The ‘After Party’: When Last Call Simply isn’t Enough

‘Cause after the show it’s the (after party)!  And after the party it’s the (hotel lobby)!

What?  Don’t even act like you weren’t all about R. Kelly’s ”Remix to Ignition” (hot ‘n’ fresh out the kitchen!) back in ’03 too!  Just admit it…  it was your ring tone, wasn’t it?  I knew it.

Aannnnyyyyhoot, it would appear that the talented (be it somewhat troubled) R&B singer was right on track when it came to forecasting wedding trends – even if he was amiss to any others, hehe!  Because these days, most matrimonial milestones are all about the After Party – duh!

Trending toward the wedding world for several years, the formality of wedding after parties is more than likely the genetic offspring of their previous, less formal counterparts.  And if you don’t know what I’m talking about, please let me reassure you… you do.  In fact, you’ve probably been a part of one yourself! 

Because be it the low hum from one or the loud roar of several, there always seems to be a stable group of guests that long to keep the party going well after the curtain closes on the reception.  This is most often times represented by the incessant, borderline frenzied streak of “Hey!  Where are you going!!?!” questioning.

Recently, the Mister and I attended a wedding in Chicago – shout out to Alex & Tay, whoop whoop!…

Don't even act like Tay's not the cutest thing you've ever seen, love her! (photo courtesy of Taylor Groesbeck)

 - and I have to take my hat off to them both.  (Tip to Tay.  Tip to Alex.)  The day was absolutely GORGEOUS and to date, contained the best wedding speeches and toasts I’ve ever heard – excluding my own of course, but that could be me just being partial :)  But alas, I should’ve known their day would be epic when I received their invitation in the mail, containing detailed instructions for the  following 3 wedding ingredients:

• The Ceremony
• The Reception, and (drum roll, please)…
• The After Party!

That’s right, my little chick-a-dees: a formal invite to a party after the party!  La-LOUVRE it!  The Groesbecks did such an amazing job about making their wedding day an event for everyone.  They took their time to plan and truly considered their family, friends and loved ones on the day of their day of “I do’s;” which after being fortunate enough to experience firsthand, I can honestly say I felt honored to be included… and mostly because they made it their honor include everyone.

Taylor and Alex really relished in the excitement of having all their friends and family in one place celebrating; so, it was obvious they wanted to make the most of it.  Because when you think about it, how often do we get bogged down by conflicting schedules, growing (or declining) careers, doctor’s appointments, ballet recitals, play rehearsals, sport’s team practices or “I gotta go here’s” and “Can’t make it there’s??”   My guess is pretty often, which makes it even harder to gather and rally the troops whenever the mood strikes us and even better when we can. 

Then, it dawned on me (ding!); of all the weddings I’ve been to – and there’s been a few ;) - this was the first one I’d ever attended where the invite included a formal declaration of where everyone could go when the DJ’s done spinning and the caterer’s done serving! 

Which is fitting, considering the majority of receptions I’ve rocked, there’s always a good amount (if not the whole kit ‘n’ kaboodle) of guests who aren’t quite ready to pack up and head home at 11.  In fact, I can think of several off top where the night ended with a frantic shuffle in the parking lot of people getting in and jumping out of cars, trying hard to conjure makeshift plans through broken texts and interrupted phone calls, all to (fingers crossed) end up in the same spot.  I’m sure some of you reading this right now have been a part of such shuffles yourselves. 

So, why not take the circus act out of the equation and give your guests a place to point their honing beacons?  Seems simple enough to me!  Not to mention, after parties are especially great if you have a lot of out of town guests attending who rarely have the opportunity to get together and little to no knowledge of the area. 

After parties by no means are essential, but they sure can be fun!  Because let’s face it, the terminology “let’s dance the last dance” doesn’t always apply to everyone, and sometimes, it’s really nice to have an encore :)

Here’s to Alex and Taylor!  Thanks for being awesome people and such a fabulous inspiration station to Marilyn’s Keepsakes!

Leave a Comment November 19, 2010