11 Tips & Ideas for the Perfect Day After Party

Planning & Advice

If you’re looking to prolong the celebrations, the Day 2 party is a great way to do it! It’s a lovely chance to extend the festivities, chat about the previous day’s fun, check out all the pics your friends and family took as well wind down after the Big Day! If you’re looking for some ideas to pull of the perfect day after wedding party, take a look at some great ideas and tips below…

1. Keep things casual and have it close by

If there’s one thing that’s super important, it’s to keep things as relaxed and as laid back as possible. The day before will have been the big affair and tired guests will be craving some wholesome grub and not much else so be sure to keep things low key with little fuss. And of course when it comes to location, keep the setting close by so guests don’t have too far to travel whether it’s the hotel, a local pub or your house.

2. A late start is essential

Photo by Artsinfotos Photography

It will have been a late night so make sure kick off for Day 2 isn’t too early! One idea lots of couples are loving is a lovely laid back brunch feast. We can’t think of anything better than lots of brekkie treats for guests to tuck in to after a night on the tiles. Make sure it’s not too early – either set a time or give people a window so that they can drop by whenever suits for example 11-1. Irish mobile catering company The Gourmet Kitchen specialise in Day 2 brunches with a seriously mouth-watering menu such as French toast with crispy bacon and maple syrup, Clonakilty black pudding on toast with caramelised onions and poached egg and slow roasted tomatoes or a tasty fry. Find out more here!

3. Have the coffee brewing

Photo courtesy of Bean & Gone – Mobile Coffee Bar

Some guests may find Day 2 a bit of a struggle after all the antics the previous day so coffee and lots of it may be required! If you’re looking to create a fun focal point, mobile coffee unit Bean & Gone can stop by and perk guests up with delicious cappuccinos, lattes and flat whites before they hit the road.

4. Use up your wedding cake

Photo via Baked by Mike

If your cake hasn’t been demolished the night before, now is the perfect time to slice it up and serve it with tea and coffee! It’s a great dessert option for Day 2 or as a little pick me up for people as they pop by to say their goodbyes. You could also have some pie or cake boxes handy (or good old tinfoil!) so that that guests can take a slice with them!

5. A BBQ is always a winner

Photo by Kelley Jordan Photography via The Knot

If you’re not a brunch fan or fancy having a later start, a BBQ or a Pig on a Spit is a brilliant option. They’re perfect for creating an informal, relaxed vibe plus you can lay on a mouth-watering selection of burgers, sausages, kebabs and salads for potentially hungover guests. If you’re keen to go this route, be sure to check out PigSpit.ie who are renowned for their BBQs and hog roasts with trimmings and amazing salads and sides, PigOut.ie who specialise in delicious BBQs, Lamb Roasts, Pig Roasts and Rotisserie Chicken and sides, O’Brien Lynch Catering who can whip a tasty bespoke menu and The Gourmet Kitchen who also can serve up an awesome BBQ Feast.

Adventure Catering, the folks behind Food Trucks The Airstream and The Chip Van can also serve up chip chop faves, gourmet slider burgers and fries and streetfood canapés such as BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders and TexMex Chilli Tacos if you’re after something different!

6. Leave out some games

Photo from Julie & Sean’s real wedding by Michelle Prunty

If you’re having a bit of a day time bash and BBQ for your day after, leave out some games for guests to mess about with. Check out Giant Party Solutions who hire out Giant Jenga, Connect 4 and Buzzwire Challenge.

7. Great music will add to the atmosphere

Photo via Davey Music 

If you’re having a day two extravaganza, some great music will keep the party atmosphere going. Singer/song writer Liam Byrne comes armed with a guitar, bodhran, percussion and harmonica and will keep everyone entertained with his brilliant repertoire. Davey Music provides the finest traditional Irish music if you’re hoping to get a ceili going and singer Colin Fahy specialises in after wedding parties so is sure to impress guests with his vocals (he’s also a dab hand with guitar, ukulele and saxophone).

 Find Musicians in the weddingsonline supplier directory!

8. A drinks station will keep the craic going

Photo courtesy of The Shebeen

If you’re looking to keep the party going, a fun drinks station should do the trick! There are several Irish companies that have awesome mobile stations such as the Lovely Bubbly Prosecco Van, an adorable pop up Prosecco van with Prosecco on tap, Mae, a vintage inspired mobile cafe/bar available to hire from Vintage Vanp where guests can enjoy signature cocktails or afternoon tea, and The Shebeen, a traditional Irish pub on wheels that will bring the authentic Irish pub atmosphere straight to your Day 2 celebrations!

9. Keep decor to a minimum

Photo by Emily Tyler Photography via Whimsical Wonderland Weddings

Don’t worry about decor – if you want to set the tone for your celebrations, a fun just married banner or some bunting will do the trick nicely! Guests will be wrecked from the day before so won’t even notice little details so make life easier for yourself and stick to a banner or two.

10. Survival Kits may come in handy

Photo by Kathryn Edwards

You can be fairly sure there’ll be some sore heads the morning after so if you’re looking to give guests a laugh and ensure they’re ready for Day 2 celebrations, you could have a basket full of pick me ups like crisps, water and painkillers so people can help themselves!

11. Keep the bridal theme going with a LWD

Photo via The Coveteur

When it comes to your Day 2 gúna, we’re all for keeping the bridal theme going with a LWD – little white dress. There’s all sorts of great options in stores if you’re looking to wow in white whether you to go casual with a cute dress for your BBQ, a playsuit for pints in the pub or a statement piece for dinner with the family. Pop back to the blog next week where we’ll be showcasing our favourite finds!