The 50th golden wedding anniversary - the lucky couple who reaches this landmark are truly blessed
50 years of "for better or worse, for richer or poorer", dishes and laundry, happiness and sorrow, and a lifetime of shared experiences are all celebrated on this day!
Friends and family gather from distant places to share the joy of this very important wedding anniversary, so make the celebration extra special with a very public remembrance of their lives together.
Before the big day, contact loved ones (via snail mail, email or social media) to write something heartfelt about the anniversary couple, then include them with photos of the couple in a scrapbook as a keepsake. Be sure to present it prominently at the party so that all of your guests can share it and swap stories about the happy couple!
If you're handy with a home computer, also consider a Powerpoint photo slideshow. Or how about a major movie documentary created using a video-making program? (Remember to include early photos of the anniversary couple.)
50th anniversary party ideas
The party theme? Gold, of course!
You can also opt for a special theme that the anniversary couple will appreciate, such as a 60's decade party in honor of the year they were married.
Local wedding reception halls would be happy to arrange a 50th anniversary party. You can also opt for a party room at a favorite restaurant in town. If your budget doesn't allow for a large gathering, consider hosting a cocktail party or weekend brunch at home to celebrate the day.
A special ceremony renewing the marriage vows is sometimes also included on the 50th, which can either be performed in a house of worship or take place at the party celebration. (Bring tissues!)
50th anniversary party ideas on a budget
Cut costs on invitations by inviting everyone via email or social media, or make your own invitations using a home computer and printer. Add a photo of the anniversary couple with wording such as "Cheers to 50 Years!" and remember to add the location, date, time, and RSVP details.
If your budget doesn't allow a fancy reception hall, consider a local church hall or community center. Decorate with gold balloons and banners. Also consider giving a gold 'makeover" to wine bottles and plastic serving bowls (using craft or spray paint) to serve as vases and centerpieces.
A DIY menu might include big pan dishes such as lasagna or baked ziti. To further cut costs, enlist family and friends to contribute the anniversary cake, beverages, salads, chips and dip, and desserts so that everyone feels involved in this once-in-a-lifetime celebration.
50th anniversary gift ideas
Just as gold is the 50th anniversary color theme, think GOLD when it comes to gifts. That might include gold leaf artwork, a gold picture frame with your favorite photo of the anniversary couple, gold-plated vases or wine goblets, his & her gold jewelry, gold pen sets, or customized gold-lettered coffee mugs.
Make it easier on your wallet by giving a gift within your budget, such as a large bouquet of golden yellow flowers, or simply wrap a gift you can afford in fancy gold tissue paper, gold wrap and ribbons.
A party speech or special toast to the 50th anniversary couple is traditional. Enlist an eloquent friend or family member to do the honors, or get inspired by composing your speech around famous quotes. Appropriately enough, the following focus on long-lasting affection and fidelity:
“A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.” – Mignon McLaughlin
“Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be, The last of life for which the first was made.” – Robert Browning
“There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved.” – George Sand
“A wedding anniversary is the celebration of love, trust, partnership, tolerance and tenacity. The order varies for any given year.” – Paul Sweeney
“There is no more lovely, friendly and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage”. – Martin Luther
“Chains do not hold a marriage together. It is threads, hundreds of tiny threads, which sew people together through the years”. – Simon Signoret
More about 50th anniversary parties around the Web:
When all is said and done, the 50th anniversary party should be as wonderful as the couple being honored. Here are some more tips to
help with ideas for planning the event including an anniversary music playlist, and tips on what to serve and gifts to give ...
50th Anniversary E-cards - An online gift, in the form a very special ecard for the golden anniversary couple. This site specializes in anniversary cards to send online and the animation and sentiments in this card are perfect!