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  5. 15 Expert-Approved Ideas for Planning the Ultimate Wedding After-Party
Martha Stewart Weddings

15 Expert-Approved Ideas for Planning the Ultimate Wedding After-Party

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By Jess Levin
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after party decor black light and disco ball dance floor
Credit: Erika Dufour

Your post-reception gathering deserves to be just as elevated as the rest of the day.

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Credit: Jake McBride Photography

With details like smoke machines, marquee lights, custom dance floors, and unexpected late-night snacks popping up at nearly every wedding's after-party, it's clear that these post-reception gatherings are no longer an after-thought. In fact, these celebrations are becoming so popular that couples are devoting just as much time and effort into making them memorable as they are for the rest of their big day. Since we know that entertainment, catering, and design are all essential elements of these parties, we decided to ask our favorite wedding experts for their best after-party tips. Here, they share insight about this year's most sought-after ideas.

First and foremost, think about theme. Do you want your after-party to feel like an extension of your ceremony and reception, or as though your guests have been transported to somewhere else entirely? One pro suggests carrying the theme straight through, another says you can mix things up with more modern elements, while another still says to go completely different. That expert's tip? Emphasizing fun by choosing Mardi Gras-inspired elements or introducing a brand-new color palette. Ultimately, you can do whatever you want, but it's fun to consider the many options.

One after-party detail that's a non-negotiable? Food. While you can serve whatever you want—anything from your favorite bites to a food truck is fair game—it's important to ensure that no one is drinking on an empty stomach. Our experts also emphasize the importance of providing seating. While some guests are ready to keep dancing, others will enjoy relaxing on lounge furniture and chatting with friends. 

If you like these ideas, you'll be delighted to know that there's lots more where they came from. Here, expert-approved tips for planning the ultimate wedding after-party.

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Revive Your Theme

after party decor wooden calligraphy bar sign
Credit: Rachel May Photography
Wedding Bar Signs to Elevate Your Cocktail Hour

"When couples opt to carry out their day-of theme throughout all elements of their day, from the altar to the after-party, it makes for a collection of memorable and cohesive photos. This shot of a calligraphed bar menu from an elegant affair perfectly captured the fluidity of décor throughout their wedding day, which really shined in their final photographs." —Rachel May Clarke, Owner, Rachel May Photography

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Serve Fun Fare

after party decor bride and groom at donut food truck
Credit: Sarah Cramer Shields
Mobile Bars and Food Trucks That Can Roll Right Up to Your Party

"Regardless of your theme, a food truck is crucial to completing the after-party vibe. Let your theme guide your choice in cuisine. Mexican fiesta? Go for a street-style taco truck. Does your sweetheart have a sweet tooth? Popsicle or donut trucks are the perfect choices!" —Brianna Sumey, Director of Sales, Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards

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Go Modern

after party decor geometric vases
Credit: W&E Photographie

"Integrating modern elements into functional pieces of your décor is an innovative way to keep your design aesthetic both fresh and stylish. These geometric vases were sprinkled throughout clear tables, adding a feeling of newness to the entire evening." —Victoria Love, Owner, Victoria Love Events

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Make Sure Food Is Filling and Flavorful

after party decor cocktail size lamb chops
Credit: Wolfcrest Photography

"In addition to the bride and groom's personal taste and vision for the after-party, it's important to consider foods that are easy to eat and satisfying. To keep the party going, we like to make sure that no one is drinking on an empty stomach. These cocktail-size lamb chops hit all the marks for presentation and flavor." —Denise Vu, Marketing Director, Occasions Caterers

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Go Grand

after party decor bride and groom beneath fireworks
Credit: Carla Ten Eyck
Amazing Fireworks and Sparklers from Real Weddings

"Fireworks are an impressive gesture to closing out an after-party. Creating a dramatic backdrop to photograph against helps to end your event on a high!" —Carla Ten Eyck, Photographer and Owner, Carla Ten Eyck Photography

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Provide Seating

after party decor white lounge seating with purple lighting
Credit: VUE Photography

"Making sure guests are comfortable and offered plenty of access to relaxed seating is a must-have for a day of non-stop celebrating. Creating a chic lounge space within your after-party site is a given for any stylish party." —Lindsay Sims, Founder, Toast Events

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Upgrade Your Favors

after party decor treat buffet
Credit: Courtesy of Creative Edge Parties

"One of my favorite pieces to incorporate into an after-party design is our giant 'Create Your Own Party Mix' trough. Guests can grab a bag and create their own sweet and savory mix of munchies. It's 24' of tasty fun!" —Carla Ruben, Owner and Creative Director, Creative Edge Parties 

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Turn Out the Lights

after party decor black light and disco ball dance floor
Credit: Erika Dufour

"A black light is a foolproof way to completely transform your venue's ambiance. As soon as the black light hits, you know it's the after party. Top it off with a disco ball, and you can bet people will be dancing until dawn." —Sarah Banasiak, Chief Creative Officer, The Revel Group

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Hire Live Entertainment

after party decor stage with draped curtain
Credit: Jenna Rose Photography
12 Alternative Entertainment Ideas for a Unique Wedding Reception

"Changing up the atmosphere is one of our favorite ways to make an after-party memorable. Consider creating a concert-like environment for your after-party, complete with a stage and bar tables—as well as a fun and unexpected live band performing your favorite songs from the decade of your choosing." —Allyson Joseph, Principal Planner and Creative Director, Bob Gail Special Events

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Bring in Different Furniture

after party decor pink room with unique metallic chairs
Credit: Photography by Avery

"Unique furniture can almost always find a place in the after-party. Since there will be fewer guests—and many will be drinking or standing—you can better incorporate distinctive pieces of furniture that fit with your desired aesthetic." —Tracie Domino, Founder and Creative Director, Tracie Domino Events

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Make It Festive

after party decor gold mardi gras mask with king cake boxes
Credit: Greer Gattuso

"There's no better opportunity to go all out with a party theme then during an after-party celebration. Whether it's an ode to your location—like a Mardi Gras affair—or an event of an exclusive color scheme, capturing one-of-a-kind images of a couple's distinctive style always adds to the overall experience." —Greer Gattuso, Owner, Greer Gattuso Photography

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Don't Forget About Lighting

after party decor white outdoor event tent
Credit: Christian Oth Studio

"One of the most overlooked elements when planning a wedding is lighting. Couples often focus solely on floral décor and forget how lighting can pull your entire look together. Whether it's pin spotting on tables, hanging of chandeliers, or simply lining the tent with bistro lights, lighting can set the tone of your after-party and add a romantic feel. Some of the very best photos are those when the lighting is just right!" —Kerri-Lynn Mulhearn, Owner, Stella Day Events

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Play with Metallics

after party decor metallic table setting
Credit: Alyssa McElheny Photography

"Nothing quite screams 'late-night festivities' like the perfect metallic color scheme. Don't be afraid to mix metals to really get in the late-night mood!" —Cassy Anderson, Founder, Cassy Rose Events

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Don't Be Afraid of Candles

after party decor candles and pink flowers around dining hall
Credit: Craig Paulson Studio

"Whether used as an element of décor or asna source of light, candles are an after-party favorite. Set the scene by creating a soft ambiance, or group together to decorate the display of a romantic tablescape." —Joseph Todd St. Cyr, Owner, Joseph Todd Events

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    1 of 15
    2 of 15 Revive Your Theme
    3 of 15 Serve Fun Fare
    4 of 15 Go Modern
    5 of 15 Make Sure Food Is Filling and Flavorful
    6 of 15 Go Grand
    7 of 15 Provide Seating
    8 of 15 Upgrade Your Favors
    9 of 15 Turn Out the Lights
    10 of 15 Hire Live Entertainment
    11 of 15 Bring in Different Furniture
    12 of 15 Make It Festive
    13 of 15 Don't Forget About Lighting
    14 of 15 Play with Metallics
    15 of 15 Don't Be Afraid of Candles

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