Anniversary party themes run the gamut from traditional and classic to colorful and creative. The key to choosing correctly from party themes for an anniversary is thinking about what the couple would truly enjoy.
We’ve got an incredible array of ideas to help you select just the right one for the special celebration you’re planning for the impressive couple.
Anniversary Party Themes – Choosing the Right Theme for your Celebration
With so many wonderful wedding anniversary theme ideas to pick from, focusing in on the perfect one for your party can be tough!
You can stick with something timeless and traditional, or have a little more fun with something unique to the couple.
Aim to select a theme that the duo will truly enjoy and that captures their personality or interests as a pair in some way 😀
Here are the important details to take into consideration when trying to find the best theme for the event:
Time of Day or Night
Determine whether the party will be held during the day or in the evening. Some themes are better suited to one or the other, while many work well for day or night.
Season
Consider a theme that’s well suited to the season during which the party will be held.
Types of Guests
Who is being invited to celebrate the anniversary? Will your guest list include co-workers, friends, family, and children? The type of crowd you’ll be hosting can influence the theme that you choose.
How Many Years Together is the Couple Celebrating?
One easy way to choose a theme is by picking one that corresponds to the anniversary that’s being celebrated. Many years have a traditional theme that can be played up in the party décor, gifts, and more.
Hobbies and Interests of the Couple
It’s important to pick a theme that the couple will enjoy. Consider using their hobbies and interests as a guide.
Consider the Location of the Celebration
The venue for the party can impact the theme selection. Some themes can work just about anywhere, while others may be limited in terms of décor and food selection due to the party place.
Traditional Anniversary Party Themes by Year
Traditional anniversary themes focus on a specific type of material for the number of years being celebrated.
While typically used to inform gift-giving for the couple, you could also use these traditional themes for the party décor.
Find the traditional theme that symbolizes the anniversary being celebrated, and then use that as a springboard for the overall look and motif of the event.
Read on to discover which theme matches up with the anniversary you’re planning a party for:
5th Year Anniversary: Wood
For a 5th anniversary, use the natural beauty and durability of wood to decorate the venue. A wood theme can go well with other outdoor elements, a cozy rustic style, or a warm and inviting indoor event.
10th Year Anniversary: Tin/ Aluminum
Tin or aluminum is often gifted for a 10 year celebration. Why not use this soft metallic material to deck out the venue? You can add other complementary design elements to bring out the silvery tones of the tin.
15th Year Anniversary: Crystal
For a 15th anniversary, couples may receive crystal décor, dishware, or serving items. Use crystal to decorate the tabletops and add sparkle throughout the venue.
20th Year Anniversary: China
20 years together is such an important milestone to celebrate. If you’d like to use the traditional material as part of your theme, consider planning a sit-down style meal with china dishware.
25th Year Anniversary: Silver
The 25th anniversary is symbolized by silver, making it an easy theme to work with. You can use silver décor elements throughout the touch on the traditional material.
30th Year Anniversary: Pearl
The delicate beauty of pearl represents 30 years of wedded bliss. Many wives receive pearls as a gift for this occasion, so why not let it be the theme of the celebration? It’s soothing, subtle, yet still stunning.
35th Year Anniversary: Coral or Jade
Coral takes many years to form, just like a strong marriage bond that’s been 35 years in the making. Jade is the modern symbol of this anniversary and offers a beautiful color to work with for a theme.
40th Year Anniversary: Ruby
Stunning ruby red symbolizes the eternal flame of love, thus making it an ideal choice to represent 40 years. As a theme, it can encapsulate the romance and passion of 40 years of marriage.
45th Year Anniversary: Sapphire
45 years of marriage is symbolized by the stunning sapphire. Opt for all things blue to decorate the party if you choose to follow this traditional theme.
50th Year Anniversary: Gold
The golden anniversary marks 50 years of marriage. This traditional theme is easy to pull off and will add a lot of sparkle to the venue, helping make the special celebration really shine.
55th Year Anniversary: Emerald
55 years of marriage is considered the emerald anniversary, since emeralds are rare, and so is making it to more than 5 decades of togetherness! It makes for a handsome theme, with all things green and glamorous.
60th Year Anniversary: Diamond
Decades in the making, a diamond themed celebration symbolizes the strength of such a long marriage. You can go all out with a lot of bling, or opt for simple touches of sparkle throughout the party place.
Full Bloom Anniversary Party Themes by Flower
Love is in the air and in full bloom, so why not consider using a classic and beautiful floral theme for the wedding anniversary party?
For celebrations that fall on any increment of five years of marriage, you’ll find a corresponding flower variety. You can then use the flower itself and its color or colors as a basis for a timeless anniversary party theme.
Check out the list below to find the flower that represents the years of marriage:
5th Year Anniversary: Daisy
Delicate, yet strong daisies symbolize the 5th year of a marriage. It represents fidelity, beauty, and hope for the years ahead.
10th Year Anniversary: Daffodil
Deck out a decade’s worth of love celebration with daffodils. Your 10th anniversary soiree will have a charming, cheerful look.
15th Year Anniversary: Rose
For 15 years of marriage, the delicate yet powerful rose is the symbol of a union’s strength. You can use any color or stick with the traditional red rose.
20th Year Anniversary: Aster
The aster is a sophisticated flower, representing all of the wisdom that the couple has gained after 2 decades together. As an anniversary theme, it communicates the deep appreciation that the couple has for one another through its elegant beauty.
25th Year Anniversary: Iris
A quarter-century of togetherness is more than worthy of celebration and the Iris is the ideal floral symbol of such a strong bond. Irises have a sophisticated, royal look, and their color is deep and rich.
30th Year Anniversary: SweEt Peas or Lilies
For a 30th wedding anniversary party theme, you have your choice of dainty sweet peas or lovely lilies. Lilies come in a variety of colors and even different shapes and designs. Over the years, many couples take on different appearances as they grow and change together.
40th Year Anniversary: Nasturtiums or Gladiolas
A 40th anniversary can be represented by nasturtiums or gladiolas. Gladiolas have a unique look, symbolizing the uniqueness of a marriage that’s stretched over 4 decades. Nasturtiums symbolize achievement, making it ideal for couples who’ve spent so many years together.
50th Year Anniversary: Yellow Rose and Violet
50 years together is something incredibly special, so perhaps that’s why it has two flowers to represent it. Use the symbolic yellow rose paired with the vibrant violet to guide the theme. The bright yellow and deep purple colors complement one another perfectly, making a stunning pair, just like the happy couple.
Using Color for Anniversary Party Themes
Colors have long been used to signify specific anniversaries. Rather than choosing from the traditional or floral themes, you may consider using the corresponding color to guide your party design.
You can carry it throughout the décor and even the menu. Create a signature cocktail with the color for a personalized touch.
Find the appropriate color for your event by selecting the anniversary that’s being celebrated:
- 1st Wedding Anniversary: Yellow
- 2nd Wedding Anniversary: Linen White
- 3rd Wedding Anniversary: Light Brown
- 4th Wedding Anniversary: Green
- 5th Wedding Anniversary: Turquoise
- 6th Wedding Anniversary: Purple or White
- 7th Wedding Anniversary: Off White
- 8th Wedding Anniversary: Bronze
- 9th Wedding Anniversary: Deep Blue or Terracotta
- 10th Wedding Anniversary: Silver
- 11th Wedding Anniversary: Turquoise or Yellow
- 12th Wedding Anniversary: Opal or Oyster White
- 13th Wedding Anniversary: White
- 14th Wedding Anniversary: Ivory
- 15th Wedding Anniversary: Ruby Red
- 16th Wedding Anniversary: Emerald Green, Red, or Silver
- 17th Wedding Anniversary: Yellow
- 18th Wedding Anniversary: Blue
- 19th Wedding Anniversary: Bronze
- 20th Wedding Anniversary: Emerald Green or White
- 21st Wedding Anniversary: Orange
- 22nd Wedding Anniversary: Green
- 23rd Wedding Anniversary: Silver
- 24th Wedding Anniversary: Lavender
- 25th Wedding Anniversary: Silver
- 30th Wedding Anniversary: Green
- 35th Wedding Anniversary: Coral
- 40th Wedding Anniversary: Ruby Red
- 45th Wedding Anniversary: Sapphire Red
- 50th Wedding Anniversary: Gold
- 55th Wedding Anniversary: Emerald Green
- 60th Wedding Anniversary: Diamond White
- 65th Wedding Anniversary: Sky Blue
- 70th Wedding Anniversary: Platinum or Diamond White
- 75th Wedding Anniversary: Diamond White
Anniversary Party Themes for Travel Lovers
For adventurous couples who love to get out and explore, consider a travel theme. Whisk the couple and their guests away for a fun-filled celebration by transforming the venue into somewhere special.
Here are some exciting travel themes to consider for the jet-setting pair:
Luau Theme Party
Host the ultimate Hawaiian party with a colorful luau theme.
Mardi Gras Party
You don’t have to be in the Big Easy to enjoy a Mardi Gras themed get-together.
Tuscany Inspired Theme Party
Take off for the vineyards of Tuscany with this charming Italian theme.
I Love NY Party
Party in the big apple with an exciting I Love NY theme.
Paris Themed Party
Transform the party place into a quaint café just like in the colorful streets of Paris.
Beach Theme Party
Couples who love the sunshine and sand are sure to appreciate a beautiful beach theme.
Fun Anniversary Party Themes
Throw a party that has amusing activities for everyone to enjoy. Couples who love to party with their friends and family will surely appreciate an exciting, engaging celebration.
For fun loving couples who always know how to have a great time, one of these entertaining party themes could be just right:
Casino Themed Party
Roll the dice with a cool casino theme where guests can bet big on love.
Circus Themed Celebration
Have everyone gather under the big top for high-flying fun with a circus party.
Famous Couples Anniversary Party
Turn the party into a fun and sometimes hilarious celebration of famous couples with this celebrity-centered theme.
1950’s Retro Soda Shop Party Theme
Step back in time to the 50s with a hoppin’ fun retro soda shop theme.
Decade Themed Party
Take it back to the decade or the year that the couple got married with a throwback theme.
Hobbies & Interest Themed Anniversary Parties
Focus the fun on one of the couple’s favorite hobbies or interests. It’s a great way to have a party that incorporates something they enjoy together.
Here are some hobby themes to consider:
Anniversary Party BBQ
A backyard barbecue could be ideal for the casual couple who loves to grill out.
Golf Themed Party
Get the couple together on the green with a golf themed event.
Fishing Theme Party
Reel in the love with a fun fishing theme.
Gardening Theme Party
Couples with green thumbs are sure to appreciate a colorful and lively gardening theme.
Jazz Inspired Party
Keep it cool with a classy jazz inspired celebration.
Broadway Musical Theme Party
Couples who love the theater will surely enjoy a Broadway theme that includes all of their favorite musicals.
Vintage Wine Themed Party
Since the couple has aged like fine wine, turn the party into a tasting session with a vintage wine theme.
More Anniversary Party Themes to Consider
Still seeking more exciting ideas? Here are a few more creative and cool anniversary party themes to think about:
Destination Anniversary Party
Turn the party into a specific destination with this adventurous and exotic theme.
Vowel Renewal Party
Have the happy couple reaffirm their bond with a romantic vow renewal ceremony.
Formal Black Tie Anniversary Celebration
Throw an upscale and elegant affair with a formal black tie event.
Casual Brunch Party
Get guests together for an early afternoon gathering with a casual brunch.