Your 10-year anniversary planning checklist

A 10-year anniversary deserves more than a date and a cake. This checklist puts the work in order, from building the guest list and booking the venue to confirming dietary needs, preparing the programme and setting up the room. It also covers details that are easy to leave too late, such as music rights, presentation equipment, chilled drinks and weather checks. Use the plan to track 54 tasks and 48 items without having to rebuild the schedule yourself.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Compile guest list
Design invitations
Send invitations
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Confirm registrations
Reserve venue
Finalize catering arrangements
Create a music playlist
Develop the program
2 people
Confirm speakers
Prepare presentation
2 people
Collect photos
2 people
Check music rights
Check the weather forecast
Do the shopping
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Prepare snacks
3 people
Picking up the cake
Check the venue
2 people
Clean the room
3 people
Set up tables
3 people
Set up chairs
3 people
Set up the buffet
3 people
Set up the drinks bar
2 people
Hang decorations
3 people
Test lighting
2 people
Test sound system
2 people
Test presentation
2 people
Lay out name badges
Set up the reception desk
2 people
Brief reception team
3 people

Event

Welcome guests
3 people
Serve welcome drinks
3 people
Register sign-ups
2 people
Serve snacks
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Present anniversary program
2 people
Open the buffet
3 people
Restock the buffet
3 people
Cut the cake
2 people
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
Provide music
See off guests
2 people

Aftercare

Collect waste
3 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Clear buffet
3 people
Dismantle furniture
4 people
Remove decorations
3 people
Clean the room
3 people
Pack equipment
2 people
Return borrowed items
2 people
Store leftovers
2 people
Take out the trash
2 people

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 60
Buffet tablesqty 3
Bar stoolsqty 6
Coat rack

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 60
Dessert platesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 60
Water glassesqty 60
Wine glassesqty 60
Coffee spoonsqty 60
Dinner cutlery setsqty 60
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8
Pitcherqty 4

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Balloon arch
Anniversary banner
Tableclothsqty 8
Napkin holdersqty 8
Flower arrangementsqty 6
Name badgesqty 60
Photo framesqty 10
Sticky tackqty 2

Equipment

Laptop
Projector
Projection screen
Speakersqty 2
Microphoneqty 2
Microphone stand
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Coolersqty 3

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 6
LED lampsqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee makerqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knifeqty 2
Cake knife
Serving spoonsqty 8
Aluminum foilqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Cleaning bucketsqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mop and squeegeeqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Send invitations early enough to allow time for registrations, then set a clear deadline for replies. After that deadline, confirm attendance and collect dietary requirements before finalising catering quantities.
Build the programme before preparing the presentation. Confirm speakers, gather photos and test the laptop, projector, screen, speakers and microphone together rather than discovering a connection problem on the day.
Check music rights before finalising the playlist, especially if the anniversary is held in a hired or public venue. Keep the playlist ready offline and test the speakers during the venue check.
Plan drinks in two stages: chill what can be chilled in advance, then set up the drinks bar close to guest arrival. Put water glasses, wine glasses, a pitcher and serving items where guests can find them without interrupting the programme.
Finish the room setup before the event day where possible. Arrange tables, chairs, buffet tables and the coat rack first, then add tablecloths, name badges, flowers and anniversary decorations; collect the cake on the day and check the weather before the final shopping trip.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I send 10-year anniversary invitations?: Send them at least 6 to 8 weeks before the celebration so guests have time to reply. Set the registration deadline about 3 weeks before the event, leaving time to confirm numbers and dietary requirements with the caterer.
When should I confirm catering for a 10-year anniversary?: Confirm the main catering arrangements at least 3 weeks before the event, after the registration deadline. Recheck the final guest count and dietary requirements 7 days before the celebration.
When should I prepare the anniversary presentation and playlist?: Collect photos and prepare the presentation at least 2 weeks beforehand. Finish the playlist and check music rights no later than 7 days before the event, then test all equipment during the venue check.
What should I do on the day before a 10-year anniversary?: Clean and inspect the room, arrange furniture, check the forecast and complete the shopping the day before. Chill drinks and prepare snacks in advance where possible, while collecting the cake on the event day so it stays fresh.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.