How to Throw a 20th Anniversary Party: 15+ Ideas, Themes and More

Wow, 20 years of marriage. That’s something really special in today’s world. If you’re reading this, either you’ve reached this incredible milestone yourself or you’re helping someone celebrate theirs. Either way, a 20th anniversary deserves something memorable to mark the occasion.

I’ve been planning parties for years (some more successful than others, I’ll admit), and I’ve found that anniversary celebrations are some of the most meaningful events to put together. There’s something truly special about honoring two decades of commitment, growth, and love.

So this guide and the ideas and themes found below will hopefully help you to throw a truly amazing anniversary party.

Deciding Who to Invite

When planning a 20th anniversary party the guest list is your first big decision. This really depends on the couple’s personality and preferences. Some couples might want a huge do with everyone they know, while others might prefer something more intimate.

If you’re surprising your spouse think about who has been important throughout your marriage. Include close family members, longtime friends and people who were present at your wedding if possible.

I remember helping plan my aunt and uncle’s 20th anniversary where they specifically wanted to include both old friends who’d known them since the beginning and newer friends who represented their current life stage. It created this beautiful blend of their past and present.

If you’re not sure who to invite then start with immediate family and closest friends. After that expand the circle until you reach your target number based on your budget and venue capacity.

Getting the Guest List Together

Start by creating categories: family, friends from different life periods (college, early marriage years, current), colleagues, neighbors, etc. This helps ensure you don’t accidentally overlook anyone important.

Next, try to find your original wedding guest list if possible! It can be really meaningful to see who has been there from the beginning. One couple I know actually displayed their original wedding guest book next to a new anniversary guest book – it was so touching to see those connections.

Consider whether children are invited or if this is an adults-only celebration. For milestone anniversaries like a 20th, many couples choose an adult gathering where they can truly relax and reminisce.

Once you have your preliminary list, run it by a few close family members to see if you’ve missed anyone obvious. Trust me, this can save some awkward conversations later!

Invitations: What to Use and When to Send

For a 20th anniversary, paper invitations still feel most appropriate, especially since the traditional gift for this milestone is china (representing beauty and refinement). That said, electronic invitations have become widely accepted and offer easy RSVP tracking.

Your invitations should include:

• The couple’s names
• Years being celebrated (2003-2023, for example)
• Date, time and complete location information
• RSVP instructions and deadline
• Dress code information
• Gift preferences (or “no gifts please” if preferred)
• Any special instructions for surprise parties

Send invitations approximately 6-8 weeks before the event. This gives people enough time to plan, especially if some guests will be traveling from out of town. If you’re having a very formal event or expecting many out-of-town guests, consider sending save-the-date cards 3-4 months in advance.

Additional Considerations

Cards

A lovely tradition for anniversary celebrations is to collect cards and messages from guests. You might set up a table at the party where people can leave cards, or for something more creative, provide a guest book or memory jar where attendees can write their favorite memories of the couple.

I once attended a 20th anniversary where guests were asked to bring a written memory of the couple along with a photo if they had one. These were compiled into a beautiful album that became one of the couple’s most treasured possessions.

Speeches

Will there be formal speeches or toasts? If so, decide who will speak and give them plenty of advance notice. Typically, the couple might say a few words, and perhaps their children, parents, or best friends might offer toasts.

Keep speeches relatively brief (3-5 minutes each) and consider spacing them throughout the event rather than having them all at once. I’ve been to too many parties where the energy drained during a 45-minute speech marathon!

Photography

Don’t forget to document this special occasion! You might hire a professional photographer for a few hours, or designate a photography-savvy friend or family member to take candid shots. Creating a custom hashtag for social media posts can help collect everyone’s photos in one place.

Consider setting up a photo station with props relevant to the couple and their 20-year journey. This gives guests something fun to do and creates memorable keepsakes.

20th Anniversary Party Ideas

Here are some fantastic ways to celebrate two decades of marriage:

1. Vow Renewal Ceremony

After 20 years, renewing your commitment to each other can be incredibly meaningful. This doesn’t need to be as elaborate as your wedding – a simple ceremony with close family and friends works beautifully.

Choose a location that’s special to you both. Perhaps where you were married or a place that’s been significant in your relationship.

For attire, some couples choose to wear their original wedding clothes (if they still fit!), while others select new outfits that reflect their current style. Follow the ceremony with a reception featuring good food, heartfelt toasts, and perhaps a slideshow of your years together. This celebration works well for couples who value tradition and sentimentality.

2. Decade Dance Party

Host a party featuring music, fashion and décor from the year you got married! This nostalgic celebration is sure to bring back memories and create plenty of laughs.

Hire a DJ who can play hits from that era or create your own playlist of songs that were popular when you wed, plus meaningful songs from throughout your marriage. Encourage guests to dress in the fashion of that time period for extra fun.

Hold the event at a local venue with a good dance floor, or transform your basement or backyard into a dance space with string lights and simple decorations. This is perfect for couples who love music and dancing and don’t take themselves too seriously.

3. China and Porcelain Themed Dinner Party

Since china is the traditional 20th anniversary gift, host an elegant dinner party incorporating this theme. Use your finest china (or rent some if needed), and create centerpieces featuring porcelain elements.

For activities, consider hiring an artist to demonstrate porcelain painting, or even set up a simple activity where guests can decorate small porcelain items as keepsakes. The dress code should be formal to semi-formal. This sophisticated celebration works well at a nice restaurant with a private dining room, or at home if you have space for a sit-down dinner. Perfect for couples who appreciate tradition and elegant entertaining.

4. Anniversary Weekend Getaway

Instead of a traditional party, invite your closest friends and family members to join you for a weekend getaway. Rent a large vacation home with multiple bedrooms or book a block of rooms at a boutique hotel.

Plan some group activities like wine tasting, hiking, or a boat tour, but also leave free time for relaxing and connecting. Shared meals provide natural opportunities for toasts and conversations about your years together.

The dress code can be casual and comfortable with perhaps one nicer outfit for a special dinner. This extended celebration allows for deeper connections and creates new memories to carry into your next decade of marriage.

5. “Then and Now” Celebration

Create a party that contrasts your wedding day with your current life. Display wedding photos alongside recent pictures, serve updated versions of your wedding menu, and play music from both eras.

For activities, create a trivia game about the couple’s life then and now, or have guests share predictions for what the next 20 years might bring. This versatile theme works in many venues from home backyards to rented spaces.

The dress code can be cocktail attire or smart casual. This reflective yet forward-looking celebration appeals to couples who enjoy acknowledging their growth while looking toward the future.

6. Cultural Heritage Celebration

If you and your spouse share cultural heritage or have embraced each other’s traditions over the years, center your anniversary around these cultural elements. Serve traditional foods, incorporate cultural music and décor, and perhaps include customs specific to anniversary celebrations in your culture(s).

You might hire musicians or dancers to perform, or teach guests a traditional dance. This meaningful celebration works well in community centers, cultural venues, or at home.

Dress code can incorporate traditional garments or elements. This unique celebration honors not just your marriage but the cultural foundations that have shaped your family.

7. Charity Gala

Use your milestone anniversary as an opportunity to give back by hosting a celebration that benefits a cause close to your hearts. Choose a charity that’s meaningful to you both and organize an elegant evening where guests make donations in lieu of gifts.

Include elements that highlight your 20 years together while focusing on making a positive impact. This can be held at a hotel ballroom, community center, or other event space.

Dress code should be formal or semi-formal. This altruistic celebration works well for couples who are established in their lives and want their milestone to create positive change in the world.

8. Wine Tasting Tour

If you’re wine enthusiasts, organize a day touring local wineries with your favorite people. Select wineries that offer private tasting rooms for groups and arrange for transportation so no one has to drive.

The experience could include special tours of the facilities, food pairings, and opportunities to purchase bottles with customized 20th anniversary labels. Keep the group size manageable (15-20 people) for a more intimate experience.

Dress should be smart casual but comfortable for walking. This sophisticated yet relaxed celebration is perfect for couples who appreciate fine wine and beautiful settings.

9. Backyard Festival

Transform your backyard into a private festival ground with different activity “stations” representing your interests as a couple. You might have a craft beer tasting area, a lawn games section, a photo booth with props from your 20 years together, and a fire pit for evening s’mores and storytelling.

Hire a local band or create playlists representing different phases of your relationship. Food can be casual – think upscale food trucks or stationed buffets. The dress code should be comfortable but festive.

This personalized celebration works best in warmer months and is perfect for couples who love relaxed entertaining and have a variety of interests they want to showcase.

10. Cooking Class Celebration

Arrange a private cooking class for you and your closest friends and family (typically 10-20 people). Many culinary schools or restaurants offer private event options where everyone learns to prepare a meal together under expert guidance.

Choose cuisine that’s significant to your relationship – perhaps food from your honeymoon destination or a type of cooking you’ve always wanted to learn. After preparing the meal, everyone enjoys eating together with appropriately paired drinks.

The dress code should be casual but neat (aprons will be provided!). This interactive experience creates both memories and a delicious meal, perfect for foodie couples who enjoy hands-on activities.

20th Anniversary Party Themes

Looking for a cohesive theme for your celebration? Here are some perfect for your china anniversary:

1. “China Elegance” Theme

Embrace the traditional 20th anniversary gift with a sophisticated celebration featuring fine china, porcelain, and ceramic elements. Decorate with blue and white porcelain (like traditional Chinese pottery), crystal elements, and fresh white flowers.

For activities, consider hiring an artist to demonstrate china painting or create a display of china patterns through the decades. Food can be served on your best china or rented place settings, featuring elevated versions of your favorite meals.

Request formal or semi-formal clothing, perhaps with a touch of blue to complement the décor. This elegant theme works beautifully in dining rooms, restaurants, or hotel event spaces and appeals to couples who appreciate tradition and refined aesthetics.

2. “Roaring 20s” Theme

Play on the number 20 with a 1920s-inspired celebration. Create the atmosphere of a speakeasy or Great Gatsby party with Art Deco decorations, feathers, and plenty of gold and black accents.

Serve cocktails popular in the era (sidecars, gin rickeys) and play jazz music from the period. Encourage guests to dress in 1920s attire – flapper dresses, pinstriped suits, fedoras.

Activities might include learning simple 1920s dance moves or a photo booth with period props. This lively theme works well in historic venues, hotel ballrooms, or transformed home spaces and is perfect for couples who love vintage style and aren’t afraid of a bit of dramatic flair.

3. “Twenty Years Around the World” Theme

Celebrate places you’ve visited together or dream destinations with a travel-themed party. Create different zones representing various countries with appropriate food, drinks, and décor for each.

Display a map showing places you’ve been together with photos from those trips. For activities, have a travel-themed trivia game or passport stations where guests get “stamps” for visiting each area of your party.

Encourage smart casual attire with international flair. This worldly theme works well in spaces that can be divided into distinct areas and appeals to couples who love travel and cultural experiences.

4. “Platinum Sparkle” Theme

While platinum is traditionally associated with the 70th anniversary, this precious metal works beautifully for a 20th celebration too, offering a more modern alternative to china. Decorate with platinum/silver colors, mirror elements, and twinkling lights.

Create a glamorous atmosphere with metallic accents, crystal elements, and white flowers. Request cocktail or formal attire. Consider serving champagne and foods with edible silver elements.

Activities might include dancing under a disco ball or a photo area with a platinum-colored backdrop. This contemporary theme works well for evening events in modern venues and appeals to couples who prefer current trends over traditional symbolism.

5. “Two Decades of Love” Theme

Create a party that chronologically celebrates your 20 years together through décor, music, and food. Divide your space into different areas representing different phases of your relationship – perhaps your early dating years, wedding, new home, children, career changes, etc.

Each area can have photos, music, and foods from that time period. For activities, create a timeline where guests can add notes about their memories with you during different periods.

The dress code can be smart casual. This personalized theme works in any venue with enough space for distinct areas and appeals to couples who want to honor their unique journey.

6. “China Patterns Through Time” Theme

Focus specifically on the evolution of china designs with a sophisticated twist. Feature displays of different china patterns from various eras, particularly those with significance to your families.

Incorporate blue and white as primary colors, reflecting traditional porcelain. Serve foods representing different cultural traditions where fine china originated (English tea service, Chinese dim sum, etc.).

For activities, have guests participate in a china pattern matching game or write messages on paper “plates” that can later be compiled into a keepsake book. Request semi-formal attire. This cultured theme works well in home settings, tea rooms, or museums and appeals to couples who appreciate history and craftsmanship.

Location

Choosing the right location for your 20th anniversary celebration is crucial to creating the atmosphere you want. Here are some ideas based on the type of celebration you’re planning:

For intimate gatherings (under 20 people):

• Your home, especially if you’ve lived there for a significant portion of your marriage
• A private dining room at an upscale restaurant
• The location where you got engaged or married (if accessible)
• A small vacation rental in a meaningful location

For medium-sized events (20-50 people):

• A local vineyard or winery with event space
• A boutique hotel’s function room
• A country club or golf club event space
• A restaurant with a private event area

For larger celebrations:

• Hotel ballrooms
• Banquet halls
• Historic venues (which offer beautiful backdrops for photos)
• Event centers with full-service catering

I’ve found that venues with some historical significance often work beautifully for 20th anniversary celebrations – they provide a sense of timelessness that complements this milestone. One friend held their anniversary at the historic hotel where they spent their wedding night, which created such a meaningful full-circle moment.

If your budget allows, consider destination celebrations where you gather your closest friends and family for a weekend away. This works especially well if you have guests coming from different parts of the country anyway.

Don’t forget to consider practical aspects like:

• Accessibility for older guests
• Parking availability
• Weather contingencies (if outdoors)
• Sound system quality (for music and speeches)

Remember, the best venue is one that reflects your personality as a couple and accommodates your guest list comfortably.

Decorations

Decorations set the mood for your celebration and can beautifully highlight the 20-year milestone. Since china is the traditional 20th anniversary gift, consider incorporating elements that reflect this:

• Fine china place settings (rented if needed)
• Blue and white porcelain decorative elements
• Delicate ceramic flower vases as centerpieces
• White roses or hydrangeas (representing the refinement of china)

Photo displays are essential for anniversary celebrations. Create a timeline showing your journey from wedding day through the years. You might display:

• Your wedding album
• Photos from significant milestones over 20 years
• Pictures with the guests who are attending (people love finding themselves in old photos!)

According to event planners, the most successful anniversary decorations include personalized elements that tell your story. Consider:

• Table numbers corresponding to significant years in your marriage, with an explanation of what happened that year
• Centerpieces reflecting your hobbies or interests as a couple
• Custom signage with your names and anniversary date

Lighting creates atmosphere, so consider:

• Soft string lights for a romantic glow
• Candles in elegant holders (check venue fire regulations)
• Spotlights on photo displays or meaningful objects

You can find beautiful anniversary-specific decorations at party supply stores, but also check Etsy for unique, personalized items created by independent artists. Stores like Michael’s and Hobby Lobby have craft supplies if you prefer DIY decorations.

Remember, decorations don’t have to be extravagant to be effective. Simple, elegant touches often create the most beautiful atmosphere.

Food and Drink

The food and beverages you serve can be a highlight of your celebration, reflecting both the significance of the occasion and your personal preferences as a couple.

For cocktail-style events:

• Passed hors d’oeuvres that incorporate your favorite flavors
• Food stations representing significant places in your relationship (like where you honeymooned)
• A well-stocked bar with a signature cocktail named after your anniversary
• An elegant champagne toast for speeches

For seated dinners:

• Consider recreating your wedding menu with modern updates
• Serve dishes that have been significant throughout your marriage
• Work with a caterer to create courses that tell your story as a couple
• Don’t forget dietary restrictions – 20 years means guests of various ages and needs

The cake or dessert offers another opportunity to celebrate your milestone:

• A small replica of your original wedding cake tier
• A dessert bar featuring both partners’ favorites
• A china-themed cake with edible porcelain-like decorations
• Individual desserts served on decorative china plates

For drinks, consider:

• Wines from your wedding year (if you can find them!)
• A selection of drinks that were popular when you got married
• Non-alcoholic options that are just as special as alcoholic ones
• A coffee and tea service using fine china cups for an evening finish

I attended a 20th anniversary where the couple served foods representing different phases of their marriage – appetizers inspired by their dating years, an entrée similar to their wedding dinner, and desserts reflecting family recipes they’d perfected together. Every bite told part of their story!

When planning your menu, balance sophistication with comfort. The most successful anniversary celebrations have food that feels special but is also enjoyable to eat. No one wants to navigate complicated food while trying to socialize!