Checklist
for Planning an
Anniversary Party at Home
Begin
planning up to 6 months in advance
1. Decide on a date. Determine your budget. Who else
might help with the finances, for example, other family members?
2.
If you decide to hold the party in your home, decide if you want
a caterer, assistance in the kitchen, a bartender, someone to
clean your home before and/or help clean up after. Get recommendation
and begin to contact people.
3.
You may decide to choose a caterer instead of making the food
yourself. This will allow you to concentrate on all the other
details of your party. To choose a caterer, follow the appropriate
steps above in #5, #6, and #7. Ask to taste some samples. Caterers
usually include gratuity and taxes with quotes. Book the caterer
as soon as you have made a decision because good caterers will
book up fast.
4.
If you decide to hold the party in your home and you want to do
all the work yourself, elicit the help of friends and family.
They can do many of the things in the steps above. Decide on a
theme. Get suggestions from someone who gives great parties.
5.
If you decide to make the food, begin to plan your menu carefully.
Start with dishes that can be made in advance and frozen or that
can stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Plan on no
more than one or two dishes that require last minute preparation
(except for heating and baking). Friends and family will most
likely offer to help with food preparation also.
6.
If 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.
7.
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 if you have a caterer. 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.
8.
Decide if you will have entertainment in your home. If you have
a large enough area consider a DJ who will play appropriate music
or even a trio of musicians; it always adds a nice touch. If you
have a DJ, make sure the DJ understands exactly what kind of music
you want.
9.
Designate friends/relatives to take snap pictures for the party.
You may still have a professional photographer come to take some
formal pictures.
10.
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.
11.
Shop for items that you can buy in advance (decorations, centerpieces,
party apparel, some food items, dishes, napkins, candles, 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.
12.
If you have the party in your home, you may decide to be the toast
master yourself. Or you may ask a close family relative or friend
to speak and guide the toasts. You can ask others ahead of time
if they also wish to say something. Don’t surprise someone
by asking them to speak without talking to them ahead of time.
Most people like to think about what they want to say on this
important occasion.
13.
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
14. 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 your anniversary party!!!!
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