Anniversaries

Celebrating that "Special Day" . . .
Whether it's been five years - or 50 - celebrating a wedding anniversary should be a joyous occasion, one that is shared with both family and close friends.

Helping you make your party special is a special part of our business. Over the years, we've sold millions of party goods and believe our experience can help you plan an anniversary party that your guests -and you - will enjoy and remember fondly for years to come.

First, The Basics

Planning a large party can seem like a monumental task, particularly when you're hosting an anniversary party for somebody else, such as your parents. But if you focus on advanced planning and stay organized, the anniversary celebration is sure to be a success. Not sure where to begin? Start here with these basic steps:

Make up your guest list. Be sure to include "old friends" and others who'll help make this occasion a special one.
Select the date and time. If you're hosting the party for another couple, consider their schedules, as well as those of close family or friends who may be traveling from out of town. Should the party be a surprise? Could you pull it off?
Pick the location. Your home can be an intimate and a lower cost location. Restaurants, catering halls and other outside venues tend to lose that personal touch. Talk to friends and caterers to get ideas that are right for you.
Establish the theme or style for the event. For some creative ideas, see below.
Purchase and send out invitations. Make sure to include all pertinent information, such as directions, any special gift suggestions and, of course, if the event is intended to be a surprise.
Ask friends and family for recommendations. Think caterers, servers, photographers, musicians, rental companies, florists and decorators. Once you've chosen your vendors, confirm all arrangements in writing - and again a few days prior to the event.
Set a budget and time schedule. Once you've selected your vendors, keep to the budget and timetable, and refer to it frequently to make sure you stay on solid ground.
Shop for decorations and favors. Whether or not you've chosen a specific theme for the party, there are many lovely designs and options to choose from.
Double check every detail. Keep a detailed "to do" list leading up to the event. Write down those items you want to buy, call about, or double check - along with timelines - and check off items as the party planning progresses.

Now, Get Creative.

Make that anniversary party truly special with a little added creativity. By choosing an appropriate theme, the theme may be implemented into the invitations, decorations and favors - you can make your event not only enjoyable, but unforgettable as well.
Take a walk down "memory lane." Bring the years the couple has spent together to life: Invite your guests to bring their favorite photos of the couple and display them attractively during the party. And make new memories with a disposable party camera at every table. Or send a sheet of paper with the invitation and ask the guests to share their fondest memories. Compile the sheets into a book and present it to the couple at the party.
Give them their "dream trip." Most couples have their "dream trip" - one they've always wanted to take, but never did. Perhaps it's a trip to Hawaii or a romantic cruise. Give it to them, both decoratively and literally. Transform the party into a "island paradise", and ask each guest to contribute to the trip as their gift to the sure-to-be-happy couple.
Go back in time. Remember when the couple got married. Was it during the rock-n-roll 50s? Or the 70s, when everything was hip and groovy? Relive those days - and have a lot of fun - with a theme party from one of those eras.

What about the gift?

Some couples would prefer not to receive gifts. Others may have a big ticket item on their "wish list" - such as a trip - and you may request that guests contribute cash towards that gift. Others still may prefer a donation to a charity. Whatever their preference, it should be noted on the invitation.

But what if there is no gift preference? What do you do then? Consider these suggestions.

Traditional Wedding Anniversary Gifts
1st: Paper
2nd: Cotton
3rd: Leather
4th: Fruit and Flower; Linen
5th: Wood
6th: Sugar and Sweet; Iron
7th: Wool; Copper
8th: Bronze and Rubber
9th: Pottery and Willow
10th: Tin; Aluminum
11th: Steel
12th: Silk and Fine Linen
13th: Lace
14th: Ivory
15th: Crystal
20th: China
25th: Silverv 30th: Pearls; Ivory
35th: Coral; Jade
40th: Rubies
45th: Sapphires
50th: Gold
55th: Emeralds
60th: Diamonds

Contemporary Wedding Anniversary Gifts
1st: Clocks
2nd: China
3rd: Crystal; Glass
4th: Electrical Appliances
5th: Silverware
6th: Wood
7th: Desk Sets
8th: Linens; Lace
9th: Leather
10th: Diamond Jewelry
11th: Fashion Jewelry; Accessories
12th: Pearls; Colored Gems
13th: Textiles; Furs
14th: Gold Jewelry
15th: Watches
16th: Silver Hollowware
17th: Furniture
18th: Porcelain
19th: Bronze
20th: Platinum
25th: Sterling Silver
30th: Diamonds
35th: Jade
40th: Rubies
45th: Sapphires
50th: Gold
55th: Emeralds
60th: Diamonds

Supplies Checklist
Invitations
Postage stamps
Food/beverages
Cake
Paper goods (i.e., tablecloths, plates, napkins, cutlery, cups)
Centerpieces
Favors
Guest Book
Balloons and helium
Streamers
Confetti
Music/entertainment
Disposable Party Cameras
Giftwrap, bows, ribbons
Banners/lawn sign
Favors
Gift for couple