Your wedding celebration doesn’t have to stop at the end of the big day. In fact, a post-wedding party or ‘day two’ gathering can be an excellent way to extend the joy and revelry with your loved ones, especially those who may have traveled from afar. It’s a chance to unwind without the formalities and expectations that come with the main event. With this in mind, we’ve compiled our top picks for making the most of your second-day shindig.
The specifics will depend on your budget, guest list, weather, and time of year – but rest assured, there are plenty of options to suit every style and preference.
Day After Wedding Ideas
Head Off on an Outdoor Excursion
We’ve spotted a growing trend among newlyweds – embracing the post-wedding celebration with a fun outdoor activity. Taking a Christmas Day Swim-inspired dip in the sea or going on a countryside hike/walk the day after the wedding is an unconventional yet lovely idea. It allows you to make the most of the beautiful scenery and create lasting memories.
On the plus side, this type of excursion provides an opportunity to take advantage of your dreamy wedding venue’s natural beauty.
On the flip side, not all couples might be outdoorsy types, which could impact the appeal of this activity for some guests.
Plan a Perfect Picnic
An outdoor feast on the grass is a delightful way to wrap up your wedding celebration, regardless of your venue’s location. If you’re hosting your big day in the countryside, you might be lucky enough to have a picturesque lawn available for a picnic. Alternatively, your venue may be able to recommend a nearby spot with plenty of charm. In the city, simply gather some baskets and head to your favourite park. The possibilities are endless!
This laid-back approach is not only budget-friendly but also allows you to tap into the culinary skills of your guests. You could even organize a fun bake-off competition or two. On the flip side, this idea does come with its own set of challenges. Be prepared for a Plan B in case of inclement weather and don’t underestimate the amount of organization required to pull it off. Photo by Livia Figueiredo via One Fab Day.
Treat them to a Spa Day
Indulging in a luxurious spa day with your closest friends or loved ones after the wedding sounds like an absolute dream come true. The promise of relaxation and rejuvenation is hard to resist, especially when you’re still riding high on the adrenaline rush from the big day. The benefits are undeniable: a chance to unwind and recharge amidst a whirlwind of celebration and activity.
On the flip side, let’s be real – the lead-up to a wedding can be all about primping and preening, making it possible that you might not want to see another makeup brush or nail file for a while. But hey, sometimes taking a step back from the glamour and glitz of wedding planning is exactly what you need.
[Image by Give Us a Goo Photography via One Fab Day]
Arrange a Class or Hire an Entertainer
Incorporating an unconventional element to your wedding celebration can bring a unique charm to the day. Consider hiring an expert to teach your guests a new skill, such as origami, cookery, or tai chi, or entertain them with a fascinating performance – think caricature artists, magicians, and fortune tellers. This idea has the potential to become a standout moment of your wedding, allowing you to showcase your personalities and interests.
A list of creative entertainment ideas can be found [here](link). The benefits of this approach include a memorable experience for your guests, as well as an opportunity to reflect your personal style on the second day of celebrations. However, classes do require focus and engagement from your attendees, making them more suitable for smaller groups.
Plan a Movie Screening
A relaxed and stress-free alternative for city-based couples is to book a private cinema hire, complete with popcorn and a DVD of your guests’ favorite film. This laid-back approach allows your friends and family to unwind and have fun, even on the morning after the big day. The benefits are clear: this idea requires minimal effort from your guests and can be enjoyed by all, regardless of their hangover status.
Additionally, it provides a unique and memorable experience that your loved ones will cherish for years to come. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind. If you’re not based in a city, finding the right venue may take some effort. But don’t worry, many countryside venues have suitable spaces for setting up a projector.
Just be aware that this idea may be less social than other post-wedding activities, so consider pairing it with drinks or food to foster a sense of community among your guests.
Take your Guests to a Sporting Event
Imagine being able to incorporate a beloved sports team into your wedding celebration. What if the big day coincides with a crucial game? Bringing a group of friends and family along for the ride could be an unforgettable way to wrap up your nuptials. Alternatively, a trip to the horse racing track or another sporting event could provide an exciting conclusion to your wedding weekend.
On the plus side, rallying together with loved ones to cheer on your favorite team is an electrifying way to cap off your celebrations. If you prefer a more intimate affair for day two, this approach offers an easy means of paring down the guest list – invite only the most dedicated fans. However, if you’re footing the bill for your guests’ attendance, this option may prove costly, unless your chosen match features smaller, local teams.
Organise a Murder Mystery
While murder mystery parties may seem like an unconventional choice for a post-wedding celebration, we’re convinced that they offer a unique and unforgettable experience for guests. The benefits are twofold – not only will the party be remembered for years to come, but it’s also surprisingly adaptable to fit your budget and preferences. You can opt for a lavish costume party or keep things low-key with a parlour-style game, depending on your style.
A country house or castle hotel provides an ideal setting for this type of event, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the mystery. One of the biggest advantages is that guests have the freedom to choose their level of involvement, making it a highly engaging and enjoyable experience. While hiring a professional events company may be necessary to pull off the event, having a friend or family member with a background in theatre can also help bring your vision to life.
