How To: Planning a Spectacular 50th Anniversary Party

We just celebrated my grandparents’ 50th wedding anniversary and it turned out to be the party of the year. Not only was it a grander affair than their wedding, but it was incredible to see the hundreds of people there who played such special roles in the lives of my grandparents. I couldn’t believe how many friends they had made over the years. Although I volunteered to take on the forbidding task of planning the event, lucky for me I wasn’t alone in the process.
If an anniversary celebration is coming your way, take heed to the bits of advice I put together after all was said and done. The day turned out spectacular, better than we could have ever imagined and surprisingly with very little stress.
1. Don’t fool yourself. Hire a caterer. This was, by far, the smartest decision ever made. Yes, it does cost more than preparing the food yourself, but realize that you’re paying someone to take it off your list of things to do. After the menu is decided upon, you can sit back and count on your caterer to take care of business the day of. Our Utah caterer not only created some of the most delectable foods ever to touch my palate, but brought with them an elegant and confident attitude that shaped the evening into a beautiful celebration.
2. Music. Music. Music. These days, DJs are almost a thing of the past. Find yourself an iPod and a sound system and you’re good to go for the evening. We put together a playlist of all the classic romantic artists as well as a few of the more contemporary ones: Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble, Harry Connick Junior, etc. Music can do a great job of creating the romantic and elegant environment you are hoping to bring to the party.
3. Be creative when it comes to location. We decided to hold the anniversary celebration in an old restored mansion that a friend of ours owns. It is a beautiful estate, located a few miles out in the country, surrounded by lush vineyards. We served hors d'oeuvres outside and then ushered everyone inside for the sit down, candle lit dinner.
4. Map out the night of events beforehand. One of the most simple things to do, and can save you the most time, is to map out the timing of events beforehand. Set approximate times for hors d’oeuvres, dinner, toasts, cake, and dancing. If you have a general schedule of events and times, you are more likely to feel less stress the night of because those in charge will know what’s happening and when.
5. Have fun with the cake. This is an anniversary, not a wedding. The traditional white cake, although still appropriate and forever classic, isn’t a must in this situation. Your caterer might have the capability to design the cake for you, but if not, they will definitely be able to give you a reputable reference. Try using fresh fruit or flowers with vivid color to bring a sophisticated elegance to the cake.
6. Don’t forget to have fun. Once the night has begun, try to relax and have fun. Even if something isn’t just as you had hoped, roll with the punches and have a good time. Chances are you’ll be the only one who had a clue something was wrong.