"Anniversaries are a reminder that the love that was, still is".

Anniversaries are a celebration of life and love. Once in a year, anniversaries help us to forget about the mundane routines of life, and give us the chance to live in a fairy tale world, even if for a few precious moments. Yes, there is no doubt that this day should be celebrated to the fullest extent. Here are a few tips on planning a perfect anniversary party to make it a success story:

Date

The day of the party should not be constrained to specific dates.

Plan the party on a day, preferably a weekend, so that all the special people in your life are free to attend.

The party can be before or after the actual day of anniversary.

Time

Keep the party at a time of the day when you would enjoy it the most. For e.g. if it is winter you can host the party on a Sunday morning under the warm glow of the sun.

The party can be before or after the actual day of anniversary.

Venue

You must decide on the venue depending on the strength of your guest list.

If it is a party for a closely knit group of friends, you can have it at home.

If the gathering is going to be large, and your home does not cater for enough space, you will have to think about a venue like a party hall or a resort.

Remember that the space has to be proportionate to the number of guests.

If the venue is elsewhere, you must keep in mind the convenience and ability of friends to reach it.

The party can be before or after the actual day of anniversary.

Guest List

Decide on who you want in your party. If it is a small affair, invite only the closest friends and relatives.

If the party is going to be grand, call all your friends. Do avoid inviting acquaintances you have just met.

The party can be before or after the actual day of anniversary.

Invitation Cards

Decide on the design and wordings of the invitation cards well ahead in time. They must include RSVP.

They must reach your friends a week prior to the party.

Follow up the invitation with a call about 2 days before the big day. It will act as a reminder as well as a reconfirmation.

The party can be before or after the actual day of anniversary.

Décor

The décor in an anniversary is generally related to the guest list and the theme.

If the guest list has only close friends, then the décor should be simple and natural with random flower arrangements here and there.

If the party is large and there is a theme, you have to plan well ahead of time to make arrangements for the décor according to the theme.

The party can be before or after the actual day of anniversary.

Cake

Cake is an integral part of any celebration.

The cake should a tiered one if the anniversary is special like golden, oak etc.

In case of a special anniversary, you can replicate the cake of your wedding.

The party can be before or after the actual day of anniversary.

Catering

Food is of course the soul of any party.

Keep in mind the different palates of your guests and organise a menu which covers as many kinds of tastes as possible.

Even if the party is at home, it is best to outsource the catering so that you are free to enjoy the party.

Cater for every kind of beverage and loads of ice.

The party can be before or after the actual day of anniversary.

The Fun Factor

There has to be an essence of entertainment in the party.

If you have musician friends, you can have a jam session where everyone else is sure to join in.

You can also organise a solo singer with just a guitar to come and perform, and soon you will see your guests joining in.

The party can be before or after the actual day of anniversary.

The Toast

No anniversary is ever complete without a toast. So do plan one, and try to keep it funny. Laughter makes a party successful.

Ask your closest friend or parents also to make a toast.

The party can be before or after the actual day of anniversary.

Frozen in Time

Nominate a friend to click photographs of the most precious moments of the party.

Organising a photographer may become intrusive.

The party can be before or after the actual day of anniversary.

Return Gifts

You must reciprocate the gesture of your friends’ presence with a token of appreciation.

Handmade chocolates, jute pouches, terracotta nick-knacks etc are a few things you can give.

Always cater for 5 extra people while buying return gifts so that in case of a surprise guest you do not fall short.

The party can be before or after the actual day of anniversary.