Royal Wedding After-Party: What To Expect

The royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was a grand affair, with the world watching as the couple exchanged vows. But what about the after-party? While we may not have had an invitation to the exclusive event, that doesn't mean we can't indulge in some post-wedding speculation. The royal couple's celebration reportedly had a festival theme, complete with food trucks, ice cream vans, and a late-night snack selection fit for royalty. With a guest list of 200, the party likely went well into the early hours, with guests treated to Hawaiian-themed cocktails and an ode to Harry's favourite London club. While we commoners can only imagine the glamour and extravagance of such an event, it's clear that even royalty knows how to let loose and enjoy some post-nuptial fun.

Food and drink: from fast food to food trucks, pizza, and chips and dip

Food trucks are a fun and trendy way to serve food at a wedding, and they were featured at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding afterparty. The couple reportedly had ice cream trucks, or vans as they're known in the UK, serving sandwiches, desserts, and other easy-to-eat snacks.

If you're looking to serve fast food at your royal wedding-themed party, you could offer a modern twist on the traditional British dish of fish and chips. For example, you could serve beer-battered fish and chips, or get creative and offer fish and chip-inspired sliders.

Pizza is always a crowd-pleaser and can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary requirements. Chips and dip is another great option for a casual royal wedding viewing party. You could offer a variety of dips, such as houmous, guacamole, and tzatziki, with a selection of crudites and crackers.

For a more elegant affair, canapes and finger foods are a great choice. Here are some royal-worthy options:

• Roast chicken sandwich bites
• Salt and pepper prawns with sweet chilli syrup
• Lemon dill cucumber sandwiches
• Deviled egg finger sandwiches
• Savory cheddar scones
• Mini blueberry bakewell tarts
• Beef Wellington bites with salsa verde

Timing: after-parties usually last two hours, but can go on longer

When it comes to timing, wedding after-parties typically last around two hours, but they can certainly go on for longer, especially if it's a destination wedding. The duration of the after-party will depend on the guests and their energy levels, as well as any venue restrictions.

If you're the host, it's a good idea to assess your guests' energy and adjust the timing accordingly. If you have a lively bunch, be prepared for a longer and more rowdy celebration. On the other hand, if you notice that your guests are starting to tire, you might want to wrap things up before the two-hour mark.

It's worth noting that the after-party usually starts right after the reception, so if your reception goes on for a while, the after-party might naturally continue into the early hours of the next day.

Additionally, the venue's restrictions might influence the timing of your after-party. Some venues have early cutoff times or noise restrictions that can impact how long the party can go on. Therefore, it's essential to consider these factors when planning your celebration.

In summary, while two hours is a standard duration for a wedding after-party, it's not set in stone. The length of your after-party can be flexible, depending on the enthusiasm of your guests and the constraints of your venue.

Budgeting: after-parties don't have to be expensive, but can be

When it comes to after-parties, especially those following royal weddings, it's easy to assume that they're always lavish and extravagant affairs. However, that doesn't have to be the case, and with careful budgeting, it is possible to host a wonderful celebration without breaking the bank. Here are some tips and ideas to help you plan an affordable and memorable after-party:

Choose a Venue That Fits Your Budget

One of the biggest expenses of any party is the venue. To save costs, consider hosting the after-party at your home or in a more affordable location. Local hotels can be a great option, as they often have spaces available for events and can provide additional entertainment, such as a pool for guests to enjoy. Additionally, hosting at a venue outside of your home can help minimise the amount of decorating you need to do, saving you both time and money.

Get Creative with Decorations and Tableware

Decorations and tableware can add up quickly, but with a bit of creativity, you can keep costs down. Thrift stores and second-hand shops are excellent sources for finding unique and affordable items. Borrowing from friends and family is another great way to save money, and it adds a personal touch to your event. For a royal wedding-themed party, look for items like lace tablecloths, silver cake stands, and serving platters. Don't be afraid to mix and match; an eclectic look can add to the charm of your celebration.

Serve Delicious Food on a Budget

Catering can be one of the most expensive parts of any event, but it doesn't have to break the bank. Instead of a formal dinner, opt for a more casual menu with finger foods and snacks. Classic British fare like tea sandwiches, sausage rolls, and biscuits can be a delicious and affordable option. If you're feeling creative, you can even set up food trucks or a midnight menu with pizza, a popular trend that's sure to be a hit with your guests. For drinks, stick to a signature cocktail or two, beer, and wine, rather than offering a full open bar.

Entertainment and Activities

Entertainment and activities can add a lot of fun to your after-party without blowing your budget. Consider hiring a babysitter or two to help keep children entertained with crafts, games, or a movie night. For adults, a simple dance floor and some music can provide hours of enjoyment. If you want to add a special touch, look into hiring a local band or DJ, or create a playlist of your favourite songs.

Favours and Gifts

Party favours are a lovely way to thank your guests for attending, and they don't have to be expensive. Simple gifts like British chocolate bars, tiaras, or cake pops can be both affordable and memorable. If you're feeling crafty, you can even make your own favours, like DIY tiaras or friendship bracelets.

In conclusion, after-parties don't have to be expensive. By being mindful of your budget and getting creative with your planning, you can host a wonderful celebration that your guests will remember for years to come. So, whether you're toasting a royal wedding or any other special occasion, don't let budget constraints hold you back from creating a memorable and fun after-party.

Guests: the same guests are usually invited to the after-party, but not always

While the royal wedding itself is a formal affair, the after-party is a more relaxed celebration. It's a time for the royal couple and their guests to let loose and fully enjoy one of the biggest days of their lives.

All wedding guests attending the reception should typically be invited to the after-party. However, this is not always the case, especially if the couple is on a budget. If the after-party is exclusive, it's important to avoid advertising it openly to non-invited guests, as this could cause offence. In such cases, it's advisable to include after-party information on a separate insert for select guests, send homemade invitations, or use email or text messages.

The after-party usually takes place directly after the reception, often at a different location to avoid confusion. However, it can also be held at the same venue, in a separate area, to save costs. If the after-party is at a different location, it's essential to provide transportation for guests, especially if they have been drinking.

The after-party is typically hosted by the same people who host the wedding, and the costs fall under the wedding budget. The hosts may choose to cover the bar tab for a set time, or they may decide that guests will pay for their drinks.

Food at the after-party is usually more casual and greasy, such as pizza, fries, sliders, and chicken fingers. This helps to soak up the alcohol and fuel guests for dancing.

The after-party is a time for the royal couple and their guests to truly celebrate and enjoy themselves, and it can last for several hours, or even all night, depending on the guests' energy levels.

Venue: after-parties are often held in a different location to the reception

When it comes to hosting a wedding after-party, the venue is a crucial aspect. Typically, the after-party is held in a different location from the wedding reception, allowing guests to experience a new setting and preventing confusion between the two events. This change of venue can be as simple as moving to a different area within the same venue or as elaborate as relocating to an entirely new location. The choice of venue depends on various factors, including the couple's preferences, venue restrictions, guest count, and budget.

If the couple prefers to keep the after-party intimate, they might opt for a smaller, more secluded space within the original venue. This could be a different room or even an outdoor area, such as a garden, that offers a change of atmosphere. On the other hand, if they choose to move to a new location entirely, it is essential to consider the distance. Ideally, the new venue should be within a 15-minute radius to avoid guests trickling off. A nearby hotel bar, a karaoke bar, a bowling alley, or even a beach bonfire are some unique venue ideas to consider.

In some cases, the couple may be restricted by their original venue's early cutoff times or noise restrictions. In such instances, it is practical to choose an after-party venue that can accommodate their desired duration and noise levels. This is especially important if the couple wishes to continue the festivities into the late hours, with loud music and energetic dancing.

Additionally, the choice of venue can also be influenced by the couple's desire to incorporate a specific theme or style for the after-party. For example, if they wish to have a '70s-themed party, a venue with retro decor or a disco ball could be ideal. Alternatively, if they want to incorporate their honeymoon destination into the theme, they might choose a tiki bar or a beach setting.

When selecting a venue for the after-party, it is also essential to consider transportation for the guests. If the new venue is not within walking distance, providing transportation options such as a party bus, cab, or ride-share service ensures the safety and convenience of the guests.

Ultimately, the venue for the after-party is a chance for the couple to showcase their creativity and provide a unique experience for their guests. Whether they choose to stay within the original venue or explore a new location, the change of venue adds to the excitement and creates lasting memories for everyone involved.

Frequently asked questions