Here at BBJ Linen, we talk a lot about weddings, but we thought it would be fun to do a post celebrating marriages that have lasted years or even decades! Read on for ideas about how to make your next anniversary party a fun and memorable occasion.
Date, Time & Place
When thinking of anniversary party ideas, the first thing that comes to mind is deciding when to celebrate. The most obvious choice would be on the special day itself, but chances are that the couple has their own plans for the special celebration. The next best choice is the nearest weekend to allow both the couple and the guests to attend without having to take time off work. While it might seem to make the most sense to host the party on a holiday weekend, it might be more problematic, as traffic will be heavy and most hotel rooms will be booked.
Who to Invite?
Most importantly, consider who the couple will want there, not who you want to invite. Start with family. Then add in friends, coworkers and colleagues from groups and organizations the couple is involved with. If you aren’t close with the couple, ask their family members and friends to help compile the guest list. As a surprise, you might want to invite a few out of town guests from their past. Who knows? If it’s a big anniversary, they might make it!
Make it Personal
When sending out invitations, ask your guests to bring along a fond memory of the couple. For example, they could affix a photograph from a memorable time they shared and write a little about it. Assemble these in a scrapbook or photobook as a gift for the couple. Decorate the cover with a wedding photograph, and leave room at the end of the book for them to add memories in the years to come. This gift will be an absolute treasure to the couple‚ get ready for laughter and tears!
Depending on how many years the couple has been together, guests will want to see how the couple has changed over time. Collect pictures in advance and display them on a table, so that guests can mingle around and enjoy the happy moments the couple has shared.
Decoration
Again, remember to keep the personal style of the couple in mind, and let the decorations of the venue reflect that. They should be symbolic of the love the couple has shared and create the perfect ambiance. Remember, it’s not a wedding, but it can include traditional elements to help set the stage.
I suggest using a neutral ivory table linen, such as the Ivory Contour, which has a subtle rippled texture. Or if you’re looking for a more modern look, the graphic sophistication of the Ivory Circulo is a wonderful choice. In the center of each table, place a ring of folded linen napkins in a deep shade such as violet, burgundy or navy. A few great suggestions are the Navy Lamour, Mulberry Lamour, or Wineberry Bengaline. Then, add some gold metallic chargers and/or napkin rings to contrast with the dark fabric against the ivory table linen and add an extra dimension of shine and glitter. A few of my personal favorites are the Gold Prescott napkin rings. You can even use the chargers to hold groupings of white or ivory colored pillar candles and arrangements of complimentary flowers, such as violets.
Photo Credit:
Designs & Florist – Christine Janda Design & Events
Photo: Becky Brown Photography
Table linen: Ivory Charmed
Table runner: Sand Jute
Charger: Lace Vanilla
Napkin: Buttercup Lamour
Chair Pad Cover: Gold Lamour Elastic