Once the wedding reception is coming to a close, there will still be some people who aren't ready to go home yet! Often, the bride and groom want to visit with friends and family that they haven't had a chance to talk to much during the reception. While many of your guests – those with small children or older people – will most likely opt out of the after party, the committed wedding partygoers can still keep going. After wedding party ideas include going to a nearby home, or checking out a local nightclub or lounge.

If your wedding reception is nearby to somebody's home, and they've offered their apartment as a place to head to after the wedding party, it's a cost-effective way to continue the festivities. Since you aren't paying as much for drinks or cover charge to a bar, it's a great money-saving option. Some reception halls will even let you take leftover alcohol (although in many states having opened liquor is an offense, so be sure you know the rules) that wasn't consumed at the reception. Pack up the dessert table leftovers or snack trays in case people get hungry later on.

Going to a nightclub is great if you feel like dancing. The fun atmosphere of the club, along with the wedding party's high spirits, will make for an energetic dance floor. Lots of people at the nightclub will wish the wedding party well, buy them a congratulatory cocktail, and the DJ can even announce the new couple. An after wedding party at a club is only a good idea if everyone in the wedding party wants to be in a loud, busy environment.

If your wedding party is feeling more like relaxing, a dim lounge, pub or even a pool hall can be ideal as a place to unwind. Guests can sit and chat on couches or chairs, or play a game of pool. This offers a laid-back alternative to a dance club. In a pub or lounge, you can talk to family and friends, and rest your feet – which will probably be tired after a day of standing at the ceremony and reception.

For newlyweds who are staying at a nearby hotel, a hotel bar is perfect for an after wedding party drink. Similar to a lounge, guests can sit and enjoy a cocktail, often with a beautiful view of the city. Most hotel bars are more formal than pubs or lounges, which can be nice when everyone is wearing tuxedos and fancy dresses.

The after wedding party ideas should be the responsibility of the bride and groom. After all, it's their wedding, and they should get to party however they want! The newlyweds should pay attention to how their guests are feeling, though – if the majority of the guests who want to keep partying want to sit in a quiet lounge and chat, then suggesting a popular nightclub won't be all that enjoyable for the rest of the wedding party.