Wedding Anniversary Party Checklist

A wedding anniversary party needs more than a guest list and a cake. You also need time to collect dietary requirements, confirm the venue and catering, prepare seating, and test the music and photo presentation. Use this checklist to work through the planning in order, from invitations and registrations to chilled drinks, snacks and table setup. It also helps prevent last-minute gaps such as missing serving utensils, coffee cups or a safe place for gifts and photos.

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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
Design invitations
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Send reminder
Create final guest list
Confirm the catering menu
2 people
Order cake
Order flowers
Reserve photographer
Arrange music
Confirm venue
Arrange the table layout
2 people
Assign seating
Print the program
Prepare speech
2 people
Compile a Photo Presentation
2 people
Create music playlist
Test the playlist
Check the shopping list
2 people
Do the shopping
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Prepare snacks
3 people
Prepare salads
2 people
Check tableware
Set up tables
3 people
Set up chairs
2 people
Set table linen
2 people
Set the tables
3 people
Hang decorations
3 people
Place floral arrangements
2 people
Set up photo table
2 people
Set up the gift table
2 people
Set up music equipment
2 people
Test sound equipment
2 people
Connect the presentation
Test presentation
2 people
Set up buffet
3 people
Set out cake
Set up reception table
2 people
Check toilets
Place waste stations

Event

Welcome guests
3 people
Serve welcome drinks
3 people
Receive gifts
Escort guests to their table
2 people
Serve snacks
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Take photos
Address the honorees
Host the speech
Play photo slideshow
Open the buffet
Restock buffet dishes
3 people
Oversee the buffet
2 people
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
Cut the cake
2 people
Serve cake
3 people
Clear the dance floor
2 people
Provide music
Supervise dance floor
Serve the last round
2 people
See off guests
3 people

Aftercare

Store leftovers safely
2 people
Collect tableware
3 people
Collect waste
2 people
Clear tables
3 people
Turn off the sound equipment
Remove decorations
2 people
Put furniture back
3 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Clean the kitchen
2 people
Clean the room
3 people
Clean the restrooms
Wash table linens
Gather borrowed items
2 people
Return borrowed items
2 people
Distribute leftover food
2 people
Store photos securely
Send thank-you messages
2 people

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 7
Chairsqty 55
Buffet tablesqty 2
Gift table
Photo table
Stoolsqty 6
Clothing rack

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 60
Pastry platesqty 60
Soup bowlsqty 55
Water glassesqty 60
Wine glassesqty 60
Champagne glassesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 60
Coffee spoonsqty 60
Dinner cutleryqty 60
Serving utensilsqty 12
Serving plattersqty 12
Small serving plattersqty 8
Cake knife

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 7
Napkinsqty 70
Balloonsqty 80
Balloon ribbonqty 2
Buntingqty 8
Table decorationsqty 7
Candlesqty 30
Candle holdersqty 15
Photo framesqty 12
Guest book
Pensqty 4
Name badgesqty 60
Table numbersqty 7
Photo backdrop
Gift card box

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Microphone
Microphone stand
Laptop
Projector
Projection screen
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Chargersqty 3

Kitchen

Coffee makerqty 2
Kettleqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Serving tongsqty 8
Measuring cupsqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Ice bucketsqty 3
Bottle openersqty 3
Corkscrewsqty 3
Cake stand
Cake server
Frying pansqty 2
Roasting pansqty 2

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
Standing lampsqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mop headsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Send invitations early enough to allow time for replies, then set a clear RSVP deadline. Use the final guest list to confirm catering quantities, seating and the number of chairs, plates and glasses.
Ask for dietary requirements with the invitation or registration and pass the final information to the caterer before confirming the menu. Recheck the list when you send the reminder so late changes do not reach the kitchen on the day.
Plan the room around the buffet, gift table and photo table before assigning seats. Leave clear space for people to move between tables, and count tablecloths, napkins, serving platters and utensils against the layout.
Prepare the speech and photo presentation before the final week. Test the playlist and presentation with the actual equipment, and keep a printed program or running order available in case the technology fails.
Do the shopping before the event day wherever possible, then chill drinks and prepare snacks and salads in a timed order. Put the cake knife, champagne glasses, coffee cups and serving utensils in one clearly labelled place so they are not searched for during the celebration.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I send wedding anniversary party invitations?: Send them about 6 to 8 weeks before the party, with an RSVP deadline at least 3 weeks before the date. That leaves time to process registrations, collect dietary requirements and create the final guest list.
When should I confirm the catering for an anniversary party?: Confirm the menu and final numbers around 2 to 3 weeks before the party. Reconfirm dietary requirements and the delivery or serving arrangements during the final week.
How much time do I need to set up a wedding anniversary party?: Allow at least 3 hours for room setup, including tables, chairs, buffet tables, decorations, the gift table and the photo table. Add another 1 to 2 hours if food preparation, a photo presentation or technical checks must happen at the venue.
What should I prepare the day before an anniversary party?: Prepare the speech, printed program, playlist, decorations and tableware layout the day before. Chill drinks overnight where possible, and leave only final tasks such as salads, snacks and last-minute table adjustments for the event 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.