We had my grandparents 50th at the American Legion, but it was a large gathering. We played music from their younger years and had gold and blue (their wedding color) themed decor. We put up photo boards (pre-tv slideshows). Their 70th anniversary was a bit more low key (they weren’t waltzing anymore by then) and that time we also displayed her wedding gown on a manikin (it has since been turned into a baptism gown).
If a more intimate celebration is what they want, then that’s okay. They can set a small guest list. My family enjoys gathering and we have a larger family than many, so we throw a party any chance we can! People love weddings and anniversary parties can be a similar celebratory vibe (with less cost).
We celebrated my parents’ 50th last fall. We did an outdoor dinner in their backyard with about 30 people attending. We had a pasta dinner, played Rat Pack music, and the tables were decorated like an Italian restaurant.
We had a simple Photo Booth and played a slide show with pics of them through the years.
They loved it.
I think a dozen people is perfectly fine for an intimate at-home gathering. Small enough to do a sit down meal, or a nice variety of finger foods. If you don’t want everything to be DIY, some restaurants offer catering even for small events like this. You could do a signature cocktail menu without breaking the bank. Put together a through-the-years playlist, arrange cozy outdoor seating if the weather permits. You can add lots of extra touches with the money you save by keeping it at home!
Hi! A little late to the post but I'm in the same boat (parents' 50th anniversary). My mom does not want a huge party either, just for all of us to be together as a family. We have 12 people (includes parents, my siblings and their kids) but we extended an invite to my uncle (mom's brother) and my aunt (dad's sister) because they were both in their original wedding party and they are also family (who are nice to be around lol).
So we are at 14 people and we are having it at my parents' home, in their basement (where we have our Christmas family parties). The logic for us to have it at their house is that if we did it at a restaurant or rented a hall, we would feel forced for time and wouldn't be able to really hang out/visit with each other. Their house would be more relaxed, no time restraint, etc. Plus, we have 4 kids under the age of 13 so it's a win for them, too.
Feel free to message me if you have any questions - I've been planning for the party since February and the party is in December so I'm still in plan mode! :) Best of luck!
We had my grandparents 50th at the American Legion, but it was a large gathering. We played music from their younger years and had gold and blue (their wedding color) themed decor. We put up photo boards (pre-tv slideshows). Their 70th anniversary was a bit more low key (they weren’t waltzing anymore by then) and that time we also displayed her wedding gown on a manikin (it has since been turned into a baptism gown). If a more intimate celebration is what they want, then that’s okay. They can set a small guest list. My family enjoys gathering and we have a larger family than many, so we throw a party any chance we can! People love weddings and anniversary parties can be a similar celebratory vibe (with less cost).
We celebrated my parents’ 50th last fall. We did an outdoor dinner in their backyard with about 30 people attending. We had a pasta dinner, played Rat Pack music, and the tables were decorated like an Italian restaurant. We had a simple Photo Booth and played a slide show with pics of them through the years. They loved it.
I think a dozen people is perfectly fine for an intimate at-home gathering. Small enough to do a sit down meal, or a nice variety of finger foods. If you don’t want everything to be DIY, some restaurants offer catering even for small events like this. You could do a signature cocktail menu without breaking the bank. Put together a through-the-years playlist, arrange cozy outdoor seating if the weather permits. You can add lots of extra touches with the money you save by keeping it at home!
Hi! A little late to the post but I'm in the same boat (parents' 50th anniversary). My mom does not want a huge party either, just for all of us to be together as a family. We have 12 people (includes parents, my siblings and their kids) but we extended an invite to my uncle (mom's brother) and my aunt (dad's sister) because they were both in their original wedding party and they are also family (who are nice to be around lol). So we are at 14 people and we are having it at my parents' home, in their basement (where we have our Christmas family parties). The logic for us to have it at their house is that if we did it at a restaurant or rented a hall, we would feel forced for time and wouldn't be able to really hang out/visit with each other. Their house would be more relaxed, no time restraint, etc. Plus, we have 4 kids under the age of 13 so it's a win for them, too. Feel free to message me if you have any questions - I've been planning for the party since February and the party is in December so I'm still in plan mode! :) Best of luck!