A wedding is the ultimate celebration of two people coming together to share the rest of their lives together. Planning a big wedding ceremony is enough work on its own, but after that, you still need to plan the wedding after party too. A great wedding party can give your guests the best night of their lives as well as giving you memories that you will never forget. With so many things to consider when planning your wedding after party, it can seem like a lot of stress. This really shouldn’t be the case as your party should be an enjoyable experience. To minimize the stress and ensure that your party is a blast, it just takes a little forethought and planning. To help all the soon to be newlyweds here is how to plan an amazing wedding after party.

Decide on Your Guestlist

Choosing the guests for your wedding can be a very difficult, emotionally draining experience. Whether you want a small wedding or a big wedding, there are always big decisions to be made when it comes to your guest list. If you have a small wedding, there are undoubtedly going to be disappointed people who don’t make your exclusive list, whereas if you want to have a big wedding with all of your friends and family, the cost can end up being far beyond your budget. One solution for many couples is that they will invite a small group of friends and family to the sit-down meal and then invite all of your wider circle of loved ones to the after party where you don’t need to pay per person. Make sure that the after party guests understand that you have limited capacity for the daytime event and they will be happy to come and celebrate in the evening with you.

Find the Perfect Venue

Once you have your guest list decided, the next thing you need to decide is the perfect venue for your after party. Some wedding venues are suitable for the ceremony, daytime event, and evening party, but other couples choose different venues for the different parts of their wedding day. Especially if you get married in a church, you will need a separate venue for the celebrations afterward. Make sure that the venue is big enough for the guests you intend to invite and that it has the right vibe for your party. Some venues will offer a full package including the music, food, and decorations, whereas others will require you to organize these yourselves.

Prepare the Speeches

The wedding speeches are always a highlight of any wedding ceremony. From the father of the bride’s emotional tribute to his daughter to the best man’s hilarious, embarrassing stories involving the groom, this is a part of the after party which will give everyone a great time. According to this ultimate guide to wedding speeches, speeches can be difficult, so a well thought and planned speech will help to keep your audience engaged. It is important to gauge the mood of your audience in order to write a speech that is going to hit the mark. At the after party, try to mix up sentimental speeches with funny ones to keep the energy of the party up. 

Hire a Great DJ or Band

The music at your after party is so important for creating the right mood for your guests. Whether you choose a classic wedding band or a top DJ to drop some big tunes, you should always do your research to make sure that they are going to kick your party off with a bang. Speak to your musicians about your song list and be sure to check testimonials from previous clients to get the lowdown on the service they provide. The most important song is your first dance song so speak to your partner and choose the perfect music for this special moment. You can also hire a pianist which can make your first dance be memorable and beautiful at the same time. Getting a top wedding DJ or wedding band will be able to advise you on the right mix of your personal favorites and the proven crowd-pleasers which will ensure your party is the event of the century.
Your wedding day is one of the most special days of your life and you deserve to have a perfect occasion. Planning for a party to celebrate your special day shouldn’t need to be stressful. To ensure that you and your guests have the best time at the wedding party, it is vital to plan every detail well in advance with the help and support of your loved ones to have a solid foundation for the event. From food to speeches to music, with so much to consider, it is best to start as early as possible to stay organized. Follow this easy guide and you will be able to plan the perfect wedding after party.

WRITTEN BY

Daria Brown