Anis Wedding doesn't end with a reception...

Another wedding...another success!!!

I was priviledged to share in another special day of two very special people: Michael and Kim! This wedding was beyond the "norm" and truly showed that in weddings anything goes! What planner expects the end of the night to consist of helping the bridesmaids and the bride hold up the bottom of their hot pink poofy dresses as they cross the railroad tracks to a club where a VIP area awaits for the Wedding "after party." Who knew. No one says its not allowed to go to a club in your wedding dress. It's the bride and groom's big day after all and if it's what they want, it's up to us as planners to make it happen. Traditionally, the bride and groom end with the reception, as guests await to say goodnight and give their best wishes. Then, typically, it's off to the bridal suite where the magic happens. But, nowadays, a four hour wedding reception is not enough of a party.

Couples engaged to be married often spend a year’s worth of planning for their special day, which often passes in a blink of a lovestruck eye. It’s no wonder more of them are extending the festivities to after parties. These post-nuptial shindigs are about ditching the formal wear, letting the hip DJ spin some loud grooves and perhaps scarfing down taco-truck grub with some of the couple’s closest friends.

Etiquette rules for these events are still in the works. Invitations aren’t necessary; couples can post party details on their blogs, Facebook, or even send an e-mail about the after-hours affair. Count on older wedding guests, such as parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents, bowing out of the evening after the wedding. It’s the younger folk who are ready to rock when the hotel ballroom closes up at 11 p.m.

Venues for the after-parties vary from hanging out at the hotel suite to moving the celebration to the hotel bar to even going to a private residence. Food is essential to the late-night gathering to appease partygoers stricken with the munchies post-reception. Other touches may include cigars and whiskey, mojito bars or theme decor.

If couples stick to tradition, most likely they’ll pay for the event. If the party shifts to a neighborhood bar, then guests may chip in for drinks and snacks. How elaborate or laid-back of an evening will determine the price.

Ask your planner (people like me) for advice on how to make "The Official After-Party" a success. And if your a true party animal like Mike and Kim, leave for a 6:30 AM flight to Hawaii! (no just kidding).

Ryan Gonzalez
Event Guru
Ryncta Productions, Inc.
www.rynctaproductions.com