Celebrating an anniversary is a monumental event.  Not only is it a commemoration of the couple’s lasting commitment to one another, but it’s also a special time to look back on the good memories they and their family have had.   This is a great time to get family and friends together to celebrate this special day.

Depending on how long the couple has been married, some couples will prefer a small celebration just with immediate family.  But if it’s a landmark year, it would be great to invite extended family, and friends and have a grand party  to honor the committed couple.

While getting plans together it’s best to put together a list.  The sooner you put a list together, the more organized you will be.  Thinking of all there is to do can be overwhelming, but if you itemize everything accordingly, then you’ll have the time to do everything, which will keep you from any anxiety attacks.

You should have lists for two months before the party, and a final checklist a couple weeks before the party.

Two Months Before:

What date is the party?  If the actual anniversary is during the week, it’s still better to hold the party on a weekend.  That way all who desire to be there, can attend.

Where are you having the party? If you are having a small celebration then maybe a restaurant, or even someone’s home will suffice.  But if you are having a larger celebration there are a number of locations to choose from.  Many will look to the best banquet halls in Long Island, but depending on when the party is, you may be able to pin down one of the best Long Island wedding venues during the wedding offseason.

Who’s invited? Think about who the special couple would like to have at their event, and get those invites sent out.  The sooner you get the RSVP’s back the better.

Set your budget. Deciding on what you want or are able to spend on the big day.  If you set a budget, then assign things to some of the immediate family, you can have a great anniversary party without having everything coming from your pocket.

What’s everyone going to eat? Decide if you would prefer to serve the food yourself or would you like to have the party catered.  Some Long Island wedding venues have on-site catering.  If you are having a large party it would be a huge stress relief to have the event catered.

Two Week Checklist

Decor. Because this is a anniversary party, the decor you set up can be very simple.  I would suggest thinking of the couple and centering the decorations around them.  Maybe some pictures from when they were younger, including their wedding picture.  You could hang a “Happy Anniversary” banner where people are walking in.

Music It is important to decide if you want a live band, or a DJ.  Either way, you’ll want to book them about a month before the party.  If you know it’s  busy time for weddings, you may want to even book them earlier. If you are in the middle of wedding season, you might not want to compete with those high prices and just put a playlist together on your iPod.  It would be easier to rent a PA, and play the music yourself.  But if you are in the wedding offseason, it will be really special to have professionals in charge of the music.

Speeches You can invite those who will be giving speeches a couple weeks before the party, so they don’t stress for months on what to say.  A couple weeks is enough time to think about and decide what to say.  You might want to invite the couple’s oldest child, or one of their siblings, or a best friend to give a speech.  Make sure they are people who are comfortable with public speaking, and make sure they won’t drink to much before they speak.  You should also invite the couple to say a few words.  Everyone will want to hear from them.  Just inform them what time of the evening they’ll be speaking.

With these simple checklists, you’ll be able to plan an excellent anniversary party.  Seeking out the best banquet halls in Long Island, could be a great solution to any issues involving food, or space.  Remember, this is a special event, so make sure you and the celebrated couple have a great time.

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