We’ve all been there. We’ve all gotten a major case of the blues the day after a big event or party.
It’s the amplified version of that feeling you get on Sunday afternoons when you know the weekend is rolling to a close.
But I’ve stumbled onto a solution: Day-after parties.
And I’m not just talking about a small breakfast or brunch to recap the prior evening’s happenings (or at least the ones you remember). I’m talking about a full-on event to look forward to in its own right.
Still a little skeptical? Drawing from personal experience, I’ve outlined a few ideas for fun day-after parties below.
When You Don’t Want the Wedding Weekend to End:
The One Day Anniversary Fiesta
Photo: Rouxby Photography
The day after our wedding, we hosted our guests for tacos and margaritas in the evening. Marc and I loved having a casual celebration follow the wedding because it gave us a chance to enjoy one last experience with our guests with all the pressure of the big day out of the way.
Photo: Rouxby Photography
Some people were pretty hungover (you’ll have that), but most really enjoyed the opportunity to stretch out the weekend festivities just a little bit longer. We also got the idea for it to be later in the day from our friend (and wedding planning consultant) Adrianne, who encouraged us to let the day build towards one last event rather than fizzle after a few too many hours at the pool. Mission: accomplished.
Pool takeover.
When You Need to Sweat Out the Booze:
The Morning-After Hip-Hop Dance Class
Hip-hop dance squad.
After a Saturday night surprise party, we organized to have a friend teach a hip-hop dance class on Sunday morning. While I regretted the number of margaritas consumed the night before for most parts of the class, I only really thought I was going to throw up once (I managed not to) and it was probably mostly because I got so excited dancing that I forgot to breathe properly. I hit my stride during the Britney section of the music and never looked back.
Game faces.
Lipstick optional.
Get down.
When You Want to Start the New Year Off Right:
The New Year’s Day All-Day Brunch
New Year's Day 2016. Note to self: take more/better pictures this year.
This is one of my favorite traditions, two years running. Marc’s birthday is December 31st, so we always do a big New Year’s party slash birthday celebration.
Instead of feeling hungover and sad the night is over, hang out with friends and set the right tone for the next year.
Pre-New Year's Day 2015 candid. You can't tell from my face in this picture, but we had something to look forward to.
Tradition or not, it’s simply more fun to keep the party going, to keep the booze flowing, and keep creating and collecting memories with friends and family. If it’s possible to extend the occasion and celebrate a little bit longer, I’ll always choose that option. Life is just too short not to.
-JS