My parents are having their 30th wedding anniversary in late March. I don't have a lot of money, but would like to do something special. I have 2 brothers and a sister who would also help. What would be a nice gift or should we give them a party?
How about a gathering of friends and do a "mock wedding" for them -- sort of like renewing their vows only not done by a clergy. I did one for my folks for their 45th anniversay and was so glad I had because they were looking forward to their 50th and passed away shortly before that time. We made up some comical questions about their life together and then proceeded with the vows. We used a black graduation gown as the clergy robe, a veil made out of a curtain, and a rolling pin with a bouquet attached for the bride. We had a homemade "wedding cake", computer "marriage license" and the neighbors gave them a live tree for planting (as a remembrance) and the tree had white paper doves on them.
As half of a couple married forty-two years, I can tell you that nothing is as important to us as our children and grandchildren. The photo albums are a great idea. Our children did this on my husband's birthday and I overheard his brothers say they wished someone would do that for them. Perhaps you could hire an amateur photographer to take a family portrait in their yard or living room, with everyone dressed in some coordinating way, i. e. one color, all white, all sports theme, all formal clothes, etc.
how about making a set of 3 photo albums from you and your siblings. Each of you could do a decade of their marriage. It would take time, but not too much money. The effort would likely really be appreciated.
I would like to add another thought to the 30th anniversary party. You can do a "shotgun" wedding as we have done on other occassions. The best man would carry a "toy shotgun" and deliver the groom to the clergy.
Here are some sites I found with information about toasts. Most of them are for weddings but I think you could get some ideas:
quotations.about.com/
www.hitched.co.uk/
www.tmclark.com/
Here's a toast generator where you provide the names and pick out segments to make your toast.
www.blissweddings.com/
Here's a sample best man's toast I worked up there:
Courtesy of http://www.TheBestMan.Com
A Wedding Toast to Mary and John
Before beginning, I'd like to offer my sincerest gratitude to Mary and John for allowing me to be part of this special occasion. Also, I would like to say thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Smith for all that you've done to make this the special day that it is. And, of course, my gratitude to Mr. and Mrs. Jones for all of your support and all that you've done to make this, by all accounts, the perfect day.
This morning when John and I were getting ready, he turned to me and asked "Is everything okay?" I don't mind telling you that I was taken aback by this. In all the years that I've known him, that's the first time he's expressed any interest in my well-being. Oh sure, he's talked to me before, but it's usually, "Pass the chips", or "Don't stand in front of the TV", or "Did you pick up the beer?" This morning he wanted to know if I'm okay? I blame Mary for this sudden surge in sentimentality. Now John is caring, he's generous, he's sensitive. I don't even know him anymore. Mary has changed my best friend. Actually, I should thank you Mary. You've done in (8) months, what I couldn't do in (8) years.
It is with great pleasure that I say congratulations to Mary and John ... may you share many warm days and many warm nights... "everybody raise your glass... here's to Mary and John"...
Susan from ThriftyFun
Why not give them soft fleece tie blankets that match? Go to www.mysoftblanket.com and see what I'm talking about. You can have the blankets custom-made and they are very reasonably priced. Good luck!
You could always plan a family and close friend party, or give them something from the heart.
