Golden Wedding Anniversary Ideas    

The fiftieth wedding anniversary is often referred to as the golden anniversary.

Fifty years is a long time and deserves a celebration !

One of the most special things a couple can do is renew their vows. This is even more exciting when it accompanies a surprise party that one part of the couple is in on.

Or you can set it up for your parents and not let either one in on the surprise but have a minister or other official present to have them exchange vows once again. Here’s how to plan a party they will never forget and make their day so special they will want to relive it again and again.  

Decide on a party 

Talk with your siblings or other close family members who may want to be involved in the process.

Sit down and talk about the expenses of throwing a party and who can contribute what. Also discuss dates for the party and make sure it works for everyone’s schedule.  

Choose a theme 

Pick a theme for the celebration because themes always set things and motion and instantly get the party going. There are tons of fun themes and ideas you have to think about and consider.

Since it’s fifty years and a golden anniversary you may want to choose a theme that has to do with gold or time to celebrate all their great years together.  

Create a guest list 

Actually sit down and draft a rough list of everyone who will be invited. You need an estimate so you can choose a location and catering that will be able to accommodate the number of people you expect will attend.

If you need to steal your parents’ address book then arrange for this so you can get the contact information of some of their dear friends and distant relatives you may not have numbers or addresses for. Try to come up with your final guest list as soon as possible as this will aid in the rest of the planning process.  

Select a location 

Find a place; a park, a home, a hotel conference room or other venue that will hold everyone, fits within your budget and will be comfortable for your party setting.

Make sure you get any permits you might need for a public location such as a park or discuss the details of hanging decorations, set up and outside vendors if booking a hall or reception center.  

Send out invitations 

Mail invitations out 6-8 weeks before the party.

Request RSVPs and leave a phone number for guests to respond to.

If this is a surprise party then mention that in the invitation and ask guests not to say anything to the guests of honor.  

Plan for decorations and catering 

If several people are working on the event then assign someone to take care of decorations and catering.

You can cater the event yourself if there won’t be too many people but you should consider having someone or a restaurant or come in and do the cooking for you so you can enjoy the party and have one less thing to stress about. The decorations should match the theme.

Or consider putting together or purchasing a small thank you gift for everyone who comes to the party or skip this step and spend the extra money on other aspects of the event.  

Find someone to officiate the ceremony 

If you know your parents’ pastor, minister or other religious leader you may ask them to officiate the wedding vow renewals.

If not find someone else you trust and know will do well with handling the impromptu surprise ceremony. Make sure you have lots of cameras on hand to capture the special moment.  

Whatever you do, the sharing of such a special milestone occasion with family and friends, should be recorded with photos, celebrated with champagne and remembered forever !