Golden Wedding Anniversary Checklist

A golden wedding anniversary needs more than a meal and a cake. This checklist takes you from the guest list and invitations through catering, speeches, photos, seating and the final room setup. Work backwards from the celebration date so replies, dietary requirements and the programme are settled before you order food or print place cards. The last 24 hours are for fresh food, the cake, drinks and venue checks—not unfinished decisions.

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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 guest list
2 people
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Finalize the program
2 people
Order catering
Order cake
Put together the music
Collect photos
2 people
Create photo presentation
Confirm speeches
Arrange the table layout
2 people
Make name badges
2 people
Print menus
Send reminder
Check the weather forecast
Check the shopping list
2 people
Do the shopping
2 people
Collect fresh produce
2 people
Picking up the cake
Open venue
2 people
Ventilate the rooms
Check toilets
Set out furniture
3 people
Set up tables
3 people
Set up chairs
3 people
Set tables
3 people
Place name tags
2 people
Place menus
2 people
Hang decorations
3 people
Arrange the flowers
2 people
Set up the photo wall
2 people
Set up memorial table
2 people
Connect the sound system
2 people
Test photo presentation
2 people
Test microphones
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Set up the coffee corner
2 people
Prepare finger food
3 people
Set up the buffet
3 people
Keep the cake refrigerated
Set up the welcome table
2 people
Restock toilets
Place waste stations
Carrying out the final cleaning
2 people

Event

Welcome guests
3 people
Serve welcome drinks
3 people
Escort guests to tables
2 people
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
Serve snacks
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Announce the speeches
Guide speeches
Play photo slideshow
Open the buffet
2 people
Refill buffet
3 people
Clear plates
3 people
Cut the cake
2 people
Serve cake
3 people
Provide music
Keep the dance floor clear
Announce the final round
Let guests say goodbye
2 people

Aftercare

Collect lost and found items
2 people
Chill leftovers
2 people
Collect tableware
3 people
Sort waste
2 people
Clear away drinks
2 people
Remove decorations
3 people
Put furniture back
3 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Clean the kitchen
2 people
Clean the restrooms
2 people
Clean the floors
2 people
Switch off equipment
2 people
Lock up the venue
2 people
Return rental items
2 people
Distribute leftover items
2 people
Secure the photos

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 60
Buffet tablesqty 3
Stoolsqty 6
Coat racksqty 2
Table linenqty 10
Table skirtsqty 3

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 70
Dessert platesqty 70
Coffee cupsqty 70
Water glassesqty 70
Wine glassesqty 70
Champagne glassesqty 60
Coffee spoonsqty 70
Dinner knivesqty 70
Dinner forksqty 70
Dessert forksqty 70
Serving utensilsqty 12
Coffee potsqty 4
Water jugsqty 8

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving trays with lidsqty 6
Serving tongsqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 8
Cake knife
Cake spatulaqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Ice spoonsqty 4
Bottle openersqty 4
Corkscrewsqty 4
Aluminum foilqty 3

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Refrigeratorsqty 2
Laptops
Projector
Projection screen
Speakersqty 2
Microphonesqty 2
Microphone standsqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Charging cablesqty 4

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Balloon ribbonqty 2
Balloon pumpqty 2
Buntingqty 8
LED light stringsqty 6
Table decorationsqty 10
Flower vasesqty 10
Photo framesqty 12
Photo backdrop
Guest book
Name badgesqty 60
Menusqty 60
Table numbersqty 8
Candlesqty 24
Candle holdersqty 12
Balloon weightsqty 6

Lighting

Standing lampsqty 4
Battery lightsqty 12

Cleaning

Trash binsqty 4
Waste binsqty 6
Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 6
Dish brushesqty 3
Tea towelsqty 12
Microfiber clothsqty 12
Toilet brushesqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set a firm RSVP deadline at least 3 weeks before the celebration. Use the final guest count to confirm catering, seating, name cards, menus, plates, glasses and chairs.
Confirm speeches and the running order 2 weeks in advance. Allow specific time for the photo presentation, cake cutting and any pauses so dinner service does not run late.
Collect photos early rather than chasing them during the final week. Ask contributors for digital files or clear scans at least 4 weeks before the event, then test the finished presentation on the equipment you will use.
Create the seating plan after dietary requirements and accessibility needs are known. Print name cards and menus only after the guest list is stable, preferably 7 days before the anniversary.
Reserve the final day for practical checks: collect the cake and fresh food, check the weather, ventilate the rooms, inspect the toilets, set out tables and chairs, and arrange buffet and drinks stations before guests arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I send golden wedding anniversary invitations?: Send invitations 8 to 10 weeks before the celebration and set the RSVP deadline about 3 weeks before it. That leaves time to follow up, collect dietary requirements and confirm the caterer.
When should I order the cake for a golden wedding anniversary?: Order the cake at least 4 to 6 weeks ahead, especially if it needs a specific design or serves a large group. Confirm the collection time several days before the event and arrange a cool, level place for transport and storage.
How much time do I need to set up a golden wedding anniversary party?: Allow at least 3 hours for a full setup with tables, chairs, buffet tables, table linen, place settings, drinks and the photo presentation. Add another 30 minutes for final toilet, room and weather checks.
When should I finalise the seating plan and menu cards?: Finalise the seating plan 7 to 10 days before the anniversary, once replies and dietary requirements are complete. Print name cards and menus only after that point, then keep a few blank cards for last-minute changes.

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.