Anniversary parties are a wonderful way to celebrate two people who have been together for a number of years. The most common anniversary parties are for 25 years and 50 years. There are many things you can do to make this day special for not only couple, but all of their family and friends as well. Many people have shared in joys and sorrows of anniversary couple and they help to make this a special day as well. Planning an anniversary party is a huge undertaking, sometimes almost as big as a wedding.

Silver or Gold?

An anniversary party theme is fairly simple to determine. Unless couple or their immediate family has requested a particular theme (this is unlikely), you should plan a fairly traditional party. A 25th wedding anniversary is traditionally silver, while a 50th anniversary is gold. Use this to plan majority of your party, everything from invitations to decorations.

Who to Invite

An anniversary party can be as big as a wedding. While many people opt for a small get together consisting of family and close friends only, others look forward to a huge celebration with everyone who has touched their lives in past years. 25th anniversary parties tend to be of smaller more intimate variety, whereas 50 years together definitely deserves more of a to-do.

If you’re planning a huge bash, it may take quite a bit of time to come up with a guest list. If happy couple knows about party easiest thing to do is ask them who should be invited. Family members and close friends are fairly obvious, but in addition you may want to invite old coworkers, church members, old neighbors, and list can go on. If you are planning a surprise party for couple, this can be a little tricky. Rather than getting input of just one family member, send a tentative guest list to several family members and ask each for additions and deletions. This will help make sure no one gets missed.

The Invitations

If you’re throwing a huge anniversary party, sending out invitations can be quite task. If party budget allows for it, get them custom made. You can order invitations online and get everything shipped to you and ready to go. This will save an enormous amount of time. If party budget is tight and that money would better go to use elsewhere, making your own invitations can actually be quite simple. All you need is a computer and a printer. You can download some great invitations templates that are simple enough to put together. All you need to do is add all party information and perhaps a beautiful quote on front and voila your invitations are ready to go.

Setting Scene

Kids take their birthdays very seriously, and are extremely disappointed if their birthday parties are anything short of spectacular. Throwing an unforgettable kids birthday party can sometimes seem like a task better suited for a professional event planner. But with proper party supplies, a little know how and a lot of imagination, you can throw a birthday party that kids will be talking about all year.

Before you let your inner party planner take over, make sure that throughout process you consult with birthday boy or girl, unless of course party is a surprise. Kids have their own ideas of what makes a party fun, and if kids don’t have a good time party is a bust. Discuss possible theme ideas, party games, food, and favors with them to ensure everything is kid friendly. If you are planning a surprise party you can ask siblings or friends for ideas and opinions.

Theme Party Ideas

A successful kids birthday party starts off with a great theme. There are many great party themes you can choose from, everything from your child’s favorite toy to their favorite movie genre. The possibilities are endless and a good theme can really help pull your entire party together.

Some possible themes include: - Western (complete with cowboy hats) - Princess (tiaras for all girls) - Cartoon characters - Disney - Carnival (clowns and plenty of games) - Toys (Bratz, Barbie, Hot Wheels, etc)

Once you have your theme chosen, planning out a kids birthday party becomes much easier. Try and get everything from decorations to food to tie into theme. For instance, if you are throwing a Western theme party get cowboy birthday banners and serve up barbequed burgers, chili, and hot dogs. As party favors you can give each little guests their own cowboy or cowgirl hat to wear. Make sure birthday boy or girl’s hat is extra special.

Fun and Games

Games are an important part of any kids birthday party. Games should be fun and get everyone involved. Offering some small prizes to winner of each game is also a great idea for kids. Have a variety of games, some that require kids to get active and some that requires them to use their heads. This will give everyone an opportunity to win a prize.