How to Plan a 50th Anniversary Party

Share in our experience to help you host a perfectly golden 50th Anniversary party.

This summer will mark 50 years of marriage for my parents. For years my Dad has been dropping hints about what he’d like to do for his golden anniversary. When he would say something about it to me, I would always respond with something like, "If you're going to do that, you better start planning now." It was mystifying to me why neither he nor my Mom ever moved forward on this party that was clearly important to them. About six months ago, it became clear when I discovered that the etiquette for a 50th anniversary party suggests that the children of the couple host the party. #HeadSmack

To spare you the same kind of frustrating experience with your parents (or your kids if it's your anniversary coming up) at Dancebands.com we decided to share some of the lessons we've learned about how to plan a truly golden 50th anniversary party.

1. Decide Who Will Host the Party

If you asked Emily Post she would tell you that a 50th anniversary party should be planned by the children of the couple. However, there are reasons that isn't always possible. So if the children are unable or unwilling to host the party, then it's perfectly acceptable for the couple themselves to host the party.

2. Talk with Your Parents (or Children) About Expectations

It may seem pretty obvious that if you're hosting a party in someone else's honor that you should ask them what they expect or want from the event. But, when you're dealing with families, never assume anything! It’s been really surprising to me as we’ve talked with my parents about what they want at their celebration, that it’s been my Dad who has had the most clear ideas—it’s as if he’s been thinking about this for 50 years or something. The lesson for me was that parents need to be regularly consulted about the details of the party. In some ways, the children get to work as their party planners and need to remember whose party it actually is.

If the couple is planning the party, it's still important to talk with your children. Your kids will need to be clear on who you want at the party (grand kids or just adults, etc.) and what help you expect from them.

3. What Kind of Party Is It?

Deciding on the kind of party you're throwing is an extension of the "Talk with Your Parents" tip. You'll want to talk through the different kinds of anniversary celebrations, to help them explore their options. My in-laws are also celebrating their 50th anniversary this summer and the event my husband's family is planning is really different from the one we're planning. 

My parents wanted to do something family friendly, but they also wanted to spend some time with their adult children and friends without the chaos and noise that 30 plus grand kids (and great grand kids) would create. After much discussion of options, we finally settled on a family 3-day retreat to be followed by an adults-only, evening party with a catered dinner and a live band. To add to the ambiance of the night, we decided to rent a venue on the campus where they got engaged.

In contrast, my in-laws wanted a blow-out party that featured things that were meaningful to them as a couple. They booked their local church's community hall. Since they met in Hawaii, they chose a menu that will feature a Hawaiian buffet. For entertainment, they've booked a local celebrity vocalist to do an hour-long program, followed by DJed dancing. And they invited everyone they know. Literally. The Save the Date went out in December as their Christmas Card!

Both of these plans show that there’s no script for what an anniversary party needs to look like. Instead, it should be a celebration of the unique characteristics of the couple.

At DanceBands.com we have the experience and the musical talent to produce whatever kind of anniversary party you can imagine. Whether you want a Motown tribute band to create a 60s vibe or a high energy party band to play music that will span generations, we can help you to create the anniversary celebration of your parents’ (or your) dreams.