After-parties are happenin’!

May 9, 2025Lauren Windle

There are parties … and then there are after-parties! An after-party, of course,is the hipper, more fun party that typically happens after an event or the main party winds down. They’re generally smaller, less formal, and more exclusive (meaning fewer people are invited) then the main event.

Since after-parties are frequently held after concerts, dances, weddings, Indy 500 events, and award ceremonies, they are intended as an opportunity for people to really let loose. As you can imagine, guests really look forward to the somewhat exclusive and fun nature they imply.

And frankly, that’s what makes them so much fun to host! You mingle with new people, especially friends and family of the wedding party, eat yummy food, and have a great time celebrating whatever it is you have just experienced.

Here are some ideas from our favorite party-planners:

  • After-party wedding receptions –The emphasis being on the late part of the evening, with bride and groom changing clothes and the event becoming a fun dance party. Hors d’oeuvres (as light or as deep and delish as you wish), light desserts (ice cream bars, anyone?) and specialty cocktails are a big part of the fun!
  •  After-event formal parties – Award ceremonies and fund-raisers are great, but sometimes after all the formalities are over is the most memorable part of the evening. Big, airy, un-stuffy, open spaces are very on trend for these after-receptions. Among the favorites are industrial, loft-style spaces, updated barns, rooftops, and even museums. These spaces are great fun to relax in and snag some light, late-night snacks. Perfect place for a coffee & liqueur bar.
  • After-race parties – Sooo many 500-related events in Indy, from Qualification Day to Carb Day, 500 Festival, 500 mini-marathon to the Rookie run – so much in such a great sunny month! We’ve helped businesses and individuals find the right hosting space and the right combination of foods & beverages to relax and un-wind, cocktails (or mocktails) in hand.

It really is hard to go wrong with your after-party. That said, we have no shortage of ideas of what to serve both hot and cold, and how adding food stations is one of the best ways to get people mingling, eating and enjoying the beverage of their choice.

Let’s chat together!

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