Anniversary Party Mornington Peninsula

An anniversary on the Mornington Peninsula is often a return to somewhere that already means something – the beach where holidays were spent, a winery the couple loves or the town where they married. That history tends to set the tone more than the guest list does.

The scale usually follows the number. A quiet lunch for the couple and their children suits most years, while a 25th, 40th or 50th can bring several generations together for a long afternoon.

Only three venues are listed for anniversaries here so far, so it's a short list for now. Things worth checking with them:

• None of the three publish an anniversary price yet, so ask for a set menu quote and what drinks would add
• For a milestone, check there's a microphone for speeches and a screen or TV if someone is putting together a photo slideshow
• Ask about seating that suits older guests – solid chairs, a table near the bathrooms and no long walk from the car park
• Check that a cake, old photos and a few flowers can come along to dress the table
• If the couple married on the Peninsula, ask whether their original venue still hosts private functions

Weekday lunches outside summer are the easiest to book and the gentlest on older relatives. If family is driving down from Melbourne, an early start gets everyone home before dark.

Because the list is short, an enquiry to each venue will quickly show which ones fit your numbers and date. The venue replies directly, and no booking fee or commission is added.