What do you do for your parents' 50th anniversary?

[Anonymous]

Actually, it's my parents-in-law's 50th anniversary. DH just remembered it's coming up soon and says we should plan something for them. I thought the couples themselves celebrate their own anniversaries and the children don't have to plan anything for them, but I didn't grow up here so I may be wrong. TIA!

[Anonymous]

At some point the party planning (sometimes) passes along to the children.

I think for my in-laws, we just had a family dinner (getting all of us in one place is a bit of an accomplishment). And my FIL has Alzheimer's, so a big party was not going to be a good fit for them.

I remember my grandparents' fiftieth wedding anniversary. Their three children (and their spouses) threw a pretty big party for them. The "kids" dug out old photos of them through the years and had them blown up to poster size to decorate the facility. We also had a long weekend of just family together at a vacation home together.

[Anonymous]

I've been to two 50th anniversary celebrations: my husband's parents and an aunt and uncle from my side. Both were different - one was a brunch with family and friends (including grandkids, grandnieces, nephews, etc) at a nice inn restaurant and the other was a dinner with just the couple's kids and spouses (no grandkids) in a private room of a restaurant. You should suggest asking your huband to inquire how his parents would like to celebrate - they may want a big party or something low-key. Kind of off-topic, I felt very honored to be a part of both 50th anniversary celebrations I've attended. It's rare that couples reach that milestone - either someone dies or the love dies. Congrats to your in-laws.

[Anonymous]

We did a HUGE brunch with all the kids/grandkids/spouses/family friends at a nice restaurant. It was lovely and just "their thing".

For my inlaws - we all (immediate family) went on a long weekend trip to the beach.

For my aunt/uncle - they re-newed their wedding vows and then did the whole reception thing afterwards. Almost as if they were newlyweds again. DJ, catering, dancing, toasting, etc. Just like being at their wedding 50 years ago.

So, it really depends what type of personality your in-laws are. Celebrate for sure - it's just a matter of preference.

What an inspiration though!!

[Anonymous]

We did a huge surprise brunch for my parents and all our relatives (I guess about 60 people) for their 40th. We have a small family and I was worried the older generation (like my grandmother's generation) wouldn't be alive to see the 50th. My father ended up dying before their 50th, so I was glad we did the 40th. Everyone had a lot of fun, although maybe the surprise aspect was a little much.

[Anonymous]

What would you do if you had a small family? My only brother is single and my husband and I don't have kids yet, so the big family party isn't really an option.