Key Factors That Determine the Success or Failure of After-Parties: Guests' Honest Opinions on "Fun and Disappointing After-Parties"

Is the Wedding Second Party Full of Ups and Downs?!

Future brides, how is the preparation for the wedding second party going?＊

Some of you might be too busy with the preparations for the ceremony and reception to make much progress on the second party...

Unlike the wedding reception, there are no fixed proceedings or productions, so it's hard to decide what kind of party to have.

To have a satisfying second party for guests, knowing their honest opinions is the best way!!

This time, we asked men and women in their 20s who have attended several wedding second parties about the points of "fun second parties and disappointing second parties."＊

Everyone said, "I'm satisfied just being able to celebrate the couple directly," but there seem to be parties where they think, "I'm glad I went!!" and others where they think, "That was kind of disappointing."

What points separate a fun second party from one that is not?

Key Points that Determine the Success or Failure of a Wedding Second Party!

The five success points for a second party summarized from honest opinions are as follows:

☑ Whether you can talk with the couple comfortably

☑ Whether the food is delicious and enough in quantity

☑ Whether the venue is appropriately sized and if there are enough chairs

☑ Whether the proceedings are smooth

☑ Whether the games and entertainment are appropriate

Let’s explain each point in detail regarding the perspectives that were raised.＊

Success Point ① Whether You Can Talk with the Couple Comfortably

It seems that "whether you could converse with the couple" greatly influences satisfaction at the wedding second party.

At a second party where the number of guests has increased even more than at the reception, the chance to go to the main table may not come around often, leaving only the farewell time to exchange words…

Since you came to celebrate their wedding, you want to say congratulations directly and chat with your friend's partner as well.

Instead of staying at the main table, it seems necessary for the couple to mingle and engage in various groups, or set specific times for each group to go to the main table.♩

Success Point ② Whether the Food is Delicious and Enough in Quantity

The next point raised concerns the food. It’s said that for the wedding reception, "the quality of the food should not be downgraded," and it seems the same applies to second-party events.

If there isn’t enough food for the number of participants or if the menu consists only of clearly low-cost items like pasta or potatoes, guests might feel that "they cut corners." Some may even have the harsh opinion, "I thought they used the wedding expense to cover the second party."

If you contracted a cheap plan relative to the participation fee, especially regarding the quality and quantity of food, guests might feel dissatisfied. Since second parties are often held at regular restaurants, anyone can easily look up the pricing plans online. If there’s too much disparity between the participation fee and the plan’s cost, guests may whisper, “Where did that difference go?”

It's sad to think that in this once-in-a-lifetime event, "that couple is stingy" is perceived. It would be better to ensure the content and quantity of the food are clearly coordinated with the venue.◎

Success Point ③ Whether the Venue is Appropriately Sized and if There Are Enough Chairs

Many comments from the women related to the venue. Since second parties are often buffet-style, the size of the venue becomes important as guests can move freely.

If it's too spacious, it feels empty; if it’s too cramped, it’s hard to move around. Choosing a venue should be done with a rough estimate of the number of participants in mind.

Additionally, try to secure enough chairs for everyone. Standing for several hours can be tiring for women wearing high heels.

There’s a possibility that it could lead to discomfort among guests if, for instance, "the groom's friends occupied all the chairs," creating tension between groups.

In some second parties, tired women leaned against the wall in the latter half, leaving the center of the venue empty.

Such considerations can only be made by the brides themselves. Always check if the venue can provide enough tables and chairs.＊

Success Point ④ Whether the Proceedings Are Smooth

Unlike receptions, second parties often have friends serving as hosts instead of professional MCs.

That’s why many people have had experiences with disappointing hosting that makes them think, "Oh dear..."

For instance, people may be nervous and fidgety, or their voices may be too quiet. Guests might start feeling anxious, disrupting the festive atmosphere of the party.

Conversely, parties that were well-received often featured either multiple people co-hosting in a conversational manner or an MC who knew many guests and engaged them while leading the proceedings.＊

There were times when the MC humorously teased the couple or guests, maintaining a joyful atmosphere.

Coordinating several dozen or even hundreds of guests can be very challenging. It’s recommended to have someone experienced take on the role of the MC. If no one fits that description, hiring a professional for the MC role is also a great option!

Success Point ⑤ Whether the Games and Entertainment Are Appropriate

Finally, let's talk about the games and entertainment planned for the second party.＊

Although the events are planned to be fun and engaging, they can backfire and lead to a disappointing second party!

Games or entertainment involving "adult humor" or "gender-related themes" were not well-received.

For example, quizzes with adult themes or male guests performing inappropriately.

There were also cases where guests were required to play games focused on meeting people, like a rubber band baton game (where you hold a chopstick in your mouth and pass a rubber band to the next person) or chugging cola. The women reportedly found this very off-putting, saying, "This isn't a mixer."

Although it’s a casual party with only friends, it’s still a party to celebrate a wedding. Let’s ensure the content is appropriate.♩

A Second Party Where Everyone Can Have Fun...＊

We’ve shared the five key points that determine the success or failure of a wedding second party. ♡ Reflecting on the second parties you've attended, you may find some relatable points.

To have guests say, "That was a wonderful party," please pay attention to the points that matter to them and plan a fun second party!＊