As the best man, you must plan an unforgettable Bucks party weekend that the groom and all your mates will discuss for years. And what better destination could there be than Australia's party capital - the Gold Coast? With its warm weather, beautiful beaches, and a never-ending selection of fun things to do, the Gold Coast is the ideal location for a lads' trip your groom and crew will never forget.
In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to plan the ultimate Gold Coast Bucks party weekend, from choosing exciting activities and booking accommodation to managing budgets and schedules. By following these tips and recommendations, you can ensure your groom's last hurrah as a single man is one for the ages.
The first major step is choosing a weekend date that works for all the guys you want to invite. It's crucial to check everyone's work and personal commitments before locking in dates. Weekends during the summer months, from November to March, are the most popular times to visit the Gold Coast when the weather is beautiful and warm. Consider booking long weekends or public holidays to maximize time off if possible.
Once you have a provisional date, send out save-the-date messages to the groom and all potential attendees to hold it in their calendars. You can follow up closer to time with the full itinerary details and travel arrangements. Most bucks parties are usually held on Friday afternoon through Sunday so that lads can get back to work on Monday.
Next up is securing accommodation that will be your home base for the weekend. The busier holiday periods tend to book out fast, so it's a good idea to get on this ASAP after picking dates. Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach are two of the most central and lively spots to stay, within walking distance of restaurants, bars, clubs and the beach.
Some accommodation options to consider include:
Be sure to book extra rooms for any last-minute additions, too. Get everyone to pay their shares upfront so you're not left out of pocket.
Everyone knows the Gold Coast nightlife is legendary, but you'll want plenty to keep the lads occupied during the day, too. Here are some top activity ideas to fill your itinerary:
Once you have a list of options, poll the groom and crew on their top 3 picks to feature each day. Pre-book where possible to secure spots.
What bucks party would be complete without legendary pub crawls? Plan a route taking in 4-5 of the best sports bars, breweries and clubs along the Gold Coast. Must hits include Cheers Bar, Beer Guts, Bleeding Wolf and Good Bar.
Design custom-printed t-shirts or singlets for everyone with team nicknames or inside jokes. Also, get creative bucks sashes, funny hats or wigs for costume shenanigans along the way. And don't forget to bring a Polaroid camera to capture memories throughout the night.
Setting a budget upfront is crucial for a successful Bucks weekend. Consider costs of:
Then, tally estimates and divide by the number of attendees to set a per-person fee. Collect payments in the months leading up to cover all expenses. Also, factor in additional spending money for each person.
A well-planned budget relieves your pressure as the organizer and ensures everyone can enjoy themselves without worrying about costs. Communicate the budget breakdown transparently from the start.
With the proper planning and preparation, you can maximize every moment of the Bucks party weekend to create incredible memories:
Staying organized with a detailed schedule and contingency plans ups the fun factor while reducing stress as best man.
