Arranging an anniversary party can feel a little daunting. Add a tight budget to the mix and it can start to feel overwhelming fast. But all you need is plenty of preparation and a sprinkle of creativity (don’t worry we’ve got you covered there!). If you want to know how to plan an anniversary party on a budget you’ve come to the right place. We’ll cover everything from the menu to the music, so you can enjoy every step of the process.
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Budget and Plan!
Two very important pieces of the puzzle will be deciding on your budget (and sticking to it!) and keeping detailed plans. This way you will avoid getting overwhelmed and discouraged.
Also, make sure you know who is paying in advance. If you’re planning your own anniversary party it will most likely, be you and your spouse. That’s easy. But an anniversary party for parents may include a sibling or two. Things can get complicated, so be clear about who will be responsible for what in terms of both money and planning.
6 Things You Need To Decide For Your Anniversary Party:
- Venue
- Theme
- Guest list/Invitations
- Menu
- Decor
- Entertainment
RELATED: 26 Ways To Say I Love You
So let’s get into the 20 ways to plan an anniversary party on a budget.
1. Keep The Guest List Small
The fewer people at your anniversary party the smaller the venue will need to be. You may be able to host at home and the food bill will be much lower.
2. Host At Home
Skip hiring a venue and save a heap of cash by having your anniversary party at home. Whether it’s a garden party, BBQ, or an afternoon tea, decorate the space and turn your home into the perfect party patch.
3. Schedule The Day
Plan the timing of the party so that it runs smoothly. Let the guests know what’s happening when with a sign upon entry or include it on the invites. This will help you avoid the endless questions about when the food will be served!
4. Make Your Own Invitations
Invitations are important to let guests know the significant details about your event. They also set the tone and theme. Whilst a text message may suffice, it’s pretty low effort and doesn’t show much thought. Save money by making your own invites or eliminate printing and postage costs and send e-invites instead.
5. Use What You Have
When looking into how to plan an anniversary party on a budget you may discount what you already have. But don’t! Get rummaging in the cupboards. No, leave the tinned soup! This is where your stash of mismatched plates and ancient cutlery will come in handy. Need more? Ask around and see if anyone has any spares you can borrow. If you need to buy supplies, going the paper route will save on the washing up. Or get down to the charity shop/thrift store and buy some eclectic pieces that you can use again (any excuse!).
6. Serve Soft Drinks
Save money on boozy beverages by serving soft drinks only. Tea is the obvious choice for an afternoon tea party. Or prepare homemade juices and mocktails. If you’re appalled at the very suggestion of forced sobriety, you could:
- Ask guests to bring a bottle.
- Get cheap bubbles for a toast. Ditch the champers and get out the cava.
- Make a large cheap punch and serve it from a fancy bowl or in pretty glasses.
7. Get Crafty
Make as much as you can, like the décor and the favours. Not only will this keep costs down, but it will mean your party is unique and different. Avoid expensive flowers for centrepieces and make your own paper flowers. You could even let guests take them home at the end of the day.
8. Give Edible Favours
Favours like cookies can be baked in batches and they’re cheap to make. For a romantic theme, you could buy a bunch of heart-shaped chocolates and pop them in a handmade box. Add a personalised tag or sticker for a special touch.
Sweetie tables offer an interactive way to display favours. Buy sweets in bulk, add some pretty paper bags and a scoop. Put up a sign that says, ‘Love is Sweet Please Take a Treat’ and let the guests help themselves.
9. Create a Simple Menu
Serve food that’s simple to make and easy to eat. If it’s a ‘standing’ type of party, buffet food works well. You won’t have to hire tables/chairs and there’s less to clear up later. Ask people to let you know of any allergies or dietary requirements so you can prepare in advance.
10. DIY Photography
Get a friend to do the photography and another to record quick videos. Offer to return the favour at their future event. Or ask a local photography student to help if you want something a bit more professional.
11. Make The Cake
Make a cake from scratch or personalise a shop-bought cake base. Cheap photo sugar paper, or toppers, can transform a basic cake into a centrepiece. Or whip up some simple cupcakes and place them on a fancy stand. Add tiny toppers to make them more special.
12. Use Photos
Set the scene with photos and take a visual tour down memory lane. Fill an entire wall, use a photo booth backdrop (more on that later) or use them in the party games. Create black and white photocopies of photo collages at your local printers or library.
13. Get a Friend To Be a DJ
Music is essential to set the mood at a party, but live music can quickly eat into the budget. What to do? Rope in a friend to play the role of the DJ or put together anniversary playlists on Spotify or YouTube. If you want to include live music, hire professionals for just an hour or two.
14. Make Your Own Entertainment
Keep the party casual and relaxed with a focus on snacks and socialising. Or create a fun atmosphere with some laid-back games and quizzes. You could also ask a few people to offer speeches to spread throughout the day.
15. Ask For Help
Don’t be shy. People are often very happy to help. Ask people to bring a dish instead of a gift if you have quite a few guests to cater for. Or rally the troops for the dreaded clear-up after. Don’t forget to get a little thank you gift or card for people who have helped out.
16. Smart Casual
Keep the dress code smart casual. This sets the tone and expectations and lends itself to entertainment that is a bit more low-key. No one wants hot dog sauce down their best suit jacket!
17. Anecdotes
Ask people to bring stories, photos, and funny memories about the happy couple. This can form part of the décor or entertainment. Get the party going with a giggle or two. Or ask a few guests to offer a special toast.
18. DIY Photo Booth
Hiring a photo booth can be pricey. But they are great entertainment for a party. Create your own DIY ‘photo booth’ with a simple backdrop of flowers or photos. Add some fun props and include an email address so guests can share the snaps.
19. A Budget Venue
If your guest list is on the large side, you need to think about alternatives to hosting at home. Parks are great for an informal picnic. And community centres, restaurants, and even libraries often have rooms for hire.
20. Make a Guest Book
You can easily make your own guest book for very cheap. And it will make a great keepsake when the event is over. Pop on a table with a sign so that it’s easy to find. Ask for words of wisdom and bucket list ideas. Or baffle the guests with a box of random questions and silly scenarios.
Now you know how to plan an anniversary party on a budget. Whilst also being creative! From constructing a DIY photo booth to designing your own décor and invites, there are always ways to save cash.
Don’t let finances hold you back. Just be clear about your budget and stick to it. And keep detailed notes so that the whole thing is well-organised and runs smoothly.
Happy anniversary, I hope you have many more happy years together!
