Photo Cred: Emily Chastain Photography

Your wedding has just ended on the highest note to date and none of your guests are ready to call it a night – in fact they’re all insisting on keeping the wedding party going. Good thing you’ve already planned for a slamming after party right? If you haven’t done so quite yet, there’s no need to worry we’ve got you covered. Here’s the things you should be checking off your after party to do list:

Location! Location! Location!

First things first, is your idea for an after party for all of your guests to gather at a local bar or are you planning on reserving a location for everyone to mingle afterwards? If your idea of an after party consists of an impromptu gathering, let me stop you right there. While there’s not a great need to reserve a seat at the bar, the bare minimum you should do is give them a heads up that you, and possibly 50 other slightly inebriated guests will be heading their way. This ensures that another private event isn’t being scheduled for the same night. PRO TIP: If a majority of your guests are coming from out of town, be sure to also choose a location nearby by your wedding venue or inside/near your hotel room block. You wouldn’t want anyone missing out on all the late night fun!

But How Will They Know?

The easiest way to include details about your wedding after party can be done with some easy steps. You should certainly include the details on your wedding website for guests to know all of the deets ahead of time. Including the information for your guests when they check into their hotel is always a safe bet as well so that they have the information in writing and won’t easily forget. Another tip is to have your wedding dj or band make an announcement at the end of the night to remind guests there’s no need to head home right after your reception. There’s more fun to be had!

Get Some Grub in Them!

If you haven’t provided your guests with food since their sit down dinner and they’ve been hitting up the open bar all night, chances are they’re in desperate need of some late night munchies. Providing food or choosing a location that serves late night nosh is always a great idea. This will ensure your guests are well balanced if they continue to indulge in libations throughout the night and into the wee hours of the morning.

Who Pays For This?

If you’re leaning towards the after-party bar scene, its quite alright for you to allow your guests to cover their own drink tabs, while you order the late night nosh. If you’ve decided to reserve a room inside your hotel room block then it’s customary for the couple to pick up the tab on this one. Nine times out of ten, your parents won’t be sticking out till last call so it isn’t expected for them to pay for such. No need to go overboard though! If you’re concerned about overspending simply put a cap on the bar tab for an hour or two and enjoy yourself! You’ve made it through the night 🙂

Looking for more wedding advice? Be sure to check out more tips we have for your big day including our recent post on Three Ways to Plan the Perfect Welcome Party!