Planning to throw a marriage anniversary party?
Whether you’re throwing a surprise party for your favorite couple or your significant other, don’t even think about pulling it off all by yourself. Unfortunately, most of us aren’t equipped to handle the pressure of anniversary party planning. That’s when it’s time to call the experts.
At Vivaldi Venues, we know a little something about successful event planning. In this article, we’ll show how to plan a wedding anniversary party that ticks all the boxes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Planning an Anniversary Party
The days leading up to the big event may seem complicated and overwhelming.
You have to book venues, arrange catering, compile guest lists, and so much more. But there’s only so much a person can think about at a time. That’s why we recommend taking a structured step-by-step approach.
Step 1: Choose the Location
Since this is a wedding anniversary, we assume you already have a date in mind. However, is a venue ready and available on the day? It’s worth checking in advance. This is especially true in Los Angeles, where thousands of parties are hosted every day — a banquet hall in Glendale could be booked out weeks or months prior.
Once you have a list of anniversary party ideas ready, assess which is most feasible based on the availability of your venue. If you aren’t planning a big event, you could get creative with your decor and host it at home. Or you could plan a smashing party at a medium-sized venue in Glendale.
Provided you start early, the choices are unlimited.
Step 2: Choose a Theme
For a creative planner, there’s no lack of anniversary party themes to experiment with. You could go with a forever classic, like a vow-renewal, or a laid-back beach luau, for a less formal affair — literally any theme could work under the right circumstances.
How do you narrow it down? Start by asking a few questions about the couple:
- Where did they meet?
- What do they do for work?
- What interests do they have in common?
It’s also worth considering the trends of the day.
A Great Gatsby-themed anniversary, for instance, may feel a little dated, while a party focused on recreating specific memories may feel more authentic and enjoyable. Or vice-versa, depending on the guests.
Similarly, anniversary party decoration ideas are highly subjective.
If you’re planning the party for yourself, deciding on decorations should be simple enough. But if you’re wondering how to plan an anniversary party for parents or close friends instead, put yourself in the couple’s shoes and ask, “What would they enjoy?”
Step 3: Plan the Guest List and Invitations
Don’t ignore the importance of the party invite. It sets the tone for the celebration, no matter whether it’s a formal black-tie dinner or a casual backyard gathering.
Start by creating a guest list. Once again, consider the couple’s preferences: would they prefer a big event? Or would they prefer a low-key celebration at a small venue in Glendale? Answering these questions will help you narrow down the options.
Once the names are finalized, spare some thought for the invitations themselves. Make sure the cards match the formality of the event. Also include all key information, such as:
- Date, time, and address
- Dress code (if applicable)
- RSVP deadline and contact info
Aim to send out invitations four to six weeks in advance for casual parties, and up to eight to 12 weeks ahead for destination parties. This gives guests ample time to plan and builds anticipation.
Step 4: Book Caterers
No party is successful until at least one guest has complimented the food.
Start the anniversary party dinner planning by deciding what kind of dining experience best fits the tone of the event. A formal sit-down dinner might be perfect for a milestone event, while a buffet or a food station setup may suit a more relaxed affair.
If the couple has a favorite cuisine or dish — maybe the pasta from their honeymoon in Italy or the skewers from their first date at the neighborhood restaurant — consider incorporating it into the menu for a personal touch.
When looking for catering in Los Angeles, don’t forget to factor in dietary restrictions and allergies. Also remember to calculate catering portions carefully.
Step 5: Hire the Vendors
If you’re planning a small-scale party for the couple and close friends, you can get away by making a playlist of their favorite songs. But if you’re wondering how to plan an anniversary party that people talk about for years — you need to go bigger.
You could hire a DJ to keep the energy up, a jazz trio for a touch of elegance, a live band for that nostalgic flair, or even a string quartet to serenade guests. Music sets the mood, so match it to the vibe you want — upbeat, romantic, classy, or all of the above.
A professional photographer, meanwhile, can be hired to capture the best moments of the night for posterity.
For larger events, you could also think about enlisting lighting and sound vendors. A drone operator can provide overhead footage, a caricature artist can make sketches, and a bartender can create custom cocktails — it’s these little additions that turn regular wedding anniversary party ideas into exceptional ones.
Step 6: Plan Fun Activities
The last step of our anniversary party planning checklist is a reminder: don’t forget to have fun. There’s nothing worse for the couple than having to constantly worry their guests aren’t having a good time. So, make sure there are a lot of activities planned.
Looking for things to do at an anniversary party? Here are a few options:
- Set aside a dedicated time for toasts
- Recreate moments from the couple’s first date
- Play a slideshow or video montage showcasing milestones, funny moments, or messages from loved ones who couldn’t attend.
- Play anniversary trivia: a game in which guests test how well they know the couple.
- Leave a memory jar or book at the entrance so guests can leave behind memories, or a piece of advice for the couple.
Remember the goal here is to celebrate the couple’s journey. Choose activities that reflect their personality and keep the atmosphere light.
Spread the Love with Vivaldi Venues
At Vivaldi Venues, we are proud to have hosted wedding anniversaries of dozens of couples across Los Angeles. Our venue in Glendale has seen it all — formal sit down dinners, guests ripping up dance floors, and relationships getting a new lease of life.
If you want to throw a party for the books, there’s no better place than Vivaldi Venues.
