Post-Wedding Drinks: Can I Just Go To A Bar?

Whether you're looking to extend the celebration or wind down after a long day, heading to a bar after your wedding is a great option. Many couples opt for an after-party at a bar, with some even choosing to go to their favourite local spot. If you're looking to save money, you could skip the open bar and opt for a cash bar instead, or provide guests with drink tickets. It's also a good idea to let your guests know about any after-party plans in advance, either through word of mouth or by including the details on your wedding website.

Wedding after-parties are becoming increasingly popular, but who pays?

Wedding after-parties are becoming increasingly popular, with many couples choosing to continue the celebrations at a bar or another venue. While the traditional wedding format may suffice for some, others may prefer to extend the festivities with an after-party, creating more lasting memories with their loved ones.

When it comes to paying for the wedding after-party, there are a few options to consider. Traditionally, the bride's family bore the majority of the wedding expenses, including the reception and other related costs. However, in today's world, wedding finances are often handled differently, with more couples choosing to contribute financially to their weddings. According to a survey by The Knot, parents typically contribute to 51% of the wedding budget, while couples cover the remaining 49%. In some cases, couples may even decide to fund the entire wedding themselves.

For the after-party specifically, there are a few ways to approach it. If the couple has already contributed significantly to the wedding, they may decide to have a more low-key after-party at a bar or a hotel lobby, where guests can continue the celebrations without incurring additional costs. On the other hand, if the couple has the budget, they may choose to rent out a space or continue the party at a different venue, covering the costs themselves.

In some cases, family members or friends may offer to contribute to the after-party. This could be a generous gesture from parents, siblings, or close friends who want to extend the celebrations. Alternatively, the couple's wedding party, such as the bridesmaids or groomsmen, may decide to pitch in as a gift to the newlyweds.

Ultimately, the decision on who pays for the wedding after-party depends on the couple's budget, the contributions from family and friends, and the overall scale of the event. It's important to have open and honest conversations about finances to ensure that everyone is on the same page and to avoid any misunderstandings or financial strain.

How to decide on the best location for a wedding after-party

Deciding on the best location for a wedding after-party is an important part of the wedding planning process. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect spot:

• Consider your budget: The cost of the after-party should be included in your wedding budget. If you're planning a more casual gathering, you can opt to cover the tab for a certain amount of time or choose a location that suits your financial means.
• Keep it convenient: Opt for a location that is easily accessible and convenient for your guests to get to. If the after-party venue isn't within walking distance, consider providing transportation for your guests to ensure their safety.
• Stay close to the reception: It's best to choose an after-party venue that is close to your reception venue to maintain the upbeat energy of the celebration. This way, your guests won't have to travel far, and the party can continue without any interruptions.
• Select a fun theme: If there were certain themes or styles you couldn't incorporate into your wedding reception, now is your chance! Opt for a fun and unique theme that will excite your guests and keep the party interesting.
• Provide food: If your budget allows, offering food at the after-party is a great way to keep the celebration going. Choose a different cuisine than what was served at the reception to give your guests a variety of options.
• Invite everyone: It is considered polite to invite all your reception guests to the after-party as well. Even if you know some guests may not attend, extending the invitation to everyone ensures that no one feels left out.
• Spread the word: While official invites are not necessary, it's a good idea to include information about the after-party on your wedding website or through word of mouth. This way, your guests are aware of the plan and won't make other arrangements.
• Change up the dress code: Let your guests know if there is a specific dress code for the after-party. If it's a more casual gathering, inform them that they can change out of their formalwear.

What to wear to a wedding after-party

There are many options for what to wear to a wedding after-party at a bar. It is common for the bride to change into a second celebratory outfit for the after-party, and this is a great opportunity to experiment with a new style.

If you're the bride, you might opt for a casual white midi dress, or a sparkly, statement-making mini dress. You could also wear a sleek pantsuit, or a bow-topped mini dress. If the after-party has a more casual vibe, you might prefer to change into a comfy midi dress or a jumpsuit.

If you're a guest, you might opt for a nice blouse and dark jeans, a business casual dress, or a cocktail dress.

Food options for a wedding after-party

It's your wedding day, and you want to keep the party going after the reception wraps up. Or maybe you're looking for a more low-key celebration with your closest friends and family. Either way, here are some food options to consider for your wedding after-party:

Late-Night Snacks

If your reception ends on the earlier side, your guests are sure to appreciate some late-night snacks to refuel them for continued festivities. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Chips and dip: Set up a chip and dip bar with various dips like guacamole, salsa, and cheese sauce.
• Mini sandwiches: Offer an assortment of petite baguette sandwiches or tea sandwiches with different fillings to cater to various tastes.
• Pizza: Wood-fired or flatbread pizzas are always a crowd-pleaser and can be easily enjoyed while mingling.
• Charcuterie: A charcuterie board or cone is a trendy and versatile option, offering a mix of meats, cheeses, crackers, nuts, and fruits.
• Finger foods: Opt for bite-sized treats like pigs in a blanket, mini grilled cheese sandwiches, or spring rolls.

Sweet Treats

Indulge your guests' sweet tooth with an assortment of desserts to cap off the night. Here are some ideas to satisfy that sugar craving:

• Donuts: Glazed, frosted, or powdered, donuts are a trendy wedding dessert that can be easily customized with colours and flavours to match your theme.
• Cookies: Offer an assortment of freshly baked cookies, perhaps even including a family recipe as a special touch.
• Cupcakes: Miniature cupcakes in various flavours provide a fun and colourful display, giving your guests a variety of options to choose from.
• S'mores: Set up a s'mores station with all the fixings, including graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate. It's a fun, interactive dessert option, especially if guests can roast their own marshmallows over a fire.
• Ice cream: Serve miniature ice cream cones or set up an ice cream sundae bar with an array of toppings for guests to create their own sweet concoctions.

Drinks

Beverages are an essential component of your after-party spread, and you can get creative beyond the typical bar offerings. Here are some ideas to quench your guests' thirst:

• Signature cocktails: Craft a signature cocktail (or two) that reflects your relationship or favourite drink. It's a unique way to personalize the celebration.
• Mocktails: Don't forget about your non-alcoholic options! Offer specialty mocktails or zero-proof beverages to include your sober guests and make everyone feel celebrated.
• Coffee and tea: For a caffeine kick, provide a selection of coffee and tea options, especially if your after-party continues into the late hours.

Food Trucks or Stations

If you're looking for a more casual dining experience, food trucks or interactive food stations can be a fun way to serve your after-party fare. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Taco bar: A taco bar allows your guests to customize their meal with various fillings and toppings. It's a fun and interactive dining experience.
• Pizza bar: Set up a pizza bar with an assortment of toppings, or offer a variety of pre-made speciality pizzas.
• Raw bar: Treat your guests to a selection of seafood, including oysters, shrimp, clams, and lobster. It's a coastal-inspired spread that's sure to impress.
• Fry bar: Indulge your guests with a fry bar, offering an assortment of dips and toppings to elevate this classic comfort food.
• Local cuisine: Showcase the flavours of your wedding locale by choosing locally grown ingredients or dishes that reflect the region's culinary traditions.

Remember, the key is to offer a variety of options that will appeal to different tastes and dietary preferences. By providing a well-rounded spread, you'll keep the energy high and ensure your guests have the fuel to dance the night away!

How to get to a wedding after-party if it's not within walking distance

If your wedding after-party venue isn't within walking distance, there are several ways to ensure your guests can get there safely.

Firstly, consider booking a party bus, cab, or ride-share vehicle to transport your guests. This way, you won't have to worry about people driving at the end of the night or figuring out how to get everyone home.

If you're looking for a more unique option, you could hire a saxophonist to lead your guests from the ceremony to the after-party venue, as one couple did in London. This will keep the celebration going and make your guests feel like they're part of a procession.

Additionally, if your after-party is at a bar, you could ask the bar if it's possible to rent it out for the night. That way, your guests won't have to worry about transportation, and you can keep the party contained to one location.

Finally, if you're staying at a hotel, you could simply move the party to the hotel bar. This option is convenient and eliminates the need for transportation.

Frequently asked questions