Postwedding Festivities: 5 After-Party Ideas

flora dress

A friendly word of caution: Even though you're a pair of event-planning pros by now, try to leave the major details of the after-party party to your maid of honor and best man. You've got enough on your hands, and having fun 'til the fat lady sings should be priority number one. If you're feeling creative, choose from a variety of theme bashes to keep the buzz going strong. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

BYOAB

Translation: "Bring Your Own Airplane Bottles." Invite your friends to crash their mini-bars at your expense. Stash the bathtub of your bridal suite ( your flora dress )with ice and sodas from down the hall, and enjoy that cable television and souped-up Jacuzzi. When you're ready to be alone, know that you reserve the right to kick everyone out at any time.

Sing-a-Thon

Sing your hearts out at your local karaoke joint or swanky piano bar. There's nothing wrong with a little healthy competition between the guys and dolls: Compete for best ensemble act with classic battle-of-the-sexes ditties like "You're The One That I Want" from Grease, and Meatloaf's "Paradise by the Dashboard Light."

Rock-n-Bowl

Ditch your silk and stilettos for oh-so-chic bowling shoes at your local bowling alley. You and your King Pin can score with a great night of after-hours bowling and booze, ensuring that there'll be little energy left to spare.

Big Spender

If you live within traveling distance of a casino, rent a limo or party bus and hit the slot machines. For those of you who prefer to stay close to home, hire a local entertainment company to set up shop in your hotel suite -- roulette and blackjack tables are easiest. Or just grab some cigars, a few bowls of chips and pretzels, and play poker. Use Monopoly money...unless your friends prefer higher stakes.

In Da Club

If your friends are night owls, organize a local bar or club crawl. Spring for transportation (cabs, limo, or party bus), because no one should be driving to any of these activities if drinking is part of the picture. Dole out $10-$20 a person to cover first drinks or the cover charge. If possible, make reservations at every spot you plan to hit, or else call beforehand to confirm that they can accommodate your crowd.