The Playboy Guide to Bachelor Parties: Everything You Need to Know About Planning the Groom's Rite of Passage-From Simple to Sinful [Paperback]

James Oliver Cury (Author)

Book Description

Release date: April 8, 2003

Most bachelor parties are flawed in some way -- boring, predictable, uncomfortable, expensive, unstructured. The culprit: bad planning. The Playboy Guide to Bachelor Parties makes a great gift for any man, whether he's planning a traditional raunchy boozefest or a more civilized affair of steaks and scotch. Learn what usually goes wrong and why; the who, when, and where of invitations; how much the night will cost; the ins and outs of cigars, booze, and limousines; and last-minute bachelor party ideas.

There are more options than you think! Activities range from the PG-rated fishing, golfing, skydiving, and whitewater rafting to the R-rated strippers and shot glasses. Do you know how to toast the groom? How to call for a stripper -- and not get scammed? And what to tell your girlfriend the next day? Playboy, in its 50th year of celebrating bachelorhood, knows best.

• Contains complete listings of possible party activities and prices

• Includes complete city guides for hotspots like Las Vegas, New Orleans, and Tijuana

• Explains brothel terms and stripper scams

• Saves party planners money and hassles

• Offers a mix-and-match activity chart and to-do checklist

• Loaded with entertaining trivia, quotes, toasts, and classic Playboy cartoons

Editorial Reviews

Review

Lonnie Hanover Scores spokesman This book has it all. The author explains in a clear and precise manner everything you should know about planning a bachelor party.

About the Author

James Oliver Cury, former lifestyle editor at Playboy.com, is a regular contributor to Playboy magazine and has written for Details, SPIN, Entertainment Weekly, and other national magazines. He lives in New York City.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Touchstone; Original edition (April 8, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0743232895
• ISBN-13: 978-0743232890
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.5 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,570,887 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Just What The Best Man Ordered! June 18, 2003

By A Customer

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I am a skeptic when it comes to the usefulness of guide books, but this one is worth the investment. The book definitely saved me time and money, and it taught me how to throw a better party. Here are the 3 main reasons why I give it 5 big stars:

1. Well researched and organized. The author packs the book with information, facts and ideas that are valuable and practical. The book explains your options, from basic planning to often overlooked details -- check lists, budget guidelines, common scams, and even a brothel glossary -- it's all included. All important party questions -- why, how, who, what, when and how much -- are answered in precise terms.

2. Very well-rounded content. The Playboy title might lead you to think this book is all about strippers, but it actually gives ideas for tame as well as wild parties. It even explains how to balance out a variety of activities, to keep everyone happy and sustain the desired party vibe.

3. Funny and reads well. The author has a concise and humorous style. I think it works best as a reference, letting you find out what you need to know fast. But you could also read it straight through. Classic Playboy cartoons are mixed in with the text, making it entertaining to browse.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth the ten bucks April 8, 2003

By John O.

Format:Paperback

Just bought the book for a party I had to organize. I’m not the type to buy guides at all and it’s not like I’m going to read every page, but this book is organized and easy to read (and there’s an index). More than anything, I like the fact that the author doesn’t just list the same old ideas like everyone else does. And he goes into detail so I could find out how much each activity costs, which is the one thing I never see anywhere else (and he includes price ranges across the country). The groom in my case didn’t want any strippers, so this book gave me a lot of ideas. Some funny stories in here too. Definitely worth ten bucks.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful find November 29, 2007

By Harkannin

Format:Paperback

I picked this up after being asked to plan a bachelor party on only two days notice. They said they had so much fun that they'll never forget it. The book gives great tips on what works and what doesn't as well as giving strategies for planning a party on short notice and within a budget. It even goes into great depth about planning a party so that so everyone is happy including the bride-to be. The book taught me that a bachelor party is a rite of passage, so a party that would jeopardize that passage is not a good party. Also, a bachelor party is not just about strippers and naked women; there are plenty of activities that won't jeopardize relationships or morals. The book highly recommends learning the interests of the bachelor and working within his interests and the comfort of his fiance.

If I hadn't found this book, I wouldn't have been able to create such a wonderful time for my friends.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A great engagement gift for guys April 24, 2003

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

I bought this for 2 of my male friends who are getting hitched, and both really liked it. I think I actually made them excited about getting married. Both guys weren't really going to have Bachelor parties until I gave them this. There were many ideas beyond the strip bar. And the wives-to-be liked it, too for the same reason. A great (and cheap) gift.

2.0 out of 5 stars Antiquated February 9, 2013

By Matthew Monico

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

The age of Don Draper-like living where you drink hard and play harder seems a bit long gone. Men today are less frequently having the bachelor parties idealized by the movie of the same name. So reading this book felt very silly. I bought it when I was going to be the best man at my friend's wedding. Not one bit of advice in this book was useful. We don't live in the swinging 60s. The book should be revised to reflect the new millenium.

5.0 out of 5 stars PERFECT GROOMSMEN GIFT! February 3, 2013

By Amber Arnold

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

My fiancé got this book as a groomsmen gift for his best man that he sent in the mail to him after asking him to be in our wedding. It can be a great gesture for someone who has never planned a bachelor party before!!!

6 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars It's not just about strippers.. . April 24, 2003

By K Wharton

Format:Paperback

I bought this book for my boyfriend who has to plan a bachelor party in the near future, only I couldn't resist thumbing through the pages first myself. This is a great book! It is not only useful, but also fun to read. The cartoons are truly witty. the author offers clever and unique options for not only all types of men, but also for all types of budgets. Reading this book makes bachelor planning an exciting task rather than a daunting one.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars BRILLIANT April 16, 2007

By philliv

Format:Paperback

this book is a must-read before and while planning any bachelor party. there are many books out there w/ sound advice on how to plan a bachelor party, but none w/ this kind of insight and humor. just like the title reads, from simple to sinful, all levels of bachelor gatherings are covered. and the approach and delivery of the material from playboy is unexpectedly mild-mannered and mature, even when advising on sinful extravaganzas. it is also very informative and full of helpful (and essential) information. this was my handbook throughout the planning process of my brother's bachelor party and i can say w/out a doubt that it paid off. i will consult this book again...