Whether you're planning a ten-year anniversary party for your friends or a diamond wedding anniversary party for your parents, throwing an anniversary party is a wonderful way to honor a couple's time together. Not only does it allow the couple to cherish their marriage, but it also gives loved ones a chance to express their appreciation for the couple's influence on those around them. Planning an anniversary party may seem overwhelming, but we have provided a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
Image: Celebrate the love that has stood the test of time.
Step 1: Set a Date and Time
The first step in planning an anniversary party is to choose a date and time for the celebration. It is best to select a party date close to the couple's actual anniversary and set the date a few months in advance to allow ample time for planning. For formal parties, consider setting the date four to five months in advance and send save-the-date cards to out-of-town guests. Consult with the couple if you are hosting the party for them, or if they are planning it themselves, check their chosen date with close family members who will be traveling from afar. Additionally, consider the time of day as it will impact the overall feel of the party.
Image: Save the date and join us in celebrating their love.
Step 2: Choose a Location
The choice of location for an anniversary party depends on the formality of the event and the number of guests. For intimate gatherings, you can host the party at the couple's house or a relative's home. Another option is to rent a private room at a restaurant. If you are planning a large formal gathering, consider renting a venue space, hotel ballroom, or local recreational room. Couples celebrating significant milestones like ten, twenty-five, or fifty years of marriage often opt for more formal locations. Remember to consider the couple's preferences when selecting the perfect venue.
Image: Join us in celebrating their love and a quarter-century of togetherness.
Step 3: Choose an Anniversary Party Theme
Anniversary party themes should be fun and reflective of the couple. For formal parties, consider color-based themes to ensure elegant and cohesive decorations. If you're planning a casual celebration, think about more creative themes, such as a luau, a rustic outdoors dinner, or a southwest-inspired gathering. You can also base the theme around the couple's wedding anniversary symbol, which is a popular choice. For example, a 50th wedding anniversary party could incorporate gold in the decor and theme. Here is a list of wedding anniversary symbols for reference:
- 1st - Paper
- 2nd - Cotton
- 3rd - Leather
- 4th - Fruit/Flowers
- 5th - Wood
- 6th - Candy/Iron
- 7th - Wool, Copper
- 8th - Bronze, Pottery
- 9th - Pottery, Willow
- 10th - Tin, Aluminum
- 11th - Steel
- 12th - Silk, Linen
- 13th - Lace
- 14th - Ivory
- 15th - Crystal
- 20th - China
- 25th - Silver
- 30th - Pearl
- 35th - Coral
- 40th - Ruby
- 45th - Sapphire
- 50th - Gold
- 55th - Emerald
- 60th - Diamond
- 75th - Diamond
Step 4: Send Out Anniversary Party Invitations
Once you have organized your guest list and chosen an invitation design, it's time to send out the anniversary party invitations. For formal parties, sending the invitations 6 to 8 weeks in advance is recommended. If you have a longer lead time, consider sending save-the-dates to out-of-town guests. Include the RSVP deadline and any relevant information, such as the dress code, on the invitation. The invitations serve as an introduction to what guests can expect at the celebration.
Include the following information on your invitations:
- Host(s)
- Names of the couple
- Number of years being celebrated
- Date
- Time
- Location
- Dress code (if applicable)
- RSVP information
Anniversary Invitation Wording Example 1:
The children and grandchildren of Mr. and Mrs. John Doe cordially invite you to celebrate their 25th Wedding Anniversary\ March 16, 2017, 5:00 p.m.\ Villa Country Club\ Dress Code: Semi-Formal/Formal\ RSVP to [email protected] by February 2, 2016
Anniversary Invitation Wording Example 2:
Image: Mark the date and join the celebration of their enduring love.
Step 5: Plan Out Food and Drinks
One of the most crucial aspects of planning an anniversary party is ensuring your guests are well-fed and happy. Set a budget beforehand or consult with a catering company to keep track of your expenses. For small gatherings, consider cooking and opting for a buffet style setup. If you are hosting a large crowd, it's best to have the anniversary party catered. Don't forget to include a themed anniversary cake to honor the couple. Provide a variety of appetizers, cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages, and a vegetarian option, regardless of whether you cook or hire a catering company.
Step 6: Plan Out Anniversary Party Decoration Ideas
Decorations for an anniversary party should reflect the chosen theme or color scheme and include personalized touches that highlight the couple's history. Consider incorporating the following decoration ideas into your party setup:
- Garlands
- Banners
- Photos of the couple
- Candles with photos of the couple
- Balloons
- Custom "Love" balloons
- Custom champagne glasses
- "Happy Anniversary" backdrop
- Floral arrangements
- Canvas prints or signage with anniversary quotes
- Centerpieces
- Hanging paper lanterns
- Photo timeline of the couple
Step 7: Choose Entertainment
Anniversary parties should feature plenty of dancing, so make arrangements for music and entertainment to keep the party lively. You can hire a band for a live music feel or a DJ to play a set of classic tunes. Ensure you book the entertainment in advance to avoid any last-minute disappointments. Incorporate the couple's favorite anniversary songs, especially their wedding song, into the music selection. Consider including tributes and speeches from loved ones to make the entertainment more personal and heartfelt.
Step 8: Book a Photographer
To capture all the special moments at the anniversary party, book a photographer. Meeting with them beforehand and discussing the event schedule will ensure they capture key moments between the couple and their loved ones. Cherish the memories by having professional photographs to commemorate the celebration.
When it comes to planning an anniversary party, start early and take your time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Consider seeking help from family members or friends to divide the workload. Remember, it's the small details that bring the celebration to life and create lasting memories for the couple and their guests.
