Is it okay to have the party a couple of days before the anniversary?

shelovestobuystuff

I am helping to organise a big family party for the in laws 40th wedding anniversary and need a little advice re the date and whats acceptable or best in this situation.
The anniversary date is a Sunday 4th July but we thought it would be best not to ask people to take time off work so arranging it for Saturday 3rd.Problem is the preferred venue is fully booked with 3 weddings on the saturday so we have the option there of Friday 2nd or Sunday 4th.
They also offered a fantastic deal on room hire and buffet prices for us booking so far in advance and would reduce it even more if we go for the Sunday.
What do you think?Is having an anniversary party on 2nd for an anniversary on 4th odd or would that be better for inviting people who have to get to work on Monday
or
should we go for the actual anniversary date on the Sunday and hope that with a years notice the family will organise a day off on the Monday so they can come and enjoy themselves.
The guest list will be probably just under 100 people and perhaps work colleagues too so I dont know which date would be best.
I think the Monday is a bank holiday in the town so no problem for MIL,s work place but still would be relying on most to take Monday off if we go for the sunday.
Dont know what is best,help.

Moneysaver5_3

I think you should go for the Friday as people may be reluctant to use up limited annual leaves on the Monday!

But I don't understand what you mean when you say it is a bank holiday in the town, but everyone else might need to take the Monday off! Do certain places have their own bank holidays?

minerva_windsong

Can you have the party in the daytime (starting at around 1 PM say), as that gives people the evening to go back home if they need to?

shelovestobuystuff

Moneysaver5 wrote: »

I think you should go for the Friday as people may be reluctant to use up limited annual leaves on the Monday!

But I don't understand what you mean when you say it is a bank holiday in the town, but everyone else might need to take the Monday off! Do certain places have their own bank holidays?

Not sure if everywhere does but our area does and also we went on a trip to perthshire a few months ago and had to go back to a particular shop the following day,Tuesday, as it was a local holiday on the Monday which we didnt know about.

Maybe I shouldnt have said bank holiday then,just a local holiday.I just am in tyhe habit of calling any Monday or long weekend holiday a bank holiday.

homeaway

My in laws and oh refuse to have a party before the event so for me it would have to be the sunday. We always have a late afternoon early evenning party and that seems to suit everybody. Perhaps you could move it to the following wknd?

nikflo

for me i would go for the sunday which is the actual day, personally i like parties before the day, only becuase after the event i don't see the point in having all the cards up. but thats just me and the only parties i do are for under 5's!!