Updated 2024: Wondering how to throw a surprise anniversary party for parents? Well, don’t worry we are here to help. And trust us on this as we know how big this can be for you and your parents! A wedding anniversary is a big event that celebrates the love and commitment between two people. Planning a surprise anniversary party for parents is a great way to thank your parents for their unconditional affection and support in your life. Take matters into your own hands and give them a day of pampering they would enjoy.
Here are a few tips we would like to give you for planning a fantastic anniversary surprise for parents.
Step 1- Keep it secret
The surprise party should remain a surprise until the end. Make sure all the people planning the party understand the importance of keeping it under the wraps. Send invitations at the last moment to diminish the chances of getting the surprise ruined.
For planning the anniversary celebration in Dubai, consider these tips without your parents knowing about the surprise:
- Private Group Chat: Create a private group chat with all the involved parties. Use platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or Slack to coordinate without letting your parents know.
- Code Words: Use code words when discussing the party around your parents to avoid any accidental slips. For example, refer to the party as “the picnic” or “the book club meeting.”
Step 2- Determine your budget
Make a list of requirements for the party and allocate a certain amount of money to each. Setting a budget makes you less likely to go overboard with expenditures.
Step 3- Make a list of guests
It depends on how large you want the party to be. Whether your parents would want an intimate get together with close friends or family, or would they prefer a large gathering to celebrate the big day. Make the guests list accordingly.
You can consider these tips while preparing the guest list for a surprise anniversary party:
- Mix of Guests: Invite a mix of family, friends, and significant people from your parents’ past and present.
- Dietary Restrictions: Make sure to ask guests about any dietary restrictions or allergies so you can plan the menu accordingly.
- Accessibility Needs: Ensure the venue is accessible to all guests, including those with mobility issues.
Step 4- Pick a venue
You can either hire a venue or plan a surprise party in the backyard if it is large enough for a gathering. Choosing to hold the party at your parent’s home is a great idea. After the celebrations are over, they’ll have a lot of memories to hold on.
If you’re confused about the venue, you can consider the following tips to decide the best venue for your surprise anniversary party for parents:
- Home: Hosting at home can be cosy and cost-effective. However, it may require extensive cleaning and preparation.
- Hired Venue: A rented venue offers a professional setting with minimal prep work on your part. Consider local halls, restaurants, or even outdoor spaces like parks.
Whichever venue you choose, ensure it’s decorated in a way that aligns with the party theme. Use lights, banners, flowers, and personal touches like photo collages.
Step 5- Decide on a menu
If you are planning to throw a big party and invite a lot of guests, it is best to rent a catering service. Decide on a menu. There should be snacks, desserts, a three-course meal, and drinks. To celebrate the D-day with yummy treats, choose a reliable flavour for the ‘happy anniversary cake’. You can bake a cake of your parent’s favourite flavour.
Things to keep in mind while deciding menu:
- Customisation: Cater to your parents’ favourite foods and consider a mix of appetisers, main courses, and desserts.
- Dietary Preferences: Ensure there’s something for everyone by including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Step 6- Send out invitations
Once the venue and menu are decided, it’s time to send out invites. You can send e-invites. Include the date & venue of the party in the invite. The type of meal that will be served. Also include the theme of the party. And don’t forget to mention that it’s a surprise, so everyone has to be hush-hush about it.
- Design Ideas: Go for the anniversary party e-invites for convenience. You can design e-invites on Canva as it offers beautiful templates that can be customised with photos and personal messages.
- Timely Distribution: Send out the invitations at least a month in advance to ensure your guests have enough time to RSVP.
Step 7- Plan the entertainment
Decide the type of music that suits the theme of the party. Create a playlist. Plan some fun games as well to entertain the guests. You can also create a presentation to honour the couple on accomplishing such a big milestone.
Some ideas to bring entertainment to the anniversary party include:
- Games and Activities: Plan games that everyone can enjoy, such as trivia about your parents or a fun quiz.
- Music and Performances: Set up a karaoke station for some fun sing-along moments or set up the musical chair.
Step 8- Buy decorations
Buy essentials decoration items like balloons, party confetti, centerpieces, candles, and flowers. You can even opt for flower delivery to ensure the freshest blooms are part of the decor. Additionally, consider purchasing low-priced glasses and plates to serve food and drinks. The disposable food plates & glasses are eco-friendly and save you from the labour of cleaning them afterwards.
Here are some tips to decorate for an anniversary party below:
- Banners and Signs: Create custom banners with your parents’ names and anniversary dates.
- Lighting: Use fairy lights, candles, or lanterns to create a warm ambience.
- Flowers: Order flowers for your parents’
- DIY Ideas: Create photo collages or memory boards of your parents’ journey together or handmade centrepieces.
Step 9- Order a Perfect Cake
Cakes are something that completes any celebration. They don’t only hold a special place in anniversary celebrations but they also make one of the best custom to celebrate your loved ones and moments. So, make sure you order the best cake to sweeten your parents’ anniversary celebration.
- Selection Tips: Choose a cake that reflects your parents’ tastes. Consult with a local bakery to design a cake that’s both visually appealing and delicious.
- Personalisation: Add personal elements like their wedding cake design or their favourite flavours.
Step 10- Don’t forget gifts
Don’t forget to buy gifts for your parents, because what’s a surprise party without surprise gifts. Whether you are in search of 25th-anniversary gift ideas for parents or impressive 50th wedding anniversary ideas for parents- everything is available online. All you have to do is go to our website & choose the best decoration and the best wedding anniversary gifts for parents according to your budget & preference.
Step 11- Execution
Proper planning leads to excellent execution. Make sure everything is well planned. You can delegate jobs to your siblings or relatives to make sure important things are taken care of. Shortlist prospective anniversary gift ideas to choose the best gift for your parents. Give all the love and attention to your parents. Make them feel special on their big day.
Extra Tips:
Theme Ideas: A theme can make the party more fun and special for your parents. If you’re planning to throw an anniversary party with a specific theme. We have enlisted the ideas below:
- Vintage: Use antique decorations, classic music, and vintage attire to transport your guests back in time.
- Garden Party: Host the event outdoors with floral decorations, fairy lights, and a light, refreshing menu.
- Movie Night: Decorate with film reels and posters, and screen your parents’ favourite movies.
Gifts and Memories: Gifts add a sense of love and gratitude for being part of the celebration. Also, thoughtful gifts leave the recipient with admiration and a sense of appreciation. So, make new memories by making the celebration unforgettable. Here are gifts and memory ideas that you can create while throwing a surprise anniversary party for parents:
- Gift Ideas: Personalise your gifts to make them meaningful. Consider the following gifts: Personalised Gifts: Custom-made items like engraved jewellery, photo books, or a custom painting. Experiences: Gift experiences like a weekend getaway, spa day, or cooking class. Tech Gadgets: Consider the latest gadgets like smart home devices, e-readers, or fitness trackers.
- Photo and Video Memories: Hire a professional photographer to capture the moments or set up a DIY photo booth with props and a backdrop for fun pictures. Create a video montage of family and friends sharing memories and well-wishes.
Post-Party: Once the celebration concludes, it’s time to extend your gratitude to guests for becoming a part of your parents’ anniversary celebration and making it unforgettable. Here’s how you can extend your gratitude to the guests:
- Thank-You Notes: Send personalised thank-you notes to guests for their attendance and gifts.
- Sharing Photos: Create an online album or a shared folder with party photos and videos, allowing everyone to relive the moments.
- Planning a surprise anniversary party for your parents involves a lot of effort, but the joy and appreciation you’ll see on their faces will be worth it. Use these tips to ensure a smooth, memorable event that celebrates their love and commitment.
You can also read these anniversary celebration and gift related blogs:
