How to organise an anniversary bridge drive

An anniversary bridge drive needs more than bridge tables and cards. Start by fixing the participant list, registration deadline and venue layout, then build the match schedule around the confirmed numbers. Catering, dietary meals, prizes and printed scorecards need firm deadlines because they are difficult to fix on the day. Use the final week for confirmations and packing, and reserve the last setup period for tables, cards, scoring and registration.

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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

1
Compile the participant list
2
Draft invitations
3
Send invitations
4
Process registrations
5
Collect dietary requirements
6
Confirm registrations
7
Order prizes for the bridge drive
8
Book catering
9
Confirm the venue and room layout
10
Create the bridge match schedule
11
Prepare table numbering
12
Print scorecards and run sheets
13
Print the program and route directions
14
Check prizes and anniversary gifts
2 people
15
Check the shopping list
16
Do the shopping
2 people
17
Confirm catering and dietary meals
18
Buy drinks and chilled products
2 people
19
Prepare anniversary decorations
2 people
20
Bring materials to the venue
2 people
21
Ventilate and check the hall
2 people
22
Set up tables and chairs
3 people
23
Lay out bridge cases and cards
2 people
24
Set up the scoring table
2 people
25
Set up registration desk
2 people
26
Set up buffet and coffee station
3 people
27
Chill drinks
2 people
28
Hang decorations
2 people
29
Display prizes and gifts

Event

30
Staff the reception desk
2 people
31
Register participants
2 people
32
Explain the program
33
Lead the first bridge round
2 people
34
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
35
Collect scorecards
2 people
36
Guide second bridge round
2 people
37
Refill drinks
2 people
38
Serve snacks
2 people
39
Check scores
2 people
40
Open the buffet
3 people
41
Restock the buffet
2 people
42
Guide the third bridge round
2 people
43
Collect tableware and glasses
2 people
44
Refill drinks
2 people
45
Calculate final scores
2 people
46
Handle prize ceremony
2 people
47
Deliver anniversary speech
48
See participants off
2 people

Aftercare

49
Collect bridge cards and supplies
3 people
50
Sort and remove waste
2 people
51
Wash dishes
3 people
52
Clear tables and chairs
3 people
53
Clean the room
3 people
54
Remove decorations
2 people
55
Pack leftover catering
2 people
56
Return materials
2 people
57
Return borrowed items
2 people
58
Handle lost and found

What to bring

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

Furniture

Bridge tablesqty 12
Chairsqty 52
Buffet tablesqty 3
Registration desk
Clothes racksqty 2

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 60
Glassesqty 80
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving spoonsqty 8
Coffee potsqty 4
Teapotsqty 2

Equipment

Bridge cardsqty 24
Card sleevesqty 12
Bid traysqty 12
Calculatorsqty 2
Laptop
Printer
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 6
Serving traysqty 6
Small bowlsqty 12
Pliersqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3

Decorations

Anniversary banner
Table decorationsqty 12
Balloonsqty 40
Balloon pump
String lightsqty 3

Catering

Groceries
Buffet warmersqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Ice cubesqty 12

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Hand soap dispensersqty 3

Other

Table number cardsqty 12
Scorecardsqty 120
Running sheetsqty 60
Pen setsqty 24
Name stickersqty 60
Clipboardsqty 4
Prize trophiesqty 6
Anniversary giveawaysqty 48
Printer paper
Tapeqty 4
Scissorsqty 3

Tips

Set the registration deadline at least 10 days before the drive. You need the confirmed number of players to create the match schedule, prepare table numbering and order prizes accurately.
Confirm the room layout before printing the schedule. Allow space for the registration desk, scoring table, buffet tables, clothes racks and clear routes between the bridge tables.
Print scorecards, run sheets, the programme and route directions at least 3 days ahead. Print a few extra copies of each, and test the printer, laptop, extension cords and power strips before packing.
Confirm catering and dietary meals 3 to 5 days before the event. Buy drinks and chilled products close enough to the start time that they can stay cold, and bring thermos flasks for coffee and tea service.
On arrival, allow at least 90 minutes for ventilation, table and chair setup, card layouts, scoring equipment, decorations and the registration desk. Keep prizes and anniversary gifts together so they are not left in the shopping or transport boxes.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise an anniversary bridge drive?: Start about 6 to 8 weeks ahead, especially if you need to book a venue and catering. Set the registration deadline at least 10 days before the event so the match schedule can be completed with reliable numbers.
How many bridge tables do I need for a bridge drive?: Plan one bridge table for each table in the match schedule, based on the confirmed registrations. Finalise the number after the registration deadline, then add at least one spare table if the room allows.
When should I print bridge scorecards and the programme?: Print them at least 3 days before the drive, after the match schedule, table numbering and route directions are checked. Prepare a few spare copies in case of registration changes or misplaced sheets.
How early should the venue be set up for an anniversary bridge drive?: Allow at least 90 minutes before registration opens. This covers ventilation, tables and chairs, bridge cases and cards, the scoring table, decorations, catering areas and the registration desk.

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.