True love deserves to be celebrated. While it’s easy to get lost in the day-to-day of your busy life, an anniversary party offers the perfect opportunity to reconnect with your beloved — and commemorate the years of challenges, growth, and love. It’s also a chance to thank friends and family for all of their support throughout the years.
Even more so, your anniversary is a chance to rethink your original wedding style and location. Wedding planner Michelle Durpetti and photographer Collin Pierson celebrated their 5th wedding anniversary with a vow renewal in Italy. While their original wedding incorporated elements of the Italian countryside, they now had the opportunity to host their celebration in Tuscany, itself. Instead of the neutral color palette from their original wedding, the couple opted for bold jewel tones at the Villa Medicea di Lilliano, a venue originally owned by the Medici family. We couldn’t imagine a dreamier event.
We’ve searched through countless celebrations on PartySlate to find our favorite anniversary party ideas. Whether you’re looking to renew your vows, recreate your wedding day, or showcase the latest trends; we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to find the wedding anniversary party idea that’s right for you — along with talented vendors to bring your vision to life.
Surprise your spouse with a dinner for two — in a space that recreates your wedding day. We love how this couple enjoyed everything from their sweetheart table to their floral arrangements all over again. Who says you can’t experience your wedding day twice?
Recreate the magic of your wedding day — and affirm your love — with a vow renewal. We love how this couple created a wow-worthy ceremony with a floating wedding aisle. Click to see other Instagrammable moments from this colorful and whimsical celebration. We’ll give you a hint: There’s three gown changes.
Rewrite your vows to reflect the growth and maturity of your love. We adore how this couple turned their vows into a work of art (and forever keepsake) with custom-made vow books. Of course, exchanging vows against the backdrop of mist-filled Vietnam mountains makes the moment even more memorable —and magical.
Have you always dreamed of traveling to a romantic destination? Your anniversary is the perfect opportunity to cross an item off your bucket list. See how wedding planner Michelle Durpetti Events and photographer Collin Pierson celebrated against the rolling hills of Tuscany with picture-perfect décor and a romantic dinner for two.
Use a theme to tie your entire celebration together. We love how this Great Gatsby-themed, 50th-anniversary party sets the scene with costumed entertainment, vintage photo props, and plenty of Art Deco décor. Click to see what happens when Champagne meets cold fireworks for a Gatsby-approved photo op.
While we love the ease of a cocktail party with passed bites, nothing compares to a seated dinner. If you’re gathering all of the most important people in your life in one place, why not give them an experience? Help them get to know each other better and form new connections by using place cards to assign your guests in thoughtful groupings like at this Secret Garden-themed anniversary party.
A sweetheart table offers you and your beloved an intimate space within your larger celebration. We love how this 60th-wedding anniversary featured a sweetheart table worthy of any wedding. Make sure to see other picture-perfect details such as centerpieces with suspended globed candlelight and an illuminated wedding cake stand.
Utilize a wall to showcase your unique love story with framed photographs. We adore how this jewel-toned wedding anniversary used a fabric backdrop to transform a “walk down history” into the perfect photo op. Other gorgeous details from this heartwarming celebration included a unique blue wedding cake and velvet seating. Click to see.
An small anniversary party can still be big on love. We love how this 40th wedding anniversary party allowed close friends and family to honor the years with an intimate dinner. Click to see how the gorgeous and eclectic floral arrangements, artistic plate-ware, and bright-hued candlelight made this tablescape the perfect place to linger over conversation.
Make every detail count with thoughtful, curated designs. This 50th-wedding anniversary uses gorgeous linen napkins to brighten the elegant and neutral tablescape. Other fabulous 50th-wedding anniversary ideas from this celebration include a lounge area for intimate conversations as well as live entertainment.
Incorporate something you love — be it a favorite color, flower, or gemstone — into your wedding anniversary décor. See how this event planner took inspiration from their clients’ favorite stone, Blue Lapis, to create a bright blue-hued celebration. We especially love how lush greenery pops against the brilliant blue backdrop.
Meals bring people together. There’s nothing like gathering around the table to enjoy mouthwatering cuisine and great conversation. We especially appreciate how this 50th-anniversary party took dining to the next level with glass paneling that allowed guests to watch their food being artfully plated. Click to see other stunning details from this romantic event.
Number balloons are the perfect way to showcase how many years of marriage you and your partner are celebrating. They also create the perfect photo op. See other gorgeous metallic details from this modern anniversary party. You’ll find everything from silvery linen to a shimmering wedding cake.
Use bare walls as a blank canvas for your anniversary design and aesthetic. We appreciate how this raw space becomes a gorgeous photo op with the addition of lavish balloon décor. Click to see how purple uplighting and glittering projections further enhanced the setting.
Nothing beats live entertainment for getting your guests on the dance floor. This 50th-wedding anniversary party featured a premier band as well as dancers. Other noteworthy details included a wedding cake ice sculpture (you have to see it to believe it) and a ceiling installation of upended blooms.
After enlisting the help of a talented band, it’s time to turn your attention to the dance floor. A unique dance floor offers perfect photo ops, and guests will be sure to want to share their candid photos on Instagram. Make sure to see other unique details from this 30th wedding anniversary like the colorful ceiling drapery and printed tabletops.
Your wedding cake was an iconic part of your wedding celebration. Relive the magic of your wedding day with a beautiful anniversary cake. We love how this couple opted for individual daisy cakes to complement their daisy floral décor. There’s no such thing as too much sweetness.
Let your friends and family know how much you’ve appreciated their love and support over the years with thoughtful party favors. We love how the couple at this 25th-wedding anniversary said “thanks” with miniature Champagne bottles. After hitting the dance floor all night, guests had plenty of reasons to keep on toasting.
While love is eternal, every celebration must come to an end. But that doesn’t mean the party has to end early. We adore how this beautiful tented celebration used blue uplighting to transform this outdoor space into a magical setting after dark. Of course, make sure to see the party pre-sunset. We especially love the mod tablescapes and lounge area.
PEOPLE ALSO ASK…
Do Couples Throw Their Own Anniversary Party?
Couples can absolutely throw their own anniversary party, especially when it involves a vow renewal. Here are some steps to ensure your guests feel appreciated.
- Use your anniversary invitations as an opportunity to thank your guests for all of their love and support over the years
- Hire a caterer so your guests don’t feel the need to bring food or beverages
- Select a photographer so guests can enjoy the party without having to take pictures
- Take a moment to thank your friends and family during a toast
- Send guests home with thoughtful party favors
How Can I Make My Anniversary at Home Special?
While hosting your celebration at a venue can take some of the stress out of the planning process, at-home anniversary parties can be just as beautiful and meaningful. For an at-home celebration, we recommend hiring an event planner to coordinate the logistics of your celebration. Your event planner can also recommend their exclusive network of talented event vendors.
You can also use PartySlate’s curated directory to find premier local vendors. We recommend using the following to ensure your anniversary party is as special as your many years of love.
Lastly, for more anniversary party ideas, click here.
featured caterer
The Cup Bearer
We love how this full-service mixology vendor works with clients to curate an impressive selection of beverages that will leave your guests in awe. In addition to making bespoke sips from scratch, The Cup Bearer turns each beverage order into an experience that wows the senses. photographer: Ricky Rodriguez Photography