parties wasn’t published until 1998.

Las Vegas has been a popu-lar destination for both men and women to pre-party before

the big day. It has even inspired huge comedy hits such as “The Hangover.” Debauchery is synonymous with Vegas and with bachelor and bachelorette parties, so it seems to be a match made in heaven.

However, Vegas isn’t the only place brides and grooms are fl ocking for one last hurray before they tie the knot. New York, N.Y., is popular with brides who want to indulge in shopping and

luxury, while South Beach, Miami is a place for bikinis and nightlife.

It may not be everyone’s idea of a good time, but co-ed parties are becoming more and more popular. A weekend in Mexico, where the girls do the spa and the boys do the bar is one option, while others choose to rent a house and boat for a weekend in a place like the Ozarks.

“If you have the same friends as your spouse, it really makes sense,” said Kiki Soule, who threw a co-ed bachelor/bachelorette party at the Lake of the Ozarks. “The Lake of the Ozarks is all about no frills laid back good times. If you are looking for a co-ed party involving bar hopping via motorboat, drinking in your swimsuit and being with loved ones, then take a trip to the Lake of the Ozarks for a sometimes not so wholesome fun in the sun.”

So whether you are planning a low-key backyard barbeque or an off-the-hook Vegas shindig, remember, what happens at these parties should never be shared on Facebook or Twitter or Instagram. It should only be shared 20 years from now when the memories are a bit blurry and the kids aren’t in the room.

The evolution of the bachelor/bachelorette party

Photo by Heidi Kerr-SchlaeferA bachelorette party in the Ozarks. The parties shall remain nameless to protect the innocent.

Nine — twelve months• Visit clergy to discuss service and

facility.• Start working on a guest list.• Work up a budget.• Find a reception site• Choose your attendants.• Shop for reception entertainment.

Six — nine months• Book your caterer.• Book your photographer/videographer.• Shop for your wedding gown.• Plan ceremony music; select musicians.• Shop for your honeymoon.

Four — six months• Order invitations and party favors.• Make sure all deposits have been made

and contracts signed.• Shop for groom’s and groomsmen’s

tuxedos.• Organize accommodations for out-of-

town guests.• Select a fl orist.

• Finalize arrangements for church and ceremony.

Two — four months• Address invitations. Send out six-eight

weeks prior.• Buy attendants’ gifts.• Select a baker and order wedding cake.• Buy wedding rings.• Buy accessories (cake knife, toasting

glasses, guest book, etc.).• Make plans and reservations for

wedding rehearsal and dinner.

One — two months• Arrange fi nal bridal and attendants’

gowns fi ttings.• Confi rm all reservations for ceremony,

reception and honeymoon.• Obtain marriage license.

Two weeks• Pick up all gowns and accessories.• Make sure photographer and/or

videographer has a list of photos and events to be captured.

• Make sure musicians have the music specifi ed.

One week• Confi rm seating arrangements and fi nal

count.• Have rehearsal and dinner.• Pack for honeymoon.• Relax and get plenty of rest.

Remember, you have planned for this event with the help of many qualifi ed individuals. On this, the most exciting day of your life, concentrate on being happy, no matter what happens. Enjoy the new life you are beginning with your true love.

Wedding Timeline

SurveyorColumnist

HeidiKerr-Schlaefer