Posted by Jacqui on November 28, 2000 at 13:07:29:

In Reply to: My Grandparents 50th wedding anniversary posted by Shantelle on November 19, 2000 at 15:49:33:

Shantelle:
I just planned a large anniversary party for my parents' 50th. I would be glad to help you if I can.

I found sitting down with my parents and finding out who they wanted to invite was the first step. That will help determine if it will be a large or small gathering.

If money is limited, you may want an open house as opposed to a regular party, or you may want a mid afternoon party where neither lunch or supper would be served but some appetizers, cake and punch.

Do you want a program? Pictures are a must. Get as many old pictures as you can from them. I raided my parents picture albums and had probably more than 1000 pictures of them, the family, extended family and friends. Almost everyone who attended the gathering had a picture up somewhere. We used framed pictures (I did not purchase extra frames, just used the ones that were already framed). Then I used poster board and had lots and lots of pictures taped (with double sided tape) to the poster boards. I categorized the poster boards by family and friends. This seemed to be a big hit, as everyone walked around and viewed pictures. I set the framed pictures on long tables set in a U shape. I covered the tables with my plastic table covering then put lace tables clothes on top of that. Used an old Bible with some antique eye glasses layed on top of the open Bible.

One of the very helpful things was talking to my parents about how they met, what their first date was like, how he proposed, etc. I used some of their anticdotes in my welcome speech at the party.

There are lots of good suggestions on this board for food, decorations, etc. This message board was invaluable to me. Use it often.

Remember that the heart of the party is for people to walk away with warm memories of your parents, not your decorations,food, etc. When we budgeted (my brother, sister and I) we kept this in mind. Food was modest, the party was in the church family life center, decorations were lovely but modest and inexpensive, we went for the afternoon party to save on serving a full sit down meal. However, our program was stunning. My brother, his wife, my sister, her husband, myself, and my husband all got up and gave a personal memory of an experience with my parents. It was very touching. A family friend and some cousins sang. A friend of theirs played the piano. We splurged and had a video of still pictures made that started with each of them as youngsters and progressed through the early years of marriage, showing the family as it grew and friends. Tears were plentiful.

Last suggestion, have the event video taped if you can. We did and it was great. My parents said it was the most special day of their lives and they have the whole program on video tape so they can remember the day.

E-mail me if I can be of help to you.

jacqui

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