Wedding Invite Wording For After-Party Details: A Guide

When it comes to wedding invites, there are a few key elements that should be included. These include the request to come to the wedding, the names of the couple, and reception information.

If you're planning on having an after-party, it's a good idea to include this information on a separate insert within the wedding invitation suite. This way, you can notify your guests about the after-party without advertising it on the formal invites. The after-party details can also be communicated through word of mouth, especially if the reception venue will transform into the after-party location.

After-party location

The after-party location is a key detail to include in your wedding invitation. This is typically included on a separate insert within the wedding invitation suite. It is best to avoid advertising the after-party on the formal invites.

The after-party can take place in a different location from the reception or in the same venue but in a different vicinity. If the after-party is at a different location, it is important to include the name and full address of the venue. If it is at the same venue, a simple phrase like "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow" will suffice.

If the after-party is at a different location, it is a good idea to provide transportation for your guests to get there. This can be a fun and unique element of the celebration, such as a party bus or vintage trolley. If your budget doesn't allow for this, you can always suggest a ride-sharing service or another alternative.

The after-party can start right after the reception or a little later, depending on your preference. It is usually held on the same day as the wedding, trickling into the early hours of the next day.

After-party timing

The after-party takes place the same day as the wedding, directly after the reception. It could trickle into the early hours of the following day, depending on how long the reception goes for and how late partygoers stay.

The after-party usually starts when the band finishes playing. Bands are typically hired for a set block of time (often four hours), so the after-party would start when they finish. Some couples expedite this timeline by cutting the cake, having the band play for another 30 minutes, and then kicking off the after-party.

If the DJ is the same for the reception and the after-party, you can plan the music for both simultaneously.

After-parties are typically two hours long, but if it's a destination wedding, it could go on all night.

If the reception transforms into the after-party, you can use word of mouth to let guests know. If the after-party is in a different location, you can include this information in the wedding invitation suite, on your wedding website, or send out a mass email or text.

After-party host

The wedding after-party is typically thrown by the same hosts as the wedding itself, so if you're planning on hosting the after-party, be sure to include this information on the wedding invitation. The costs of the after-party should also fall under the wedding budget.

If the after-party is taking place in a different location to the wedding, you can notify guests through a separate insert within the wedding invitation suite, or send out a mass evite. If the reception is transforming into the after-party, you can take more informal measures, like word of mouth.

The after-party can take place in a setting that is different from that of the reception to ensure that guests won't be confused about where one ends and the other begins. This can be at the same venue but in a different room, or somewhere entirely new. Alternatively, the party can continue in the same room as the reception, with changes to the music and lighting to signal the shift.

All wedding guests attending the reception should be invited to the after-party. Keep in mind that older guests or those with young children may choose to leave before the final festivities begin.

If you're alerting guests to the after-party in advance, the expectation is likely that the hosts will be footing the bill for drinks. However, you can get around this by setting a time limit and only covering drinks for the first hour, for example.

Choosing a location

The location of your after-party will depend on the reception venue and guest count. If you need a secondary venue, book it right away. It's logistically easier to host the after-party at the same location, but some venues may have early cutoff times or noise restrictions. If this is the case, scope out an after-party spot that's nearby—within a 15-minute radius. Otherwise, partygoers will start to trickle off. Once the location is booked, save any remaining after-party planning for last.

Communicating details to guests

If the reception seamlessly transitions into the after-party, you can make it a surprise or leave it up to the wedding party to spread the word. However, if a change of location is necessary, you will need to inform guests. A note on the wedding website or an additional insert to the invitation suite is a great way to spread the word. You can also send an email, mass text, or advertise it on the day's schedule of events. If you want to keep it a secret for as long as possible, weave some instruction into the newlywed toast.

Food and drinks

Food and drinks are usually a package deal when it comes to the after-party. Late-night snacks like pizza, fries, sliders, and chicken fingers are always fan favorites. For a budget-friendly option, put out an array of chips and dips to help absorb the alcohol. If you've decided not to cover the after-party bar tab, be sure to alert guests ahead of time so they can come prepared.

After-party alcohol

When it comes to after-party alcohol, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to note that the wedding after-party is typically an extension of the wedding itself, and the costs, including those for alcohol, should fall under the wedding budget. This means that if you are hosting an after-party, you should be prepared to cover the cost of drinks for your guests.

However, there are ways to manage the cost of alcohol at your wedding after-party. One option is to set a time limit on the open bar. For example, you could cover the cost of drinks for the first hour of the after-party and then have a cash bar for the rest of the evening. This approach can help you manage your budget while still providing your guests with some complimentary drinks.

Another option is to have a limited selection of drinks available at the after-party. For example, you could offer wine and beer instead of a full bar. This can help reduce costs while still providing your guests with alcoholic beverages.

If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, you could skip providing alcohol altogether and instead suggest that your guests head to a nearby bar to continue the celebrations. This approach can take the financial burden off of you while still allowing the party to continue.

Regardless of what you choose to do, it is important to communicate the details of the after-party to your guests. If there will be a cash bar or limited drink options, it is a good idea to let your guests know in advance so that they can come prepared. This can be done through word of mouth, your wedding website, or a separate insert within the wedding invitation suite.

After-party food

Savoury Bites

• Mini sliders or burgers
• Waffles
• French fries served in cups
• Dumplings in mini takeout boxes
• Tacos
• Mini grilled cheese sandwiches & tomato soup shooters
• Chicken and waffles
• Chicken skewers
• Pizza
• Hot dogs
• Corn dogs
• Charcuterie boards

Sweet Treats

• Mini cookie milkshakes
• Doughnut holes
• Ice cream
• Churros in shot glasses with dipping sauce
• Chocolate chip cookies with chocolate milk
• Mini ice cream cones
• Doughnut walls
• Gourmet popcorn
• Fruit popsicles
• Mini churros with dipping sauce
• Chocolate-covered Oreos
• Macarons
• Apple cider donuts
• Mini pies
• Chocolate bars

When planning your after-party food, consider the timing of when it will be served. It's best to serve the late-night snacks shortly after the wedding cake is cut, as this indicates to guests that the wedding will be wrapping up within the next one to two hours. This will also help to avoid a steep drop-off in guests and reduce food waste.

Frequently asked questions