Band of boys

With its desi modifications and tradition-friendly variations, coupled with, tricks, stints and dance by the groom and his friends, it supports good-natured fun. “At such parties it’s only the boys letting their party instincts loose and gearing up the groom for his wedding,” says Karan Khanna, who often revels to such parties.

The party may be casual, laid back affair, where just the groom and his band of boys in denims, shorts and lose tees would have a bonfire night out. “Music, chunky food and drinks are all imperative ingredients! With some tikkas on the grill and a flow of beer, to keep the fun going,” says Sanket Saini, a groom-to-be. While in a semi-formal do, the group would either be pub hopping or partying the night away, stretching into the wee hours of the morning.

In a gentlemen’s soiree, which generally includes the women folk, the men suit up in formals and the ladies don cocktail dresses while the venues would include sleek clubs and lounges, set to the theme décor by the party planners taking care of the DJ music to the lavish spread of gourmet cuisine and entertaining the guests. With its liberal and modified norms, the latest trends also include women invitees to so called bachelor’s party! “Most of them are either close friends or girlfriends of close friends,” says Rutuj Sharma, an architect.

A night out for the bachelor and spinsters, Nitin Mittal’s recently held party was a lively evening of good-natured fun. “Our’s was a pre-marital extravaganza hosted by my fiancée and me. Although the theme was Casino Night, we made sure it had no hard drinks served,” says Mittal, a businessman and recent groom. “As the guests entered, they were handed a Cowboy hat and jacket, this added to the mood,” adds Mittal a businessman and recent groom, who believes in fun without liquor and dance.

With different themes and ideas each party has its own fun. “The last party I attended had an Arabian theme. It had a great cusine and concept. Also, an Arabian dancer was called for entertainment. I’m looking forward to more such occasions,” says Gaurav Bajaj, who attended Bachelor’s party recently. While Kevin Thomas, who would be the best man at a friends wedding happening soon, says, “Our gang isn’t quite inclined to the party scene, it doesn’t necessarily have to be an evening phenomenon, and we would be spending a day fishing or rafting!”

Most men have welcomed this occidental tradition with open arms but there still are a few who don’t quite see the point of it all. “My fiancée never keeps me from having a boy’s night out, so I don’t need a special party to do that,” says Anup Anand, an IT professional. It doesn’t matter what’s on the agenda for a bachelor’s party but one thing is unvarying and that is the sheer need for the would-be groom to have his single hood celebrated for the last time with his best companions.