We are planning a 50th wedding anniversary celebration for our parents and I would like someone's opinion on when to have it. Their anniversary is December 8 and I thought it would be nice to have an open house in early December. Although it may be a problem for my children to get there since they will be away at college and who knows what the weather will be like that time of year. We live 250 miles away from my family. Or maybe we could do it the weekend after Thanksgiving when everyone is home.
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I feel it would be most appropriate to have the celebration as close as possible to the actual anniversary date. The weekend immediately after Thanksgiving seems like a very good idea to me. It would be less than 2 weeks before the date and you'd be making it very convenient for those who have to travel by letting one trip cover two celebrations........Thanksgiving and 50th Anniversary! Why would anyone complain about saving some of the expensive gas these days!
I would suggest having their anniversary either December 9th, 10th, or 30th. It loses some significance if you wait half a year to have it. Perhaps all your kids could make it to the Dec. 30th date as college would be on break during that time.
For my parents 50th, we had a family dinner, as my Dad is quite disabled, but they both still wanted to do something. Their living brothers, sisters, and nephews and nieces were also invited.
I put a very nice article (and wedding and current photos) in the newspaper about them and asked people to send cards to my address which I presented to them in a nice keepsake box. My Dad's old army buddy even came to see him shortly before the day!
I made the cake (tiered), made the invites, made the pacecards, etc. They were very pleased.
Perhaps, if you want to invite the public, you could have snacks and cake for a couple of hours before or after the family meal.
I too would suggest a date very close to the actual anniversary date. I like the idea of either Thanksgiving or New Year's weekend, but, if you are inviting friends of your parents for an open house, think about whether or not they will be available on those holiday weekends rather than Dec.
my hubby's grandparents just had the party for their 50th this last month and their anniversary is actually in Dec. Their kids wanted to do it before the weather got bad since they are in Wyoming.
If you were considering doing it the following summer, why not do it this summer. Planning time will be close, but could do it before the kids go off to school , etc. Like you said, they are getting up in age, and I hate to say it, but one or both may not be here next summer, same with their friends. Or the Saturday after Thanksgiving is good, the kids should still be home.
What about renting a hall and having it on New Years Eve. Everyone is already looking for something to do, the stess of Christmas shopping is over so people will be more likely to come and bring a gift. Plus your children in college will be on Christmas break. Let us know what you decide. Good luck! Jodi Stepaniak
Those who are the children and grandchildren and plan to put the Anniversary Party together sshould discuss in person, by e-mail or letter to make it a family affair. Grandparents are special to everyoneand the family will see the logic in having a wonderful 50th Anniversary Party.
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