Why stop the party just because the reception’s come to an end? Wedding after parties are the new big thing, with many couples opting to treat their guests to an extension of the celebration once the reception has died down.
Photo credit: Jesse Wagstaff / Source / CC BY
Often these parties are less formal and more intimate than the preceding events and give the newlyweds an opportunity to spend more time with their family and friends. So, interested in how to throw your own? Here are some tips!
- Choose a convenient venue. When choosing a venue for your after party, one of your top considerations should be whether it’s easy to reach from the reception location. Just think, your guests have been drinking and dancing for hours: do you really want to send them on a pilgrimage across town? The best spot is either one that’s close to your North Jersey reception venue or close to where most of your out-of-town guests are staying. This will have the benefit of increasing attendance.
- Provide transportation. Keep your guests safe by hooking them up with a ride to and from the after party. People love to drink at weddings and most likely more than one of your revelers will have had a little too much before the night is over. If you have the room in your budget, it’s a wise and thoughtful gesture to hire a shuttle to ensure that everyone can get where they need to go without any mishaps.
- Feed your guests. I know, your reception meal was fantastic and your guests couldn’t eat another bite by the time they hit the dance floor. But that was before they got their groove on and danced for three hours. After all that partying, a few snacks would almost certainly be appreciated, especially if everyone’s been drinking. This is the perfect chance to incorporate some of your favorite foods into your wedding menu if maybe they weren’t fancy enough for your catered dinner. Serve up some burgers and fries, waffles, grilled cheese sandwiches—whatever strikes your fancy!
- Cater to your audience. There’s no one way to throw a party and you should feel free to tailor the festivities to what you and yours enjoy. Maybe your idea of an awesome time is a game night with all your favorite board games. Maybe the ultimate party for your group would be the chance for some midnight bowling. It’s important to know your guests and plan accordingly, whether the result is a sweet dance party, drinks at a bar, s’mores around a campfire, or karaoke. There are tons of options, so don’t be afraid to think outside the box!