Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Weddings Wedding Showers & Parties 27 After-Party Ideas That Will Keep the Party Going By Chloe Gorman Chloe Gorman Chloe is a digital editorial assistant for Martha Stewart Weddings. She graduated from Southern Connecticut State University and currently resides in Connecticut. Editorial Guidelines Updated on August 28, 2020 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Brklyn View Photography Your ceremony and reception went off without a hitch, making your wedding one of the happiest days of your life. Naturally, you don't want all of that fun to end! Luckily, there's a way to extend the revelry—that's where the after-party comes in. This event takes place after the reception and usually lasts until the early hours of the morning. It's also a chance for you and your new husband or wife to spend some more time with the people you love most, especially given the fact that this celebration is typically more intimate. One of the best parts about the after-party? When it comes to the post-reception get-together, there are no set rules when it comes to the location, the décor, or the food. In fact, most after-parties are relatively laid-back and can take place at a pub, bar, or right at your wedding venue. However, that doesn't mean you can't get creative by making your after-party unique to you, your wedding, or your relationship. Ahead, you'll see how real couples did just that. Whether it's serving up your favorite fast food bites or decorating your locale with a custom neon sign, there are so many ways to personalize your big day even after the wedding is over. For starters, you'll need to inform invited attendees about the event's logistics. This couple tapped Fourteen-Forty to create their gold foil-embellished stationery—the paper goods gave off major party vibes and nodded to the fun ahead. Looking for even more ideas? From koozie favors to full on dance parties, the following photos have all the after-party inspiration you need to make sure the fun doesn't stop. 01 of 26 Just Married L&L Style Photo At your after-party, keep warm and show off your "Just Married" status by emblazoning the phrase onto a custom denim jacket. See more personalized bridal jackets here 02 of 26 Name in Neon Olguin Photography Searching for the perfect décor for your after-party venue? We're loving this custom neon sign from Neon Poodle, complete with the couple's last name. 03 of 26 Saxophone Send Off Abby Jiu Photography Lead the way to the post-reception fun with a live musician. This couple tapped Cafolla and Engel to provide modern jazz music for their late-night walk to a local underground dance club. 28 Unique Ideas for Your Wedding Exit 04 of 26 Milk and Cookies Heirloom Photo Company Make like Olive Events and put an adult spin on a childhood favorite by serving up milk and cookies in a shot glass. 05 of 26 Koozies Sawyer Baird The drinks will definitely still be flowing at the after-party, so why not gift guests koozies ahead of the festivities? This bride created these monogrammed versions. 50 Creative Wedding Favors That Will Delight Your Guests 06 of 26 Lounge Area Amy & Stuart Photography You don't have to venture off site for your after-party. Instead, make like Oui Event Design and set up a small lounge on the edge of your reception area—though it's a small division, designating a clear after-party space will help guests transition from the reception to the late-night soirée. Wedding Lounge Ideas Your Guests Can Cozy Up To 07 of 26 Fast Food Colin Cowie Lifestyle Nothing satisfies late-night hunger (and feels more after-party appropriate!) more than fast food. That's why Colin Cowie called on In-N-Out to pass around the restaurant's signature hamburgers at this event. 08 of 26 Witty Saying White Fox Studios Put a celebratory spin on your wedding vows with a witty after-party sign. Neon Republic made this neon "'Til Death Do Us Party" iteration—the perfect finishing touch to this late-night event's modern floral décor. 09 of 26 Late-Night Pizza onelove photography Take note from Perfect Fete and advertise your late-night slices—pizza is a party favorite!—on a calligraphed chalkboard. 26 Delicious Wedding Ideas for Couples Crazy About Pizza 10 of 26 Monogrammed Jackets Elizabeth Cecil Photography Your new cypher looks pretty on a lot of big-day details, but we're partial to these custom jackets from Etsy (they featured a monogram by Happy Menocal). They kept these brides warm and stylish at their after-party. 26 Monogram Wedding Ideas We Love 11 of 26 Hangover Proof Something Turquoise Prepare attendees for a night out ahead of time with a water bottle and Vitamin B (the ultimate welcome wedding gift!). In case that doesn't completely stave off their hangover, a water bottle paired with Advil is an effective follow-up favor. 12 of 26 Snack Packs Elyse Hall Photography Midnight snacks are even better when they're portable. These take-away boxes were filled to the brim with fries and soda so that guests could easily transport them to the after-party destination. These Late-Night Snacks Will Keep Your Wedding Going All Night Long 13 of 26 Silent Disco Elizabeth Cecil Photography A silent disco is the perfect solution to a noise restriction—which means you can keep the party going as long as you'd like without breaking any rules. Jukebox The Ghost provided attendees with headphones at this event. This Is Why Your Venue Has Noise Restrictions 14 of 26 Fireworks Kristen Kilpatrick Light up your after-party with a colorful display of fireworks—just be sure your venue authorizes their use. A remix of Katy Perry's "Firework" (an appropriate musical accompaniment!) played during this event's show. Everything You Need to Know About Having Fireworks at Your Wedding 15 of 26 Coffee and Beignets Arte de Vie Photography Now here's a tasty way to keep the party going: this couple offered hot cups of coffee and sweet beignets to ensure guests were energized for the post-reception festivities. 16 of 26 Outfit Change Christian Oth Studio Changing into a short dress, like this Jonathan Simkhai ensemble, for your after-party means you can dance all night in comfort and style. 21 Reception Dresses Brides Changed Into for Their Parties 17 of 26 Heart Sign Mademoiselle Fiona Denote your post-reception venue with a subtle neon sign, like this mini heart marker. 18 of 26 Recovery Kit Mandee Johnson Photography Send your guests home with a midnight snack and a recovery kit to guarantee that they feel great in the morning. Recovery Kits Are the Latest Guest-Approved Wedding Trend 19 of 26 Fringed Dress Sarah Kate Photography Fringe is arguably the best detail to have on your after-party attire—the dynamic accent is perfect for dancing. 20 of 26 Photo Wall Jake McBride Photography The photo ops don't stop when the reception is over. For the perfect backdrop for your after-party, just look to this wall of neon heart "balloons." 20 Inventive Ways to Revamp Your Wedding Photo Booth 21 of 26 Light-Up Glasses Benjamin Wheeler Need an after-party accessory to upgrade your look? Make like these newlyweds and hit the dance floor in light-up heart-shaped glasses. 22 of 26 Pretzels Clark Brewer Pretzels and mustard are a match made in late-night snack heaven—they'll definitely be a hit with your guests. 23 of 26 Custom Sign Benjamin Wheeler Mark your after-party DJ's booth with a custom neon sign. This one read "Dance For Love" and cast a warm, inviting red light over the dance floor. 11 Neon Wedding Signs That Lit Up Real Receptions 24 of 26 Colorful Laura Gordon Photography If you wore a classic ensemble to your ceremony and reception, switch it up for something bold and colorful—like this tea-length Oscar de la Renta number—come the after-party. Our Favorite Colorful Dresses from Real Weddings 25 of 26 Live Band Ashley Ludaescher Photography Just because the reception is over doesn't mean the music has to stop. Ask your wedding band to play after hours—just make sure they work a few greatest hits into the set list to make your after-party even more upbeat than the main event. What You Should Know Before Hiring a Band for Your Wedding 26 of 26 Dance Party Dave Robbins Photography When it comes to after-party must haves, dancing is definitely one of them. Get all of your guests to the floor with props, like the streamers seen here, to ensure the fun doesn't end until it absolutely has to. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit