‘Breaking Dawn’ premiere after party: The short, sweet farewell

The concept of “forever” can be intimidating, especially when it comes to the voracious fans of “The Twilight Saga.”

So consider that “Breaking Dawn — Part 2” saw its premiere in Los Angeles on Monday, drawing to a close a franchise of five films, the making of three superstars and a new kind of dialogue between filmmaker and fans.

So how to celebrate? Following the screening of the second half of Bill Condon’s conclusion to the series, a party was staged at L.A. Live that encapsulated the journey of “Twilight” — and demanded leads Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner.

PHOTOS: ‘Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2’ premiere

“The first party was about 400 [people]” remembered Chad Hudson, the party-planning creative force behind all premiere fetes for the Stephenie Meyer-adapted books. Monday night’s affair welcomed 3,500 guests.

For the last hurrah, the event showcased small tableaus from each movie, spaced and spelled out with unique touches from each title. Beginning with Stewart’s Bella Swan, guests were welcomed with her character’s orange pickup truck -- and, thankfully, some passed cocktails.

Moving south into the space, opposite the Nokia Theatre, guests were charmed by the lunar bodies of the wolf pack from “New Moon,” ogling various bikes from the garage set where Lautner played Jacob Black.

From there, a sinister red setting gave fans a space to take photos on the thrones of the menacing Volturi, the ruthless vampire authority of the flick, led by Michael Sheen.

PHOTOS: Fan camp / tent city for ‘Twilight’ premiere

Dakota Fanning (rocking a startling brunette ‘do), Kellan Lutz, Nikki Reed, Peter Facinelli, Lee Pace, Edi Gathegi and several other Twi-alums worked the room but briefly so.

These vets came to greet each other. Select folks such as Melissa Rosenberg, who has dutifully served as adapting screenwriter for the films, kicked off their shoes and belted songs by the likes of Prince on the dance floor until about 1 a.m., shuffling out soon after.

But then again — all good things come must to an end.

ALSO:

RPattz and Kstew hit final ‘Twilight’ premiere

PHOTOS: Fan camp / tent city for ‘Twilight’ premiere

Video: Live stream the ‘Breaking Dawn -- Part 2’ premiere

Follow Matt Donnelly on Twitter and Google+. Follow the Ministry of Gossip on Twitter @LATcelebs and on Facebook facebook.com/ministryofgossip.

PHOTOS AND MORE:

PHOTOS: Celebrity portraits by The Times

PHOTOS: Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show

The Envelope: Celebs on the red carpet