Anniversary bridge drive checklist

An anniversary bridge drive needs more than cards and tables. You must coordinate registrations, dietary requirements, catering, prizes, match schedules and scorekeeping before guests arrive. This checklist puts the work in a usable order, from building the participant list to setting up the registration and scoring desks. It also covers the details people often leave too late, such as printing route directions, checking chilled drinks and testing the printer, laptop and extension cords at the venue.

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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 the participant list
Draft invitations
Send invitations
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Confirm registrations
Order prizes for the bridge drive
Book catering
Confirm the venue and room layout
Create the bridge match schedule
Prepare table numbering
Print scorecards and run sheets
Print the program and route directions
Check prizes and anniversary gifts
2 people
Check the shopping list
Do the shopping
2 people
Confirm catering and dietary meals
Buy drinks and chilled products
2 people
Prepare anniversary decorations
2 people
Bring materials to the venue
2 people
Ventilate and check the hall
2 people
Set up tables and chairs
3 people
Lay out bridge cases and cards
2 people
Set up the scoring table
2 people
Set up registration desk
2 people
Set up buffet and coffee station
3 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Hang decorations
2 people
Display prizes and gifts

Event

Staff the reception desk
2 people
Register participants
2 people
Explain the program
Lead the first bridge round
2 people
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
Collect scorecards
2 people
Guide second bridge round
2 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Serve snacks
2 people
Check scores
2 people
Open the buffet
3 people
Restock the buffet
2 people
Guide the third bridge round
2 people
Collect tableware and glasses
2 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Calculate final scores
2 people
Handle prize ceremony
2 people
Deliver anniversary speech
See participants off
2 people

Aftercare

Collect bridge cards and supplies
3 people
Sort and remove waste
2 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Clear tables and chairs
3 people
Clean the room
3 people
Remove decorations
2 people
Pack leftover catering
2 people
Return materials
2 people
Return borrowed items
2 people
Handle lost and found

What to bring

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

Furniture

Bridge tablesqty 12
Chairsqty 52
Buffet tablesqty 3
Registration desk
Clothes racksqty 2

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 60
Glassesqty 80
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving spoonsqty 8
Coffee potsqty 4
Teapotsqty 2

Equipment

Bridge cardsqty 24
Card sleevesqty 12
Bid traysqty 12
Calculatorsqty 2
Laptop
Printer
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 6
Serving traysqty 6
Small bowlsqty 12
Pliersqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3

Decorations

Anniversary banner
Table decorationsqty 12
Balloonsqty 40
Balloon pump
String lightsqty 3

Catering

Groceries
Buffet warmersqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Ice cubesqty 12

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Hand soap dispensersqty 3

Other

Table number cardsqty 12
Scorecardsqty 120
Running sheetsqty 60
Pen setsqty 24
Name stickersqty 60
Clipboardsqty 4
Prize trophiesqty 6
Anniversary giveawaysqty 48
Printer paper
Tapeqty 4
Scissorsqty 3

Tips

Set a registration deadline at least 10 to 14 days before the drive. Use the final list to confirm attendance, collect dietary requirements and prepare table numbers, scorecards and the match schedule.
Order bridge-drive prizes and anniversary gifts no later than 2 to 3 weeks ahead. Check the delivery as soon as it arrives so missing or damaged items do not become an event-day problem.
Confirm catering and dietary meals 3 to 5 days before the drive. Buy drinks and chilled products close to the event, and plan enough coffee cups, glasses, plates, cutlery, coffee pots and teapots for the full service.
Print the program, route directions, scorecards and run sheets at least 2 days beforehand. Print a few spare copies, then test the printer, laptop, calculators, extension cords and power strips before packing them.
Allow 90 to 120 minutes for venue setup. Ventilate and check the hall first, then place tables and chairs, number the bridge tables, lay out cards and bid trays, and set up the registration and scoring desks before guests arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I send anniversary bridge drive invitations?: Send invitations about 6 to 8 weeks before the event, with a clear registration deadline 10 to 14 days before the drive. That leaves time to confirm registrations, finalise the match schedule and order the correct number of prizes.
How many bridge tables do I need for an anniversary bridge drive?: Plan one bridge table for every four players, based on the confirmed participant list. Keep the final table count ready at least 3 days before the event so the room layout, table numbering and card sets can be prepared accurately.
When should I confirm catering and dietary requirements?: Collect dietary requirements during registration and confirm the final numbers with the caterer 3 to 5 days before the drive. Recheck the dietary meals when catering arrives rather than assuming they are labelled correctly.
What should be ready at the venue before guests arrive?: Have the tables, chairs, numbered bridge tables, cards, bid trays, scorecards, registration desk and scoring table ready at least 30 minutes before registration opens. Also check lighting, ventilation, power connections and the route directions before the first guests arrive.

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.