What to Buy for an Anniversary Week

An anniversary week usually combines several moments: shared meals, drinks, memories, photos and a presentation. This shopping list covers the items that are easy to overlook when preparing the venue, buffet and memory table. Check what is already available before buying, especially tableware, power strips and presentation equipment. Arrange chilled drinks, catering supplies and the cake close enough to the event that storage does not become a problem.

The full checklist for this plan is being updated. The tips and answers below still apply.

Tips

Count tableware for the full guest list, then add around 10% extra. Include dinner plates, pastry plates, coffee cups, glasses, forks, knives and serving spoons rather than assuming one set will cover every part of the day.
Plan drinks by service rather than buying one large mixed quantity. For the first hour, allow roughly two to three drinks per guest, and keep additional water available throughout the programme.
Buy decorations according to the room layout, not just the theme. A balloon arch, bunting, number garland and photo backdrop need clear fixing points, while flower arrangements and photo frames need stable surfaces at the memory table.
Test the presentation setup at least one day beforehand. Check the laptops, projector, projection screen, active speakers, wireless microphone and power strips together; a missing adapter or short cable is difficult to solve once guests arrive.
Keep chilled products in refrigerators or coolers until serving time. Move them into place shortly before the buffet opens, and reserve a separate area for the cake so it is not damaged while tables and decorations are being set up.

Frequently asked questions

How much tableware do I need for an anniversary week?: Plan one complete place setting per confirmed guest and add about 10% extra. For 40 guests, that means roughly 44 dinner plates, pastry plates, cups, glasses and sets of cutlery, with extra serving spoons for the buffet.
How many drinks should I buy for an anniversary celebration?: For the first hour, allow two to three drinks per guest, then adjust for the length of the programme and whether food is served. For 30 guests, start with about 60 to 90 drinks for the first hour and include water separately.
When should I buy the cake and chilled products?: Order the cake and catering supplies early enough to confirm the delivery or collection time, then collect chilled products on the day or the day before if they can be stored safely. Keep them refrigerated or in coolers until shortly before serving.
When should I test the projector and microphone?: Test the laptop, projector, screen, active speakers, wireless microphone and power strips at least 24 hours before the anniversary programme. Run the presentation from start to finish and keep a backup copy on another laptop or drive.