A milestone wedding anniversary is a celebration of a lifetime together, and often a chance for the whole family to come together. Whether it's a silver (25 years), ruby (40), golden (50) or diamond (60) anniversary, the right entertainment helps make it a night the couple will never forget.
Here are ideas for choosing anniversary entertainment.
Start with the couple's story
The best anniversary entertainment connects with the couple's history.
- What music was playing when they met?
- What was their first dance?
- Who are their favourite artists?
- Do they love to dance, or prefer to sit and listen?
Music by anniversary
Diamond anniversary (60 years)
A couple married in 1966 grew up with 50s rock 'n' roll and 60s pop. Consider an Elvis tribute, a Rat Pack show or a 60s band like Retro Jetz.
Golden anniversary (50 years)
A couple married in 1976 might love 60s and 70s music: Tom Jones, Karen Carpenter, ABBA, Motown or the Four Seasons tribute Big Men In Town.
Ruby anniversary (40 years)
Married in 1986, they'll probably love the 80s: Madonna, George Michael, Kylie, or a band covering the decade.
Silver anniversary (25 years)
Married in 2001, the couple may love 90s and 00s pop: Take That, Robbie Williams or Spice Girls.
Vocal entertainers
A versatile singer can cover several decades and tailor the set to the couple. Many of our female vocalists and male vocalists, including Carrie Michaels and Simon Young, perform regularly at anniversaries.
Personal touches
- Recreate the first dance. Ask the singer to perform the couple's original first dance song.
- A dedication. The act can dedicate a song from the family.
- A slideshow. Photos from the wedding and the years since.
- Renewal of vows. Some couples renew their vows at their anniversary party, with a singer for the ceremony.
Choosing a venue
- A function room at a hotel or club with space for dancing
- A restaurant private room for a smaller dinner
- A marquee at the family home for a summer celebration
Consider accessibility for older guests: step-free access, nearby parking and comfortable seating.
Timings
Many anniversary parties start a little earlier than other celebrations and finish earlier too. Agree timings with the act so the main performance happens when everyone is still there.
Surprise elements
Families sometimes surprise the couple with a tribute to their favourite artist. See our guide to planning a surprise party act.
A sample evening
- Arrival with background music
- Meal
- Speeches and toasts
- First dance recreation
- Main act
- Dancing to finish
Making it accessible for older guests
Anniversary parties often include grandparents and great-grandparents, so think about comfort and accessibility.
- Seating: make sure older guests have comfortable seats with a view of the entertainment but not directly in front of the speakers.
- Volume: ask the act to keep the volume sensible, particularly during the meal.
- Lighting: good lighting around tables and walkways helps people move around safely.
- Timing: an earlier start and finish suits many older guests.
- Access: check for step-free access, nearby parking and accessible toilets.
Involving the family
Anniversaries are family celebrations, and involving children and grandchildren makes them more meaningful. Ideas include:
- Grandchildren presenting a gift or reading a short poem
- A family photo with the act during the evening
- A song dedication from the children to their parents
- A memory table with photographs from the wedding day
Recreating the wedding
Some families recreate elements of the original wedding: the same first dance song, a similar cake, or photos displayed from the day. If the couple's wedding song was by a particular artist, a tribute act or vocalist can perform it in the style of the original. Let the act know the story behind the song; it helps them introduce it in a way that means something.
Choosing between a tribute and a vocalist
A tribute act is ideal if the couple have a clear favourite artist. A vocal entertainer is better if their tastes span several artists and decades, as they can build a set around the couple's favourites. Either way, tell the act about the couple so they can tailor the show.
A surprise for the couple
Families often organise anniversary parties as a surprise. If you're planning one, enlist a trusted family member to get the couple to the venue on time, brief the venue staff, and ask the act to arrive and set up before the couple are due. A tribute to the couple's favourite artist, or a singer performing their wedding song as they walk in, makes an unforgettable entrance.
Quick answers
What music suits a golden wedding anniversary?
Usually music from the couple's courtship: often 60s and 70s pop, rock 'n' roll, Motown or swing. Ask the couple, or their children, which artists they loved.
Can a singer perform at a vow renewal?
Yes. Many of our vocalists perform at ceremonies and vow renewals, and can then provide the evening entertainment too.
Are there any hidden booking fees?
No Hidden Booking Fees. The price we quote is the price you pay. No additional agency booking fees or unexpected charges. We usually ask for a deposit to secure the date, and everything is confirmed in writing before your event.
Can I check if an act is free before I enquire?
Yes. Most act profiles have a live date checker, and Check your date shows who is available across our roster. Diaries change quickly in busy periods, so we always confirm availability when you enquire.
Ready to plan?
Visit our anniversary party entertainment page or request a quote.
Ready to find your act?
Flair Entertainments has been booking entertainers for clients across the UK since 1984. Send us your date, venue and the kind of night you want and we’ll come back with acts that suit.
