When you picture your future wedding day, what's the first thing that comes to mind?
Do you envision a beautiful, moving ceremony? The iconic first dance and cake cutting that takes place during the wedding reception?
Or…does your idea of the perfect wedding include partying the night away with your partner, wedding party, and friends?
If the third option is what you envision, a wedding-after party may be a perfect fit for you.
What Is An After-Party?
Wedding after-parties are a huge trend these days.
This party after the marriage celebration party, also known as a post-wedding party, is a celebration that begins after your wedding reception ends.
Your approach to the wedding after-party is all about personal preference. Your post-wedding celebration be as simple as casually inviting your wedding guests to join you for more fun at a pub or friend's house after your wedding.
Or, you can plan a show-stopping bash with amazing food, beverages, decor, and dazzling entertainment. You can even change into an after-party wedding dress!
If the idea of keeping the celebration going after your reception appeals to you, we have some tips to help you create the ultimate wedding after-party.
How to Plan Your Wedding After-Party
Once you decide you do want to hold an after-party, you'll have some decisions to make. Here are a few guidelines and questions to ask yourself to help get your planning started.
Should You Book Somewhere For Your After-Party?
First, you’ll need to select your after-party venue. Depending on your wedding venue’s policies and hours, you may be able to keep the party going at the same venue where you hold your reception.
You can change the music, the lighting—even your clothes—at your wedding venue to signal that you’re phasing into wedding after-party mode.
Keep in mind, your reception venue may have to comply with community noise restrictions. Be sure to ask if you'll be able to continue playing loud music. Also, some wedding venues have liquor-licensing-related time restrictions.
You also have the option of moving your after-wedding party somewhere else: You can have a house party or line up hotel rooms, a hotel bar, a karaoke bar, a nightclub, or any other option that can accommodate you and your guests during the time window you need.
Whether you are staying at your wedding venue or moving, we recommend booking your spot early in your wedding planning process.
Figure Out the Timing
You’ll also need to figure out when you want your after-party to start, and how long you want it to last.
In many cases, couples base the timing on their band—assuming they want their band to play during their wedding after-party. They book the band for four hours, which may include two hours during the wedding reception and two hours during your after-party.
(Of course, you can always line up a DJ to save money. Either way, if you’re lining up music entertainment, let them know if you have any special requests.)
Back to the length of your after-party: The typical length is two hours, but that's not a rule.
If you're holding a destination wedding, for example, you may want the celebration to continue throughout the night.
Keep Your Guests in the Loop
Be sure to let your bridal party and your guests know if you’re planning a post-wedding bash and provide details about the time and location.
That said, some couples opt to make their after-party a surprise. If that’s the case you can always share your after-party information on your wedding day, possibly during your reception.
Make a Food and Drink Plan
If the party is going to continue after the reception, you should plan to offer guests something to eat. This also is a great way to offset alcohol.
You can go with late-night favorites like pizza, sandwiches, sliders, and chicken fingers or something more budget-friendly like chips and dip.
As for serving more alcohol, that will be up to you. If you don’t intend to cover your guests’ after-party drinks, let them know in advance.
Wedding After-Party Decorations
Having decor specifically for your after-party is another personal preference. Some people like to change the look of their reception venue to create a party atmosphere.
If that idea appeals to you for your after-party, you can always choose new decor that ties in with your wedding theme—or items that are completely different.
Consider Taking Photos
A wedding after-party is a great place to capture the fun, affection, and sheer joy of your wedding celebration.
If you’d like your wedding photographer or videographer to be there, ask them about additional costs.
If that isn’t practical, other options include renting a photo booth or giving guests disposable cameras to capture what they observe during the party.
After-Party Attire and Comfortable Dresses
Are you wondering about the best wedding after-party dresses? For the bride, the after-party dress is another option that’s up to you. You absolutely can continue the party in your wedding dress, or you and your guests can change into party dresses.
Here are some cute and comfy dress options for celebrating all night long:
-Slip dress - These silky, bias-cut dresses are just as chic as lingerie. Look for one with a flirty hem and fun details like lace trim or a low back. Add strappy heels and statement jewelry.
-Jersey wrap dress - A wrap dress in soft jersey material works for all body types. Tie it at the waist or open over leggings. Dress it up with wedges or down with flats.
-T-shirt dress - A T-shirt-style mini dress is perfect for showing off your fun side. Opt for one with a bright graphic print or embellished with sequins. Complete the look with comfy sneakers.
-Sweater dress - For a cozy vibe, try an oversized sweater dress in a fun color or print. Pair with boots and add a cropped jacket.
-Metallic mini - Make a statement in a shimmery metallic mini dress. Try rose gold, silver or iridescent fabrics with delicate camisole-style straps.
After-Party Etiquette: Frequently Asked Questions
While there isn't an extensive list of etiquette rules for post-wedding parties, there are a few key things you to consider to make sure your guests feel valued.
Here are a few of the more common wedding after-party etiquette questions we hear along with our answers.
Who Should We Invite to Our After-Party?
Invite everyone on your wedding reception guest list to your after-party. Granted, some people, especially those with children, may choose not to attend. But don't assume someone won't want to—or won't be able to—be part of your after-party and leave them out.
How Should We Handle the Guest List and Invitations?
You don’t have to send a formal invitation, but you should provide details on the time and location. One way to do that is to include a note on your wedding website. You also can send emails or texts.
Who Hosts the Wedding After-Party?
Whoever is hosting your wedding will be the after-party host. Generally, that person will pay for the after-party, too, but that's not written in stone. If a family member or your parents are helping with your wedding costs and don't necessarily want to pay for a post-wedding party, you and your partner can cover the costs.
Should We Provide Transportation for Guests to the After-Party?
While providing transportation is not a requirement, it's a thoughtful gesture, especially if the after-party venue is located at a different location than the reception venue.
Consider arranging shuttle services or rideshare options to ensure the safety and convenience of your guests. If transportation logistics are not feasible, you can include information about local transportation options or rideshare services on your wedding website or provide recommendations for reputable taxi companies in the area. Ultimately, the goal is to make attending the after-party as seamless and enjoyable as possible for your guests.
A Word About Corporate After-Parties
Many couples choose to host a private after-party following their wedding reception for close friends and family. However, if your wedding costs are being covered in part by your employer or a corporate sponsor, extra consideration should be made regarding after-parties.
Some companies have policies against contributing funds towards after-parties or private events where all guests are not invited. Discuss any plans for a wedding after-party with your corporate sponsor early and review their policies. You do not want to jeopardize their contribution.
Consider hosting your after-party at a different venue from your main reception. And be prepared to fully fund the after-party separately from the main wedding without corporate assistance. If budget is tight, you may choose to forgo the after-party idea altogether.
With proper communication and planning, corporate wedding sponsors and private after-parties can co-exist. Just be sure to follow any policies set forth in discussions with your corporate partner.Wedding After-
Party Ideas
Here are a few wedding after-party tips to help you make your bash memorable.
Plan Activities
While most people associate wedding after-parties with drinking, hitting the dance floor, snacking, and socializing well into the early hours of the next morning, some guests may appreciate something different to do.
Potential activities could include bringing in a pop-up karaoke booth or bringing in casino games.
Make It a Late-Night Movie Screening
If you need a less rowdy party possibility, arrange to watch a movie with your guests. This is an especially fitting choice if you had a movie theme at your wedding reception.
Create a Silent Disco
This is another fun way to keep the party going if sound ordinances are a consideration. You and your guests wear headsets with different channels and select the type of music you want to dance to. Ask your wedding venue about this approach.
Provide glow sticks, party beads, and other favors to help enhance your disco theme.
Line Up Unique Entertainment
In addition to music, you can always line up something special for your after-party entertainment.
Depending on the vibe you’re going for, you can hire a stand-up comedian, a magician, a dance act—even a fire eater.
Have a House Party
If your wedding after-party is going to be small, you always can move the celebration to a house.
Provide your alcohol, and plenty of food, and keep the evening casual. We do recommend talking with your neighbors in advance and trying not to overdo the loud music
Have You Considered a Post-Wedding Brunch?
A late-night party is not for everyone. Maybe you want a prolonged celebration so you can spend more time with your closest family members afterward. In this case, you always come to the party rested. Or maybe you want an event where children will be welcome.
In any case, a post-wedding brunch could be the perfect alternative to a late-night wedding after-party.
Generally, this event, also known as a farewell brunch, has a laid-back, relaxed vibe that will be reflected in the decor (if you have one), dress code, and food choices.
Or…Hold a Day-After Wedding Party
A brunch fits into this category, but additional party ideas include a pizza party, a pool party, a barbecue, a spa day, a picnic with outdoor games, or an outing in the community.
In Houston, you can invite guests to join you at a wide variety of attractions and activities to enjoy together, from museums and great shopping to a live sporting event to touring Johnson Space Center.
Have the Party You Want
Remember, if you decide to hold a wedding after-party, the size, location, and approach are entirely up to you.
Yes, you should take steps to keep your guests safe and comfortable--and make them feel welcome.
Other than that, focus on having the kind of celebration you want to top off your amazing wedding.
The Bell Tower on 34th, an elegant wedding and event venue in Houston, TX, is committed to helping couples realize their wedding vision.
Learn more about holding a wedding here.
The Bell Tower on 34th
901 W 34th St, Houston, TX 77018
(713) 868-2355