Be sure to keep that party atmosphere going...

HOLDING a party on the day after the wedding is a long and popular tradition in Irish weddings as family and friends gather for some fun and entertainment in a less formal atmosphere.

Often at weddings people will have travelled long distances to be with you on your big day. This is why it’s a good idea to make the day after party plans extra special. Now there are two trains of thought at work: firstly, after a hectic few days you might well decide the day after the wedding is going to be a slightly more relaxed affair. This works on many levels as it allows you to catch up with family and friends properly. It’s difficult to give everyone the attention they deserve on the day of the wedding given all you have to do. On the flip side, the day after is also a chance for you and yours to kick your clogs off and party. Newlyweds are often burdened by an overwhelming sense of protocol on the day of the wedding. Things like speeches and mingling with people you might not know all that well can leave you feeling a little reluctant to party like you normally would. This is why the day after can be your day to let loose after months of planning, stress and anxiety.

Organise music, a meal, a bike trip, hike up a hill, go for a swim – anything, so long as it feels like you’ve brought the culmination of all your preparations to a restive and satisfying conclusion in the company of those who matter most to you.