Anniversary planning
How to plan an anniversary the whole family will remember
From the venue to the celebration cake. We walk through everything that needs sorting for a milestone anniversary and show you real service providers you can reach out to today.
A wedding anniversary, a round-numbered birthday or another milestone is a chance to bring family and close friends together and look back on the years shared. Unlike everyday celebrations, several generations often take part, so planning calls for a little extra care.
This guide helps you work out what you will need, offers ideas for giving the celebration a personal touch, and breaks the process down step by step. Next to each category you will find real service providers you can compare and contact right away.
What you will need
These are the key categories for planning a milestone anniversary. Tap any of them to see the available service providers and prices.
Banquet Halls
A banquet hall with room for tables, dancing and speeches, suited to a larger guest count.
Browse CategoryManors & Guest Houses
A manor or guest house with a cosy feel, if you would rather celebrate away from the city.
Browse CategoryFull Catering
Full catering with a main course, snacks and service, tailored to your guest count.
Browse CategoryCustom Cakes
A celebration cake made for the occasion, with decor and lettering of your choice.
Browse CategoryMusicians & Live Music
Live music that suits both the formal part of the evening and the party that follows, for guests of every generation.
Browse CategoryEvent Hosts
An experienced host who prepares speeches and games and marks the years you have shared.
Browse CategoryFlorists & Flower Decorations
Floral styling for the tables and the room that gives the celebration a formal, festive look.
Browse CategoryPhotographers
A photographer who captures the family together and the mood of the day throughout.
Browse CategoryIdeas that make an anniversary special
Small details that give the celebration a personal touch and make guests feel part of it.
A photo journey through the years
Put together a small photo display or slideshow with pictures from different years. It is a simple way to retrace the shared journey and delight every generation in the room.
Speeches and shared memories
Ask a few close family members to prepare a short speech or story in advance. Personal words give the celebration a warmth no decor can replace.
A symbolic toast or ritual
A repeated toast, lighting candles together or recalling the ring exchange gives the evening a solemn moment everyone present gathers around.
A gift for the next milestone
Write a letter to one another, or collect wishes from your guests in a time capsule to open at the next big anniversary.
How to plan an anniversary step by step
A recommended order that keeps you on track and stops anything important slipping through.
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1
Agree on a date and guest circle
A milestone anniversary often brings several generations together, so it is worth agreeing the date early so every close relative can attend.
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2
Book the venue
Choose a venue that fits your guest count and the mood you want: a formal banquet hall or a cosy manor. The most popular venues are booked several months ahead.
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3
Sort the catering and the cake
Agree on a menu guests of every age will enjoy, and order a celebration cake made for the occasion.
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4
Line up music and a host
A host helps tie together speeches, games and shared memories, while music sets the mood for both the formal part and the party.
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5
Align the evening programme
About a week ahead, agree with the host and close family on the timing of speeches, toasts and surprises so the evening runs smoothly.
Anniversary celebration service providers
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Free planning tools
Practical tools that help you hold the budget and forget nothing throughout the planning.
Other celebration guides
Frequently asked questions
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