| Whether you are sending out 50th anniversary | | | | getting for your guests? |
| invitations to everyone you know or are having a | | | | A drunken brawl wouldn't be a great way to |
| private party to celebrate your 1st wedding | | | | remember your anniversary party by now, would it? |
| anniversary, here are some tips to help you save | | | | Then again, serving water or syrup would just seem |
| costs. | | | | too cheap. |
| 1. Organizing the party. | | | | How about a home made punch? |
| Do you really need to hire a party planner? | | | | Here's an alcoholic version. |
| Cut costs by getting a close pal or relative to | | | | 1 large ripe watermelon |
| coordinate the entire party. | | | | 1 kg of whatever ripe fruits that are in season, which |
| 2. Food. | | | | are very juicy. |
| Must you cater the food? | | | | 3 liters (2 1.5l bottles) of 7up or sprite or ice cream |
| It may be cheaper to buy take out and present the | | | | soda |
| food artistically on pretty plates for a buffet spread | | | | 3 cans of beer for that alcoholic zing |
| instead of hiring a caterer. | | | | Lots of ice to dilute it so it wouldn't be too sweet. |
| Better yet, if you have a pal who is a great cook with | | | | For a non alcoholic version, substitute the beer for |
| some showmanship and he or she is willing to play | | | | another bottle of ice cream soda and 3 large, washed |
| chef for your wedding anniversary, you could even | | | | lemons finely sliced. |
| have him prepare his specialty in an open kitchen as | | | | Juice the fruit. Pour in the 7up, sprite or soda with the |
| he plays TV chef and shows of his skills as an | | | | fruit juice and beer (for alcoholic version) and top up |
| entertainer and a chef. | | | | with ice shavings. |
| Or you could make it a pot luck and get each guest to | | | | For the non alcoholic version, pour in the sodas, fruit |
| bring his or her specialty instead of an anniversary gift. | | | | juice and put in the slices of lemons for garnishing and |
| Or you and your closest and dearest could cook up a | | | | to give the punch that zing. |
| storm in the kitchen to prepare a feast for all your | | | | If you want to save even more money, or if you run |
| guests. | | | | out of fruit juice, you can mix a different, more |
| 3. Music | | | | affordable punch. |
| How about the music? | | | | 3 liters of soda |
| You could hire a professional live band to provide the | | | | 1 bottle of rose syrup |
| background music but you must be prepared to pay a | | | | As much water as it takes to dilute the mixture so that |
| huge fee for their services. | | | | it is not too sweet. |
| Then again, you could hire a bunch of talented teens | | | | Maybe 3 large, washed lemons finely sliced to stir into |
| for their first ever gig, who would be willing to play for | | | | the punch and give it a classy flavor. |
| a token fee in return for the exposure they get. You | | | | 5. Anniversary gown |
| could check out colleges, ask your friends if their kids | | | | What will the wife be wearing for her grand entrance? |
| or friends of their kids would like to play for your party. | | | | The husband? |
| Remember to audition the kids to see if their music | | | | Can you fit your old wedding gown and tuxedo? |
| really is suitable for your anniversary party. | | | | If you can, that would be a great time to wear it. If not, |
| Or you could get a DJ to play the music that would | | | | unless you foresee going to other black tie events in |
| get guests in a partying mood. | | | | the near future, it might be more prudent to rent a |
| Or (the cheapest option) you could just get CDs of | | | | gown or borrow one rather than buy a new one just |
| your favourite music and put them in your CD player | | | | for the party. As for the jewelry, you could use what |
| to provide background music for the party. | | | | you wore on your wedding day. Or you could buy |
| 4. Drinks | | | | new jewelry that looks absolutely stunning yet which is |
| You would be surprised how much money you might | | | | remarkably affordable. The trick is to go for CZ |
| end up spending on drinks if you aren't careful. | | | | jewelry instead of diamonds, rubies or other precious |
| Are you going to provide a free flow of wine and | | | | gemstones. |
| champagne? How many crates of beer would you be | | | | |