10 Wedding After-Party Mistakes Planners Want You to Avoid
Avoid these common blunders to ensure your after-party is the perfect post-reception celebration.
For many couples, the wedding day is a celebration too big to end after the reception. Enter the wedding after-party—a lively post-reception event that allows newlyweds to continue the festivities in a new, fun environment. This party can add something memorable for out-of-town guests and help keep the energy high into the night. To help you make your after-party a highlight, we spoke with wedding experts about the top mistakes to avoid and how Wed&Done’s planning tools can keep your event on track.
1. Forgetting to Inform Guests
If your after-party is part of the celebration, make sure your guests know all the details, especially if it’s in a separate location. Without clear information on the time and place, friends and family may miss out. Use Wed&Done’s invitation suite to include after-party info on an insert card or itinerary, and add a quick update to your wedding website.
2. Underestimating the Cost
Even a casual after-party can come with additional costs for decor, food, and entertainment. Having a realistic budget is key to ensuring the event lives up to expectations. Use Wed&Done’s budget tracking feature to stay on top of expenses and avoid overspending. By setting an accurate budget from the beginning, you can avoid disappointment and create a fantastic after-party experience.
3. Hosting the Event Too Far Away
While you may want a change of scene for the after-party, hosting it too far from the reception venue can deter guests from attending. Experts recommend a location no more than 20 minutes away. Wed&Done’s venue search tools can help you find after-party locations nearby, so your guests can move easily from one venue to the next.
4. Neglecting Transportation
If your after-party venue is off-site, make sure transportation is arranged to make it easy for guests to get there safely and conveniently. Set up shuttle buses or car services to ensure everyone arrives on time and leaves safely.
5. Failing to Serve Food
A long night of dancing and celebration calls for late-night snacks to keep energy levels up and help absorb the alcohol. Consider serving fun, crowd-pleasing snacks that reflect your personality or cultural heritage. Wed&Done’s catering coordination tools let you add late-night snacks to your catering plan for seamless ordering and setup.
6. Overlooking Music
Music is key to creating an atmosphere that keeps guests celebrating. Whether you hire a DJ, book a live band, or curate a playlist, make sure there’s no pause in the energy. If your after-party is in the same space as the reception, have the music shift seamlessly to keep the momentum going.
7. Booking Subpar Entertainment
If you plan to include entertainment beyond music, such as a photo booth or live performers, choose vendors who know how to engage the crowd. Unique ideas, like a tarot card reader or a caricature artist, can make your after-party unforgettable.
8. Skipping Decorations
While your after-party doesn’t need the elaborate decor of the reception, some well-placed details can set the mood. String lights, disco balls, or neon signs can all enhance the atmosphere without a big budget. Keep it fun and distinct from the reception decor to signal the transition to a more relaxed vibe.
9. Replicating the Prior Vibe
The after-party should have a distinct atmosphere from the reception. If the reception was formal, consider making the after-party more laid-back and casual. Try dimmer lighting, high-energy music, and even a themed outfit change to signal a fresh energy.
10. Running the Affair Too Late
It’s tempting to keep the celebration going, but it’s wise to set a time limit to avoid burnout. Experts suggest capping the after-party at around two hours, allowing you to end on a high note and avoid any venue restrictions.