Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Playgroup?
- What is Sappho?
- What is a social outing?
- What is the dress code?
- What is the age range?
- How do I join?
- Are you selective in your membership?
- Am I a good fit for membership?
- Why weren't we approved?
- What time should we arrive by?
- What are your hours of operation?
- Is there any charge for playgroups?
- How do we get to come to one of your playgroups?
- Will you send or publish a list of attendees before the playgroup?
- How many people can I expect will attend?
- I'm interested in BDSM play. Is this group for us?
- Can I bring alcohol?
- Where are you located?
- Do I have to DO anything if I come?
- I would like to attend your playgroup. How quickly can registration be processed?
- How far in advance should we register?
- We may be in the city that day. Can you give us the address and can we register in person?
- Is it okay to cancel our reservation?
- What is the process for bringing a female guest to the party?
- What is your definition of a "couple"?
- Do you have lockers or a coat check where we can leave our coats? Do we need towels or sheets for your playrooms?
- Are there any age limitations at your parties?
- What about Safe Sex?
- Any thoughts on consent?
- How do you handle the risk factors regarding STDs? Do you screen party attendees?
- Can we bring toys to the parties?
- What if ?
What is a Playgroup?
A playgroup is an on-premise swingers' play party focusing on creating an intimate and friendly small-group dynamic. You will get out of a playgroup exactly what you are willing to put into it. If you come with an open mind and adventurous spirit, you will come away with new friends and mind-blowing experiences most people only dream about.
What is Sappho?
Sappho is our all-girl playgroup. No men are allowed to attend Sappho groups. It runs in a similar format to our regular playgroups, but it's all women. Sappho playgroups run once monthly. There is a $15 charge per woman attending each group. We encourage ladies to bring toys and dress to thrill in their sexiest lingerie!
What is a Social Outing?
Social outings are non-sexual, public gatherings where society members can get together for drinks, food, and fun in an un-threatening atmosphere. They might be held at a bar, coffee shop, or similar place and occur at least once a month. We have two types of social outings: official monthly outings at our semi-private nightclub venue, and casual get-togethers where we'll just meet up someplace to chat over drinks or coffee. We hold those at least monthly; sometimes more often.
Our social outings are a great opportunity to come out, meet, and have fun with club members in a public venue. No one from outside the club will know how we all know each other, but they'll definitely be wondering!
For those new to our society or nervous about coming out to their first Playgroup, a social outing like this is a great way to meet us and other club members and see just how fun and unintimidating we all are.
What is the dress code?
Dress comfortably and sexy. We don't have a specific dress code. We encourage people to dress in what they feel sexiest and most stylish wearing. If you look like you just crawled off a construction job you'll make a very poor impression on people: dress to be seen! There is place to change there for those that wish to wear something more exotic than the streets will allow. Fetish wear is perfectly acceptable ... fantasies encouraged.
What is the age range?
The age range is 18 – late 30s, with predominance in the 25-35 age range. Our upper age limit is 40 unless you're exceptionally attractive. Our club is designed specifically for a youngish crowd. Age is not everything in our group: fitness, open-mindedness, a desire to have fun, and honesty play far more important roles.
How do I join?
There are two steps to joining.
First you must fill out a membership application. Your application must include your first name(s), your age(s), a working e-mail address, a little blurb about yourselves, and a picture. Pictures must represent both of you if you're in a couple. They must be clear, uncensored, and give us a clear idea of what you look like, face and body as this is an important part of deciding membership qualifications. Ideal pictures combo is a head shot and a full-body bathing suite or underwear pic. Censored or headless pics don't help your application because we need to be able to identify you as a society member when you show up on club nights. Genital shots and close-up cleaveage shots do not help your application, and actually might hurt your chances. The applications are reviewed by our membership committee and their decision is forwarded to the owners.
Next, if your application is reviewed favorably you'll be asked to meet with the club owners or a member couple for a casual discussion at a bar or coffee shop. It lets you know who we are, lets us get to know you, and helps us ensure everyone is who they say they are.
Pictures are kept in absolute confidence. They are never shared with anyone nor posted anywhere under any cicrumstances. The safety and protection of our members and prospective members, and their identities, is our top priority.
Are you selective in your membership?
Yes. We use several factors in determining membership qualification and physical attractiveness is taken into consideration. Our members take good care of their bodies and expect the same from their play partners. We know that not everyone is created equal, but that everyone has the choice to keep themselves in the best condition possible, and that’s what we ask for. We want to make sure new members will fit in with the desires and interests of the existing group. Please understand that membership decisions are NOT made on a basis of our personal feelings of attraction! We DO NOT discuss reasons an applicant is not approved.
Membership applications are held in strict confidence and are NEVER shared with outside parties under any circumstances. Applications are viewed by a membership committee consisting of two couples who forward their decision to the owners. We require consensus to approve new members.
Am I a good fit for membership?
Ideal members for our society are couples and single women between the ages of 18 and 40 who are attractive, classy, and physically fit. We know that not everyone is created equal, but that everyone has the choice to keep themselves in the best condition possible, and that’s what we ask for. No unescorted men are allowed at this time.
Physically fit means that all applicants take care of their bodies, exercise, and are height-weight proportional.
Why weren't we approved?
We approve about 30% of the total applications we receive. We do not discuss reasons a particular application was denied. Common reasons an application is denied include:
- • No pictures provided or unclear / insufficient pictures provided.
- • Pictures only depict either the male or the female of a couple.
- • Applicant is outside our age range.
- • Applicant is a single male.
- • Applicant is not physically fit..
- We require both the male and female of a couple to meet our standards.
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What time should we arrive by?
Unless otherwise noted, doors open at 8:00 PM on regular group nights. We ask that no one arrive more than an hour later than that. If you've signed up for a given night and cannot make it, we ask that you call or e-mail us in advance so we don't wait for you.
What are your hours of operation?
From 8:00 PM until 12:00 AM on selected party nights.
Is there any charge for playgroups?
Yes. There is a $40.00 charge per couple attending. Single women are always free. Single guys (for select parties only) is $50.00. Prices may be higher for large-scale events.
For Sappho events, there is a $15 charge for women.
How do we get to come to one of your playgroups?
Send a membership application (link is on the top of our page). You will then hear back from us regarding approval. If approved, you will then get e-mail notices letting you know when and where playgroups will be held. You must RSVP to a specific notice if you wish to attend the advertised playgroup. Only couples and single women who’ve registered and been approved for membership will receive invitations to our playgroups.
We HIGHLY recommend that all approved members join our Yahoo group (found under the “Members Only” link) where you’ll find, among other things, insider info on upcoming events, club polls, and any pics that members have chosen to share with the group.
We DO NOT discuss reasons an applicant is not approved.
Will you send or publish a list of attendees before the playgroup?
Nope! All members are carefully screened and approved. We believe there will be someone there to pique everyone’s interest. Not knowing precisely who will be there is part of the allure of coming. ;-)
How many people can I expect will attend?
We try to get 5 – 6 couples and 1 or 2 single women at each playgroup. Actual numbers may vary. If for any reason we are lacking enough reservations for a particular night, we will reschedule to a future date.
I'm interested in BDSM play. Is this group for us?
Yes it is! While many of our friends enjoy varying levels of sensual BDSM play, many have little or no interest, and that is just fine with us. No one is ever pressured or made to feel like they need to participate in anything that doesn't interest them. Watching others is perfectly OK, too. Hey, you never know!
Can I bring alcohol?
Yes you may. Although beer and wine is provided free, you may have a favorite drink you wish to bring and that is fine. We simply ask that you label your alcohol so people know it's yours and not our own free drinks. Whether your drink ours or bring your own, please drink responsibly! Making a scene is unbecoming and babysitting an adult will ruin everyone's fun.
Where are you located?
We are located in the Albany, NY metro area approximately 15 minutes drive from downtown. We give out the exact address to those that have confirmed reservations.
Do I have to DO anything if I come?
NO. You don't. We expect that most people are coming with the intent of finding compatible playmates and enjoying their time there. If you are new and unsure and want to come and see what a party of this sort can be like, we welcome you to come and observe and jump in if and when you are ready to do so. Feel free to come and browse what we have to offer!
I would like to attend your playgroup. How quickly can registration be processed?
Registration is processed very quickly (within 8 hours in most cases).
How far in advance should we register?
You should register as early as you can before the party date, as reservations are taken on a first-come, first-serve basis. Assuming there is still available space, we will accept online reservations until noon on the day prior to the party. If all available spaces have been filled, we will e-mail you to notify you, and you’ll be placed on our waiting list in case of a cancellation.
We may be in the city that day. Can you give us the address and can we register in person?
No. You MUST register for the party before noon on the day prior to any party. You must also be an approved member before attending. We do not allow walk-ins. When you register, you will receive a confirmation email with directions the week of the party.
Is it okay to cancel our reservation?
Yes, but please give us as much notice as possible so that we may include another lucky couple in your place. If you don’t cancel, and don’t show, we end up waiting for you and you won't be invited back.
What is the process for bringing a female guest to the party?
The female should make a reservation as a single woman and fill out a membership application online just as you needed to do. That way, you will all be recognized in our system and we will be able to invite her to future parties. Under certain circumstances, you may also register as an MFM trio. Trio price is modified.
What is your definition of a "couple?"
The term "couple" does NOT have to mean married. A relationship that exists, at whatever level, is all that matters in our fairly loose definition. We strongly suggest that couples discuss what is and is not acceptable for you and your relationship BEFORE you come to the party. Many couples agree to not do anything on their first visit, just come and see what it is all about. Come and try us out and see what your feelings are.
Do you have lockers or a coat check where we can leave our coats? Do we need towels or sheets for your playrooms?
We provide a free coat area. We also provide condoms, lube, and clean sheets. Towels may be brought at your discretion.
Are there any age limitations at your parties?
You must be at least 18 years of age, and able to prove it to be able to enter the party. That is the lower limit. The upper age limit? We don't have a specific age limit but generally 40 is our cut-off unless you're exceptionally attractive. The group is specifically designed for a youngish crowd (basically you’ll be around a lot of 20 and 30-somethings). If you look really good and are in great shape, your age probably won’t be a factor and you are welcome to submit an application.
What about Safe Sex?
We have a Safe Sex and Open Door policy. This means we expect all members will use common sense and take advantage of the free condoms we supply. Of course we can’t force you to use protection if you and your partner mutually consent not to. The Open Door policy means all playroom doors MUST remain open at all times. This is for the safety of all members!
Any thoughts on consent?
We have a very strict rule of “No Means No.” If you have to be told No more than once, you’ll be asked to leave and you will NOT be invited back! Our strong recommendation is to follow a policy of: “If you haven’t heard ‘Yes,’ assume the answer is ‘No.’”
How do you handle the risk factors regarding STDs? Do you screen party attendees?
We provide condoms and lubricant free of charge to everyone who cares to use them. Our house policy is also one of Safe Sex. We provide clean sheets and more. To screen attendees would be an invasion of privacy. Coming to our parties does not necessarily mean you are going to have sex with another person. You may wish to merely mingle, or watch, or play in other ways. You should ask about an individual's sexual history and trust your own feelings if you do decide to engage in any kind of sexual activity. However, in the end, you are the one responsible for your activities and any consequences that may arise from such activities.
We are willing to discuss and share information about STDs and safe sex at any time.
Can we bring toys to the parties?
Sure. The more, the merrier. We supply free electricity too ;-)
What if … ?
If you have any more specific questions, please feel free to email: info@bacchuspartyny.com