You’ve spent a lot of time and energy ensuring your wedding reception is so fun that your guests won’t want to leave. So how do you keep those good times rolling after your last dance has come and gone?
Answer: A wedding after-party!
Don’t worry, you don’t have to plan anything over the top. Most after-parties are casual get-togethers or even quiet, low-key hangouts with a few key guests.
In this article, we’ll offer up our top tips for post-reception entertainment, as well as some recommendations for where to host your after-party if you’re having a destination wedding in St. Augustine.
Samantha and Benjamin leaving The Treasury on the Plaza after their St. Augustine wedding reception. | Photo: Angelita Esparar Photography
What is a Wedding After-Party?
This post-wedding celebration starts immediately after the reception—often in a different venue—and can last until the early hours.
Wedding after-parties are a way for couples to spend more time with guests they don’t see very often, or simply make the fun of their wedding day last a little longer! Because there’s less pressure to make everything “perfect,” many couples find that it’s easier to relax and unwind at their after-party than it was at their reception.
Just like your wedding day, after parties can be whatever you want them to be, with whoever you want to join you. We recommend inviting all of your guests, but know that some older guests or those with children may decline.
When it comes to spreading the word about the wedding after-party, consider adding a separate insert into your wedding invitations, adding information on your wedding website, or sending out a digital invite. You can also spread the invite to the post-wedding celebration via word of mouth, or have your wedding band or DJ make an announcement when the reception is nearing its end.
Wedding after-party invitation via Zazzle
Wedding After-Party Ideas
Your wedding after-party can be as formal or casual as you would like. Here are some ideas to get you started.
1. Head to a Local Bar
Compared to your wedding reception, bars offer a more casual vibe that is ideal for an impromptu after-party.
If possible, select a location within a few miles of your reception to avoid inconveniencing your guests, and help prevent people from trickling off to heading back to their hotels.
In downtown St. Augustine, there are a wide range of bars and taverns that are open late, and are within walking distance of The Treasury on the Plaza.
Prohibition Kitchen is one of the most popular late-night spots in downtown St. Augustine.
2. Karaoke
Wedding after parties are the perfect occasion for karaoke. (Your guests are already loosened up from the open bar, and should be ready to belt out a few tunes!)
The Pub on Anastasia not only offers karaoke every night of the week, but they also have a dedicated stage with special effects to make everyone feel like a star!
3. Silent Disco
With a silent disco, each person wears a set of headphones that they can tune into one of multiple DJs, each one blasting a different style of music. Odd Birds Bar in St. Augustine hosts one of these events every other Thursday night.
Wedding silent disco after-party at Odd Birds Cocktail Lounge and Kitchen
4. Party Bus
Consider renting a party bus as transportation to the after-party. A selection of glow sticks and other glow-in-the-dark props add a fun twist. By providing guest transportation, you’re less likely to see a drop off in attendance if your after-party location is further than walking distance from your wedding venue.
5. Rent an Airbnb
Airbnb rentals offer a much more casual vibe that’s similar to your average house party. Low-key activities like game night or making s’mores by the firepit are great ways to wind down after an eventful day. Make sure to ask the property owner about whether they allow the use of their space for a party before you plan anything!
Where To Host Your Wedding After-Party In St. Augustine
St. Augustine isn’t just the ideal city for a destination wedding, we have a ton of options for wedding after-parties as well!
St. Augustine is chock-full of local bars, taverns, and pubs that are open late. Several offer fun entertainment, so if you want to indulge in live music, karaoke, or a silent disco, you know where to go!
Prohibition Kitchen
Located on St. George Street, the historic heart and hub of activity in St. Augustine, Prohibition Kitchen is one of the most popular late-night hangout spots. They offer services for 15 to 85 guests for private parties, mezzanine reservations, and VIP area reservations. Guests can enjoy delicious drinks, tasty lite bites, and some of St. Augustine’s best live music. Prohibition Kitchen is a three-minute walk from The Treasury on the Plaza.
Odd Birds Cocktail Lounge & Kitchen
Located over the Bridge of Lions on Anastasia Island, Odd Birds is a full-service restaurant, bar, and event venue. Guests enter the hidden private event space through a speakeasy-style bookcase and are greeted with swanky lounge decor and a huge private bar. They are also famous for their silent disco parties every other Thursday night! Odd Birds is a 15-minute walk or four-minute drive from The Treasury on the Plaza.
Meehan’s Irish Pub
Located on the waterfront in St. Augustine’s downtown historic district, Meehan’s Irish Pub is a large traditional Irish pub that could be the perfect spot for your wedding after-party. Their upstairs is available for private parties for up to 49 guests, but if you’re looking for a casual hangout spot, the tiki-bar-themed Backyard is also very popular. Meehan’s is a four-minute walk from The Treasury on the Plaza.
Ice Plant
Known for its carefully crafted cocktails, farm-to-table menu, and beautiful 1927 historic building, the Ice Plant is one of St. Augustine’s most unique culinary establishments. Due to its popularity, reservations or private parties are not offered inside the restaurant, but the bar is fairly spacious. The Ice Plant is a 5-minute drive from The Treasury on the Plaza.
Forgotten Tonic
If you’re looking for a cozy cocktail bar for your wedding after-party, Forgotten Tonic could be just the ticket! Nestled away on Aviles Street (the oldest street in America!), this hidden gem offers bookings for private events. It’s just a short three-minute walk across the plaza from The Treasury.
The Pub on Anastasia
The Pub is not the traditional English-style pub that you might be imagining, but it is almost a guaranteed good time! Known for its karaoke seven days a week, the Pub allows you to have your moment to shine on stage. They recently expanded their space to include a separate room with billiards and other games, so if karaoke isn’t your thing, there are other opportunities for fun. The Pub is located on Anastasia Island, and is a four-minute drive or 15-minute walk from The Treasury on the Plaza.
The Pub On Anastasia Island in St. Augustine
Sarbez!
This quirky little bar and arcade is located just down the road from The Pub. Its eclectic vibe, wide collection of vintage arcade games, and tasty grilled cheese sandwiches make it a popular hangout spot for locals, and could be a unique location for a wedding after-party. Sarbez! is a four-minute drive or 15-minute walk from The Treasury on the Plaza.
Sarbez! on Anastasia Island in St. Augustine
Barley Republic
If you’re looking for a spot with a tasty late-night menu, this Irish Gastro Pub is the perfect option. (Their chicken tenders are famous in town!) They also offer options for private events. Barley Republic is a six-minute walk from The Treasury on the Plaza.
White Lion
White Lion is a lively, slightly divey spot in the downtown area that is a popular hangout for the younger set. The bar is about a six-minute walk from The Treasury on the Plaza.
No Name Bar
The Bar with No Name is another popular dive bar located in the downtown historic district, right across from the Castillo de San Marcos. If you love live music and ultra-chill vibes, this might be the perfect place for your crew. No Name is about a seven-minute walk from The Treasury on the Plaza.
Things To Consider
“Having a good time” is only part of the equation for a great wedding after-party! Here are some other things to consider if you want the party to be a success.
Wedding After-Party “Vibe”
It’s usually best to pick a vibe that’s different from your wedding reception.
For example, follow up a “nightclub vibe” reception with quiet drinks at a local lounge or chill hangs at an Airbnb. If you’re planning a classy, low-key reception, you might want to change the energy up with some karaoke or a high-energy dance party for the after-party.
Ultimately, go with whatever suits your style. Whether you love a dive bar, are into a game night in your pajamas, or want to hit the classiest bar in town, it’s your day to celebrate as you see fit!
Guest List
Your guest list will affect where you host the after-party. Many of St. Augustine’s smaller bars will not be an option if everyone from a 150-person wedding were to try to show up at once! Do your research to find a location that suits the size of your party.
Dress Code
Remember, most guests will still be in their wedding attire, so plan accordingly. (No one wants to hike a long distance in high heels!)
If you are a bride, you may want to change into a fun after-party outfit. Shorter dresses, jumpsuits, and even all-white streetwear will be appropriately “bridal” without interfering with your ability to let loose.
Food and Drinks
Regardless of what you served at your reception, expect that some guests may want a midnight snack or drink.
You can host an “open bar” at any after-party location by covering the tab for your guests. Wedding etiquette typically states that the host of the wedding also pays for food, drinks, and entertainment at the after-party, but if you’re on a budget, you may want to at least cover the first hour or two.
Start Your Party Off at The Treasury!
If you’re like most couples, you’re planning a wedding to create lasting memories with your guests on the most important day of your lives. Wedding after-parties are another way of doing just that!
At The Treasury on the Plaza, we’re not only conveniently located near some of St. Augustine’s hottest party spots, but we love to share tips on everything you need to host the perfect wedding weekend, from rehearsal dinner recommendations to bachelor/bachelorette party ideas, and more! Explore our blog and start planning your perfect destination wedding today.
