A Step-By-Step Guide On How To Plan An Anniversary Party
Celebrating an anniversary is so special and planning a party to celebrate with even more loved ones is all the more merrier. We wanted to give you a step-by-step guide on how to host a wedding anniversary party to keep your focus more on enjoying and less on stressing. This day reminds you of all the reasons you fell in love with your person and how you have loved them every day since which is why a wedding anniversary is so important.
Wedding Anniversary Party Tips
1. Set a Budget
The first thing you will want to decide on is the budget. What are you willing to spend overall, and then taking that budget and breaking it down into smaller categories such as luxury wedding venues, food, décor, entertainment, furniture, staff and so forth. This will help you manage and track your budget more closely to prevent you from overspending. This can also help manage what categories you may need to allocate more money to if one is reaching its limit, and another is barely tapped into.
2. Choose a Venue
The next question on your mind should be how to choose an anniversary venue? You will first want to decide what it is you’re looking for and narrow your search in from there. Do you have your heart set on unique wedding venues? Something more upscale or lowkey? Or maybe it’s based on location such as Los Angeles wedding venues? Once you know what you’re looking for you can begin your search. We always recommend creating a list of wants and needs that will guide your conversation with venue representatives and help you ask the right questions. We also recommend finding a venue that has an event planning team. This will make your life and the overall process a whole lot easier.
3. Select a Theme
Now you will want to choose a theme for your party. This will help guide everything aesthetic wise when it comes to the décor, the invitations, the dress code and the food and beverage options. When you have a theme, it makes your party feel like one seamless experience that people will enjoy and remember. This also in a way makes your life easier when it comes to choosing options because you have a visual guideline now to base your decisions off of.
4. Choose a Date and Send Out invitations
Now that you have decided on your venue and the theme, you can pick a date and send out the invitations. You will want to make sure the date is far enough out to give guests time to prepare and plan. We typically recommend 4-6 weeks for advance notice, so people have plenty of time to coordinate. Once you choose the date, you’re ready to send out the invitations. You will want to include all the crucial information guests will need to know and make sure your invitations match the theme that you’re going for with the party.
5. Food and Drinks
One of the worst things at a party is letting your guests go hungry and thirsty so make sure you have enough food and drinks to last throughout the night. Your options should be tied to the theme of your party, and there are many different options when it comes to event catering styles. For food, you could do a buffet, waiters walking around with appetizers and hors d’oeuvres, or you could do a formal sit-down dinner. For drinks, you could have cocktails servers, an open bar or a build your own beverage station. If you work with an event planning team, they can help you coordinate on the best option for layout of the venue and the size of your party.
6. Entertainment
Finally, you will want to decide on entertainment. Will you have live music? Games that guests can participate in? A photobooth or backdrop wall? Keeping your guests entertained will keep them at your party longer so you can enjoy your guests all night long.
At Piovra Group, we are connected with many event spaces in Los Angeles across the board. Whatever you envision for your anniversary party, we can bring it to life for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: If I have a few venues I like, what should be my ultimate deciding factor?
A: We would say the value you’re getting for your dollar. If you have a venue who has an event planning team, a great venue, vendor connections and included amenities, versus a venue that doesn’t for a very similar price, you’re going to get so much more out of the experience by going with the venue that elevates the planning process for you.
Q: Can Piovra Group help me plan the theme of my party?
A: Of course. We have been in this industry for many years and are more than happy to help plan during any phase of the process.
Q: What is a realistic budget for a party like this?
A: That can vary dramatically depending on what you’re looking for! If you have an event planning team, they can help you set a realistic budget based on the size of the party, the venue you want, food options, furniture and so much more.