Music for "The After-Party"

[Jonny Boy]

I have a wedding in 2 weeks where I will be advised on the night whether to continue with typical disco/party music for the 12-1am slot, or roll the finale for midnight and announce we're dropping the levels and going on to an "after-party" instead.
This vastly depends on the guests sleeping at the hotel on the night - eg volume complaints - or so I am told.

The couple are in their late 30s. I have a good idea from consult what the client would like this after-party set to include if it is needed...but (considering they want fairly "mainstream" tunes but are not too afraid of being a bit eclectic.....)

How would *you* define an "after-party"?
What styles and/or specific tunes would YOU play in order to dial it back but still keep the atmosphere 'up'?
How would you structure the set?
What would you do with your lighting?

[WWDJ]

Are they expecting the dancing to stop at the point and people to sit down, have a drink/chat ?

[STEVE HANLEY]

Depends. Really up for it after parties tend to be in a different venue/someones home:) ;) ;)

If it's in the same venue and they want you to tone it down. There's a good chance it'll be the longest hour of your life

[funkymook]

I have a wedding in 2 weeks where I will be advised on the night whether to continue with typical disco/party music for the 12-1am slot, or roll the finale for midnight and announce we're dropping the levels and going on to an "after-party" instead.
This vastly depends on the guests sleeping at the hotel on the night - eg volume complaints - or so I am told.

The couple are in their late 30s. I have a good idea from consult what the client would like this after-party set to include if it is needed...but (considering they want fairly "mainstream" tunes but are not too afraid of being a bit eclectic.....)

How would *you* define an "after-party"?
What styles and/or specific tunes would YOU play in order to dial it back but still keep the atmosphere 'up'?
How would you structure the set?
What would you do with your lighting?

I'd have to play it by ear on the night, it's difficult to anticipate what the atmosphere is going to be like. If you're going to decide on the night chances are it'll just be the same as the previous hour but quieter.

But if you wanted to plan a definite 'party ended - last hour chill-out session beginning' in advance I'd suggest the clients arrange a buffet of bacon rolls at midnight, that gives you an opportunity to introduce it, lower volume, change music and lighting etc. so everyone understands what's happening.

[paul1404]

Seems strange time to have an after party - If there is guests still there and I presume they are drinking - they gonna wanna have it 12 -1am - Like previous just play it by ear - Back in the day when I used to DJ at some after parties we generally used to play more darker deep tunes but as this is wedding - I would go more rock/indie singalong type of music for that age group ( oasis, guns n roses, britpop, trainspotting album, some slower dance like unfinished symphony- moby etc)

[Jonny Boy]

Thanks for comments so far guys. Really interested to see how YOU'd do it...have differenet scenarios running in my head....


Are they expecting the dancing to stop at the point and people to sit down, have a drink/chat ?

Pretty much think so, yes, although I'm hoping to have people table-bopping. ;-) Not so much the singalong - although I do like Paul's idea of "britpop" tunes within the set. Perhaps unplugged versions?


If it's in the same venue and they want you to tone it down. There's a good chance it'll be the longest hour of your life

Which is why I'm pre-planning scenarios. I think the client understands if it comes to this decision then I'm there for ambience and not a full dance floor! I'm kinda looking forward to it.



But if you wanted to plan a definite 'party ended - last hour chill-out session beginning' in advance I'd suggest the clients arrange a buffet of bacon rolls at midnight, that gives you an opportunity to introduce it, lower volume, change music and lighting etc. so everyone understands what's happening.

Yeah a chillout session was the plan if the party got to stop. Although the 'midnight snacks' idea is a great proposal to avoid an awkward hiatus.

Keep the ideas coming...I'll let you know mine in time.

[Corabar Steve]

Pretty much think so, yes, although I'm hoping to have people table-bopping. ;-) Not so much the singalong - although I do like Paul's idea of "britpop" tunes within the set. Perhaps unplugged versions?
Have you got any of the Live Lounge albums? They would be great for this scenario

[WWDJ]

Have you got any of the Live Lounge albums? They would be great for this scenario

Good call. Can't top that.