Celebrating a 50th wedding anniversary is a huge relationship milestone, and the happy couple deserves special recognition, whether it’s just you and your significant other, or you’re celebrating with family members or friends.
There are many ways to celebrate this special anniversary, from purchasing gifts, to taking trips, renewing vows, or throwing a party. Regardless of what you choose to do if it’s your 50th, make sure that you find a way to honour your spouse and the relationship that you have enjoyed over the last fifty years. Likewise, if it’s someone else’s big day – such as your parents or friends – you’ll want to help them to celebrate in style.
All That Glitters…
Gold is the traditional symbol for a 50th wedding anniversary. And, as such, gifts that feature genuine gold or are gold plated are popular.
- Gold jewelry of any type, including earrings, necklaces, rings, watches, cufflinks, or tie clips.
- Champagne glasses with the couple’s initials or trim in gold. Oh, and don’t forget a bottle of bubbly to go with them, too!
- Gold trimmed clothing and accessories, such as silk scarves, handbags, hair clips, money clips.
- A gold nugget, bar or a gold coin.
- Purchase something sentimental. Fifty years is a long time to be married and, chances are, you share a lot of important memories with your spouse. Look for something sentimental that reflects your relationship or is a reminder of your wedding day.
- Make travel arrangements for a special vacation. Perhaps a return to the same place where you spent your honeymoon. Pick a romantic cruise. Venture off to a dream destination.
- Buy new gold commemorative rings for each other.
Planning a Golden Anniversary Party
Before you can begin planning the details for an anniversary party, you need to identify an appropriate venue and select a date. It’s best to hold the party on the actual date of the anniversary, or on a weekend that falls close to the exact date.
Location
Try to choose a location that is meaningful or has significant memories attached to it. For example, the honeymoon location, favourite restaurant, or the same place where they had their original wedding reception.
Invites
Make a guest list and send out invitations. If you are throwing a formal party, you will want to send out invitations well in advance of the event. Be sure to include an RSVP card and envelope. You may want to consider sending electronic invitations via email–these options will save you postage costs and you’ll likely receive responses more quickly.
Decorate
There are many different decorating options that say ‘50th wedding anniversary’. Use a gold colour scheme to emphasize the fact that it’s a golden wedding anniversary. Other decorating ideas include recreating the same colour scheme that the couple used on their wedding day, and/or perhaps sourcing out similar floral arrangements.
Music
Music is a must for all parties, and the music selections for a 50th wedding anniversary opens the door to all sorts. Compile a selection of the couple’s favourite songs including their original wedding song.
Cake
No party is a party without a cake – and this is certainly no exception. It could even be a cake that replicates the one the happy couple cut 50 years ago. Make sure you take lots of photos of the couple slicing into this ‘milestone’ confection together!
Moments
Share stories and highlight important memories. A nice idea is to have photo albums available that guests can look through, or perhaps a video/slideshow they can watch to reminisce about the couple at different stages of their marriage. The party should be a tribute to the couple and reflect their life together.
Champagne
Be sure to delegate someone to propose a toast to the couple. This role is typically assigned to someone close to the couple, such as a child, sibling, or family friend. Allow for others to make toasts, too – include funny stories and anecdotes not always known to everyone.
…and Finally
Be sure to take lots of pictures and have a guestbook available so everyone can leave a congratulatory message. It will provide a wonderful memento of this very special occasion that the couple will cherish for the rest of their lives.