Anniversary dinner checklist

An anniversary dinner runs smoothly when the decisions are made in the right order. Start with the guest list and venue, then confirm the menu, dietary requirements, seating and table layout before ordering supplies. In the final week, print menus, prepare name badges, check tableware and buy non-perishable items. Leave fresh groceries, chilled drinks, vegetables, sauces and dessert for the last one or two days so the meal is ready without a rushed setup.

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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
Reserve venue
Determine the menu
2 people
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Order catering supplies
Reserve tableware and glassware
Arrange seating
2 people
Work out table arrangement
2 people
Create a music playlist
Inventory speeches
Design menus
Print menus
Make name badges
2 people
Order flower arrangements
Check the shopping list
2 people
Do non-perishable shopping
2 people
Purchase drinks
2 people
Collect tableware
2 people
Buy fresh groceries
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Wash and cut vegetables
3 people
Prepare dessert
2 people
Make sauces and dressings
2 people
Clean the venue
3 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Lay out tablecloths and runners
3 people
Set out tableware and cutlery
3 people
Set out glasses and carafes
2 people
Set up decorations
3 people
Place flower arrangements
2 people
Test lighting and music
2 people
Set up the buffet and bar
3 people
Stock the coffee and tea station
2 people
Set up the reception desk
2 people

Event

Welcome guests
3 people
Serve welcome drinks
3 people
Take coats
2 people
Serve appetizers
2 people
Escort guests to their table
2 people
Serve the starter
4 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Collect plates
3 people
Serve the main course
4 people
Clear tables during the event
3 people
Announce speech
Guide speeches
2 people
Serve dessert
4 people
Serve coffee and tea
3 people
Cut the anniversary cake
2 people
Serve cheese platter
2 people
See guests off
2 people
Collect lost items
2 people

Aftercare

Clear tables
4 people
Wash dishes
4 people
Pack leftovers
2 people
Collect waste
2 people
Clean the kitchen
3 people
Clean the room
3 people
Put furniture back
3 people
Clear away decorations
2 people
Inventory materials
2 people
Return borrowed items
2 people
Empty coolers
2 people
Store leftover drinks

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 55
Buffet tablesqty 2
Bar stoolsqty 4
Coat racksqty 2
Tableclothsqty 6
Table runnersqty 6

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 60
Appetizer platesqty 60
Dessert platesqty 60
Soup bowlsqty 60
Dinner set forksqty 60
Dinner sets knivesqty 60
Dinner set spoonsqty 60
Teaspoonsqty 60
Water glassesqty 60
Wine glassesqty 60
Champagne glassesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 60
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving trays with lidsqty 6
Serving tongsqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 8
Carafesqty 8

Decorations

Napkin ringsqty 55
Name badgesqty 55
Menusqty 55
Flower arrangementsqty 6
Vasesqty 6
LED candlesqty 24
Candle holdersqty 12
Guest book
Ballpoint pensqty 6

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Bluetooth speaker
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 6
Chef's knivesqty 4
Cooking potsqty 4
Frying pansqty 3
Baking dishesqty 6
Mixing bowlsqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 3
Kitchen tongsqty 4
Serving traysqty 6
Coffee thermosesqty 4

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Reusable cleaning clothsqty 12

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
LED table lampsqty 6

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the guest deadline before sending invitations. After registrations close, record dietary requirements in one place and use the final number to confirm catering quantities, seating and tableware.
Check tableware against every course, not just the main meal. Count dinner, appetizer and dessert plates, soup bowls, forks, knives, spoons, glasses and serving pieces, then add a small reserve for breakage or late additions.
Finish the seating plan before printing menus or making name badges. Match the final table arrangement to the actual number of tables and chairs, and allow enough room for serving platters and carafes.
Buy drinks in two stages: order or purchase shelf-stable items during the non-perishable shop, then chill the required bottles and prepare water carafes on the day before or morning of the dinner.
Keep the last 24 hours for food and room preparation. Wash and cut vegetables, make sauces and dressings, prepare dessert, collect rented tableware, arrange flowers and check the shopping list before guests arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I plan an anniversary dinner?: Start 6 to 8 weeks ahead if you need a venue, catering or rented tableware. Send invitations once the date, venue and basic menu are settled, then close registrations about 2 weeks before the dinner.
When should I send anniversary dinner invitations?: Send them 4 to 6 weeks before the dinner. Set an RSVP deadline around 14 days before the event so you have time to collect dietary requirements, arrange seating and confirm quantities.
How many glasses and plates do I need for an anniversary dinner?: Plan one place setting per confirmed guest, including the plates and cutlery needed for each course. For drinks, count at least one water glass and one wine glass per guest, plus extra glasses or replacements equal to roughly 10% of the guest count.
What should I prepare the day before an anniversary dinner?: Chill drinks, collect tableware, wash and cut vegetables, make sauces and dressings, and prepare dessert where possible. Also set out the table plan, menus, name badges and decorations so the final setup takes about 2 to 3 hours rather than the whole day.

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.