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The Whole Works
By Louise Baltruschat Hollis
Photos by With Love Rose Photography
The confetti has settled, your wedding gifts have been ripped open and you’re left wanting to wax lyrical about your day. Perhaps you just want the celebrations to keep on going? Well, there is a way, and that’s the wedding after-party. Whoop!
Whether your wedding reception is finishing earlier than anticipated (hello sound restrictions) or you wish to have a whole weekend of fun. I have some awesome post-wedding party inspiration for you and they don’t even have to bust your budget.
I’ll also share my top tips on partying after the wedding etiquette (I mean who do you even invite?!) as well as how to pull off an epic bash smoothly.
Head to the bar or your hotel suite for a nightcap. It could just be the two of you or you can bring the last guests standing to join you for a last hurrah.
Photo: Gianmarco Amico via Salina Elopement Ideas
If your venue has a firepit, gather around and soak up the warmth. Sing camp songs, toast marshmallows, have a hot drink and reminisce.
Photo: Kirsty Mackenzie Photography via Brook Farm Wedding
If you are heading to accommodation after the lights go out, bring your wedding party with you. If your venue allows of course. Alternatively, have a house party if you are headed home for the night. Soft tunes, blankets and sobering drinks for a great debrief – that’s also free!
Are your inhibitions gone after a cocktail fuelled wedding party? Crank out the karaoke to continue the laughs.
If your guests are camping or glamping, gather around in a communal tent for a relaxed get-together.
Photo: Scott Carney Photography via Festival Yurt Wedding Ideas Bell Tents North Sky Yurts
If sound restrictions are closing the party down early, hire a silent disco to abide by the rules and keep the party going.
Photo: One Thousand Words via Sopley Lake Wedding
Ever been on a night out and continued the party en route home? Whether you are walking, travelling by train or hailing a taxi, catch up on the journey.
You could even hire a club VIP area or simply head to your fave dancing spot to continue dancing until the early hours. Don’t forget clubs often have later closing times, but be sure to check first.
Rent a party bus and tour the local area with a disco, drinks and lots of shenanigans.
Photo: Heather Sham via Campervan Wedding Ideas Bus: Buttercup Bus
If guests are staying the night at your venue with you, arrange to have breakfast together.
Photo: Holly Rose Weddings via Kent Village Hall Wedding
Not for the faint-hearted, a refreshing cold-water swim may be the perfect way to rise and shine after the wedding.
Organise a class for your guests, such as yoga or pilates that suit all levels and ages. A perfect way to unwind and relax after all the partying.
If you aren’t an early riser and simply want a lie-in after the wedding. Why not organise a brunch? Yummy food, bubbles and great company all make for a perfect party after the wedding.
Photo: Laura Jane Photography via Bridal Shower Ideas Hen Party Styling & Coordination: Pitch Boutique
Organise a group hike or walk. It’s free, is a great way to get some fresh air and leaves lots of scope for gossip.
If your venue has a pool – have a pool party! This is one to organise in advance so guests can be sure to bring swimwear. If your venue doesn’t have a pool, why not hire a private pool? Organise games for the fun-seekers and loungers for those wishing to chill.
You could throw an afternoon tea post-wedding bash. Hire a caterer or venue, alternatively, ask guests to bring a bake and a sarnie. Lashings of tea, bubbles and chit-chat are sure to follow.
Photo: Steve Bridgwood Photography via Walcot Hall Wedding Afternoon Tea: Petals and Bells
Host an old-school sports day in a local park. Brings eggs and spoons, and organise a referee plus a scorekeeper. Then let the fun and games commence.
Book your local vineyard, brewery or distillery for a tour and tasting. Be sure to remember that this is an adult-only activity that may not be suitable for the youngest of your guests.
Head to the golf course for plenty of competition, fresh air and time to wax lyrical about all the wedding day memories.
A good old BBQ or pizza party may be just the ticket. It could be thrown by a loved one at home, food costs can be kept low and guests can bring a bottle too.
Photo: Rebecca Kerr Photography via Pizza Wedding Reception Pizza Truck: Fired Up Pizza Co.
Head to a theme park, farm, zoo, beach or your favourite excursion spot. Decamp for the day and extend the wedding fun.
Photo: Ellie Lou Photography via Beach Picnic Wedding
If you want a total relax, as well as a pamper and a calm environment after the wedding, how about a spa day?
Organise a picnic. You could head to a park, garden or someone’s home. Ask your guests to bring their own hamper of goodies and sit out in the sunshine for the afternoon.
If you want to blow off steam, go for an adrenaline-filled activity such as water sports, climbing, zorbing or even ziplining.
Photo: Kirsty Mackenzie Photography via Bohemian Elopement Concept, Styling & VW Campervan: Vintage Camper Booths
Organise drinks at your favourite watering hole. Alternatively, try booking a bar with a fun activity such as indoor golf, arcade games or even darts!
Not for the talkers, a movie night or film screening afternoon is a lovely way to rest and recoup after the big day. Perfect for naps and snuggles!
Photo: Tyler Ranalla via Surprise Move Night Engagement Party
Book a restaurant, cafe or your wedding venue to prepare dinner or lunch the day after your wedding. This could be an expensive option so you may wish to keep the guest list smaller.
For a cheaper option, try a takeaway or food truck caterer to feed the masses.
Photo: Emily Montay via Wooden Wedding Ideas
Plan an epic scavenger hunt, and have clues related to you as a couple to keep the romance flowing.
Hire a bowling alley or a couple of lanes to finish your wedding weekend extravaganza on a high!
Test your team skills with an escape room challenge followed by somewhere to have a refreshment afterwards.
You absolutely do not have to have a wedding after-party. There are no rules or requirements but it’s simply down to a couple’s preference if they would like to host one.
Usually, a couple pays for their own wedding after-party. However sometimes family or friends may help by contributing or organising.
Be sure to let your guests know the after-party is a voluntary party to attend. Confirm there is no obligation or pressure to come along if there is a cost involved in them joining the party.
A wedding party doesn’t need to be expensive and cost-saving or free ideas could be to host a BBQ at home, organise a walk, have a picnic in the park or even head to your local pub.
It’s tricky to please everyone, and it’s just not going to happen. However, to ensure your guests are happy, be consistent with your after-party invites.
For example:
When it comes down to it, it’s your wedding, your rules. Invite who you wish and try your best to mitigate any invite dramas. It can happen to any couple and you just need to be firm, honest and consistent in your approach to help keep guests happy.
If you are wondering what to do after the wedding after-party and reception try these ideas:
So there you have it, all the wedding after-party ideas you’ll ever need to keep the party going! Plus my top tips on how to throw a party after your wedding. Yes!
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