Page 2: Checklist for Planning a
Large or Formal Anniversary Party
8.
Book the final place that you have chosen. Don’t delay once
you have made your final decision because often the best places
book up fast.
9.
You may decide to have your party at a place that does not supply
the food. In that case, you will need to choose a caterer. Follow
the appropriate steps above in #5, #6, and #7. Caterers usually
include gratuity and taxes with quotes.
10.
Decide if you will have entertainment. If so, you should choose
a band that plays music from the appropriate era. Often there
are musicians, pianists, amateur trios or small bands that you
can hire for an evening for a reasonable price. Call your local
college, music stores, and get recommendations from people. Interview
your choices. One note: older people are often hard of hearing-make
sure the music is not intrusive or too loud. Otherwise, people
will not be able to carry on conversations. If you want dance
music, make sure there is at least a small dance floor. Book the
entertainment that you have chosen. Ask the musician or the band
to visit the facility that you have chosen in order to make sure
everything they need is there. You do not want any surprises the
day of the party!
11.
Decide if you want a professional photographer. You may decide
to have a professional photographer for formal poses in the beginning
of the party and designate friends/relatives to snap pictures
for the rest of the evening. Or you may, if budget allows, have
a photographer for the entire party-this will free up everyone
to have fun. Again, get recommendations, call, visit the studio
to look at examples of work, book final choice.
12.
If you are not holding the party at a hotel and you have out of
town guests, contact hotels to see if you can negotiate a group
rate for your guests. A block of rooms next to each other is best.
13.
At least three months in advance, send out invitations. Include
an RSVP so you know who will be attending. The number of people
attending is important information for the place that you have
booked and for the caterer if you have one. On the invitation
you may also include information about where to stay and details
about tourist attractions on the invitations for out of town guests.
14.
If you want flowers, decide on the florist. This should be coordinated
with the decorations and the theme. The florist may be able to
help with decorations and theme ideas.
15.
You may want to have a toastmaster. Decide if you want a friend
or relative who is comfortable speaking in front of a group who
can guide the party. This person hopefully should have a good
sense of humor. Review with the toastmaster what you would like
him or her to say. Focus always on the positive. The theme can
be tied in to  how
the toastmaster guides the party. You may decide to be the toast
master yourself. Also, you can ask others ahead of time if they
wish to speak. Make sure everything said is appropriate for the
occasion, nothing off color or insulting. Limit the amount of
time extra people will speak, approximately 3-4 minutes per person.
Nothing is more of a party downer than someone rambling on and
on. People want to hear short, funny and heartfelt toasts and
speeches.
16.
Shop for items that you can buy in advance (decorations, centerpieces,
party apparel, invitations etc). This may take more time than
you may think. You have to pick just the right dress!!!! If it
is a formal party, arrange for tux rental.
17.
Consider buying items online. The time and convenience will make
your planning so much easier AND you will have more choices! Here
are some suggestions of high quality invitations and anniversary
accessories:
Invitations:
Formal
| Casual
|
Vow
Renewal Ceremony Invitations
Keepsakes and Decorations:
Set 1 | Set
2
18. Put finishing touches on your party. When you have
your basics done ahead of time, you can be more relaxed as party
time draws near. You want to enjoy the anniversary party you have
coordinated!!!!
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