ideas for 50th anniversary party

May 18, 2008 7:27 AM

mother and father's 50th wedding anniversary in a few weeks-please help my brothers and I figure out a special way to celebrate their special day

We had planned on going away somewhere to celebrate, but due to my mother's very limited eyesight and her other physical limitations my father decided it would be best to just hold a weekend party at their house so that they could just spend time with all of us. We know they won't want anything purely materialistic as they are at the age where they want to get rid of stuff rather than add to their stuff. We were thinking of doing some kind of sweet video message from all of us telling them our favorite memories of our childhood, etc. but due to mom's vision problems decided this wouldn't be something she could really enjoy. Any creative ideas?

posted by elis to grab bag (8 comments total)

You mother can still hear. I think she'd still enjoy the video recording. Have the party for a select number of their closest friends, get a cake, have someone take pictures (the rest of you are sure to want pictures though your mother won't be able to enjoy them as much). At the party have everyone sit down and watch/listen to the videotape, and also make mix CDs of music that your parents especially like to play - ask them for lists of their favourite and special songs as a couple - to play the rest of the time.
posted by orange swan at 8:08 AM on May 18, 2008

I did make (well, had someone make) a video of photos from throughout our family's life...beginnning with my parents as kids and then through their marriage, WW II, their kids, grandkids, our various homes, pets, etc. My folks loved it and I made copies for all the family. Can your mom not see at all? It's easier for my mom to watch our video on a computer because she can sit right up close and stop it as it progresses. We also set it to songs they liked, from their era, that fit the theme of each section. ("Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby?" for the grandkid montage, etc.)
posted by GaelFC at 8:52 AM on May 18, 2008

Seconding orange swan. We did a video for my parents' 40th (dad was quite ill, so we didn't think he'd make a 50th). Their party was in a church basement, and we had a laptop and projector running the video throughout the party. It was a big hit. We incorporated some video and still shots of various photos.

In the weeks before the party, we also asked their friends and relatives to send us pictures, anecdotes, memories and good wishes about my parents. Our idea was to put all that into an album to present to them at the party. Unfortunately, we didn't really get a great response, but that may be more to it being a bit of a last minute thing. I still think it's a good idea if you are able to plan it better than we did.

I would invite as many people as you possibly can, given whatever constraints you're operating under, of course. Invite anyone instrumental in your parents' wedding day if they're still around. Get pictures from the wedding blown up and hang them around the party area. If they went on a honeymoon, you could decorate with that in mind (kitschy stuff from Niagara Falls, leis and a luau theme from Hawaii, etc., etc.)
posted by SuperSquirrel at 8:54 AM on May 18, 2008

Something that I've been thinking about for my parent's upcoming anniversary: kits to participate in National Geographic's Genographic project, https://www3.nationalgeographic.com/genographic/
Present it as an opportunity to learn about the family they've created, and a chance to think about where you've all come from.
posted by Sara Anne at 11:27 AM on May 18, 2008

In addition to the suggestions above consider hosting a family trivia contest that relies on shared family memories. Have your Dad be the emcee. He can read from prepared cards that you and your siblings have individually and confidentially submitted. You and your brothers can act as the "contestants."

My family recently had a gathering where all of us were there -- the first time in 15 years. Most of the banter, laughter and reminiscence came from recalling such family events. I'm sure your parents would appreciate such ... except the time Tommy got busted for marijuana possession and Dick crashed the station wagon. But, hey ... even those events might elicit humor and nostalgia.
posted by ericb at 11:58 AM on May 18, 2008

*from recalling shared family events*
posted by ericb at 12:05 PM on May 18, 2008

Go with the video, just make sure there is good narration. Don't depend on photos to tell the story - you tell it. She'll be able to save it and listen to it.

If you do have old family photos as part of the party, then have fewer photos that are blown up as largely as possible without losing clarity. Select photos of days she'll remember - her wedding day, your first day of school. Her memory can fill in what her eyes miss. A bunch of small snapshots will probably be difficult/impossible for her. A few large, clear photos might be a better way for her to reminisce.
posted by 26.2 at 2:29 PM on May 18, 2008

thank you so much everybody! All your suggestions are wonderful and we will definitely be exploring many of these ideas. THANK YOU for taking the time to help me!
posted by elis at 4:16 PM on May 18, 2008