Ask The Celebration Advisor:

Really need some advice/ideas.  I've been asked to help plan a 60th wedding anniversary/high school graduation celebration on the same day..same deck.  The deck has two separate sides, so two themes are feasible, but am at a loss as to how to make them connect in some fun way.  (Grandparents & grandson).
Any ideas?  I'm thinking garden party on one side..dance party on other?  I've done a couple weddings and floral design, but this one has me pulling my hair out!  HELP!!!

–Trish

Celebration Advisor Reply:

First of all, congratulations on celebrating two major milestones! No matter what ideas you choose, I'm sure it's going to be a special day!

I like your idea of hosting two separate parties that work well together. Having a more mature get together on one side, featuring seating areas and hors d'oeuvres, and a space for dancing and gathering on the other side will allow guests to move between the two spaces and celebrate as a family.

Unify the spaces using a single color palette for the entire party. Choose a couple of neutral colors and an accent color that will suit both parties. For an example we will use white, silver and blue. One the anniversary side, choose white table cloths, flowers and silver vases to create an elegant, comfortable atmosphere. Add blue napkins, ribbons and candies for a punch of color.

On the graduation party side, bring in sliver, white and blue balloons to create an upbeat vibe. Rent a strobe light or disco ball to complete the dance floor feel. Serve snacks on blue plates, or mix a blue punch as a colorful drink option. Fill out the decor with greenery, snacks and other decorations you find at your local supply store. Get creative! Guests can share one cake, and your invitations can serve double-duty by sticking to a single color palette.

Color is a great way to unify the two parties, while appealing to the substantially different demographics. From a distance, the deck will look cohesive, but guests will feel at home on both sides and maybe even mix and mingle between the two areas.

This Celebration Advisor post is sponsored by Wedding and Party Network.

This is a fun way to celebrate the milestone of a 50^th wedding anniversary, but you can use the same ideas for any wedding anniversary. Decorate the party place with all things from the year the couple was married. In the case of a 50^th wedding anniversary celebrated in 2009 the wedding year is 1959. Dig up all the information you can on 1959 and use what you find to help choose a theme.

In 1959 for instance TV shows such as Bonanza and Rawhide premiered in that year, so a western theme might be what your draw from for a theme and decorations. You might choose to use Etch A Sketch as decoration on the tables since they were invented in that year. For entertainment you could hire impersonators to play the popular artist from the day, such as Doris Day or Frank Sinatra.

For food again look to the past for what to serve. In the 50’s grilling was a rising trend, so grilled food may be a good choice for this party. Or any other food items that were popular during that time. Do the same with your beverages choose drinks that were popular during the anniversary couple’s wedding year. In 1959 soda pop in bottles were the rage. See if you can find soda in bottles to continue the theme year. Tang was a popular drink as well. For adult beverages, martinis were very popular in the late 50’s.

With a bit of research on your part, a golden opportunity to give a wonderful walk down memory lane to an anniversary couple is a snap. And remember you can do this with any wedding year.

This anniversay party planning idea was brought ot you by weddingandpartynetwork.com.

Silver Wedding Anniversary parties are a monumental occasion! I have found some great ideas for an anniversary party and especially for this particular occasion. Wedding Anniversary parties are typically held at the 25 and 50 year marks. But you can throw a party for any anniversary. However, the 25^th Anniversary is the first traditionally highlighted anniversary celebration; so, it only seems right to do it big.

Sentimental decorations, such as pictures and videos should be used if possible. I found where a family decorated the tables with all different kinds of picture frames filled with pictures of the couple Continue reading "25th Wedding Anniversary Party Decoration Ideas" »

Bridal showers call for special out of the ordinary parties … so throw the bride a Flower Power Party. It’s easy to set up your backyard for a Flower Power party. Utilizing party rentals you can rent chairs, tables, gazebos and even linens to make a gorgeous garden party setting.

Your invitations should carry the flower theme so look for delicate invitations with flowers. While choosing the invitation find matching napkins, plates and cups.

If your backyard is lacking in the flower department call in a floral specialist. Have your local florist design table centerpieces and corsages using a flower that matches the invitations. Have pre-printed flower name Continue reading "Flower Power Party" »

Pairing wine and chocolate: a perfect party theme for adults.

Many say that wine and chocolate cannot be successfully combined, but others beg to differ. The key is to find the right combinations of the two decadent treats. In fact, the trend is growing so rapidly that many are throwing wine and chocolate tasting parties. So why not throw your own wine and chocolate party. If you follow a few simple guidelines your party will be a scrumptious success.

Continue reading "Wine & Chocolate Pairing Party" »

This is an adult party theme that is sure to be a bit spicy, fun, and sweet. Gather up or rent some Highball glasses for the Mojito’s (a rum and sugar drink with lime juice, mint and club soda.) Now add in the spicy Salsa, not the dip but a Salsa dancer. However, salsa dip and chips would be great food to have at this party. Hire someone to teach your guests to salsa.

You can hire a Salsa band or rent the equipment needed for the dance music. You may need to rent a dance floor as well depending on your party location. Many rental companies or party supply companies can help Continue reading "Mojito's & Salsa – The Sweet & Spicy Party Theme" »