Throwing an Anniversary Party to be Remembered

Anniversary parties are a wonderful way to celebrate two people who have been together for a number of years. The most common anniversary parties are for 25 years and 50 years. There are many things you can do to make this day special for not only the couple, but all of their family and friends as well. Many people have shared in the joys and sorrows of the anniversary couple and they help to make this a special day as well. Planning an anniversary party is a huge undertaking, sometimes almost as big as a wedding.

Silver or Gold?

An anniversary party theme is fairly simple to determine. Unless the couple or their immediate family has requested a particular theme (this is unlikely), you should plan a fairly traditional party. A 25th wedding anniversary is traditionally silver, while a 50th anniversary is gold. Use this to plan the majority of your party, everything from invitations to decorations.

Who to Invite

An anniversary party can be as big as a wedding. While many people opt for a small get together consisting of family and close friends only, others look forward to a huge celebration with everyone who has touched their lives in past years. 25th anniversary parties tend to be of the smaller more intimate variety, whereas 50 years together definitely deserves more of a to-do.

If you're planning a huge bash, it may take quite a bit of time to come up with a guest list. If the happy couple knows about the party the easiest thing to do is ask them who should be invited. Family members and close friends are fairly obvious, but in addition you may want to invite old coworkers, church members, old neighbors, and the list can go on. If you are planning a surprise party for the couple, this can be a little tricky. Rather than getting the input of just one family member, send a tentative guest list to several family members and ask each for additions and deletions. This will help make sure no one gets missed.

The Invitations

If you're throwing a huge anniversary party, sending out invitations can be quite the task. If the party budget allows for it, get them custom made. You can order the invitations online and get everything shipped to you and ready to go. This will save an enormous amount of time. If the party budget is tight and that money would better go to use elsewhere, making your own invitations can actually be quite simple. All you need is a computer and a printer. You can download some great invitations templates that are simple enough to put together. All you need to do is add all the party information and perhaps a beautiful quote on the front and voila your invitations are ready to go.

Setting the Scene

Decorations for the party don't have to be hugely extravagant, but by adding some special touches you will help make the night even more special for the happy couple. Use the anniversary color almost exclusively; this will help make a great effect. Some ways to use either silver or gold are:

- Use gold or silver pen or ink for place cards, menu, and any other written items

- Gold or silver balloons make a beautiful yet inexpensive decoration

- Add gold or silver placemats or doilies at each place setting

- Gold or silver candles and or candle holders make a great centerpiece

- Dinnerware and barware should have gold or silver accents

There are many other ways in which you can incorporate these colors into the party. Just be sure not to overdo it since this may actually have a night club-ish tacky sort of look to it. Add plenty of white to balance it out.

Favors to Remember

Many couples will want to send their guests away with a little something to remember the night by and as a thank you for attending. One of the best favors ideas is a small picture frame of the couple. You can use pictures from their wedding day or a more recent photo. If you can find picture frames that hold two photos a nice idea is to add both a picture of their wedding day and a recent one. Friends and family of the couple will love taking this beautiful keepsake home.

Another great idea is a CD of songs form the era that the couple met and was married. This will bring back great memories for many of their family and friends and is probably one of the most useful favor possibilities. Be sure to check with local copyright laws to determine what type of fees apply to creating and giving away a music compilation. Make sure that all the music on the CD gets played throughout the night to really give guests something to remember.

A Night of Nostalgia

A great idea for any anniversary party, big or small, is a slide show. Start the show of with pictures of the couple when they first met and progress through the years of children and grandchildren. Don't be surprised to see a few eyes get misty during the show. Add some memorable quotes throughout the show, and play some touching music that reminds them of certain times in their lives.

If you want the slide show to be a surprise, you can ask family and friends for their favorite pictures to add to the show. You'll probably end up with more pictures than you'll know what to do with so don't worry if you can't get any of the couple's picture albums.

As you can see, planning an anniversary party can take a lot of time, so start planning as soon as possible. Since you could be inviting well over 100 people, starting a year in advance isn't too soon. Don't try and take this task on by yourself, you'll probably have plenty of offers from friends and family to give you a hand; definitely take them up on their offer. This will be a night for everyone to cherish and remember, and the happy anniversary couple will be on cloud nine after seeing how much they mean to everyone in their lives.

John Lenaghan writes about party planning and other tips for the Party Ideas 4u website, where he provides valuable tips and advice about Anniversary party ideas, birthday party ideas and other party planning topics.

---

Holiday Beauty Dos and Donts

Why is it that whenever you go to a holiday... Read More

Jewelry As A Father?s Day Gift

It is widely known that many men enjoy fine jewelry.... Read More

Advantages of Online Greeting Cards Over Paper Cards - Part II

So, let's review a little what we said in the... Read More

Low On Cash For Christmas? Try Gifts in a Jar

Time is money, and right now you don't have either... Read More

Ready for Christmas? Enjoy an Organized Holiday This Year

1. Keep a stack of directions TO your place for... Read More

Honor Mothers: Song Remembers Mom Forever

In the spirit of Mother's Day, two songwriters are sharing... Read More

Tropical Christmas

I can recall from my days in England, watching television... Read More

Why July 4th ?

On July 4th 1776 the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration... Read More

How To Choose The Hotel Thats Right For You

Getting the right hotel to spend one~s vacation at is... Read More

Tips to Save Time & Money; Christmas Shopping Online

So Christmas is a few months away. Seems like a... Read More

Birthday Gift Guide

A birthday gift is the opportunity to show your loved... Read More

Gifts: What Do You Give A Couch Potato?

So you know someone who likes to "veg out" in... Read More

The Christmas Dress

From the time I was a very little girl, I... Read More

Legends of the Christmas Tree

The Christmas tree is a much loved symbol iinstantly calling... Read More

Top Ten Tips To A Terrific Valentine?s Day - For Men in Relationships

Okay guys, so this is a great opportunity to get... Read More

Outside the Box Gingerbread Houses

Beyond trees and wreaths, there are few symbols of the... Read More

Give Presence Not Presents

Throughout the year we have many gift-giving opportunities to show... Read More

Unique Gift Ideas for the 21st Century

As a personal growth specialist, I like to think I'm... Read More

Tis The Season For Love ? and Stress!

The holidays are upon us and for many people this... Read More

Fathers Day Gift Guide

Fathers Day is the one day of the year when... Read More

Birthday Gift Ideas

Birthday celebrations date back as far as biblical times, when... Read More

Christmas Gift Ideas

Christmas is such a special day. It is a day... Read More

Seven Great Holiday Decorating Tips--Without Breaking the Bank

If you're looking for great ways to decorate your home... Read More

10 Great Gift Ideas for Fathers Day

What do you get for the man who has always... Read More

Fathers Day and Flowers

Father's Day is about to be celebrated in Australia. The... Read More

New Years Resolutions

Ah, the start of another year! In a groggy haze... Read More

Easy Gift Ideas For Dad On Fathers Day

Father's Day is just around the corner. If you're looking... Read More

Creative Kid Birthday Cake Ideas

A Creative Dream Come TrueA hush falls over the room... Read More

How to Create an Irresistible Valentine?s Day Centerpiece

Valentine's Day is just around the corner which of course... Read More

Ill Be Home For Christmas

Direct Answers - Column for the week of November 29,... Read More

What Is The Easter In Your Business?

Easter 2005 is coming, Sunday March 27, and Christians worldwide... Read More

Preparing For the Holidays: Ho Ho Ho... or Bah Humbug!

Some of my clients dread the holiday season because it... Read More

Successful Holiday Gift Giving Starts with a Plan

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas and the... Read More