Ideas for Your Next Private Party

You know who we lowkey admire? The Royals. Hear us out on this…

Because surely they know how to party behind closed doors. They’re forever composed in public.. But do you know what else they are? Smug on a Sunday at Church. Because no doubt they’ve had a debaucherous Saturday night in the privacy of their own homes.

Afterall, what can be more satisfyingly smug and a subtle flex than coming up with, and flawlessly executing, unique private party ideas that leave your closest friends munching on some memberberries for months, if not years after they are done? The private parties that go down in history, but are kept on a “if you know you know” basis. You know the ones that – if there is photographic evidence – Facebook / Instagram memories remind you of down the track. Or even the ones that get triggered in the “remember that time” style of conversations? Like that time this author held a 200 person 90s party and the next day noticed that the doors were missing #truestory. Who needs doors anyway right?

Well actually, it’s probably to keep gatecrashers and the rona outside of your home.

Unless you’ve been in the Big Brother house, we’re clearly very aware that iso has changed the partying game (#stayhome), so you will need to get creative with your next private party.

Pysch!… we’ve done all the creative thinking for you, obviously.

Buckle in and get your private party planning ready, because:
a) you have the time, and,
b) we have the juice on ideas for your next private party.

We won’t be isolated forever, so when things return to (somewhat) normal and we can high-five (or kiss) whomever we please, we are going to need to celebrate the fact that we can, well, celebrate.

Read on for our private party ideas on how you can party remotely (but still exclusively with your clique) in the best interests of everyone right now, and how to start planning for when this whole rona mess is over and done with (currently cueing that 200person 90s reunion party and unhinging my doors in preparation).

Netflix Party

Fear not, you can still throw a modern movie marathon for your film fanatic mates, thanks to the Chrome plugin ‘Netflix Party, ‘ which is completely free! You’ll get a party URL and group chat feature which allows for screenshots, emojis, and GIFs so you can still enjoy some running commentary with your very best crew.

Hopefully you tackled cuffing season early, and cuffed yourself to a bae before iso came into effect, so you can Netflix Party… drop out of the URL and chill… then opt back into the Netflix Party… then chill. See what we’re getting at here? Load up on the popcorn, curate an iconic selection of movies and be safe.

Virtual DJ Set

If movies are too wholesome, then take a cue from Flex Mami and throw a YUGE iso house party. JQBX is a free app that links to your Spotify so you can throw a club-esque rave, where you can mix in your own beats or simply share the bangers with your friends. The question is: is it a banger? Well, my friends, songs can be cheered or booed, and there is a chatroom, so the hit or sh*t debates can still rage with your virtual iso crew.

Ladies Night In

Ladies… what’s more liberating than burning the sweatpants we’ve been living in? To be honest, this could go in one of two directions: you can go all out and dress up in black tie (if you don’t know exactly what that means, we have you covered), or strip right down to the basics… like your Bonds basics.

Make it virtual right now… tune your favourite girls into Zoom, let your hair down and your living room turned into a d floor. It’s a mature party option for the gals only, so anyone with a male partner / rona bae needs to send them off to the bed early. But if you take this IRL, when iso is over, be sure to bring in a few lads in their Bonds basics to bartend. Wink wink and cin cin ladies.

Yacht Raft Up

Kids, it’s time to raft up or go home. Let’s be honest here, when you can finally get back on a boat, there’s no way you’re going home after what feels like a lifetime in iso. So I guess rafting up is the only option here.

Shoot a message to your closest mates to organise their own yacht with a fun crew. Set a date. Set a location. Set yourself up for a ripper of a yacht raft up party.

Then on set date, have each of your mates set sail to the destination on their respective boats, and raft up for an exclusive yacht party. No outside boaties welcome.

Private Boat Party

If a raft up is a little too dicey to organise – we get it, people flake – then keep it to your tightest pals and hire a private boat / yacht / superyacht. Bring a few DJ, models, topless bartenders, on board and cruise through the day (or night) with a trusted crew to get down and sea legs wobbly with. Make it a Wolf of Wall street or Kardashians-in-Capri-on-their-superyacht vibe.

Bring someone new party

We’ve all been a little couped up and socially distanced, so what better way to celebrate the end of that than by meeting some new people? The ‘bring someone new party’ is a great way to gather your core group of friends and task them all with bringing a plus one (that no-one knows) along to the private party. Usually, we’d say you can organise some icebreaker games to acclimatise the newbies into the group, but if you get on board the Partistaff bandwagon, we have some legit party animals who don’t need no babysitting.

Go forth and watch your friendship circle double in one epic night.!

Singles Only… +1

Now as much as we’re all for our friends and a big friendship circle, sometimes those long-term couples kinda put on a drain on the night. You just wanna be single and mingle, not talk about renovations and what breeder they’ve been looking into when they’re about to get a dog. So this is a mature party for the singles only. Round up all your single comrades, get them to bring a single +1 (or, cough cough, a Partistaff +1), then Bob’s your uncle… who won’t be there because Bob is married and there are no couples permitted.

Just be prepared for the raging hangover after this one.

You really don’t have to hit the town to have rager of a night. Hosting your own private party is the new Ibiza people! If we have learned one thing recently, it’s not to take the pleasure of our friend’s company for granted, so as long as you have an exclusive but solid gang, the setting for a good time (or a cleared living room for a d floor) and, let’s be real, some booze, you are in for a wild night.

Top 10 Easy Cocktail Recipes for Parties

Tis’ the season so we’re not here to discuss pure blondes or assess deep crimson reds with purple highlights… unless it’s one of our edgy Party Hosts. Leave the beer at Dan Murphy’s and the wine at your boutique cellar. It’s cocktail hour every day during holidays and we’re ready to quote Taylor Swift’s “shake it off” out of context (don’t hate on our Tay Swizzle reference… “haters gonna hate”).

It just wouldn’t be summer without featuring a series of the best thirst-quenching, damn flavoursome, ice-y cocktails on your bar drinks list.

The reality is, cocktails are 10 times more enjoyable; taste-wise, losing your inhibitions-wise and thirst-wise.

Example A:

Fill a pitcher and share it around because:

being 10 beers deep gets boring… people want a tasty flavour party in their mouths… cocktails are a flavour party that everyone is invited to!
everyone loses their inhibitions at the same rate therefore on the same wavelength (therefore easier to manage when their hitting a decline); and,
when your thirst is real and you’re playing the field (and hoping you may be able to turn the flavour party into a tongue party with your crush of the night), it doesn’t take much to impress with a delicious cocktail and remember the said crush’s order when everyone is drinking the same damn cocktails. Genius, non?

And we’re not talking about the jungle juice you used to make when you were 18. C’mon, step up your game. You’re here to impress, and jungle juice never ends well… or it ends with someone being a liability in the gutter.

The only issue with impressing guests? Time.

The more time focused on cocktail-making, the more people you have queuing up at the bar waiting for one of your best cocktail concoctions. The more time focused on perfecting the cocktail, the more time it takes to turn over the drinks. People don’t have all night to wait at the bar. When time is of the essence, you haven’t got time to mess around with vanilla essence.

So step on up to the top shelf of cocktails that are easy to make… and probably a little too easy to go down the gullet. Up on this shelf, you’ll find top cocktail recipes, which can be whacked together in a hot minute, inspired from around the globe. After all, Australia is a multi-cultural country.

Here are the top 10 cocktails to shake up this holiday season and add to your bar drinks list. We’ve made it super easy for you – so much so we could title this blog post “Cocktails for Dummies”, but you guys are the best cocktail makers out there (we’re not ashamed to massage your egos) so just think of it as some more serving magic tricks up your bartending sleeve.

1. Aperol Spritz

Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/stockcatalog/41011770932

Have you even lived through summer if you haven’t served up an Italian Aperol Spritz? We doubt it.

You will need: 60mL Aperol Aperitivo, 90mL Prosecco, 30mL Soda water, Slice or wedge of orange

Method: Mix Aperol, prosecco and soda in a large wine glass (approx. 420ml). Fill the glass completely with ice. Finish with the garnish of orange.

An orange hot tip: Mix the Aperol, prosecco and soda before adding the ice, that way it doesn’t need stirring.

2. A Whisky Highball

Whisking up this Scottish inspired aperitif is so breezy it’ll blow a summery breeze right up the kilts of the Scots.

You will need: 45 ml Glenmorangie The Original 10 years old, 100 ml soda water, 1/2 orange (along with some slices to garnish).

Method: Pour the whisky into a highball glass over ice. Top up with soda water and squeeze half of an orange. Stir. Garnish with orange slices.

Slàinte mhath!

3. Peach Prosecco Punch

This a punch spiked with the good stuff, making it refreshing and fruity, and making us truly ap-peach-iate its simplicity.

You will need: 3 cups prosecco, 2 cups peach nectar, 1 cup raspberries, 1/2 cup blueberries

Method: In a large pitcher, whisk together prosecco and peach nectar. Serve over raspberries, blueberries and ice, if desired.

We recommend the raspberries and blueberries to make your guests berry impressed.

4. Bees Knees

Considering this was invented to mask crappy gin, you can do this with your worst bottle of gin… and your eyes closed.

You will need: 60 mL Gin (preferably not bottom shelf if you can manage it), 15 ml Fresh Lemon Juice, 15 ml Honey Syrup

Method: Combine all ingredients in your cocktail shaker. Shake with ice (get your hips into that shaking whilst you’re at it). Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon.

This cocktail is the bees knees (sorry, we had to).

5. Michelada

Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/68147320@N02/15513799638

Say hola to spicing up your lagers and the festivities with a Michelada!

You will need: 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp chilli powder, 1 tsp black pepper, ice, juice ½ lime, 3 shakes hot sauce, Mexican lager.

Method: Mix 1 tsp each salt, chilli powder and black pepper on a plate, wipe the rim of the glass with a slice of lime and roll in the spice mix. Add ice, juice ½ lime and 3 shakes hot sauce, then top up with Mexican lager.

Bueno? We thought so.

6. Scorpion bowl

Sounds deadly, but it’s deadly delicious and it’ll sweep your guests off to a tropical Tahitian vibe.

You will need: 500 ml Bacardi Carta Blanca rum, 100 ml brandy, 600 ml orange juice, 400 ml lemon juice, 100 ml amaretto, orange and lemon for garnish

Method: Blend that baby up in a blender with ice until smooth, and pour into a jug to be served in bulk. Garnish with citrus slices and mint sprigs.

Ideally this one is poured into coconuts… because novelty always wins.

7. Vietnamese Mojito

Can Asian-fusion do any wrong? The Vietnamese Mojito definitely can’t. This is a Vietnamese take on the Cuban Highball and we are here for it.

You will need: 1/2 lime (2 wedges and a slice for garnish), 6 mint leaves (plus a little for garnish), 2 perilla leaves, 40 ml rum, 2 tsp sugar syrup, 25 ml ginger and lemongrass cordial, soda water

Method: Muddle 2 lime wedges, 6 mint leaves and 1 perilla leaf. Add 40ml rum, 2 tsp sugar syrup and 25ml ginger and lemongrass cordial. Half-fill a glass with ice, pour in the cocktail and stir. Add more ice, top with soda water and stir. Garnish with a lime slice, a perilla leaf and a mint sprig.

8. Light ‘n’ Stormy

Talk a walk on the light side with this Light ‘n’ Stormy.

You will need: 30 ml Four Pillars Navy Strength Gin, 150 ml ginger beer, 3 lime wedges, 2 dashes Angostura bitters, Mint leaves and a long slice of ginger, to serve

Method: Layer ingredients over ice in a tall glass, garnish with mint and ginger, and serve.

Can you believe that’s it?

9. Woo Woo

Let’s be honest, we only chose the Woo Woo because of it’s name… and because it’s almost too easy to shake up.

You will need: 25ml of peach schnapps, 25ml of vodka, 50ml of cranberry juice.

Method: Mix the vodka and peach schnapps together. Add the cranberry juice and you’re done!

That’s got to be a record time for cocktail making, amirite?

10. Margarita

The classic Margarita never gets old. It’s quick to make (even without one of those cocktail premixes) and quick to disappear into mouths.

You will need: 45 ml White Tequila, 15 ml Triple Sec, 30 ml Fresh Lime Juice.

Method: Moisten the rim of the glass with lime. Place the glass upturned onto a plate of salt. Combine all ingredients in your cocktail shaker. Shake with ice and plenty of good vibes. Strain into a margarita glass… or if the situation is dire, a plastic beer pong cup. Garnish with lime.

The easiest part of these cocktails? Making them in bulk and serving in pitchers and jugs. Time-saving and sanity-saving.

Now, please go forth and practice your quickie cocktail making on your friends (and we’ll also be waiting for our invitation in the mail).

Cheers!

How To Be A Good Waiter/ Waitress: Our Top 10 Serving Skills

top 10 serving skills waiter waitress vanderpump rules

Great waiters and waitresses are becoming a rare commodity. The need for good waitstaff is on the rise and, for all the hustlers out there, it’s a safe job bet without the investment of a University degree.

We know hospitality can be complex art to master, but once you get into the swing of being an good waiter, the rewards are worthwhile. And by worthwhile, we mean money.

Outstanding waiters can afford to pay the (Bondi Beach) rent, purchase those Common Projects sneakers, and party all the time without ending up in a scenario where they can’t get an Uber home after a night because their credit card is maxxed. It’s all because outstanding waiters say hello to bulk $100 tips!

Side note, speaking from experience here: if you’re single and nail the gig, you may also be rewarded with numbers from a slew of babes, because as a waiter, you’re immediately classified as hot (in context).

So how do you ensure to get those extra monies (and phone digits) ?

It’s pretty straightforward: Don’t be a shitty waiter.

Think about the last time you enjoyed a shitty waiter? Exactly, never.

That arse that ignored my friends for over an hour after they were seated, then after finally taking their order, told them they had to hurry up with their eating when the food came out because they needed to turn the table over in 20 minutes.

The killjoy that diminished all my shred of morning positivity by dishing up a cranky attitude just because I wanted to kick off brunch with a bottle of bubbles. Don’t persecute me for wanting to have a good time at brunch right?

Those lights-are-on-but-nobody’s-home headcases who’ve clearly not slept and can’t remember your order, let alone where they even are.

A waiter who was fired for being rude and aggressive but claimed it was because he was French.

That waiter that was headbutted by Justin Bieber – I definitely don’t condone violence, but surely he had it coming?

We’ve all had a shitty waiter experience. As old school as it is, think about how you would like to be treated.

Budding waiters out there, basically you don’t want to suck. The only time anyone wants to suck at something is when it’s a hot day and you’re holding a rainbow PaddlePop – amirite?

If you’re going to be a decent waiter / waitress, there’s a few things you need to not suck at.

As always, we’ve got your back with the info nuggets… here are the 10 serving skills best to have in your grasp, other than a bottle of vino.

1.Customer service

Numero uno to killing it in this game is high quality customer service.

Be attentive, listen and, for god’s sake, give the people what they want.

Even if they whole-heartedly believe pineapple belongs on pizza (because, let’s be clear, it doesn’t), then that customer is right.

Chances are, most people aren’t that demanding, and if you get off on the right foot with them, you’re all in for a fun night.

2. Charisma

Charisma is like making the perfect cocktail. You need one part smooth confidence, one part infectious smile and one part witty humour, all topped off with Michelle Obama or Chris Hemsworth.

Charismatic waitstaff engage positively with their customers, and ultimately, make it all about the customer. They make each and every customer feel like they’re the only person in the room.

If you can charm your way through a night of waitering, without an ego, we guarantee you’ll come out the other end happy and with a happy wallet.

3. Communication

We do this every day, but weirdly enough we don’t always get it right. Be clear and proactive with your communication, and be mindful of your body language.

Let your customers know if there is a delay or misunderstanding from the get go… don’t wait until the last minute. There’s nothing like a hungry or thirsty customer scorned.

The right style of communication is also dependent on the environment – so pick your audience with your banter. Whilst we love the bromance and bff potentials that can form, not every waiter-patron relationship is going to be a Paul Rudd success.

We recommend refraining from dropping “Ok Boomer” in response to a request for your top shelf whisky by a 75-year-old male sporting a cravat. Something along the lines of “certainly, sir” will go down as smoothly as that whisky he’s about to sip on.

Likewise, a group celebrating a hens party or bucks party, probably don’t want to hear about your recent ex cheating on you.

4. Composure

Not matter how ratchet the crowd or heated a situation may get, you gotta stay cool as a cucumber.

The moment you are as defensive (and offensive) as Trump on a Twitter rampage, it’s game over.

Harness your empathy to win over your customers.

At the end of the day, the customer is always right.. Alright? Even when their demands may seem unreasonable, it’s imperative to be accommodating and patient all with a smile on your face.

5. The ability to smile… normally

On that note, be balanced with your smile, you’re not trying to creep your customers by forcing a grin that makes you look quasi-constipated. It’s also probably not appropriate to be beaming your pearly whites if you’re dealing with an issue and the Hulk of all customers and they’re so angry they have steam coming out of their ears.

6. Being observant and attentive

The devil’s in the detail. Is it someone’s birthday and you can make it that extra little bit special?

Is someone nearly finished their beer and in need of a new cold one?

Does it look like a group of people have missed out on food and keep popping their heads up like a pack of meerkats?

Is someone getting a little too sloppy with their chat and behaviour that they need to be started on a few waters?

Does someone look lonely and you can have their back with feeling comfortable?

Absorb the scenarios and always be two steps ahead.

7. A good memory

If you can’t remember names of people immediately after you’ve met them, then you’re going to struggle to remember what your customers want.

Solution: brain games and practice.

8. Product knowledge

Know your shit!

Know your drinks, know your food, know the ingredients. Hell, even know what’s happening in public affairs.

The more knowledgeable you are on what you’re serving your customers (even if it’s just a good time), the more likely you’ll translate as an exemplary waiter.

9. Multi-tasking

Juggling multiple tasks are a key component of managing your job.

When you are managing the consumption of alcohol, the devouring of food, and the general happiness of a party, you need to be able to keep up with the various micro tasks required of serving your customers.

10. Efficiency

Whilst it makes a huge difference when you can wax lyrical to a the customer, it’s also just as important you’re not skipping out on the efficiency of pouring drinks or serving food. People’s mouths are hungry and thirsty.. Don’t keep them waiting.

Move swiftly, but juggle those bottles of Perrier Jouet like you’re a graceful Swan Lake ballerina.

Got all the serving skills to be a waiter/waitress? Look for some jobs in your area here.

Our Guide to the Best Bucks Party Venues in Melbourne

We’re a nation of winners, even if by default.

So when Melbourne, marginally lost the title as the world’s Most Liveable City last year – a feat it had reigned in for seven years – we took it upon ourselves to do what we do best: stew on it for a few months.

Now we’ve cut our losses and crowned it with a new, improved title: the Most Bucks Party (-able) City.

Between its slew of sporting entertainment (from weekly Darbys to AFL Grand Final and Cricket Boxing Day Series) and density of pubs, local breweries and dens, mixed with its diverse club nightlife, world-class and hipster dining, as well as dynamic “culture,” Melbourne is the royalty of destinations for celebrating Grooms-to-be.

In a place where there are probably more choices for beer as there are trams, choosing the perfect Bucks Party venue is surprisingly overwhelming.

Lucky for all of you knighted as Best Man, we’ve done the heavy lifting and handpicked (handpicked = keyboard bashing) the finest of Melbourne’s bucks spots that’ll give you a proverbial (key word: proverbial) boner… and make your lads livid they hadn’t thought of these first.

If you’re not Best Man, send this over to whoever is on Bucks organising duty and tell them to get their plastics ready. While you come to the realisation the plastics we’re referring to are credit cards, here are the best Bucks Party venues in Melbourne.

Melbourne Cable Park

Kick off your Bucks day by skipping the coffees, because with Melbourne Cable Park you’ll be jittering with enough adrenalin to fuel your alertness.

The boys can take turns wakeboarding laps around a lake, with opportunities to exert their testosterone superiority by tackling the obstacles around the course.

Take advantage of the no admission fee for “spectators accompanying paying guests,” and hire a cheerleading squad to boost the Groom’s ego. It’s all wholesome fun to counteract whatever will happen come nightfall.

Albert Park Golf Course

Centrally located (for all you property moguls) and stumbling distance to St Kilda Road, the 18 hole course has lake and CBD views so when you kook a shot, you can say you were distracted by the picturesque scenery.

Save the serious competition for your Corporate Golf Days and instead tee up the “Goofy Golf” – a short format 6-hole course combining long drive competition and putting competition with custom soft balls and oversized golf clubs, followed by a BBQ and drinks. It’s the quickie version of golf for the laidback lad or the Bachelor Party on a mission.

Don’t forget to enlist one or two personal caddies (*cough cough* – we have a bunch of talent) to take you to your happy place and give you plenty of “moral support”.

Let the sledging begin.

Bucks Party Boat Cruises Docklands

Booze and cruise go together better than a Groom and a Bride on a wedding day, so for 3-4 hours booze and cruise down the Yarra River with all the guys and, ahem, any additional guests.

Whilst technically not one specific venue, who cares because everyone loves being on a boat! If you don’t, get out and swim your way home. Bet you’d prefer to be on a boat now.

Now that we’re all on deck, the Boat Cruises available in Docklands combine all you need – views, novelty, not having to commit… to a singular destination… all in the one (floating and isolated) place. There are a bunch of providers to make the Grooms wet dreams come true, just take your pick.

Carlton Brewhouse

Carlton and United Brewhouse — Soucre: CUB

Drop the term “brewery” and your boys will squeal louder than pigs in a sty at feeding time. The OG hard-earned thirsts were brewed behind the infamous red brick walls at the home of VB and Carlton Draught, and they have over 2 million litres of beer produced here on the daily.

Book a tour to wet your whistle and determine if the brew “needs more dog,” then stay on for a BBQ in the Beer Garden.

Private suite at the MCG

Gentlemen, would it truly be a Bucks Party without the Gentleman’s sport… or just sport? Unlikely.

Cricket or AFL, choose your match and play on with a private suite at the MCG. Prefer opting for the GA section? Then risk being sin binned for life by your mates.

The exclusive suites can host up to 18 of the Groom’s truest blokes, serving up footy fare and grazing grub, premium level 3 viewing behind sliding glass in an “intimate environment” and, of course, private bathrooms. Sort yourself two private drivers and they can drop you right into one of your two VIP car parks.

Let’s also note the MCG so kindly mentions, “As corporate suites are private facilities, the dress code will be at the discretion of your host.” We’ll take that as a clear invitation for costumes or party shirts, so even if your team doesn’t win, you’ve already won with the clothes you’re probably wearing.

Corporate Box at Marvel Stadium

You’ll never be Wolverine or Thor, but you can be a hero by booking a Corporate Box at Marvel Stadium. Up to 16 guests get much the same as the MCG set up, but with a larger smorgasbord of marvelous (sorry, we had to) entertainment options, like UFC (we’re looking right at the Robert Whittaker vs Israel Adesanya fight), the Big Bash, Concerts, and special events.

If it’s good enough for Chris Hemsworth and Matt Damon, it’s good enough for us.

We’re also giving big thumbs to the original developers for plopping a stadium in a spot that’s walking distance to the Docklands booze cruise you came off earlier in the day.

Smokin Barry’s Diner and Bar

What has smokey eyes, goes low, and does it slow?

The BBQ meat at Smoking Barry’s, that’s what. And they have a Texan-inspired venue right in South Melbourne serving up saliva-inducing pulled pork and beef brisket for all the meatheads.

There’s a bar and patio beer garden, but the real party is in Barry’s Boardoom; a private meeting space for 14 people to make not-so-serious business happen (we’re thinking a Wolf of Wall Street Office Party vibe).

Suits or cowboy hats optional. An empty stomach and fun mandatory.

Pins Royale at KingPin Crown

Coined as the “The jewel in the Crown”, the Pins Royal is hitting bougie levels. This is a discrete, exclusive and premium Bachelor venue for the money-eyed Groom who is also a pure legend because he’s genuinely friends with everyone. Holding a capacity of 150 people, bring the big dick energy and fill it with buddies and a few atmosphere models, crowd warmers and party hosts… there’s space for everyone, even the supplied personal butler.

But the crème de la crème, isn’t the freshly shucked oysters with ponzu dressing, it’s the bowling. Hear us out on this: two mahogany bowling lanes with state of the art BES-X bowling technology (we don’t even know what that tech is but we’re in), and, of course, gold bowling balls and designer bowling shoes to pull your best bowling manoeuvres. Take all our monies now.

If that happens to get too boring, you also have karaoke to belt out wildly inappropriate tunes – we’re thinking Whitney Houston’s high pitched “I will always love you” – and a luxury pool table to snooker that atmosphere model the Groomsmen are attempting to impress.

City Of Melbourne Bowls Club

Want to bring your bowling-style-action a little bit more down to earth… literally closer to ground level?

Hit up a few of the rinks in the City of Melbourne Bowls club in Flagstaff Gardens. For the geriatrics Bachelors who are used to smaller balls, you can spend the afternoon or night playing a sport (barefoot) the Groom is unlikely to be concussed in (unless there is a very rogue bowl). Casually refine your bowls technique, whack a few snags on the Barbecue and toast beers, or even sip on G&Ts. And for the particularly energy-conservative Groomsmen, we have plenty of models who can retrieve the bowls for you after each match.

It’s the ideal bachelor venue for the Groom who wants to pace himself.

Balnarring Picnic Races

Forget the elitist shit-show that is Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival, we’re after a casual punt in a relaxed atmosphere.

A little south-east of Melbourne, hire a party bus, hummer or convoy of vintage cars to transport the boys out to this sunny racetrack that’s a leader in grassroots picnic races.

The lack of formality also makes it ideal for leaving the ties solely for the upcoming wedding day.

Choose between marquees, roped off sections, picnic tables or throwing down a rug – it’s a winner for all budgets and, hopefully, your bets.

Good Heavens

Visualise craft beers, spicy southern fried chicken, Aussie wines, 80s inspired cocktails, chilli nachos with brisket mole and board games, along with a Miami style rooftop bar married with some of the best views in Melbourne.

Why go to hell when heaven is right here on Bourke Street.

Penthouses at The Cullen

For the discerning Bucks who want to luxuriate, contain the celebrations and avoid a next-day scene a la The Hangover, you have all you need when you book one, or both, of the Penthouses at The Cullen.

Laze about Lady Luck and The Growler apartments at your leisure, whilst you have the rest of Melbourne at your doorstep. We’re not sure you even need to leave when you can browse the personal art library or soak up the sun on the rooftop balcony – this is also our cue to tell you to hire one of our PartiStaff talent to act as a private butler or topless waitress so the Groom can completely moss out and mould his body to the outdoor sun lounges.

They say whatever happens, stays in Vegas, but we have a feeling it can also stay in the walls of these venues too… which means we’re back on our winning streak.