Fun & Lively After-Party Décor to Keep the Celebration Going

Wow your guests one last time with these awe-inspiring after-party décor ideas.

Fun & Lively After-Party Décor to Keep the Celebration Going

By Megan Simpson

wedding-after-party-decoration-and-theme-ideas
Photo: Nancy Cohn Photography & Lauren and Abby Ross Weddings

We can all concede that planning a party can get somewhat tedious: making sure you have all supplies necessary, confirming a guest list, and spending a majority of the fête playing gracious host. However, planning your wedding after-party might just be the exception to that universal rule. In case you’re unfamiliar, a wedding after-party is a continued celebration that takes place after the reception is set to end. Sometimes, this soirée takes place in the same location as the reception – in which case, there is no transition and guests simply continue to party – but other times, the venue is “turned” by professionals or attendees are guided to a second location for a very different event.

This second celebration is typically far less formal than your wedding – some brides take the opportunity to change into a shorter and more casual ensemble, men loosen their ties, and at times, shoes come off. Though the party should be open to all guests, it’s usually the younger crowd that stays. These events can be impromptu and thrown together at the last minute – perhaps everyone wants to head to a local bar or club – or, they can be entirely on purpose and planned out.

If you’re considering this fun option, we’ve put together a collection of snapshots from real after-parties with interesting themes and exciting accoutrements that are sure to inspire your creativity.

The happy newlyweds created an after-party dubbed "Club Chuang" after their new family name, featuring colorful lanterns and paper flowers. Photo by Karlisch Studio; Consulting by DFW Events

Do you ever feel like the wedding planning process is crazier than a circus? This couple embraced their silly side and bedecked their after-party with vibrant, playful décor. Photo by Bob & Dawn Davis Photography

Talk about mood lighting! This pair illuminated their after-party dance floor with pink to give it an intimate, romantic feel. Photo by Ira Lippke Studios

This duo wanted boldy dressed performers – matching the bright décor – to entertain revelers at their lively, Latin-inspired after-party. Photo by Brett Matthews Photography


These newlyweds wanted their friends and family to go wild on this zebra-print dance floor flanked by a colorful lighting concept. Photo by Nancy Cohn Photography and Lauren & Abby Ross Weddings 

Guests were wowed by the "razzle dazzle" motif of this multicolored dance floor situated right in front of the bar. Photo by Simone & Martin Photography; Consulting by Mindy Weiss Party Consultants

This eye-catching sign of the couple's initials adorned their vivacious, carnival-themed after-party. Photo by Jay Lawrence Goldman Photography

For an air of exclusivity, this pair created a vintage-style sign for the entrance to their 1920s-themed after-party. Photo by Handeland Tesoro Photography; Consulting by Alex Events Inc.

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! This creative duo fashioned a newspaper stand – complete with their own wedding as the headline of the day – for their NYC-themed after-party. Photo by Lawrence Crandall Photography; Consulting by Linda Howard Events

Find more inspiration for your after-party in our photo galleries! Be sure to also visit our real weddings section to sort hundreds of events by your desired color palette, style, or location!

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