The Post-Wedding Party

When you've got loads of relatives and friends coming from far distances to witness your wedding vows and make bets on who smashes cake in the other's face first- why not take a little extra time during your wedding weekend to enjoy their company? Chances are about 85% that you won't see but a few seconds of them during your entire Wedding Day, not to mention getting the opportunity to chat up how the nieces and uncles and in-laws are all doing anyways.

So how to make the most of this time with them? Consider hosting a Post-Wedding Party, a Pre-Honeymoon send off even. This of course works best if you are not leaving on a jet plane first thing the next morning- but your families could always do the hosting while you two are high in the sky. You may remember seeing the weekend shindig the Clearys put on after their daughter's nuptials in the movie Wedding Crashers-- but don't worry, you don't have to go to that extreme to really wow and entertain your nearest and dearest.

Here are a few tips and ideas for planning the perfect get together!

• Consider your audience and your location. Are all of your uncles and cousins visiting for your coastal wedding? Have your Dads organize a fishing trip the next day for all the men. This is a great way to relax, have fun and make the most of their traveling hours before a long trip home. In the meantime, the Moms can have the women over for a pool party, beachside volleyball or even a park picnic.


• Consider their interests. If you have lots of (not quite) Tiger Woods doubles around and happen to be near a golf course, host a Tournament for your family and friends- like a recent couple here in Central Florida. Each guest paid in a certain amount to play, teams were formed and the monies went to prizes for accomplishments like best score, best drive etc.


• Consider their needs. Like eating! Everyone loves a good meal before hitting the road. Have your local family prepare a potluck feast of their signature dishes to share with your out of towners. Southern Hospitality is always in style! If you're lacking in the foodie department, meet at a local favorite restaurant that will send them off with full bellies and a taste of your hometown!

If the stars aren't aligning for such an event to take place right after (or before!) your Wedding, consider hosting a separate celebration to spend more time with them in the coming months using the same ideas. You may consider using your anniversary as an excuse to host a fantastic event. My husband and I tied the knot on May 5th (Cinco de Mayo) for multiple reasons, one being the fact that our anniversary forever falls on a (Mexican) holiday and presents the perfect opportunity for a party each and every year. And that's exactly what we do! We invite nearly everyone we know to re-celebrate with us to the tune of Salsa dancing, delicious Mexican foods, margaritas (in multiple flavors of course) and even karaoke!

If you're feeling like this may be way too much to take on, remember- this is yet another task a fantastic wedding coordinator can organize for you, and you'll certainly be happy with even more memories to share with everyone for years to come!