From left, Lindsay Metcalf, Chrystal Forbes, Meredith Cathey, Sarah Whitten and Lindsay Roesler gather for Cathey’s bachelorette party last summer. They visited bars and the Lucky Strike bowling alley in Kansas City’s Power & Light District.

Before Meredith Carr Cathey of Lawrence got married last July, she had one more night on the town with her girlfriends.

They went to a bar in Kansas City for drinks, food and a cabaret show. They also went to the Lucky Strike bowling alley in the Power and Light District.

“It was more about having fun and making sure all the bridesmaids knew each other and felt comfortable,” Carr Cathey says. “It wasn’t a ‘traditional’ bachelorette party. It was tasteful and a fun night out with the girls.”

Her then-fiancé, Aaron Cathey, had a bachelor party, too. His friends held a cookout before renting a party bus that took them to several bars — and, yes, a strip club.

These types of celebrations mark the end of single life and the beginning of a whole new world of marriage, kids, mortgages and other grown-up responsibilities.

Carmen Hocking, owner of A Beautiful Wedding in Lawrence, says the tradition of the bachelor party dates back to the ancient Romans. But public drunkenness and lewd behavior aren’t requisite for a good time, she says.

“There are many imaginative and tasteful ways to celebrate the bride’s and groom’s last days of being single,” says Hocking, who’s been a wedding planner for more than 20 years. “Have parties that grow into celebrations of friendship and bonding and irreverent behavior that the bride-to-be and groom-to-be will remember forever.”

Hocking says some of the most popular bachelor parties these days involve themes. Perhaps the groomsmen can host a poker party, an elaborate cookout or a “roast” in which the groom’s friends present funny stories and photos from the man’s past. Hocking also suggests special sporting events, such as box seats at a baseball game.

Parties for him

She offers these tips to men planning bachelor parties:

• Make arrangements for a designated driver if there is going to be drinking.

• Don’t hire a stripper if it would make the groom uncomfortable.

• Schedule the bachelor party several weeks before the wedding so the groom can show up rested — and not hungover — to his wedding.

• Remember to be considerate of costs and those who are contributing financially to the bachelor party.

Hocking also has several ideas for women planning bachelorette parties. Rather than spend the night getting tipsy, Hocking suggests spa getaways, movie nights or pajama (or lingerie) parties. Many women also like to go to wine tastings or do craft projects together.

“The types of bachelorette parties being held now allow for nearly all ages to attend and have a good time,” Hocking says.

Parties for her:

More suggestions from Hocking:

• If the party isn’t going to be a surprise, consult the bride regarding the guest list.

• Keep in mind the budget of those participating.

• Don’t hire a stripper if it will make the bride uncomfortable.

• Rent a hotel room so everyone has a place to go after the party,