A Thoughtful Approach to Hospitality During the Downtime Between the Wedding Reception and the Start of the After-Party

2018.12.04 published

The time until the after-party feels endless.

At marry, we have a project where we answer the concerns shared by brides-to-be in direct messages on Instagram!

(We publish the concerns in our stories and collect responses from our followers who are both past and present brides♡)

Here’s this time’s concern♡

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There is quite a gap between the wedding reception and the after-party.

Since both take place at the same venue, there’s no need to move, which is convenient, but I feel that the guests might be at a loss for what to do.

Could you please share some hospitality ideas to show the guests that we’ve considered their needs during the break between the reception and the after-party?

Do you think it's okay to do nothing??

I would like to hear your thoughts!

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@rei_wedding1223

We will anonymously share the responses and experiences we received.

Consideration for guests during the time between the reception and the after-party 1

We tried not to create a long gap; however, at a wedding I previously attended, a friend had found a few nearby cafes for the convenience of the guests!

And there were even places with power outlets! 🌟

I think many guests might feel full but still want to sit and take a break, so this was a nice touch. 😊

Consideration for guests during the time between the reception and the after-party 2

❤️ We set up a corner in the lobby with toys, photo albums, and garlands (playing cards, mahjong sets, etc., haha).

❤️ Before the after-party, we had a friend photographer take “JoJo poses” photos and asked guests to fill out message cards to get everyone excited.

❤️ As part of the venue selection, we chose a location that had cafes or scenic spots along the river nearby.

Consideration for guests during the time between the reception and the after-party 3

We handed out Starbucks tickets. ^_^

Consideration for guests during the time between the reception and the after-party 4

I have attended the after-party at the same venue as the reception three times.

The items that decorated the welcome space during the reception were still displayed in the after-party venue, and guests who couldn’t see the welcome space much during the ceremony paid close attention to it.

Additionally, at one event, there was a venue where several types of drinks were freely available in the waiting room.

Although we were full from the reception, we were still thirsty, so being able to pour and drink beverages at our own leisure was very appreciated.

As long as there is a waiting room where guests can sit and relax, I don't think they will get bored. ♪

I felt time flew by as we shared pictures taken during the ceremony with each other and caught up with friends we hadn't seen in a while.

Consideration for guests during the time between the reception and the after-party 5

My reception and after-party were also at the same venue, and there was quite a gap in time ( •́⍛︎•̀ ).

The venue we chose had a shopping mall nearby, so even though I was a bit worried, it seemed everyone managed to fill in their time.

We didn’t do anything particular!

Consideration for guests during the time between the reception and the after-party 6

Because it’s the same venue, if there’s a prolonged gap, guests might end up having nothing to do since they can’t move around. 💦

How about handing out tickets that can be used at the café or restaurant within the venue, or even offering gift certificates or drink vouchers so they can enjoy tea time outside the venue? ✨

Also, you might consider setting the reception time for the after-party earlier or providing ways to pass the time (such as playing games, having guests write messages to the newlyweds, or showing footage from the reception).

Consideration for guests during the time between the reception and the after-party 7

I also held the after-party in the same hotel as the reception!

There was a 3.5-hour gap between the intended end time of the reception and the start time of the after-party, but in reality, after the reception ended, we took pictures while sending off guests and guests were taking pictures in the welcome space.

The registration for the after-party opened 30 minutes beforehand, so there wasn't as much free time as there seemed on the schedule.

During the waiting time, guests spent time chatting over tea at cafes or bars inside or nearby the hotel, and since the changing room for guests was a tatami room, some friends took the opportunity to touch up their makeup or relax there.

I was told that it was nice to have a leisurely talk with friends whom I hadn't seen in a while, so I think you don’t need to worry that much!

On the contrary, when I was a guest, I was chatting with a friend on a hotel lobby sofa, and before I knew it, it was time for the after-party. 😊

Consideration for guests during the time between the reception and the after-party 8

From the perspective of a guest,

it was a bit boring waiting without drinks being served. 💦

Consideration for guests during the time between the reception and the after-party 9

There was one occasion where there was a three-hour gap between the end of the reception and the after-party in the same venue.

There were no cafes nearby, so we had no choice but to stay there, but there were also no places where we could eat or drink indoors.

It felt somewhat embarrassing to be dressed up yet drinking bottled water while having a casual chat.

Hospitality between the reception and the after-party＊

In the time between the end of the reception and the start of the after-party, we offer hospitality.

☑ Whether it’s done or not.

☑ What kind of content it is.

These were the results of our survey!

It has been revealed that drinks and other refreshments are appreciated!

It’s wonderful to give a letter saying, “Thank you for coming to both the reception and the after-party.”

If you show such consideration, I’m sure guests will come to love the newlyweds even more.