Tip #1: If your event will involve drinking, make arrangements for someone else to drive the group, or book hotel rooms for everyone to stay over.

Tip #2: Do not hire the stripper if you know the bride/groom will be uncomfortable.

Tip #3: Don't use the stripper to embarrass the bride/groom. He/She should be hired only for the bride's/groom's entertainment, not to give her/him memories that will cause regrets for a lifetime.

Tip #4: Schedule the bachelorette/bachelor party weeks before the wedding so the bride/groom can show up rested and sober to her/his wedding (optional).

Tip #5: Remember to be considerate of the wallet of all those who will be contributing to this outing.

Tip #6: These events are usually organized by members of the bridal party.

Tip #7: In no case does the bride or groom pay for their activities. The participants in the party pay the full bill. Be sure you plan an activity that is affordable to those who will cover the bill.

Tip #8: Anyone who is invited to the bachelor/bachelorette party should be on the guest list for the wedding.

Tip #9: It's okay to surprise the bride or groom with the activity that has been planned.

A. The answer to your question depends on the bride and on the type of bachelorette party. Some women are extremely close to their mothers and wouldn't have a wedding-related party without Mom in tow, while others feel more at ease with friends than with family. If you're having a dinner party or a brunch or tea, it's appropriate to invite the bride's and groom's mothers, but if you're going out drinking (or anything else that's not Mom-approved), having them along might be awkward. Chances are they'll opt out anyway. You could blend the best of both worlds: Invite them to dinner and go out with friends for...dessert. Or, make it a girlfriends-only party..

Q. Should the bachelorette party be held on the same night as the bachelor party?

A. Not necessarily, but it's a nice idea for both bride and groom to party simultaneously -- it leaves no time to wonder (read: obsess over) what the other person is doing! One couple we know told their pals they wanted to meet at a favorite hangout at night's end.

Q. Who pays for the party?

A. It is common for guests to pay their own way at bachelor/bachelorette parties, so don’t feel bad about not footing the entire bill. On the other hand, you may want to provide some fun "extras" like hats and t-shirts that say, "BOB’S BACHELOR PARTY," glow jewelry to pass out at one of the nightclubs (always fun), and single use cameras for everyone to have to record the best moments of the trip.