Anniversary brunch checklist

An anniversary brunch runs smoothly when guest numbers, food quantities and the room layout are settled before you shop or set tables. Start with invitations and dietary requirements, then confirm catering, furniture, refrigeration and the program. On the day, allow time for chilling drinks, preparing cold dishes, arranging the buffet and testing the microphone. This checklist also covers the small details people often leave until the last hour, such as coffee cups, serving utensils, dessert plates and a clear place for cakes.

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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 guest list
Send invitations
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Create final guest list
Calculate catering quantities
Reserve tables and chairs
Reserve refrigeration equipment
Put together the music
Plan program and speeches
2 people
Do the shopping
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Collect cakes and desserts
Wash fruits and vegetables
2 people
Prepare cold dishes
3 people
Slice and pack bread
2 people
Clean the venue
2 people
Set up tables
3 people
Set up chairs
2 people
Set up the buffet and drinks table
3 people
Set out tableware and cutlery
2 people
Hang decorations
2 people
Place floral arrangements
Test music and microphone
2 people
Prepare coffee and tea
2 people

Event

Welcome guests
3 people
Serve welcome drinks
2 people
Open the brunch buffet
2 people
Refill snacks and dishes
2 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Refill coffee and tea
Serve dietary meals separately
Lead the speech and photo moment
Cut and serve cake
2 people
Collect used dishes
2 people
Close buffet
2 people

Aftercare

Pack leftovers
2 people
Sort and remove waste
2 people
Wash the dishes and kitchenware
3 people
Clear tables and chairs
3 people
Remove decorations
2 people
Clean the venue
2 people
Switch off and pack up equipment
2 people
Return borrowed items
2 people

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 44
Buffet tablesqty 3
Drinks table
High tablesqty 2

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 50
Dessert platesqty 50
Coffee cupsqty 45
Water glassesqty 50
Wine glassesqty 45
Knivesqty 50
Forksqty 50
Spoonsqty 50
Teaspoonsqty 45
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 8

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 2
Mixing bowlsqty 4
Bread basketsqty 4
Butterfly netsqty 3
Small bowlsqty 12
Carafesqty 8

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Hot traysqty 4
Bluetooth speaker
Wireless microphone

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 6
Napkin holdersqty 8
Balloon bouquetsqty 6
Party buntingqty 4
Flower vasesqty 6
Photo framesqty 8

Lighting

String lightsqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 3
Bucketsqty 2
Litter pickersqty 2
Washing-up tubsqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Close registrations and create the final guest list before calculating food, drinks, plates and chairs. Keep dietary requirements beside the guest count so special portions are not missed.
Reserve tables, chairs and refrigeration equipment early, then check the venue measurements before delivery. A buffet table, drinks table and separate high tables can prevent queues during a busy brunch.
Plan the cold-food preparation in reverse order: wash fruit and vegetables first, prepare dishes next, and slice and pack bread close enough to serving time that it stays fresh. Collect cakes and desserts with enough time to keep them protected and chilled.
Set out serving platters, tongs and serving spoons as well as guest tableware. These are easy to overlook when counting dinner plates, dessert plates, forks, knives and teaspoons.
Test the Bluetooth speaker and microphone before guests arrive, and prepare coffee and tea while the buffet is being finished. Allow at least 30 minutes for room setup and another 10 minutes for the sound check.

Frequently asked questions

When should I send anniversary brunch invitations?: Send them at least 4 to 6 weeks before the brunch, especially if guests need to travel. Set a registration deadline about 10 days before the event so you can confirm the final guest list and catering quantities.
How much food and drink do I need for an anniversary brunch?: Calculate quantities only after registrations close and dietary requirements are collected. For drinks, plan roughly 2 to 3 servings per person during the first hour, then adjust for the remaining duration and whether coffee, tea and water are served throughout.
When should I set up an anniversary brunch buffet?: Begin room setup about 60 to 90 minutes before guests arrive. Put out tables, chairs, tableware and decorations first, then arrange chilled drinks, cold dishes, cakes and desserts shortly before serving.
What do people usually forget for an anniversary brunch?: Serving utensils, dessert plates, coffee cups, teaspoons, refrigeration and a working microphone are frequent omissions. Check these items at least one day before, and test the music and microphone again on the morning of the brunch.

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