12 s The QUEE NS Courier • bridal • september 19, 2013 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com bridal MANAGING POST-RECEPTION PLANS WITH YOUR VIP GUESTS Sharon Naylor Creators.com Everyone’s having too much fun to call it a day after the reception ends, which is why more wedding couples are planning after-parties to keep the celebration going. Smart wedding couples wait several hours after their receptions end and then embark upon their afterparty plans. The delay is smart because the vast majority of wedding guests have left, and that helps to thin the herd. Brides and grooms who plan this delayed after-party are then joined by only their closest friends, which keeps expenses down, and they have something in their stomachs to help keep them from getting too tipsy as the celebration continues. Types of After Parties • Out on the town. The bride and groom pre-scout a fabulous bar or club to which they’ll lead their VIP guests. Often, the hotel will allow use of the free shuttle bus to bring the group to the club and back at an appointed hour, which provides a safe ride for all. • In a separate party space. The hotel might also have a small party room that the bride and groom can decorate with table linens, candles and dimmed lighting. This style of party is popular with biggerbudget brides and grooms, who arrange for late-night cocktail-party fare; food stations, for instance, could offer sliders, waffle fries and other bar-type food. It’s an open bar, of course, and some after-parties even have a DJ playing music from the couple’s pre-selected playlist. When you book a hotel’s party room, they do require you to order food and drinks, but the entertainment is up to you. Many couples simply hook up their iPods for their after-party music. • In a hotel suite. Not the bride and groom’s suite, mind you, which they’ll want to keep private. Rather, consider a tidy friend’s suite. Party guests need to keep it down to prevent bothering other hotel guests, but it’s a comfy locale for a small after-party group to unwind, propose a toast and snack on room service foods or a few delivered pizzas. • At home. An at-home party allows everyone plenty of space to relax, kick off their shoes and maybe even go for a swim or a hot-tub dip. Self-catered menus often include easy-serve finger sandwiches and dips. It might be the bride and groom’s house, the parents’ house or a friend’s house that plays host to this gathering; in fact, friends may host the get-together as their present to the bride and groom. • Cocktail cruise. Again, on a bigger budget, the bride and groom might take their VIP guests on a midnight cruise around a harbor. After-Party Planning Tips Some after parties form spontaneously, with guests winding up in the hotel lounge or getting invited during the reception. That can be a smart strategy for limiting tagalongs as well. If a couple were to send out invitations to the after party, others who didn’t make their VIP guest list might hear about the event and ask to join in. That sets up a difficult situation wherein the couple must diplomatically say, “No, it’s a private party” and either hurt feelings or agree to extra guests -- and pay for them. As mentioned, be sure that any catering plans are easy to manage. You don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is relaxing and mingling. Easy-serve trays are the ideal option. Have some cut-up fruits in storage bags that can be quickly emptied into serving bowls, as well as quick-serve hummus that can be opened and set on the table with some crackers or veggies. During this gathering, it’s often a fantastic, celebratory group event when the bride and groom simultaneously upgrade their Facebook statuses to “married.” Sharon Naylor has written more than three dozen wedding books. COPYRIGHT 2012 CREATORS.COM The Designer reek-born Demetrios is a leading, world-renowned designer and a fashion icon in the bridal industry with over thirty years experience. He is one of the most versatile designers in the bridal market who understands brides’ attitudes and tastes. His gowns cover the entire range of styles from traditional and romantic to sleek and sensuous and are on the cutting edge of the fashion world. They have been showcased in all leading bridal magazines. This leadership and expertise in bridal marketing continues to expand. In 1980, Demetrios’ dream of owning his own company became a reality. He purchased Ilissa Bridals of New York. Virtually overnight, he turned this small unknown business into a thriving international company. Bridal boutiques throughout the world, including his own Brides by Demetrios salons and the Macy’s Bridal Salons By Demetrios proudly sell Demetrios gowns. Today, the Demetrios brand is a prestigious leader in bridal fashion. The Prices on the Demetrios Collections range from $700 to $5,000. Each division caters to different bridal trends. Our Ultra Sophisticates Collection features a variety of timeless, elegant looks in beaded and un-beaded laces. In the Illusions Collection, you will find flowing Organza gowns with ruffles, lace-ups and flowers. The Sposabella Collection features gowns with bustles and pleating in beautiful Satin and Taffeta fabrics with hints of beading and lace. Our Ilissa line is a combination of many different looks from traditional to contemporary and classic to sophisticated and fashion forward. For 2014 you will find capes, belts and peplums in new fabrics, beading and laces. The collection also consists of dramatic backs and unique necklines and skirts in various silhouettes with delicate treatments like pleating, ruching, ruffles and bustles. The Oreasposa collection also has a diverse mix of looks and fabrics at affordable prices. G Manhasset 1100 Northern Blvd., 2nd Floor, Manhasset, NY 11030 516-869-0391 bbdmanhasset@demtriosgroup.com Herald Square 151 West 34th St., 8th Floor, New York, NY 10001 212-494-3330 demetriosbride.com bbdheraldsquare@demetriosgroup.com
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