Anniversary Party Checklist

Planning an anniversary party means keeping guest numbers, food, timings and the venue moving together. Start by confirming the date and location, then build the guest list, send invitations and track dietary requirements before ordering catering. In the final week, confirm deliveries, check access, prepare decorations and chill the drinks. On the day, set up tables and chairs first, then arrange the buffet, cake, gift table, name badges and photo area so guests can settle in without delays.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

The plan, step by step

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

Preparations

Confirm date and location
Compile guest list
2 people
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Set the schedule and times
2 people
Compile the music program
Make reservations
Calculate catering quantities
2 people
Check the shopping list
2 people
Send reminder to guests
Confirm deliveries
Sort decorations
2 people
Collect photo materials
Do the shopping
3 people
Collect fresh produce
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Prepare snacks
4 people
Check cake
Write name tags
2 people
Prepare the gift table
2 people
Restock the toilets
Check the venue
2 people
Arrange keys and access
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Set up buffet tables
3 people
Set up the cloakroom
2 people
Connect sound equipment
2 people
Test the music
2 people
Hang lighting
3 people
Hang decorations
3 people
Set up the photo booth
2 people
Set up the welcome desk
2 people
Set out tableware and cutlery
3 people
Arrange buffet dishes
4 people
Set out coffee and tea
2 people
Mark allergens
2 people
Check refrigerators
Place waste stations
2 people
Clean the restrooms
2 people
Do the final safety check
2 people

Event

Welcome guests
3 people
Take coats
2 people
Serve welcome drinks
3 people
Serve snacks
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Open the buffet
2 people
Keep the buffet warm
2 people
Restock plates and cutlery
2 people
Clear tables in between
3 people
Serve diet meals
2 people
Announce the anniversary speech
Operate the microphone
Take group photo
2 people
Cut the cake
3 people
Serve coffee and tea
3 people
Serve dessert
3 people
Provide music and dancing
2 people
Manage the photo booth
Serve the last round of drinks
2 people
See off guests
3 people
Clear out the cloakroom
2 people

Aftercare

Chill food leftovers
2 people
Collect tableware
4 people
Sort waste
3 people
Take down the buffet
3 people
Turn off the sound equipment
2 people
Carefully remove decorations
3 people
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Clean the venue
4 people
Empty cooling materials
2 people
Collect lost and found items
Return rented items
2 people
Distribute leftover food
2 people
Empty waste containers
2 people
Secure photo and video material

What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 60
Buffet tablesqty 3
Gift table
Coat racksqty 2
High tablesqty 4

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 70
Dessert platesqty 70
Coffee cupsqty 60
Water glassesqty 80
Wine glassesqty 70
Champagne glassesqty 60
Knivesqty 70
Forksqty 70
Spoonsqty 70
Serving tongsqty 8

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 8
Napkinsqty 100
Balloonsqty 100
Balloon arch
Buntingqty 8
Confettiqty 4
Flower arrangementsqty 6
Vasesqty 6
Number decorations
Name badgesqty 60
Menusqty 8
Photo backdrop
Photo propsqty 15
Table numbersqty 8
Guest book

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphoneqty 2
Microphone stand
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Ice containersqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coat racksqty 2
Camera

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Mixing bowlsqty 4
Small bowlsqty 12
Serving plattersqty 12
Hot traysqty 4
Pitchersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cake serverqty 2

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 3
Broomsqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopsqty 2

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
LED lampsqty 12
Lanternsqty 6

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the guest deadline early enough to calculate catering quantities accurately. Use the final registration count to check plates, glasses, cutlery, chairs and table space rather than relying on a rough estimate.
Send a reminder a few days before the party with the start time, location, access details and any parking information. This is also the best moment to chase missing dietary requirements or unanswered invitations.
Check the venue and arrange keys or access before delivery day. Confirm where tables, chairs, buffet tables, coat racks and the gift table will go, so suppliers are not waiting while the room is being cleared.
Prepare drinks in stages: chill what needs chilling in advance, then put out water glasses, wine glasses and champagne glasses according to the schedule. Keep a separate reserve so the serving area can be restocked without interrupting the party.
Leave the cake, fresh produce and final snacks until the last practical window, but check the cake earlier in the day. Restock the toilets and finish name badges before guests arrive; both jobs are easy to forget once setup begins.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I send anniversary party invitations?: Send invitations around 6 to 8 weeks before the party, then set an RSVP deadline about 2 to 3 weeks before it. That gives you time to process registrations, collect dietary requirements and calculate catering quantities.
When should I confirm the anniversary party guest list?: Aim to confirm the working guest count 10 to 14 days before the event. Recheck it after the reminder, then use the final number to verify food, drinks, seating, tableware and name badges.
What should I do the day before an anniversary party?: The day before, confirm deliveries, check venue access, sort decorations, collect photo materials, chill drinks and complete the shopping. Prepare snacks where possible and make sure the cake arrangements are clear before setup starts.
How early should I arrive to set up an anniversary party?: Allow at least 2 to 3 hours for setup, especially if you have foldable tables, chairs, a buffet, decorations and a photo backdrop. Put furniture in place first, then dress the tables, arrange food and finish the guest details.

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.