Who hosts the anniversary party?
Generally it is a family member, close friend, or even the anniversary couple themselves. However, one of the more formal anniversary celebrations such as the 25th, 50th, or 75th, good taste and etiquette require that the party be hosted by someone other than the anniversary couple. In all cases the anniversary couple should be an active part of helping to plan their party.
How do I word an anniversary invitation?
The invitation is one of the single most important items for setting the tone for your event. It is usually a good idea to mail out "save the date" cards as soon as you book the party. Make sure the style of the invitation is unique and that the theme of the invitation is reflected throughout your actual event as well. Because you are celebrating a period of time, it is customary to mention the years of the anniversary.
For example:
1977-2002
The pleasure of your company is requested
at the Silver Wedding Anniversary Celebration
of
Robert and Betty Smith
Saturday, July 31
At three o'clock
255 Ashlin Dr
Sacramento, California 95610
Invitations should be mailed about six weeks prior to the event and always include response cards with pre-addressed and pre-stamped envelopes with formal invitations. Casual parties can simply have an "RSVP" with phone number and a deadline date printed at the bottom.
Should there be formal seating for the anniversary couple at the reception?
It depends on how formal the reception is. Even if it's a cocktail-only reception, it is always a good idea to have a designated reserved seating area for the guests of honor, especially if they are more mature. For more formal receptions, the head table should seat the guests of honor and their family. Some event planners have even created what is traditionally called a "sweetheart table" where the table just seats the anniversary couple and is decorated to the ninesÖor even under an elaborate gazebo. Do check with the couple, as some couples may prefer a lower profile.
What about gifts?
Gifts should never, under any circumstances, be requested from guests. On the opposite end, requesting "no gifts," is also not in good taste. Most people love to do something for the couple, so let them. Most will voluntarily bring gifts, so make sure you have a gift table that is clothed and available with tape nearby to tape cards to gifts as they arrive. If the host knows of a big-ticket item - such as a holiday trip or a piece of furniture - which the couple could really use or enjoy, guests could make cash donations toward it. The host would take care of purchasing the gift, collecting the money, and having everyone sign the card at the party. It is generally a good idea to have someone man the gift table as people arrive to tape cards to gifts and just keep an eye on things.
When do the gifts get opened?
The opening of the presents should be done after everyone has arrived; after dinner, before or after desert is a great time.
Should a thank you card be sent?
The proper etiquette is to send notes within one month of the event for gifts received. But a late thank-you note is still better than no note at all. Remember to send thank you note to your host or hostesses for throwing the celebration.
Helpful hints on thank you notes:
What to Say-
Always mention the gift somewhere in the body of the note.
Let the person know you like it! Mention how you plan to use the gift (or spend the money). For example, "I can't wait to have my first dinner party so we can use the new china..." or "Thank you for your generous gift... we've been saving for a down payment on a new house". You should also make at least one personal reference in your thank you note, such as... "We were so happy that you were able to come to California for the anniversary celebration".
Anniversary Gifts
Anniversary History and Traditional Gift Chart
Wedding Month Rhyme
Roaring Media 
