After Parties: Keeping the Celebration Going

These days, weddings no longer tend to dissolve when the cake and coffee are served. The after party, traditionally a feature at fashion shows, film premieres, and corporate product launches, is becoming more and more popular as a post-nuptial fiesta. Often beginning at midnight (or later) as the wedding reception is winding down, these late-night club-style fêtes provide an opportunity for friends, family, and especially the bride and groom to let down their hair and celebrate in uninhibited fashion.

Mood
Establishing the mood for an after party is probably the most important step in inspiring your guests to carry on the festivities. This is done most effectively by changing the setting completely and showing invited guests into a separate room or location usually done up in “funky” lounge décor: red-on-red, leopard print, or South Beach white, to name a few. In other words, an atmosphere that is quite different from the décor at the reception. Sexy lighting, candles, cool chair covers, cocktail tables offering tapas or snacks (wasabi-coated peas, nuts, and olives are good choices), and ethnic touches like silk hangings and pillows can complete the festive look. The entertainment should take on a new twist, and festive accessories from glow-sticks and hats to silk robes and sleeping masks can be distributed to enhance the mood.

Attire
In keeping with the evening’s energy shift from traditional and elegant to fun and outrageous, brides will often change out of their classic white gowns and veils to don sleeker, trendier ensembles for the after party. Anything goes, from a backless halter dress to black pants with red stilettos, as long as it allows you to get down. If your budget or timing does not permit an outfit change, switching accessories will also do the trick. Brides can change their shoes or replace their pearls and veils with crystal chandelier earrings and unpinned hairstyles before getting right back in the swing of the party.

Food
In terms of after-party cuisine, comforting finger foods are best. Mini- hamburgers and hot dogs, s’mores, fried chicken, fondue, empanadas, or quesadillas with guacamole and salsa are easy to eat and will fuel your late-night revelers. If you are more inclined towards sweets, think about offering a dessert table, sundae bar or a “Candyland” spread with chocolate fountains, candy apples, popcorn machines, and cotton candy. (Personalizing lollipops or cookies with the couple’s monogram is a fun way to bring the wedding theme into the club atmosphere.) If you are able to provide adequate seating, breakfast is another appealing option; what die-hard partygoer wouldn’t want French toast, pancakes, or crepes at 2AM?

Drinks
And where would an after party be without alcohol? Specialty drinks named by the couple present yet another opportunity for personalization (i.e., signature martinis named for the newlyweds’ nicknames, friends’ names, honeymoon spot, even pets), and clear beverages such as vodka or rum are always an option if you are concerned with messy spillage (remember that all-white décor!).

But as with any club-style event, alcohol intake must be monitored in order to ensure both a successful event and the safety of your guests. After- party attendees are coming from a reception where they may have been drinking throughout the evening and are now being served even more alcohol. Keep the alcohol-absorbing food coming, and offer water, coffee, and sodas as alternatives. Budget permitting, it is also a good idea to prearrange transportation to pick guests up at an appointed time. If this is not an option, someone other than the bride and groom should be assigned to oversee guest departure and arrange taxis if necessary. A final sensible touch is to distribute caffeinated coffee (and doughnuts) by the exit.

Invitees
Another important consideration when planning your after party is whether or not you will be inviting all of your guests. If the entire reception is invited to your grand finale, everyone can be easily directed to the next location by an announcement made at the reception. If, however, you are only inviting select friends and family, it is important to include a separate note with the wedding invitation announcing the time and place (i.e., midnight at the Tower Room) of the after party. If you plan to only invite certain guests, choose a location that is somewhat removed from the reception area -- as well as from the other guests’ exit path -- so no one is offended.

Closing Down
Finally, know when the party is over! There is nothing more anticlimactic than a spectacular wedding followed by an after party that ends with five bleary-eyed guests lolling about. Always finish on a high note. There is absolutely no problem with departing in advance of your guests -- it is your wedding night, after all! And keep in mind that extra hours spent at the location or enjoying the entertainment will almost certainly incur extra costs; playing even one more song may translate into another hour of pricey overtime! Define these parameters with your vendors during the planning stages, so if you need to extend their services the night of the party you will know what to expect.

Above all, have a blast! By the time you reach the after party you will be done with worrying over details, posing for photos, greeting guests, and giving toast upon toast... upon toast. Revel in your wedding reception and then kick off your shoes to enjoy a laid-back after party where celebrating is your only concern!