Celebrate someone's anniversary with a special event or gift to show how much their happiness means to others as well.
Whatever anniversary year you're celebrating, there are many ways to make it special for the couple and for the guests who come to offer a tribute. If you're planning a party or laudatory event, the following ideas might be helpful:
1. Choose a special place. If possible, rent a hall or arrange to meet somewhere that the couple used to go in their early years, or perhaps, where they met and fell in love. Decorate the setting with romantic mementos in colors the pair will appreciate. Arrange a surprise party if you prefer, or tell the couple in advance. Either way they will enjoy the suspense or anticipation.
2. Invite meaningful people. Former neighbors, past coworkers, teachers, the owner of the deli where they met, and other past friends and family should be asked to come and share the couple's joy. If they haven't been in touch for years, seeing old friends again will make the reunion joy all the greater.
3. Set up a photo gallery. Collect old pictures and memorabilia of past years together. Pictures of long-ago pets, faded rent receipts, wrinkled tuition bills, and other bits of information from the past can be arranged in an attractive or chronological format to bring back long-lost memories of years gone by. Arrange the display on a separate table or post things on a wall for easy viewing.
4. Play period music. Whether you hire a band, use a recording, or play it yourself, old songs will return the couple to their earliest days together, sparking romantic feelings and tender memories. Arrange space to dance and let the celebratory couple lead the way. You might even consider getting a singer to croon a few popular tunes from back in the day.
5. Offer a roast. But don't make it too harsh. Ask each person to share a memory or a thought (make it clear you're asking for one or two sentences each). Have someone record each one and give a copy of the videotape to the couple for more priceless memories. Some folks will probably say something cute or complimentary rather than a jest or gibe.
6. Take plenty of pictures. Either hire a photographer or ask a few people to bring cameras and share differing shots. Offer to coordinate a commemorative album of the event, and list names beside photos for easy reference later.
7. Keep track of givers' names. If everyone brings gifts, write down what each person brought with their name. That way, thank-you cards can be easily and tactfully handled without forgetting who gave what. Be sure to arrange in advance for transporting the gifts after the party.
Anniversaries are wonderful ways of celebrating a couple mutual commitment and love. Start looking for unique party ideas for the next anniversary in your circle of friends and family members.
