27 After-Party Ideas That Will Keep the Party Going

wedding after party invitation and slice of pie
Brklyn View Photography

Your ceremony and reception went off without a hitch, making your wedding one of the happiest days of your life. Naturally, you don't want all of that fun to end! Luckily, there's a way to extend the revelry—that's where the after-party comes in. This event takes place after the reception and usually lasts until the early hours of the morning. It's also a chance for you and your new husband or wife to spend some more time with the people you love most, especially given the fact that this celebration is typically more intimate.

One of the best parts about the after-party? When it comes to the post-reception get-together, there are no set rules when it comes to the location, the décor, or the food. In fact, most after-parties are relatively laid-back and can take place at a pub, bar, or right at your wedding venue. However, that doesn't mean you can't get creative by making your after-party unique to you, your wedding, or your relationship. Ahead, you'll see how real couples did just that. Whether it's serving up your favorite fast food bites or decorating your locale with a custom neon sign, there are so many ways to personalize your big day even after the wedding is over.

For starters, you'll need to inform invited attendees about the event's logistics. This couple tapped Fourteen-Forty to create their gold foil-embellished stationery—the paper goods gave off major party vibes and nodded to the fun ahead. Looking for even more ideas? From koozie favors to full on dance parties, the following photos have all the after-party inspiration you need to make sure the fun doesn't stop.

01 of 26

Just Married

wedding after party embroidered denim jacket
L&L Style Photo

At your after-party, keep warm and show off your "Just Married" status by emblazoning the phrase onto a custom denim jacket.

02 of 26

Name in Neon

wedding after party bride and groom kissing on couch beneath neon sign
Olguin Photography

Searching for the perfect décor for your after-party venue? We're loving this custom neon sign from Neon Poodle, complete with the couple's last name.

03 of 26

Saxophone Send Off

bride and groom kissing while saxophonist plays
Abby Jiu Photography

Lead the way to the post-reception fun with a live musician. This couple tapped Cafolla and Engel to provide modern jazz music for their late-night walk to a local underground dance club.

04 of 26

Milk and Cookies

wedding after party milk and cookies
Heirloom Photo Company

Make like Olive Events and put an adult spin on a childhood favorite by serving up milk and cookies in a shot glass.

05 of 26

Koozies

wedding after party monogramed koozies
Sawyer Baird

The drinks will definitely still be flowing at the after-party, so why not gift guests koozies ahead of the festivities? This bride created these monogrammed versions.

06 of 26

Lounge Area

wedding after party lounge around bon fire
Amy & Stuart Photography

You don't have to venture off site for your after-party. Instead, make like Oui Event Design and set up a small lounge on the edge of your reception area—though it's a small division, designating a clear after-party space will help guests transition from the reception to the late-night soirée.

07 of 26

Fast Food

wedding after party tray of in-n-out burgers
Colin Cowie Lifestyle

Nothing satisfies late-night hunger (and feels more after-party appropriate!) more than fast food. That's why Colin Cowie called on In-N-Out to pass around the restaurant's signature hamburgers at this event.

08 of 26

Witty Saying

wedding after party plants surrounding neon sign
White Fox Studios

Put a celebratory spin on your wedding vows with a witty after-party sign. Neon Republic made this neon "'Til Death Do Us Party" iteration—the perfect finishing touch to this late-night event's modern floral décor.

09 of 26

Late-Night Pizza

late night pizza menu
onelove photography

Take note from Perfect Fete and advertise your late-night slices—pizza is a party favorite!—on a calligraphed chalkboard.

10 of 26

Monogrammed Jackets

brides wearing custom designed leather and jean jackets
Elizabeth Cecil Photography

Your new cypher looks pretty on a lot of big-day details, but we're partial to these custom jackets from Etsy (they featured a monogram by Happy Menocal). They kept these brides warm and stylish at their after-party.

11 of 26

Hangover Proof

recovery kits something turquoise
Something Turquoise

Prepare attendees for a night out ahead of time with a water bottle and Vitamin B (the ultimate welcome wedding gift!). In case that doesn't completely stave off their hangover, a water bottle paired with Advil is an effective follow-up favor.

12 of 26

Snack Packs

great-favors-elyse-hall-0118.jpg
Elyse Hall Photography

Midnight snacks are even better when they're portable. These take-away boxes were filled to the brim with fries and soda so that guests could easily transport them to the after-party destination.

13 of 26

Silent Disco

brides first dance silent disco
Elizabeth Cecil Photography

A silent disco is the perfect solution to a noise restriction—which means you can keep the party going as long as you'd like without breaking any rules. Jukebox The Ghost provided attendees with headphones at this event.

14 of 26

Fireworks

bride groom fireworks
Kristen Kilpatrick

Light up your after-party with a colorful display of fireworks—just be sure your venue authorizes their use. A remix of Katy Perry's "Firework" (an appropriate musical accompaniment!) played during this event's show.

15 of 26

Coffee and Beignets

wedding food pairings arte de vie
Arte de Vie Photography

Now here's a tasty way to keep the party going: this couple offered hot cups of coffee and sweet beignets to ensure guests were energized for the post-reception festivities.

16 of 26

Outfit Change

joyann jeremy wedding first dance
Christian Oth Studio

Changing into a short dress, like this Jonathan Simkhai ensemble, for your after-party means you can dance all night in comfort and style.

17 of 26

Heart Sign

hilary-kyle-rw0513-111.jpg
Mademoiselle Fiona

Denote your post-reception venue with a subtle neon sign, like this mini heart marker.

18 of 26

Recovery Kit

recovery kits mandee johnson
Mandee Johnson Photography

Send your guests home with a midnight snack and a recovery kit to guarantee that they feel great in the morning.

19 of 26

Fringed Dress

wedding reception dresses short gown with fringe
Sarah Kate Photography

Fringe is arguably the best detail to have on your after-party attire—the dynamic accent is perfect for dancing.

20 of 26

Photo Wall

neon heart signs
Jake McBride Photography

The photo ops don't stop when the reception is over. For the perfect backdrop for your after-party, just look to this wall of neon heart "balloons."

21 of 26

Light-Up Glasses

karolina sorab wedding couple dancing
Benjamin Wheeler

Need an after-party accessory to upgrade your look? Make like these newlyweds and hit the dance floor in light-up heart-shaped glasses.

22 of 26

Pretzels

beth-scott-wedding-pretzels-1028-s112077-0715.jpg
Clark Brewer

Pretzels and mustard are a match made in late-night snack heaven—they'll definitely be a hit with your guests.

23 of 26

Custom Sign

karolina sorab wedding neon sign dance for love
Benjamin Wheeler

Mark your after-party DJ's booth with a custom neon sign. This one read "Dance For Love" and cast a warm, inviting red light over the dance floor.

24 of 26

Colorful

janet patrick wedding reception dress blue
Laura Gordon Photography

If you wore a classic ensemble to your ceremony and reception, switch it up for something bold and colorful—like this tea-length Oscar de la Renta number—come the after-party.

25 of 26

Live Band

wedding groom guitar
Ashley Ludaescher Photography

Just because the reception is over doesn't mean the music has to stop. Ask your wedding band to play after hours—just make sure they work a few greatest hits into the set list to make your after-party even more upbeat than the main event.

26 of 26

Dance Party

cristina andre wedding party
Dave Robbins Photography

When it comes to after-party must haves, dancing is definitely one of them. Get all of your guests to the floor with props, like the streamers seen here, to ensure the fun doesn't end until it absolutely has to.

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