How To Throw a 25th Wedding Anniversary Party

A 25th wedding anniversary is a momentous occasion. Often, people choose to celebrate this "silver" anniversary with a party. This useful guide will outline everything you need to know to throw a fabulous 25th wedding anniversary celebration.

1. Decide how big of a bash you would like to have. Since the quarter century mark is such a big occasion, many people opt for a very large party, inviting nearly everyone the blissfully wedded couple knows. However, it is perfectly acceptable to have a more intimate gathering or even just a family dinner. If you are planning a smaller gathering, you can easily host a dinner. For larger groups, a cocktail party is usually more practical and affordable; instead of a full meal, you only need to provide appetizers, beverages and cake.

2. When planning your guest list, it is really up to you how widely to extend the invitations. With an intimate group, simply choose family and close friends. However, if the party will be a large affair, make sure to invite friends, extended family and even co-workers. It is also popular to invite all of the members of the couple's wedding party, even if they are no longer in close contact since this is a great occasion for catching up. Send your party invitations three to four weeks before the party to allow ample time for people to plan to attend. You can ask people to RSVP within 2 weeks of the mailing of the invitations.
3. How formal of an affair do you desire? A 25th anniversary party can be as casual as a backyard barbecue or pool party and as formal as a black tie dinner party. Anything nice is acceptable, so it is really up to the hosts and the couple that is being honored to choose the type of event that they most desire. Of course, keep in mind that if your budget is limited, a casual event is usually more affordable.
4. When you plan your decorations for a 25th anniversary party, silver is usually your dominant color. Silver is not only the theme color for this anniversary, but gifts for this occasion are usually made of silver. Luckily, it is easy to find silver party decorations year round. Consider silvery candles, table glitter, streamers, balloons, ribbon and floral arrangements. The traditional flower for the 25th is the iris, but you can substitute silver or white roses with greenery that has been spray-painted silver.  You can even rent satiny silver table coverings, chair covers and napkins if you want to have a really formal and glittery event.
5. What are the must-haves for a 25th anniversary party? While the type of event you can have varies widely, there are a few things that are generally expected at this type of party. Guests will expect an assortment of beverages, but make sure you have champagne on hand so that people can toast the couple in celebration. Of course, drinks should be accompanied by food, especially if you are serving alcohol; whether you serve a full meal is up to you, but at least provide finger food trays for those who want to munch. Finally, a cake will complete your party offerings. Many people select tiered wedding-style cakes for anniversary parties, but a prettily decorated sheet cake is also acceptable, as are decorated cupcakes.
6. A nice touch at anniversary parties is to display some of the couple's wedding pictures or other memorabilia. Others choose to play the wedding video or to use music that was played at the original wedding.
7. Need some help getting started with your menu and beverages? If you plan to have 50 guests and serve beer, wine and champagne, order 8 cases of beer, 16 bottles of wine and 10 bottles of champagne. In addition, make sure to have bottled water and soft drinks on hand, as well as coffee. Serving appetizers? 300 pieces should nicely serve 50 guests. A three tiered layer cake should be plenty for dessert, although you may want some finger sweets like cookies, as well.