Anonymous wrote:13:51 again.

I like your plan, but don't know if you should make it a surprise. Do your parents like surprises? Would they want to go over the guest list? I do like who you said you'd be inviting.... long time neighbors and travel buddies.

DO outsource the food. You want to enjoy the event yourself and not be stuck doing work.

If you can get a photographer to do pictures, for even just an hour, try for that. You can do some posed family member group shots before the party begins for the other guests. If time allows, you can have pictures with friends during or after the party.

Would you want to have some toasts planned? My parents asked a few friends of 40-50+ years if they would toast them... and the toasts were really special. The friends were able to put some time into the toasts and it wasn't something random/on the spot. My mom and dad toasted each other, too.

Anonymous wrote:My parents did something on their own, but my sister and I sent 50 pink flamingoes and a sign for their front yard for the weekend (like the stork for babies). There is an inside joke in our family that involves pink flamingoes.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We planned a big party and had about 30-40 people come. We rented out a room above an Italian restaurant and hired a blue grass band. It was a lovely time. We decorated and had a cake similar to a wedding cake. Not very pricey because this is in a cheaper region and all siblings split the cost.

I think party vs huge family vacation depends on your parents preferences.

Thanks everyone, OP!

I was thinking of something along the lines of this poster; however, we live in DC area and a restaurant with booze is going to be very pricey and I am pretty sure I am the only 1 of the 3 siblings footing the bill.

My parents also both had big 70th surprise Bday parties over the last 2-4 years. My dad's 4 years ago was the size of a wedding with old friends and relatives flown in from all over---so that means this can be a bit smaller and more intimate.

My parents do everything for us kids--but are always about 'no, no, don't go out of your way or spend $ on us'...but if I do they will be highly appreciative and flattered. They are beaming since I called to ask if they were available the Saturday evening after their anniversary.

It's mid-September. My siblings and grandkids (minus 1 in college across country) will all be there. I have reached out to parents' siblings/nieces in New England (that were there 50-years ago)..I think a few might make it down. My parents have been in the same house locally for 40 years and have really close neighbors, friends in the area. I am going to invite the 4-5 couples they travel and are close with.

How does this sound: backyard catered dinner, music, booze, food. I am thinking of renting round tables/chairs to put in grass. We just did a major patio overhauls with lighting and furniture and fire pit, etc. The yard is very level.

Since I am leaving on vacation for 2 weeks..this will be tight but if I outsource the food I don't think it will be too much.

Anonymous wrote:My parents planned their own party. They made the guest list, came up with the location, picked the flowers, etc. They paid for most of it. My brother got a bit neurotic about one specific thing, so he "insisted" that he pay for that. My mother didn't actually want that "thing." But my brother is absolutely stubborn and bat-shit crazy. My family (DH and kids) and brother & family attended. And about 80 of their friends. It was really a lovely time.

What I would have done, if I were planning the event, would have been to have done a "Golden" party, with 50 "golden" gifts, but limit it to our immediate families. Since both my brother & I moved out of state eons ago, I knew family time was precious for my parents. I had already started a list of "Golden" gifts, which included nice things (jewelry, picture frame, etc.) but also practical things (towels, linens) and even silly things (Gulden's mustard). My father is a HUGE jokester and things like Mustard are so "his humor."

My parents were both in excellent health the night of their 50th anniversary. My mother became ill suddenly and died after a brief illness. She was buried a few days before their 51st anniversary. I still cry when I think about how quickly she passed. Please don't miss this opportunity to celebrate, so do what you have to do to make it happen. And if you can have a good (professional) photographer, please opt for one. I love the pictures the photographer took that night.

Anonymous wrote:We planned a big party and had about 30-40 people come. We rented out a room above an Italian restaurant and hired a blue grass band. It was a lovely time. We decorated and had a cake similar to a wedding cake. Not very pricey because this is in a cheaper region and all siblings split the cost.

I think party vs huge family vacation depends on your parents preferences.