Three Great Ideas for a Fabulous Wedding Anniversary Party

Too many people believe that a great celebration costs a lot of money.

It's not true.

Think of the last party you really enjoyed -- did you have fun because of the amount of money the hosts spent? I suspect not. What makes a celebration memorable is the thought and planning that went into it.

And planning is free.

And careful planning can help you throw a fabulous anniversary party with minimal dollars.

The most memorable celebrations keep the reason for the party in mind -- the guests of honor. For an anniversary party, keep the happy couple front and center of the proceedings.

Get as many photos from their wedding as they (or others) will lend to you. Be sure to take care of them! Ask the lenders to write their names on the backs of the photos -- you'll be glad when the party is over and you're trying to remember which photo belongs to who.

Choose several you particularly like. Let's say you chose one of the happy couple walking back down the aisle. Make multiple copies of it on your computer and print them out. If you aren't computer savvy, then take the photo to Kinko's Copies and they can handle this step for you.

Cut a piece of cardboard into sections measuring 14" X 8". Fold it in half and then use a piece of scotch tape to hold it in an upside "V" shape. Glue or tape the photo to BOTH sides -- use these handmade centerpieces on each table. If the party will be at a home, then place them on tables, and particularly near the front door where your guests will see them.

You can even have a quickie raffle at the end of the night to see which guests get to take the photos home as momentos of the party.

TIP: Don't forget to choose a photo showing the couple doing something -- those photos where the couple is standing and staring at the camera -- that is to say, "posed" -- make good momentos but they don't work well for parties. Choose photographs that are fun to look at and your guests will enjoy them much more.

Too many people buy a box of standard invitations to invite their guests.

It's kinda boring.

People get the sense of a fun party from the moment they receive the invitation, so why not make the invitation fun?

Gather the grandkids and make those invitations. It's a lot cheaper, the kids have a blast, and you'll be sending out invitations that people will talk about long after the party is over.