How to Plan a 50th Marriage Anniversary
Reaching the Golden Anniversary is rare, and many people host parties to commemorate their 50th wedding anniversaries. Guests should include friends, family and people from the original wedding party, if possible. If a member of the wedding party has died, invite a member of that person’s family to come in their honor. Talk to people who went to the couple’s wedding to find out what it was like. Look at old pictures. If the couple had a theme or colors, incorporate those into the party. A 50th wedding anniversary is an achievement the whole family wants to celebrate. An example of dedication, loyalty and love, a golden anniversary is a special event that only happens once in a lifetime. If you are planning a party to celebrate this event, you know the invitations are vital. Using your own creativity and love for the happy couple, you can make wedding anniversary invitations from your home computer.
Choose the date and time of the event. Consult with the couple to find a good day for them. A weekend afternoon often works best with schedules. Reserve halls, chairs, caterers or anything else needed for the party at least four months in advance. Pay deposits as soon as possible and hold on to receipts to avoid any problems. Find anniversary invitations that resemble the couple’s original wedding invitations, or make your own. Mail out invitations at least six weeks before the party. Include an RSVP telephone number and e-mail address.
Determine the style of your party. If you are having a classic “golden” wedding anniversary party, your card will be traditional. If you are having a more casual celebration, perhaps a big family barbecue, your anniversary invitation can be more fun and creative. Gather your party information. Determine where and when the event will be and any other party information you need to pass on. If the party is a surprise, include this information so that your guests won’t let the secret slip.
Buy decorations. Wedding decorations work well. Check thrift stores for older looking items to use for centerpieces. If possible, use the original wedding decorations as inspiration. Purchase about a dozen disposable cameras to scatter around tables for guests to use.
Scan some favorite photos. Perfect for the less-traditional anniversary invitation, include a photo of the wedding couple then and now. Use it on the front of your invitation. For a more traditional anniversary invitation, use just the original wedding image on the inside of the card and keep the front of the card clear for a fancy font and perhaps a poem or a piece of significant artwork. Use a template that matches the card size you are using. Most desktop publishing software has a place where you can customize the size of your paper, or you may be able to download a template to match your card stock.
Plan the menu. If the party is held during a meal time, guests expect lunch or dinner. Either use a caterer or make the food yourself. Talk to the couple to learn what food they like and are able to eat. The couple will be older and might have dietary restrictions. Check with the location to find out if alcohol is allowed. If you are serving alcohol, appoint a trustworthy person to be in charge of the bar area.
Set up all decorations and food on the day of the party. Have a special table set aside for the guests of honor. Set up a table with guest book for people to write down memories of the couple. Have everything set up before the couple arrives. The guests of honor shouldn’t have to do any work.