Maybe this year or next is when you get to say congratulations to your parents on reaching this wonderful anniversary! Now is the time to draw in friends, family, and business contacts for the celebration. If you're on the party and present committee, here are some ideas for a gift as unique as this remarkable couple.
Old, New, Borrowed, Blue
Consider an event at their favorite restaurant, or catered with their favorite food. No matter the site you choose, make absolutely certain that nobody in your party is charged with clean-up. This is a fun day, not a work day. For something a little fun and old-fashioned, see if you can find someone to make a copy of their wedding cake and decorate with photos of their wedding night. For something more modern, give them a selfie stick for loads of photos to take with grandkids and family. For something borrowed, connect with their families for an heirloom to use in the decorations, and add a bright blue tablecloth under the table for a fun wedding day touch.
Gifts
By the time a couple has enjoyed fifty years together, more “stuff” may not really be on their wish list. When sending out invitations, invite guests to include a memory of the couple and compile those thoughts for a speech, scrapbook, or into a letter for them to keep. If you keep your family history records online, have a computer service set up an easy-to-use system for your parents to use and view their family tree and expanding family albums.
Should invited guests wish to contribute to a larger gift, consider an event such as a week-long trip on a cruise ship or to their favorite destination. Do they like to soak in the sun? Perhaps a trip to Golden Beach, Florida for some time in the water could be a good option. If your parents aren't fans of the sea, consider a trip to New York to see “Woman in Gold”, and perhaps tickets to a Broadway show. Do they like the great outdoors? Check out a hiking tour through the Colorado Mine Tours and Gold Rush Towns.
No matter the destination, consider hiring a driver in addition to making all the reservations to make their travels worry and hassle free.
Celebrate Memories
A commemorative piece would be a treasured reminder of this celebration. Perhaps an engraved plate or glass plaque would suit their decor. Additionally, if the happy couple has grandchildren, a gift of jewelry incorporating the birthstones of the grandchildren for both your parents would be another excellent reminder of this day and their years together. Imagine matching rings with the birthstones of their grandchildren for a daily, wearable celebration.
Hire a photographer for the party and upon their return from an anniversary trip, offer them a framed photo of the celebration. Create a website or Facebook page of the event. Folks who were not able to attend will be able to view the images and add their good wishes.
By helping your parents celebrate fifty years of marriage, you can make sure their party doesn't stop. No matter their tastes or preferences, a golden-themed event will give them both years of joy.