Wedding After Party Ideas: 30+ Ways to Keep the Celebration Going
Your wedding day doesn’t have to end when the reception does! Our guide to wedding after party ideas covers everything you need to host the best after party ever
Planning to keep the party going after your wedding reception ends? A wedding after party is the perfect way to extend the celebrations and make even more memories with your favourite people.
From late-night venues and playlists to outfit changes and unique entertainment, here’s everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable after party - plus plenty of inspiration from Hitched suppliers to bring your vision to life.
- What is a wedding after party?
- How to plan a wedding after party
- Fun wedding after party ideas
- Why have a wedding after party?
- What to wear to a wedding after party?
- Wedding after party FAQs & advice
What Is a Wedding After Party?
A wedding after party is the ultimate way to keep the celebrations going once your formal reception winds down.
It’s a separate event, either at your reception venue or somewhere new, designed for guests who want to keep dancing, drinking, and celebrating late into the night.
Unlike your wedding reception, which includes formalities like speeches and cake cutting, the after party is more relaxed - think nightclub vibes, festival fun, or cosy lounge settings.
Guests can kick off their heels, loosen their ties, and enjoy a more casual celebration.
- Hitched Tip: If you’re planning one, make sure to check out wedding venues with late licences to find the perfect late-night space near you.
How to Plan a Wedding After Party
Discover all the steps you need to take to arrange an amazing wedding after party.
1. Choosing a Venue
Your venue sets the tone for the whole night. You could:
- Stay put: If your reception venue allows late-night extensions, negotiate extra hours - these wedding venues offer whole-weekend booking.
- Move locations: Book a nearby cocktail bar, nightclub, or private hire space.
- Consider outdoor options: Festival-style tents or marquee setups are perfect for summer weddings.
2. Setting a Theme or Vibe
Transform your space to create a brand-new atmosphere. Some popular themes:
- Neon-lit nightclub with a DJ booth
- Speakeasy-style lounge with cocktails
- Silent disco (great for noise restrictions!)
Link up with the right wedding vendors on Hitched to make it happen.
3. Food & Drinks
Your guests will appreciate late-night fuel! Options include:
- Wedding food trucks such as pizza or taco vans
- Build-your-own burger bars
- Midnight dessert stations
Browse wedding caterers who specialise in late-night bites.
4. Music & Entertainment
Your after party playlist should be upbeat and full of crowd-pleasers. Consider:
- Booking a DJ who specialises in after parties
- Surprise entertainment like a drag queen performance or live saxophonist
- Karaoke setups or games for extra fun
Find wedding DJs and bands on Hitched to bring the energy.
5. Invitations & Guest List
After parties can be open to all guests or just your closest friends. Send out:
- Digital invites or secret RSVP codes
- Include directions if you’re switching venues
- A dedicated section on your wedding website
Fun Wedding After Party Ideas
- Silent disco with LED headphones
- Photo booths or 360 camera booth
- Outdoor games or firepits
- Food truck alley with street food vendors
- Karaoke takeover
- Casino night tables
- Festival wristbands for entry
Discover unique wedding entertainment suppliers to bring these ideas to life.
Why Have a Wedding After Party?
Many couples choose to have a wedding after party to:
- Keep the party going beyond venue curfews
- Create a “second vibe” - moving from formal reception to all-out dance party
- Spend more time with their guests in a relaxed atmosphere
- Let loose without worrying about older relatives or formalities
We asked celebrity wedding planner Mark Niemierko about the rise of the after party: "The rise of the after party is due to couples realising a wedding day should be a celebration, with it being that area of the day with less formality - yes, perhaps a first dance, but after that - the seating plan is done, the cake is cut, the speeches complete.
“There’s no more formality, we can finally dance, let our hair down with a dirty martini hand and gorge on some fried chicken and chips! There’s an unplanned spontaneity to the afters, when a day is so perfectly planned like a military parade."
Mark loves helping couples personalise their after parties: "The creative part of my brain explodes with excitement around the afters, from details such as bespoke coasters, matches, renaming of cocktails. And of course a neon sign that the couple can keep to install in a basement den or bar at their home.
“The loud colour we can add at this stage also gets me excited, if say we’ve done a classic white and green wedding - are you ready for a hot red club?
“And getting inspired at this stage to include personal touches to the couple that I have discovered in the planning. Such as how I named a club recently after the couple’s puppy, and of course had him sketched to then appear on the cocktail menus."
And not every after party needs to be a late-night rave - Mark predicts a new wedding trend on the rise: "The wedding wind-down is a concept that happened by chance, but now all our couples love it.
“Back at the hotel bar, with no production, just cash behind the bar and our singing pianist Danny Mills. It feels so stripped back from the larger production, it feels unplanned, some guests have even thought I didn’t know about one wind down, saying it felt like a lock in!"
What to Wear to a Wedding After Party
The after party is your chance to switch up your look! Nearlyweds often opt for a fun, flirty second dress or jumpsuit - check out our guide to wedding after party dresses for inspiration.
- Nearlyweds: Sparkly minis, sequin gowns, or chic jumpsuits, or switch your jacket for a more relaxed blazer or open shirt
- Guests: Smart-casual but comfortable - avoid white unless requested
Wedding After Party FAQs
Want to know more about wedding after parties? We’ve got you!
What is the party after a wedding called?
It’s often referred to as the “wedding after party” or simply “after party” or “afters.” Not to be confused with the party that follows the wedding ceremony, which is called the wedding reception.
Do you need to invite everyone to a wedding after party?
No - it’s common to invite a smaller group of close friends and family.
Who pays for the wedding after party?
Traditionally, the couple hosts it, but you can make it a pay-your-own-way event if you’re heading to a bar.
What time should a wedding after party start?
Typically right after the reception ends - usually around 11pm or midnight.
Can you wear jeans to a wedding after party?
If the vibe is casual and the couple is happy with it - yes! Just make sure to check the dress code.
A wedding after party is the perfect way to end your wedding day on a high. Whether you’re hiring a nightclub, booking a silent disco, or gathering around firepits, it’s your chance to celebrate with your favourite people in a relaxed and unforgettable way.
Ready to plan yours? Browse and book wedding vendors on Hitched to create the ultimate after party experience.
