8 Tips on How to Throw an Anniversary Party for Your Parents
So, it’s your parents’ 25th wedding anniversary, and they’ve talked about it, and decided to do… nothing.
The anticipated stress of having to plan a get together or the awkwardness of having to sit through minstrels massacring Mozart at a “romantic” restaurant is just too much. So they’ve chosen the TV instead?
When they look back at this great mark of achievement in their marriage, they will remember… what? Watching The Big Bang Theory in their PJs?
It’s time for us to take matters into our own hands.
Organizing an amazing anniversary party doesn’t have to be an anxiety-filled, time-consuming and money-draining experience – in fact, if you keep a few key things in mind, it can be pretty simple.
Here are eight tips on how to make sure everything goes to plan.
1. Venue
Hiring a venue can be appealing, but it’s a drain on the wallet as it has to be done months in advance to secure your place of choice. There are often a lot of restrictions on time, noise and decorations.
I would recommend choosing to hold the party at either at your parents, your home, or one of your siblings’ homes – basically whoever has the roomiest house (or garden). It’s free, and you can more or less plan what you want!
2. Guest list
Consider how large your parents would want the party to be.
Would they want an intimate get together with just close friends and immediate family? Or would they prefer a gathering of all their family and friends to celebrate that great day?
3. Theme
Image by: alisdair
Whilst I wouldn’t suggest a full-blown Gone With The Wind themed extravaganza, you need to decide what the focus will be for the party. If it’s the height of summer, consider having a barbecue, and if you have a pool, suggest littler ones bring their bathing suits.
If it’s winter, think about a relaxed evening soiree. Think about whether there’ll be dancing, and whether you want to hire a band or another musical performer.
4. Invitations
Make sure you send out invitations at least six to eight weeks in advance, and forget about doing them over Facebook or via email. Handwritten invitations on nice paper are an elegant and money-saving option, though if you’re strapped for time, stylish invitations can be designed on the computer and printed on card in bulk.
5. Decorations
As a general rule, don’t worry too much about decorations – as long as the house and garden are tidy, then you shouldn’t need too much else. Keep it simple with fresh cut flowers and fairy lights draped through trees, or from the ceiling.
6. Food
Image by: cfccreates
If you’ve invited more than eight guests, forget about cooking a full-blown 3 course meal – it will require a huge amount of skill and effort on your part, and can be difficult to get right. Instead, think buffet. If it’s summer, have a BBQ with salads that you can prepare well in advance, or buy ready-prepared meals. If you’re indoors, just lay the dining table with finger foods such as mini pizzas, and let everyone help themselves!
7. Gifts
Don’t forget to prompt close family to bring presents – and remember those traditions: 15th is crystal, 20th china, 25th silver, 30th pearl, 40th ruby, 50th gold, 60th diamond. Great (not terribly expensive) anniversary gift ideas for the both of them could be a photo album, picture frame or an engraved plaque.
8. Execution
As long as your motto has been preparation, preparation, preparation, then the execution of the party should be fuss free. Just make sure you start making food, tidying and decorating in plenty of time, and make your parents the centre of attention, and it should all go off without a hitch!
Elise Lévêque is a lively freelance writer, always finding an excuse to throw an awesome party for her family and friends! She blogs for Goodheart Gifts ,where she finds lovely gift ideas for her beloved ones.
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