After months and months of meticulous planning for your wedding day, when the big day finally arrives, it is amazing how quickly it will fly by! After all, couples will spend much of their time during the reception going around from table to table to say hello to friends and family members, and by the time you’ve said hello to everyone, danced and had a few bites of cake, it will be time for your guests to depart.
The wedding after-party has been an unofficial affair for decades, but in recent years, it has become an indispensable aspect of modern weddings that you should plan ahead for! If you don’t want the party to end after you’ve thrown the bouquet and handed out wedding favors, keep the following tips in mind to ensure yours goes off without a hitch!
- Opt for a place close to the reception
As you plan your wedding after-party, start by looking into bars, restaurants and other fun venues where the fun can continue and your guests won’t have to travel far to continue celebrating with you. Be sure to call this venue beforehand to ensure that there will be enough space to accommodate your entire group of wedding guests. Additionally, it may be wise to look into additional seating, tables and hors d’oeuvre options and the overall cost of these additions to examine how they fit into your wedding budget.
- Travel Accommodations
Drinking and driving is a definite no-no, so when it comes to continuing the party after your reception, you should prepare to spend extra on transportation from your reception venue to the after party locale. Party buses are the best option, as they can accommodate a large amount of people and can work in shifts throughout the night to shuttle your weddings guests from the reception venue to the after party and back to the hotel safely.
- Spread the Word
While the younger and older guests will surely have other plans after your reception has included, make sure that your after party has an open invitation so no one’s feelings are hurt and anyone can attend if they feel so compelled. Consider adding info about the after party on your wedding ceremony program, posting about the event on your wedding website or making an announcement at the end of your reception.
- Who foots the bill?
Last but not least, when all is said and done and the night comes to a close, someone will have to foot the bill for the festivities. While there is no traditional rule that says there is a specific party who has to pay, picking up the tab is a great way to thank your family and friends for doing so much for making your wedding a success. After all, with the bachelor/bachelorette parties, bridal showers, travel, gifts, attire and all the other expenses that go into participating in or attending a wedding, this is great gesture to show your thanks.
