A wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event for any couple. It's the time when you both say "I do" and kiss as a sign of your commitment to each other. But there's so much to organise!
There's still a lot to accomplish after the bride and groom exchange vows, despite the fact that the wedding itself is already a lovely and unforgettable event. An afterparty with all of your closest friends and family members is the ideal way to cap off your beautiful day. Since throwing an after-party might be a bit of a challenge, we've compiled some pointers to make the process easier for you.
Organizing a wedding is a huge undertaking, but what comes next? When the final visitor goes, the celebration continues. A night out dancing till dawn might be refreshing, but there are other times when it's good to enjoy some quiet time with your partner.
There's a lot riding on having a flawless wedding, but what about the celebration that follows? Planning a wedding is a lot of work that may easily go over budget if you aren't watchful.
Thus, you should think about everything that might go wrong on your wedding day, even the reception when guests are searching for their next beverage or dance partner.
It takes a lot of time and energy to organise a wedding. Keep in mind the importance of self-care in preventing burnout. There are a few things to bear in mind while organising the festivities that will follow the cutting of the cake and the opening of the dance floor at the end of the reception.
Even though it's likely the last thing on your mind, the wedding invitation is actually a crucial part of your big day. The after-party is a time to unwind and spend quality time with your significant other after a night of celebration with friends and family.
This blog post will give you some helpful tips on planning an after-party that both you and your guests will enjoy!
If you're interested in learning more about this topic, please keep on reading.
Why Have a Wedding After-Party?
"Many venues have licensing-related time limitations on how late beverages can be served and how late music can be played," explains Valentina Ring, Head of Storytelling at wedding and elopement planner The Stars Inside.
In fact, this is a major motivating factor for many engaged couples to reserve a private room at a local bar or nightclub for their own, small-scale after-party. The concept of a party following the wedding is quite appealing to many of the couples I'm working with, especially if the reception will be attended by a younger audience comprised of friends the newlyweds haven't seen in a while. By throwing an after-party, hosts may provide their guests a more unique and memorable experience and create lasting memories with their loved ones in an informal setting.
If you're the kind that lives to dance the night away, missing the after-party could make you feel like you're missing out on a crucial portion of your day.
If you don't have a strategy in place, though, you run the danger of derailing your progress. Of course, it'd be fantastic if one just happened to form on its own.
Just because your venue has a late licence till 1 or 2 in the morning doesn't mean that you should throw an after-party at that time. How about throwing a party the day following the reception if you're going to put money aside for an after-party?
One option is to continue the celebration with all invited guests, while another is to invite only those who are really close. It's a chance to round up a great weekend and keep the celebration going strong.
Planning Tips for After the Wedding
When the reception is over, the real fun begins! There are a variety of options to choose from, such as going to a late-night movie or clubbing. Examine the options and pick the one that best suits your party.
1. Nightcap
If you have the run of the whole place for your wedding, there should be plenty of rooms and halls available. So why not have a relaxing nightcap in a separate tipi, library, or drawing room with your guests?
It's a wonderful opportunity to relax with friends and family after a long day, or to share a toast with your new husband.
If you and your guests will be staying at the same hotel (or whether your event is being held at a hotel), ask if the bar may stay open later.
You may even reserve a section of a local bar or tavern. This may need a down payment, but it need not be an open bar event. Follow your financial means.
2. Movie Screening
Why not set up a screening area for the wedding disco afterwards if your venue has noise restrictions?
They may relax in front of a movie, curl up with a drink, and take a break from dancing. Add some added warmth by making it a movie you both enjoy.
3. Name in Neon
Looking for some great decorations to put up at your after-party spot? Neon Poodle did an amazing job personalising this sign with the happy couple's surname.
4. Karaoke
Karaoke is a great method to put the limelight on your guests if they are feeling particularly extroverted and want to sing and perform for the rest of the evening.
If you have access to a late-night venue or a karaoke bar, hire a DJ who also provides karaoke. How about renting a mobile karaoke booth, such as the Lucky Voice?
5. Saxophone Send-Off
Utilize a live performer to usher guests into the evening's festivities following the reception. This couple hired Cafolla and Engel to play contemporary jazz as they strolled to a nearby speakeasy for some late-night dancing.
6. Club Night
You might certainly go out to a club after the wedding if it is in a city centre or if it is close to a town or city.
Get the word out in advance to see who's interested in extending the festivities somewhere, and then reserve a high-end table. On Saturdays, most nightclubs stay open until at least 3 a.m., so you may dance until the wee hours of the morning.
7. Food Van
When the dance is done, you'll undoubtedly feel hungry and ready for something a little bit sinful and delicious, just like at the conclusion of an ordinary night out.
I think it would be a good idea to hire a couple of food trucks for the event. Then, as the evening winds down, you and your guests may relax and munch on pizza, burgers, hot dogs, or whatever else strikes your fancy.
8. Milk and Cookies
Serve milk and cookies in a shot glass as they do at Olive Events to give a grown-up twist to a childhood favourite.
9. Silent Disco
A silent disco is the perfect solution if you want to have a party at your location but aren't allowed to blast the tunes. You'll all receive headphones equipped with many music channels, allowing you to groove to your prefered styles.
10. Koozies
To keep their beverages cold at the afterparty, why not provide koozies as favours? These monogrammed versions were made by the bride.
11. Stand Up Comedian
The night is winding down, so why not settle down and enjoy a comedy show? Having a stand-up comedian perform at the reception is a fun, unexpected way to entertain guests.
It's a good plan if the venue won't allow you to play loud music, but you're not ready to put an end to everyone's smiles and laughing just yet.
12. Lounge Area
There will be a celebration for those that stayed behind, so no need to leave the venue. If you want to help your guests make the transition from the reception to the after-party, do as Oui Event Design and put up a tiny lounge on the edge of the reception area.
13. Speakeasy
Rent out a hidden-entry bar and use a code word or message to wow your friends. Guests will have a great time deciphering the (simple — we've all drank Champagne!) entry hint, and this is a great idea for a wedding reception with a retro vibe. It is possible to transform your hotel room into a bar by employing a mixologist.
14. Witty Saying
Make your wedding vows more of a party speech with a clever sign for the reception. An version of "'Til Death Do Us Party" in neon was created by Neon Republic and serves as the finishing touch to the contemporary flower decorations for this after-hours gathering.
15. Party Bus
When the reception comes to a close, why not take your guests on a limo bus tour of the city lights while blasting some tunes? Take drink orders and turn on the disco lights.
16. Snack Packs
You can't beat a portable snack for late-night munching. Fries and Coke were packed into these takeout containers for easy transport to the after-party location.
17. Coffee and Beignets
This newlywed pair thought of a delightful way to keep the celebration going after the wedding ended: they served hot coffee and sweet beignets.
18. Monogrammed Jackets
Many wedding day accessories benefit from the addition of your new monogram, but these Etsy-made coats are our favourites (they featured a monogram by Happy Menocal). At the afterparty, they made sure the brides were both cosy and well-dressed.
19. Just Married
Keep warm and flaunt your "Just Married" status by having a custom denim jacket embroidered with the phrase during the after-party.
20. Throw a House Party
Your after party might continue in someone's house if there aren't too many of you. If you want to save money, you may bring your own drinks and stream music from your favourite Spotify playlist, making this a great choice.
If you're having a party at your house and you think it could go on late, it's courteous to provide advance notice to the neighbours, even though they probably won't mind because it's your wedding day.
21. Hangover Proof
The best welcome wedding present is a water bottle and some Vitamin B to help guests get ready for a night out. If that doesn't totally cure their headache, a water bottle and some Advil are a great backup favour.
How To Plan The After-Party
1. Who Do You Invite to Your After-Party?
In the end, you shouldn't be selective about who you invite. If attendees believe they were excluded from the after-party, it might ruin their entire day. Instead, Valentina suggests double-checking that all attendees have been invited.
"It's crucial that everyone knows there will be a party after the event ends; otherwise, they could go home thinking nothing further was planned.
Once the planning is complete, the happy couple often includes a note with the wedding invitation or, alternatively, informs guests by email "her words
If something comes up during the reception that seems like a good idea, have the DJ make an announcement, or have the wedding party circulate through the tables to let people know.
Let your visitors know they have alternatives as well. Make sure everyone understands it's totally acceptable to bail on the after-party if it's not for you, since some people may feel the urgent need to put their party feet up and get into bed.
2. Where Should You Throw Your After-Party?
Valentina advises that the after-party location be convenient for guests to get to from the wedding reception site and large enough to accommodate everyone who will be there. My number one piece of advice is to host your party somewhere small and cosy so that your guests feel like they are the only ones in attendance. When it comes to the setting, your options are practically limitless: a rented boat, a friend's home, a private room in a bar or hotel, or anything else you can imagine!
A portion of your wedding site might be kept under wraps until it's time to host the after-party. In cases when the reception location has a curfew on how late the music may play, silent discos have become a popular alternative.
"Location, decorations, and refreshments are all up for grabs, and most after-parties have a relaxed, casual vibe. You should do whatever makes you happy, so follow your gut."
3. Should You Book Somewhere For Your After-Party?
Valentina says, "How many of your guests do you anticipate will be joining you? What sort of location would you like your after-party to be in (and how flexible are you on that?) all go into whether or not you should book beforehand."
"If there's a specific trendy club in London on the weekend that you really want to go to, it's best to get a reservation in advance.
When it comes to your special day, Boutique Events Group has proven itself to be an iconic wedding venue and function centre in Melbourne
Let's say you and your guests are celebrating in a neighbourhood teeming with great options for libations and tunes, and you'd rather go with the flow of the evening. If you don't want to have a designated location for your guests to go to after the wedding reception, that's acceptable, too. Sometimes taking a gamble pays off, but there's always the potential you won't end up somewhere you truly adore.
4. How Much Budget Do You Need?
To a large extent, this is determined by the type of party you are throwing. After the ceremony and reception, guests are likely to be in a good mood and may not expect you to throw them another lavish bash.
Most importantly, there will be fun tunes, refreshing beverages, and a lively dance floor. Even though you may have to put down money to reserve a table or section at a bar or club, there are plenty of inexpensive ways to have an after-party.
The Best Reception Send Off Ideas
Those who are leaving for the night should have a memorable send-off while those staying awake should be left with a sense of anticipation for what's to come at your wedding.
1. Fireworks Display
What could be more spectacular than a fireworks show to cap off the reception at your venue? Your wedding's DJ or MC might announce that guests should assemble outside for a special surprise.
Sparklers provide an exciting addition and a stunning backdrop for wedding photos.
2. Sparkler Send-Off
Sparkler tunnels are still a popular choice for goodbyes at the end of the night, according to Valentina, and they make for beautiful photographs.
3. Live Music Procession
She proposes having a live musician play while guests make their way to the after-reception party if it is nearby and accessible on foot. A saxophonist does wonders for setting the mood during a social gathering.
It's possible to surprise your guests with a dazzling confetti and balloon drop, as well as snack packs, hangover kit stations, a glitter bar, or light-up dance accessories (hello, glow sticks!). It's an excellent transition from the reception to the after-party.
Day After Wedding After Party Ideas
Have you not thought of doing something the next day? Whether the couple is having a destination wedding, a small ceremony, or just wants to spend as much time as possible with their guests, Valentina notes that multi-day wedding festivities are on the rise.
"Brunches, pool parties, and barbecues held late in the morning are great opportunities to catch up with loved ones and enjoy the additional time together.
You may also provide your guests the option to participate in low-key, soothing activities like massages, spa treatments, or cuisine tastings."
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1. Brunch
You may want to ask guests to a post-wedding brunch the next day if you plan on retiring to bed immediately following the wedding disco (we wouldn't blame you, it's been a long day).
It's a wonderful idea to have a farewell brunch with your guests before you leave for your honeymoon. You may do this at the venue or at a nearby café.
2. Sunday Lunch
The traditional British Sunday lunch has been a family gathering staple for generations, making it the perfect choice for the reception. Inquire at the venue if they can set anything up, or visit the finest watering hole in the area.
3. Spa Day
There's nothing like a day at the spa to help you relax after months of wedding planning, a hectic lead-up, and a jam-packed big day. After the wedding, have everyone unwind at a health spa. Treat yourself to some spa time, swimming, and lunch.
4. Picnic
We recommend throwing an after-party for a destination wedding since guests will likely want to stay a bit later to see the area.
In warmer climates, take advantage of the outdoors by having a picnic on the beach or on the grounds of your event's location. If you want your guests to get a genuine taste of your destination, be sure to pack lots of fresh, local vegetables.
If the location or hotel where the party will be held has a pool, you may make it into a pool party. Have a poolside BBQ, fill the water with inflatable toys, and play some soothing tunes till the sun goes down.
5. Hike
Take a relaxing stroll around a nearby natural attraction if you and your partner are the outdoorsy kind. If you're being married in the country, your venue may probably recommend some great hikes nearby or perhaps on their own property.
6. Afternoon Tea
Miniature sandwiches, scones, and tea—who could resist? Your wedding guests, especially the elderly relatives who might not be able to stay for the midnight shenanigans, would love the idea of booking afternoon tea at the venue or a nearby hotel.
7. Outdoor Games
Are you surrounded by a group of people that are often challenging one another? We might as well have a sports day. Outdoor games like as croquet, ring toss, and huge Connect 4 can be organised, as can a large-scale game of rounders for many teams. Spectators can have a drink of Pimm's while watching the action.
Conclusion
A wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event for any couple. An afterparty with all of your closest friends and family is the ideal way to cap off your beautiful day. Here are some helpful tips on planning an after-party that both you and your guests will enjoy. The concept of a party following the wedding is quite appealing to many couples. By throwing an after-party, hosts may provide their guests a more unique and memorable experience.
There are a variety of options to choose from, such as going to a late-night movie or clubbing. After the wedding, guests may want to relax in front of a film or watch a movie. If you have access to a late-night venue or karaoke bar, hire a DJ who also provides karaokas. A silent disco is the perfect solution if you aren't allowed to blast out the tunes. Monogrammed koozies are a great way to keep guests' drinks cold at the afterparty.
Rent out a hidden-entry bar and use a code word or message to wow your friends. Take your guests on a limo bus tour of the city lights while blasting some tunes. After-party location should be convenient for guests to get to from the wedding reception site. It's crucial that everyone knows there will be a party after the event. Valentina advises hosting a small, cosy after-party somewhere cosy so that your guests feel like they are the only ones in attendance.
Boutique Events Group has proven itself to be an iconic wedding venue and function centre in Melbourne. There are plenty of inexpensive ways to have an after-party. Location, decorations, and refreshments are all up for grabs, and most after-parties have a relaxed, casual vibe. Multi-day multi-day festivities are on the rise, says Valentina. After the wedding, have everyone unwind at a health spa or pool party the next day.
In warmer climates, take advantage of the outdoors by having a picnic on the beach or on the grounds of your event's location. If you're being married in the country, your venue may recommend some great hikes nearby or perhaps on their own property.
Content Summary
- An afterparty with all of your closest friends and family members is the ideal way to cap off your beautiful day.
- Since throwing an after-party might be a bit of a challenge, we've compiled some pointers to make the process easier for you.
- It takes a lot of time and energy to organise a wedding.
- Keep in mind the importance of self-care in preventing burnout.
- The after-party is a time to unwind and spend quality time with your significant other after a night of celebration with friends and family.
- This blog post will give you some helpful tips on planning an after-party that both you and your guests will enjoy!If you're interested in learning more about this topic, please keep on reading.
- In fact, this is a major motivating factor for many engaged couples to reserve a private room at a local bar or nightclub for their own, small-scale after-party.
- Just because your venue has a late licence till 1 or 2 in the morning doesn't mean that you should throw an after-party at that time.
- How about throwing a party the day following the reception if you're going to put money aside for an after-party?One option is to continue the celebration with all invited guests, while another is to invite only those who are really close.
- Planning Tips for After the WeddingWhen the reception is over, the real fun begins!
- Examine the options and pick the one that best suits your party.1.
- Why not set up a screening area for the wedding disco afterwards if your venue has noise restrictions?They may relax in front of a movie, curl up with a drink, and take a break from dancing.
- Name in NeonLooking for some great decorations to put up at your after-party spot?
- KaraokeKaraoke is a great method to put the limelight on your guests if they are feeling particularly extroverted and want to sing and perform for the rest of the evening.
- If you have access to a late-night venue or a karaoke bar, hire a DJ who also provides karaoke.
- Club NightYou might certainly go out to a club after the wedding if it is in a city centre or if it is close to a town or city.
- I think it would be a good idea to hire a couple of food trucks for the event.
- Silent DiscoA silent disco is the perfect solution if you want to have a party at your location but aren't allowed to blast the tunes.
- Stand Up ComedianThe night is winding down, so why not settle down and enjoy a comedy show?
- Having a stand-up comedian perform at the reception is a fun, unexpected way to entertain guests.
- If you want to help your guests make the transition from the reception to the after-party, do as Oui Event Design and put up a tiny lounge on the edge of the reception area.13.
- Witty SayingMake your wedding vows more of a party speech with a clever sign for the reception.
- Party BusWhen the reception comes to a close, why not take your guests on a limo bus tour of the city lights while blasting some tunes?
- Your after party might continue in someone's house if there aren't too many of you.
- If you're having a party at your house and you think it could go on late, it's courteous to provide advance notice to the neighbours, even though they probably won't mind because it's your wedding day.21.
- How To Plan The After-Party 1.
- Who Do You Invite to Your After-Party?In the end, you shouldn't be selective about who you invite.
- If attendees believe they were excluded from the after-party, it might ruin their entire day.
- Instead, Valentina suggests double-checking that all attendees have been invited.
- Where Should You Throw Your After-Party?Valentina advises that the after-party location be convenient for guests to get to from the wedding reception site and large enough to accommodate everyone who will be there.
- When it comes to the setting, your options are practically limitless: a rented boat, a friend's home, a private room in a bar or hotel, or anything else you can imagine!
- A portion of your wedding site might be kept under wraps until it's time to host the after-party.
- What sort of location would you like your after-party to be in (and how flexible are you on that?)
- ""If there's a specific trendy club in London on the weekend that you really want to go to, it's best to get a reservation in advance.
- If you don't want to have a designated location for your guests to go to after the wedding reception, that's acceptable, too.
- Sparkler Send-OffSparkler tunnels are still a popular choice for goodbyes at the end of the night, according to Valentina, and they make for beautiful photographs.3.
- Live Music ProcessionShe proposes having a live musician play while guests make their way to the after-reception party if it is nearby and accessible on foot.
- It's an excellent transition from the reception to the after-party.
- Day After Wedding After Party IdeasHave you not thought of doing something the next day?
- Whether the couple is having a destination wedding, a small ceremony, or just wants to spend as much time as possible with their guests, Valentina notes that multi-day wedding festivities are on the rise.
- "Looking for the Best Wedding Venue in Melbourne?
- BrunchYou may want to ask guests to a post-wedding brunch the next day if you plan on retiring to bed immediately following the wedding disco (we wouldn't blame you, it's been a long day).It's a wonderful idea to have a farewell brunch with your guests before you leave for your honeymoon.
- In warmer climates, take advantage of the outdoors by having a picnic on the beach or on the grounds of your event's location.
- If the location or hotel where the party will be held has a pool, you may make it into a pool party.
- HikeTake a relaxing stroll around a nearby natural attraction if you and your partner are the outdoorsy kind.
- Your wedding guests, especially the elderly relatives who might not be able to stay for the midnight shenanigans, would love the idea of booking afternoon tea at the venue or a nearby hotel.7.
- We might as well have a sports day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wedding After Party
It is also known as an elope party, post-elopement party, or post-wedding party. As for what is a post-wedding party, it's an opportunity to invite all your loved ones to celebrate your marriage if it wasn't possible, or planned, on your actual wedding day.
A wedding after-party, known as The Afters in Ireland, usually refers to the post-dinner portion of the evening reception. In some parts of the world, it's common for the couple to invite extra guests along to this part of the wedding, to have a couple of drinks and enjoy the band.
Much like a second dress for the reception, after-parties are a wedding trend that have gone from extravagant to nearly commonplace. While certainly not a requirement for your nuptials, deciding to throw a shindig following the reception is also unlikely to be an unheard of concept for your guests.
Do Evening Wedding Guests Give Gifts? Some evening wedding guests bring gifts, while others don't. If your evening guests do bring a gift, it will likely be a less valuable or smaller gift than your day guests. This is because you aren't spending as much money on your evening guests as your day guests.
Garringer advises spending as much as you would if you attended the wedding — which would mean around $100 for a close friend or $150 and up for an immediate family member. For more distant relations, a smaller gift is acceptable (or, as we mentioned earlier, a simple "Congratulations!" will do).