You’ve heard the term, you know it exists… but what really is an after party? Regardless of event, from weddings to award ceremonies, the after party is where the fun really gets going. Formal affairs, no matter how fun they might be, are mean to have an air of elegance, a sort of structure and flow that guests are taken along for. But the after party is when the affair is over but the festivities don’t end.
The details of your after party will depend on the setting as well as your own personality and your guests. Party animals may opt for the club style dance party, wheres more laid back types might prefer a chilled-out lounge vibe. Beach bonfires to full blown discos, one of the best options is to simply move the celebration to another space at the venue. Whatever you choose, consider making the after party a simple transition - try not to incorporate the need for transportation or other difficult logistics… you want your guests to seamlessly flow from the event to the after party.
No matter which style is most YOU, here are some after party staples to get you going!
Outfit Swap! This is a big one - especially for destination weddings. Due to the ease of running up to your room and changing into something more comfortable and returning to the after party, we strongly suggest getting your guests into the right clothes for your after party style. Black tie balls gowns are not exactly beach bonfire appropriate… suits and jackets are not pool party friendly… you get the idea.
Late Night Bites! Chances are your guests have been sipping down a few cocktails throughout the night… and they’re about to have a few more. Giving them a little tummy substance will not only help keep the party going well into the next day, you’ll also pretty much be their favorite person in the world. Who doesn’t love a good late night snack? These bites should be more on the simple side - think burgers and fries or pizza and taco stations. We love a good late night food truck moment!
Smile For The Memories! Some of the evenings best memories are formed at the after party… so why not capture those memories? Your event photographer will probably have spent his roll and will have retreated home by now, so make sure to have a few Polaroid or disposable cameras handy. Let your guests have fun by snapping away, creating long lasting moments to cherish.
Mas(AHHHH)ge Me! Your guests have been giving you there all - sweating through their suit jackets and dancing their feet numb in 5 inch heels. A great way to treat them for their efforts, and better yet, keep them going even longer, is to hire massage therapists to be on site during the after party. A foot massage or some scalp love goes a long way. A 10 minute mini treatment will completely revitalize guests and get them right back out on the dance floor just as well as drifting them into a serene state to wind down.
Surprise! Incorporating some form of surprise element is best reserved for the after party. Just when guests think the the efforts of the main party have ended, surprise them a fun twist. This can be as simple as a photo booth or karaoke machine and as extravagant as a musical performance or firework display.
Whatever you chose to do, make sure it speaks to you and your guests… and make sure you have little take-home gifts waiting at the end of the night to help with their morning-after hangover.