Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • Tips on Organizing Your Home

      Tips on Organizing Your Home

      From the kitchen and bathroom to the bedroom and laundry room, here are 40 ways to simplify, streamline, and banish clutter throughout the house. Read More
    • These Are the Paint Colors You'll See Everywhere in 2022

      These Are the Paint Colors You'll See Everywhere in 2022

      Upgrade your spaces with new—and old—classics. Read More
    • 39 Make-Ahead Holiday Dishes That Are Perfect for Festive Family Gatherings

      39 Make-Ahead Holiday Dishes That Are Perfect for Festive Family Gatherings

      These classic recipes will help you get a head start on the festivities. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    All of Our Best Valentine's Day Crafts to Make from the Heart

    All of Our Best Valentine's Day Crafts to Make from the Heart

    Express your love with handmade Valentine's crafts like paper cards, gift ideas, and decorations.
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    Will We Entertain Differently in 2022? These Are the New Trends Hostesses Should Bookmark

    Will We Entertain Differently in 2022? These Are the New Trends Hostesses Should Bookmark

    Secure your role as the host with the absolute most.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Baby Shower Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • You're Invited
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    How to Hang and Arrange Pictures

    How to Hang and Arrange Pictures

    Amp up your home décor with perfectly placed frames.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    Six Houseplant Mistakes to Avoid This Winter

    Six Houseplant Mistakes to Avoid This Winter

    Don't let your varieties fall victim to the perils of poor cold-weather maintenance.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Deep Clean Your Oven with Baking Soda

    How to Deep Clean Your Oven with Baking Soda

    Our easy tips will make this cleaning task a lot less daunting.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Your Ultimate Wedding-Planning Timeline

    Your Ultimate Wedding-Planning Timeline

    Ready, set, go! Our no-nonsense guide will help you learn how to plan your wedding like a pro.
    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    How to Knit: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

    How to Knit: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

    Learn how to knit your own mittens, hats, scarves, and more. We'll take you through the step-by-step instructions and teach you how to cast on, knit, purl, and cast off.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
    • Rescue & Revamp
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    Your Complete Guide to Restoring Moisture Back Into Your Skin

    Your Complete Guide to Restoring Moisture Back Into Your Skin

    Take a multi-pronged approach if you're experiencing excess dryness.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
    • Net Worth
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Weddings
  3. Wedding Showers & Parties
  4. 27 After-Party Ideas That Will Keep the Party Going
Martha Stewart Weddings

27 After-Party Ideas That Will Keep the Party Going

chloe gorman bio martha stewart weddings
By Chloe Gorman
Skip gallery slides
Pin
wedding after party invitation and slice of pie
Credit: Brklyn View Photography

With these festive ideas, the wedding fun doesn't have to stop.

Start Slideshow

1 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
wedding after party invitation and slice of pie
Credit: 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.

1 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Just Married

wedding after party embroidered denim jacket
Credit: L&L Style Photo
See more personalized bridal jackets here

At your after-party, keep warm and show off your "Just Married" status by emblazoning the phrase onto a custom denim jacket.

2 of 27

3 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Name in Neon

wedding after party bride and groom kissing on couch beneath neon sign
Credit: 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.

3 of 27

Advertisement

4 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Saxophone Send Off

bride and groom kissing while saxophonist plays
Credit: Abby Jiu Photography
28 Unique Ideas for Your Wedding Exit

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.

4 of 27

5 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Milk and Cookies

wedding after party milk and cookies
Credit: 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.

5 of 27

6 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Koozies

wedding after party monogramed koozies
Credit: Sawyer Baird
50 Creative Wedding Favors That Will Delight Your Guests

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.

6 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lounge Area

wedding after party lounge around bon fire
Credit: Amy & Stuart Photography
Wedding Lounge Ideas Your Guests Can Cozy Up To

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.

7 of 27

8 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Fast Food

wedding after party tray of in-n-out burgers
Credit: 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.

8 of 27

9 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Witty Saying

wedding after party plants surrounding neon sign
Credit: 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.

9 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Late-Night Pizza

late night pizza menu
Credit: onelove photography
26 Delicious Wedding Ideas for Couples Crazy About Pizza

Take note from Perfect Fete and advertise your late-night slices—pizza is a party favorite!—on a calligraphed chalkboard.

10 of 27

11 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Monogrammed Jackets

brides wearing custom designed leather and jean jackets
Credit: Elizabeth Cecil Photography
26 Monogram Wedding Ideas We Love

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.

11 of 27

12 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Hangover Proof

recovery kits something turquoise
Credit: 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 27

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Snack Packs

<p>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.</p>
Credit: Elyse Hall Photography
These Late-Night Snacks Will Keep Your Wedding Going All Night Long

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.

13 of 27

14 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Silent Disco

brides first dance silent disco
Credit: Elizabeth Cecil Photography
This Is Why Your Venue Has Noise Restrictions

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.

14 of 27

15 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Fireworks

bride groom fireworks
Credit: Kristen Kilpatrick
Everything You Need to Know About Having Fireworks at Your Wedding

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.

15 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Coffee and Beignets

wedding food pairings arte de vie
Credit: 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 27

17 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Outfit Change

joyann jeremy wedding first dance
Credit: Christian Oth Studio
21 Reception Dresses Brides Changed Into for Their Parties

Changing into a short dress, like this Jonathan Simkhai ensemble, for your after-party means you can dance all night in comfort and style.

17 of 27

18 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Heart Sign

hilary-kyle-rw0513-111.jpg
Credit: Mademoiselle Fiona

Denote your post-reception venue with a subtle neon sign, like this mini heart marker.

18 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Recovery Kit

recovery kits mandee johnson
Credit: Mandee Johnson Photography
Recovery Kits Are the Latest Guest-Approved Wedding Trend

Send your guests home with a midnight snack and a recovery kit to guarantee that they feel great in the morning.

19 of 27

20 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Fringed Dress

wedding reception dresses short gown with fringe
Credit: 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 27

21 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Photo Wall

neon heart signs
Credit: Jake McBride Photography
20 Inventive Ways to Revamp Your Wedding Photo Booth

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."

21 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Light-Up Glasses

karolina sorab wedding couple dancing
Credit: 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 27

23 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pretzels

beth-scott-wedding-pretzels-1028-s112077-0715.jpg
Credit: 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 27

24 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Custom Sign

karolina sorab wedding neon sign dance for love
Credit: Benjamin Wheeler
11 Neon Wedding Signs That Lit Up Real Receptions

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.

24 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Colorful

janet patrick wedding reception dress blue
Credit: Laura Gordon Photography
Our Favorite Colorful Dresses from Real Weddings

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.

25 of 27

26 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Live Band

wedding groom guitar
Credit: Ashley Ludaescher Photography
What You Should Know Before Hiring a Band for Your Wedding

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.

26 of 27

27 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Dance Party

cristina andre wedding party
Credit: 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.

27 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Chloe Gorman

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    `
    Martha Stewart Weddings
    View All
    • What Should You Wear to a Low-Key Bridal Shower?
    • Brooklyn Beckham Just Revealed How He Felt the Moment He Saw Nicola Peltz in Her Wedding Dress
    • Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Shared a Sweet Kiss at His Polo Match
    • Is it OK for a Bridesmaid to RSVP No to a Destination Bachelorette Party Invitation?
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 27
    2 of 27 Just Married
    3 of 27 Name in Neon
    4 of 27 Saxophone Send Off
    5 of 27 Milk and Cookies
    6 of 27 Koozies
    7 of 27 Lounge Area
    8 of 27 Fast Food
    9 of 27 Witty Saying
    10 of 27 Late-Night Pizza
    11 of 27 Monogrammed Jackets
    12 of 27 Hangover Proof
    13 of 27 Snack Packs
    14 of 27 Silent Disco
    15 of 27 Fireworks
    16 of 27 Coffee and Beignets
    17 of 27 Outfit Change
    18 of 27 Heart Sign
    19 of 27 Recovery Kit
    20 of 27 Fringed Dress
    21 of 27 Photo Wall
    22 of 27 Light-Up Glasses
    23 of 27 Pretzels
    24 of 27 Custom Sign
    25 of 27 Colorful
    26 of 27 Live Band
    27 of 27 Dance Party

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    27 After-Party Ideas That Will Keep the Party Going
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.