Day-after-wedding party checklist

A day-after-wedding party is usually more relaxed than the wedding, but it still needs a clear plan. This checklist takes you from guest numbers and dietary requirements to shopping, barbecue preparation, drinks, seating and cleanup. Start with the guest list and bookings, then leave food preparation and setup for the final days. Build in time for weather changes, chilled drinks and clearly labelled diet meals so the morning runs smoothly.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Compile the guest list
Send invitations
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Determine the final number of guests
Check the weather forecast
Reserve an extra party tent
Check the barbecue
Check refrigerators and coolers
Compile the music playlist
Confirm reservations
Check the shopping list
Do the shopping
2 people
Collect drinks and ice
2 people
Set out non-perishable groceries
2 people
Label diet meals separately
2 people
Marinate the meat
2 people
Wash and cut vegetables
3 people
Prepare salads
2 people
Portion desserts
2 people
Set out table decorations
Set out crockery and glassware
2 people
Prepare waste stations
Sweep the venue
2 people
Build party tents
4 people
Set up tables
3 people
Set up chairs
3 people
Set up the bar and buffet
3 people
Hang decorations
2 people
Hang lighting
2 people
Connect the sound system
2 people
Test the music
Chill drinks
2 people
Light the barbecue
2 people
Prepare snacks
3 people
Set out buffet dishes
3 people
Prepare coffee and tea
Check toilets
Set up the reception desk

Event

Welcome guests
2 people
Serve welcome drinks
2 people
Serve snacks
2 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Open the buffet
2 people
Prepare barbecue dishes
3 people
Refill buffet
2 people
Serve dietary meals
Clear tables
3 people
Serve dessert
2 people
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
Provide music
Check the lighting
Empty trash bins
2 people
Announce the final round
See off guests
2 people

Aftercare

Chill leftovers safely
2 people
Collect tableware
3 people
Turn off the barbecue
2 people
Turn off the sound system
Turn off lights
Remove decorations
3 people
Take down party tents
4 people
Put furniture back
3 people
Do the dishes
3 people
Clean tables
2 people
Clean the venue
3 people
Clean the restrooms
2 people
Dispose of waste
2 people
Distribute usable leftovers
2 people
Check rental equipment
2 people
Return rental items
2 people

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Beer tablesqty 6
Buffet tablesqty 3
Bar
Chairsqty 55
Lounge cushionsqty 20
High tablesqty 4
Waste binsqty 5

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 60
Dessert platesqty 60
Bowlsqty 30
Cutlery setsqty 60
Water glassesqty 70
Wine glassesqty 60
Beer glassesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 40
Serving spoonsqty 12
Small bowlsqty 16
Serving boardsqty 6

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 9
Napkin holdersqty 9
Flower arrangementsqty 8
Welcome sign
Menusqty 6
String lightsqty 6
Balloon archesqty 2
Candle holdersqty 12

Equipment

Barbecuesqty 2
Gas cylindersqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Refrigeratorsqty 2
Bluetooth speakersqty 2
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Flashlightsqty 4
Beer cratesqty 5
Bottle openersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 6
Chef's knifeqty 4
Mixing bowlsqty 6
Serving tongsqty 8
Aluminum grill traysqty 10
Ice packsqty 12
Food containersqty 12
Storage binsqty 12

Lighting

Outdoor lightsqty 6
LED lanternsqty 8
Spare batteriesqty 24

Cleaning

Washing-up bowlsqty 3
Spongesqty 12
Cleaning bucketsqty 3
Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Hand soap dispensersqty 4

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set a deadline for registrations at least 10 days before the party. Use the final guest count to plan seating, plates, glasses, food portions and drinks rather than estimating on the day.
Check the weather forecast 48 hours before the party and reserve an extra party tent before then if rain or strong sun is likely. Build the tents early enough to secure them and arrange tables underneath.
Collect drinks and ice on the day before, then keep beer, wine and water in coolers or refrigerators. For the first hour, allow roughly two to three drinks per person, with extra water available throughout the event.
Prepare salads, vegetables and desserts in advance, but label diet meals separately before guests arrive. Keep raw meat chilled until the barbecue is ready and check that the barbecue has enough fuel for the full service.
Create separate waste stations for food scraps, bottles and general rubbish before setting out the buffet. Put plates, cutlery, glasses and serving spoons at the start of the food area so guests do not queue at the barbecue.

Frequently asked questions

When should I send invitations for a day-after-wedding party?: Send invitations 6 to 8 weeks before the party, especially if wedding guests are travelling or staying nearby. Set the registration deadline around 10 days before the event so you can confirm food and seating numbers.
How much food and drink do I need for a day-after-wedding party?: Use the confirmed guest count to calculate portions, then allow about two to three drinks per person for the first hour and plan additional water for the rest of the day. Buy ice and collect chilled drinks no more than 24 hours before the party.
When should I check the weather for the party?: Check it 5 to 7 days ahead for an early warning, then make the final decision 48 hours before the party. That gives you time to reserve an extra tent, adjust the layout and secure outdoor furniture.
What should I prepare the day before a day-after-wedding party?: Marinate the meat, wash and cut vegetables, prepare salads, portion desserts and set out non-perishable groceries the day before. Leave chilled food, ice and final table setup for the last few hours before guests arrive.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.