After Party Planning

The mark of a good host is one who takes care of their guests from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave, but what if at the end of your reception, there are still a few party-goers intent on living large? Impress you partylicious friends with a pre-planned After Party that will keep them (and quite possibly you) going till the wee hours of the morning.

If your reception is housed in a hotel, or there is a nearby hotel where many of the guests have booked rooms, the most efficient and simple way to host an After-Party is to book a private room or suite that can be utilized as a gathering place. Stock it with ice-filled coolers (to offset the usually small bar fridge), fill them with party basics including non-alcoholic choices, and ensure that there are plenty of stomach-satisfying snacks for guests to fill up on. You may even want to have a coffee bar set up and ready to roll at the first light of dawn.

A relatively new trend on the wedding scene, the best thing about an After Party is that there are no rules or expectations to follow, it can be a pared-down extension of your wedding complete with theme, decorations, accessories, favors and entertainment (pool tables, music or card games), or an informal trek to a nearby bar, it's your party and your friends, so only you know how far you need to take it.

Letting guests know that there is an option for continued revelry can simply be a matter of a small additional card in your invitation or a special note located on your wedding website. Depending upon the size of your wedding and the number of your guests you would expect to partake in an after party, you may even wish to simply let those interested know by word of mouth.

As with most parties where you are responsible for your guests the number one priority when arranging an after party is the safe transportation of your guests both to and from the specified venue. Whether in the form of a series of cabs, a specially booked bus or coach, or by a series of designated drivers, the safety of your guests is paramount and transportation should be pre-arranged.

Weddings are all about making the most of your special day. Hosting an after party for those who love the night life, ensures that day continues much longer than expected, and puts you in the running for the bride and groom that provided their guests with the best, most fun-filled wedding ever.

©2008 Weddingstar Inc.