These days, newlyweds no longer ride off into the sunset, headed for an evening of unbridled post-nuptial passion and other wedding-night cliches. Even if a bout of candlelit lovin' is in the cards, most couples find that it's also important to prolong the festivities at a post-reception blowout with friends and family, especially with those who have trekked great distances to attend the wedding. (After all, when is the last time all these people were together in one place?) At any celebration, there are always revelers who refuse to let the good times come to a close, so it's a good idea to have an after-hours game plan. Gracious hosts (and just admit it, incorrigible party animals) that you are, you'll need a quick guide to help make sure everyone has a place to party while the adrenaline's still pumping and nobody's quite ready to call it a night.

WHO COMES
What probably started out as an impromptu idea hatched by someone not ready to call it quits ("So, are we doing anything after this wedding reception?") is now a fairly formalized institution. The "after-party party" is still a pretty informal gathering, though, generally thrown for the couple's closest friends and any crazy relatives who want to attend. A stringent guest list is rarely adhered to, but some couples aim to restrict the post-reception bash to the bridal party, while others choose to invite anyone and everyone who's begging for more. You might want to start by determining who will definitely be in tow (your high-strung sorority sisters, your lushy little brother, and other bon vivants) and then just know to expect other guests who spontaneously decide they, too, want in on the action.

SPREADING THE WORD
Get the crowd psyched up for the festivities by sending out invitations. Try not to make it sound exclusive and secretive -- you don't want to hurt feelings. You needn't make the merriment undercover, because you basically already know who's coming. Your grandparents, for one, will probably have other plans. Ditto for your 13-year-old cousin. Mention the party at the bachelor and bachelorette bashes (those crazy kids are all shoe-ins for the shindig) and maybe follow up with invitations in the hotel room hospitality baskets. Or send an electronic invitation (a.k.a. e-vite) to guests: log onto www.evite.com, where easy how-to instructions allow you to custom-design your invitation with electronic images and funky fonts. As for handling the technically uninvited, have your attendants field queries by delivering the where/when details via word of mouth at the reception. Everyone should feel welcome to join, but most will probably be too pooped.

 WHERE'S THE PARTY?
Before you figure out where it's all going to go down, think about how you'd like to celebrate. You might want to plan the party to contrast with the type of wedding you're having. For example, if you'll be having a noon wedding followed by a low-key luncheon affair, a buttoned-up reception due to religious/military requirements, or an evening reception in a country club that doesn't allow loud music, why not throw an all-out extravaganza for your friends later that night? Springing for a simple gathering in the hotel bar or bridal suite is standard. Or you can rent out a room at a favorite local watering hole or restaurant (be sure to make reservations in advance). Have the bridesmaids and groomsmen tote some of the leftovers to party central for when you get the munchies, and a table centerpiece or two will do wonders for ambience. Of course, if you're feeling creative, choose from a variety of theme bashes to keep the buzz going strong. Here are a few ideas to give you a head start:

• BYOAB: (Translation: "Bring Your Own Airplane Bottles.") Invite your friends to crash their mini-bars at your expense. Stash the bathtub of your bridal suite with ice and sodas from down the hall, and enjoy that cable television and souped-up Jacuzzi. When you're ready to be alone, know that you reserve the right to kick everyone out at any time.
  

• Sing-a-Thon: Sing your hearts out at your local karaoke joint or swanky piano bar. There's nothing wrong with a little healthy competition between the guys and dolls: Compete for best ensemble act with classic battle-of-the-sexes ditties like "You're The One That I Want" from Grease, and Meatloaf's "Paradise by the Dashboard Light."
  

• Rock-n-Bowl: Ditch your silk and stilettos for oh-so-chic bowling shoes at your local bowling alley. You and your King Pin can score with a great night of after-hours bowling and booze, ensuring that there'll be little energy left to spare.
  

• Big Spender: If you live within traveling distance of a casino, rent a limo or party bus and hit the slot machines. For those of you who prefer to stay close to home, hire a local entertainment company to set up shop in your hotel suite -- roulette and blackjack tables are easiest. Or just grab some cigars, a few bowls of chips and pretzels, and play poker. Use Monopoly money...unless your friends prefer higher stakes.
  

• The Night Train: If your friends are night owls, organize a local bar or club crawl. Spring for transportation (cabs, limo, or party bus), because absolutely no one should be driving to any of these activities if drinking is part of the picture. Dole out $10-$20 a person to cover first drinks or the cover charge. If possible, make reservations at every spot you plan to hit, or else call beforehand to confirm that they can accommodate your crowd.

A friendly word of caution: Even though you're a pair of event-planning pros by now, try to leave the major details of the after-party party to your maid of honor and best man. You've got enough on your hands, and having fun 'til the fat lady sings should be priority number one.

DRESS CODE
Even if the after-party party will be happening in makeshift surroundings, you can generally expect everyone to still be in their party clothes. At a hotel, many guests will want to change into more casual gear, but if you want to sport your wedding day duds 'til dawn, don't feel obligated to remove them. True, a poufy white tulle gown will seem out of place at a local dive and will likely call much attention to you and your satin-clad entourage, but don't let that stop you from playing the princess card for as long as you wish. Besides, you might even score some free congratulatory drinks. On the other hand, if most of the party seem at home in their fancy wedding-day getups and you'd prefer to ditch the pearls and pantyhose, slip into comfy clothes. If appropriate, you can even stomp around in your peignoir and pajamas.

FOOTING THE BILL
So, the big question is: Who's paying? Chances are there will be many a guest offering to pick up some six-packs at the local convenience store or slap down their credit cards at the bar. Yes, you've forked out quite a chunk of change for the wedding, but so have your friends. Between the showers, bachelorette and bachelor parties, gifts, attire, hotels, and travel, they've spent quite a lot to be a part of your celebration. Covering the cost of the after-party party is the perfect way for you to thank your crew for their exertions. No need to go overboard -- if you're worried about overspending, just put a cap on the craziness after an hour or two.