A 50th wedding anniversary celebration honors a couple's life together.
A 50th wedding anniversary is a milestone event worthy of a special celebration. But unlike the months of often stressful preparation and planning leading up to a wedding, arranging an anniversary reception can be simple and inexpensive. Combine resources with family and friends to plan the type of reception, prepare food and gather memorabilia. Careful planning and shopping at wholesale or discount stores for basic supplies will ensure a successful event that won't break your budget. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Select a venue and style of celebration that will be most enjoyable for the anniversary couple. Perhaps they would like a small family gathering in someone's home or a larger party at a restaurant with long-time friends they haven't seen in years. Your budget will determine the number of guests to invite and the location of the event. Church halls are often available for rent at reasonable prices or may even be free if someone in the family attends services there.
2. Invite guests using simple note cards purchased at a dollar store or homemade on your computer. Send tech-savvy individuals on your list a free e-vite, available from online greeting card providers. Include the date, time, address and RSVP information. Also, inform guests if you do not want them to bring gifts.
3. Plan the menu and keep it simple. A potluck with all the family favorites works well if the party is held in a private home or rental hall. If you chose to purchase prepared main dishes from a caterer or bulk food warehouse, supplement them with homemade sides. Sign up family and friends to contribute salads, bread, appetizers or drinks to spread out the cost. Purchase themed paper goods from a discount store or use basic white plates and add splashes of color with inexpensive flowers.
4. Order a small anniversary cake decorated in the same colors and style as the couple's original. A large wedding cake can be very expensive, so bake and simply ice sheet cakes to serve to guests. Use the smaller cake for display and have the couple cut it at the party.
5. Share memories and stories of the honored couple's life together with photos or a special tribute. Display photos of the wedding, family vacations, children, grandchildren and special moments shared through a lifetime. Create a scrapbook of notes from grandchildren expressing their love, appreciation and special memories of their grandparents. A heartfelt tribute will be appreciated by your honored guests and will take the place of expensive entertainment.
Tags: 50th wedding, 50th wedding anniversary, couple life, couple life together, family friends, life together, wedding anniversary