Besides going to tuxedo fittings, working on your reception speech, and being an all-around wingman leading up the wedding, one of the most important things you’ll do as a best man is plan and throw a bachelor party for the groom-to-be. Bachelor parties have been epitomized in mainstream media as ragers full of lewd entertainment and questionable decisions. While that may be fitting for some bachelors, it isn’t always the case.

A bachelor party can be as small or large as you (and most importantly, your groom) wants it to be. Follow the tips below to make sure that your bachelor party is one of the most unforgettable nights in your groom’s life.

Get organized

Being tasked with planning a party can be daunting, and just because you’ve been designated the groom’s official wingman doesn’t mean you can get away with winging the party. Even though a bachelor party is meant to be fun, without proper planning, the party can quickly turn into chaos—and not the fun kind. Start by making a list of the people you and the groom definitely want to invite. Most bachelor parties are planned for groups from four to 12 people, although more may be fitting depending on the groom.

After you’ve come up with the appropriate list of invitees, reach out to them to see what their availability is like leading up to the wedding. If they’re all invited to the wedding and are already planning on traveling, you may want to look at the days leading up to the wedding for the perfect night. However, if everyone is local, you can think about throwing the bachelor party weeks or even a month or two ahead of the wedding. Make sure that you’ve invited the right people, though. You wouldn’t want your party to turn into the next #AngelosBachelorParty!

Think about the groom

The most important advice to follow when planning a bachelor party is to think about the groom. You may think going to a nightclub is the perfect way to honor the groom, but if you know he doesn’t enjoy that kind of scene, you’re in for a miserable time. Some grooms will be happy with an evening in with friends, board games, and drinks, while other, more extroverted types will appreciate an elaborately planned night on the town. If you plan on drinking at the party, it’s best to avoid activities like go-karts, shooting ranges, and boating, since alcohol can quickly make these recreations dangerous.

After you’ve picked the activity or activities, come up with a way to upgrade the activity and personalize it for the night. For example, if they’re a fan of golfing or sports, consider picking up some glow-in-the-dark golf balls and hitting a driving range in the evening. If you consider the groom’s tastes, hobbies, and frequented locations when you plan their special night, you’ll be sure to hit a home run.

Make a budget

It’s important that you consider a budget when planning your party. Some best men opt to pay for everything, while others ask party goers to chip in so that the groom doesn’t have to pay their own way. In making your budget, make sure that you account for the following common parts of a bachelor party:

• Food for the entire party
• Drinks and alcohol
• Any fees associated with the activities you’ve chosen
• Party favors or special clothing
• Accommodations for out-of-town guests
• Money for transportation

Even if you’re planning on having a night-in at someone’s house instead of heading out, consider spending some money on party accessories like LED shot glasses or other drink accessories to take your party to the next level. Whatever option you decide on, be sure to come up with an appropriate budget and stick to it. You don’t want to stop the fun by bringing up the need to check your bank account before buying another round!

Buy some party favors

Party favors are often thought of for children’s birthdays, but there are plenty of favors and accessories designed for adults. From light-up barware to confetti cannons, picking up some extra pieces will really elevate your party and show the groom that you put thought into the night. Plus, they’re a great souvenir for your guests, offering them something to remember the special party by.

Don’t be afraid to call in reinforcements

If you need extra insight in order to make sure the bachelor has a great time, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Talking to the groom’s other friends, family members, or even his fiancee can provide you with more information about what the groom is expecting for his bachelor party. Some friends and family members may not be able to come, but may be willing to chip in ideas or buy everyone personalized t-shirts to make sure the evening is fun and memorable.

Planning a bachelor party isn’t something that should be taken lightly. With proper planning and a bit of legwork before the big night, you can be sure to throw a party that the groom will never forget. Consider his interests, invite the people who matter most, and come up with a budget, and you’ll be off to a great start. Throw in some party favors, too, and you’ll be able to take even the most low-key event and make it special. Who knows, you may even throw the best event he’s ever experienced—at least until his wedding day!