A groom's guide to surviving your last single night out

It's a rite of passage. Chances are, if you're getting married, your closest friends are going to want to mark the occasion with a bachelor party.

Your best man will probably do most (if not all) of the planning. But depending on how well he knows you (and how well you know him) it might make sense to have some ideas of your own -- just so you can steer him in the right direction.

Once you make a list of guys you'd want to attend (don't forget your future brother-in-law!), think about how much they'd be comfortable spending in a night or over the course of a weekend. Money is the single biggest downer at these shindigs, so most bachelors shoot for something that's within everyone's budget. If you do opt for something pricier like a destination weekend (Vegas, anyone?), keep in mind that some of your buddies might not spring for it.

Also, don't be pressured by what you think a bachelor party should be. A great bachelor party can be thrown on any budget and with as much or as little drunken debauchery as you like. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

*The Poker Game: a frugal but always enjoyable option, especially when you throw in some beers and a few fine cigars.

*The Strip Club: a cliche, yes, but for a reason. Just make sure you don't end up doing something you (or your fiancee) will regret.

*Vegas/Atlantic City: the trick here is to plan to do more than just gamble. Winning is always fun, but you might be in the mood for a change after a three-hour losing streak at the blackjack table. Go out to dinner, catch a show, or sip cocktails by the bar. Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun are great alternatives for East Coast dwellers.

*The Golf Getaway: what could be better than sipping cold ones after a great round on a championship course? Hit the steam room and book a massage for you and your buddies, and you've got yourself a weekend.

*The Bar Crawl: it's not unusual to run into bachelorette parties on these outings, which usually translates to a great evening. Pick 3-5 of your favorite night spots, and cruise around in a van, limo, or party bus. Warning: do not attempt on an empty stomach.

*The Fancy Dinner: perfect for the food lover, dinner at a gourmet restaurant can be a classy way to celebrate the end of bachelorhood. Book a private room, and ask if the restaurant will offer a price-fixed menu to keep the cost under control.

Keep in mind that your bachelor party is something you'll want to remember, so eat a big dinner to soak up some of the booze. If you're worried about all those shots your friends keep threatening to buy you, keep a beer with you at all times. (No one's going to buy you a drink if you've already got one.) In a bind, you can also slyly pass drinks to a friend or ask the bartender for a cranberry and tonic. One more tip: make sure your friends leave their cameras home during any activities that might make your bride-to-be uncomfortable.

To curb your hangover, drink plenty of water before bed and get as much sleep as you can. In the morning, take some Tylenol with a fruit smoothie.