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Spending half a century with your loving partner by your side calls for a huge celebration, and you need some interesting 50th anniversary party ideas to make this occasion memorable.
Every relationship has its ups and downs, but sticking together despite life’s challenges is commendable. So, read this post as we bring you a list of exciting ideas for your 50th wedding anniversary celebration to commemorate your eternal love.
55+ Unique And Memorable Ideas For 50th Wedding Anniversary
The golden jubilee anniversary is a remarkable one. You want every aspect of the planning impeccable. It should be high on entertainment but it also should make the couple feel comfortable. Here are some ideas that can be of help.
Party Ideas For 50th Wedding Anniversary
A 50th wedding anniversary signifies five decades of love and commitment and is an important milestone not all couples can reach. So, it deserves to be celebrated with pomp and grandeur. Here are some ideas that can help you make the celebration worth it.
1. Pre-anniversary photoshoot
Hire a photographer and shoot some lovely photographs of the couple that you can use in your invitations and the party decor.
Quick tip2. A trip down memory lane
“Sometimes a short walk down the memory lane is all it takes to appreciate where you are today.” —Susan Gale
Use pictures from the previous years in the venue as a beautiful way to remind the couple of all the memories they have shared.
3. A game night
A game night is a fun 50th-anniversary celebration that focuses on spending quality time. You can organize various online games for the guests and the couple, like an Escape Room, and virtual scavenger hunts. You can even use board games. An engaging game will make the whole event memorable
4. Scrumptious cuisine
Food is the way to reach someone’s heart, so if you want to impress the couple and their special guests, arrange their favorite food with drinks that complement the cuisine. Cocktails and mocktails seldom go wrong.
5. Charity fundraiser
Find a local charity and organize a fundraising event in the couple’s honor. Let everyone celebrate the day by giving back to the community. It would bring immense joy to all.
6. Video of the golden years
A picture might be equal to a thousand words, but the memories made are priceless. Choose the pictures from their younger years of being together and turn them into a video. You can even collect their videos and edit them to make a lovely romantic movie.
7. Include the grandchildren
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If the couple is grandparents, having their grandchildren at the party can be special. They could enact a play or sing a song to entertain their grandparents.
8. Outdoor movie marathon
Choose the couple’s favorite movies a few days before the anniversary. Decorate the outdoor space so it feels comfortable, and get some snacks, like popcorn. The couple will surely appreciate a laidback movie night experience.
9. Romantic mixtape
Choose the songs that the couple loves and incorporate them into the mixtape. Whether it’s from their era or present, you can never go wrong with a romantic mixtape.
10. Surprise vacation
Plan a surprise vacation for the couple to the place where they always wanted to visit. They can kick back and enjoy their time along with weaving memories with their loved ones.
11. Wine-tasting event
Organize a wine-tasting event for this special day. Arrange the favorite wines of the couple along with some gourmet snacks. Watch everyone have a great time.
12. Bucket list
Ask the couple about the things they still have not done from their bucket list, and help them fulfill it.
13. Anniversary book
Make a personalized book with messages from their loved ones. You can include the pictures of the couple with their friends or ask their friends to lend you some photos for this event.
14. Destination event
A 50th marriage milestone calls for a destination event. Whether it is at a beautiful tropical beach, a glamorous hotel, or even a place that has a historical significance—pick any and plan a party.
Point to consider15. Toast the couple
Ask some of your close friends and family members to prepare short yet sweet speeches for the 50th-anniversary party wherein everyone raises a toast to the couple.
16. Spa session
If the couple is your parents, feel free to pamper them with spa sessions. You can take them out for a massage or beauty treatment, or if you know how to give a spa yourself, give them the pleasure at home.
17. Get back to where it first began
Have a celebration at the location where the couple first met. Organize a party at their favorite spot or a restaurant they like, granted it’s still there. This idea will make them feel very special.
Decorations For 50th Wedding Anniversary
Tammy, a mother from Louisiana, planned a 50th wedding anniversary party for her parents along with her siblings. She says, “This past December we celebrated our parent’s 50th wedding anniversary. My siblings and I decided to host a party for them. We rented a local hall and did all the decorating ourselves. I borrowed as many Christmas lights as I could find and draped them crosswise, swagging them in the middle.
“Drapery hooks and paperclips were used to anchor them to the grid in the ceiling… On each end, we made curtain backdrops for the food tables… My sister made the cake and it was delicious! For the cake stand, I used some food cans, surrounded by lights and red mesh topped with a piece of mirror glass that I already had… We received lots of positive comments. I think everyone had a good time, especially my parents (i)!”
Depending on the theme you are going for, choose the complementing decors.
18. Color palette
Choose from the nude and pastel color palette—beige, blush pink, rose gold, cream, off-white, or peach. You could also go for darker or subdued colors such as red, royal blue, emerald green, ruby red, royal purple, or satin black.
19. Use fringe curtains
Fringe curtains are a great last-minute decor option. You can buy rose gold fringe curtains and be amazed at the stunning backdrop they create. Hang some balloons around them and the atmosphere will turn festive instantly.
20. Light up
Image: IStock
Use fairy lights and lanterns for that cozy vibe to the entire venue. No matter what color combination you use, fairy lights always add a whimsical touch.
Quick tip21. Rustic table decoration
Rustic decor will create an enchanting atmosphere. Elements like wood, linen tablecloths, and vintage decorations are ideal to create a great ambiance. Eucalyptus garlands, wooden knickknacks, and shiny gold and green ornaments will look stunning together.
22. DIY centerpieces
Making DIY centerpieces for the tables is a lovely way to add a personal touch to the celebration. Be creative with your ideas and surprise everyone.
23. Golden accents
Golden napkins with golden embroideries, golden accents to the chairs, cutleries with golden rims, golden curtains, golden tassels—these are some of the examples you can incorporate into the little celebrations.
24. Personalized banners
Go the DIY route and create personalized banners for the anniversary. Use paper and markers, or if you don’t have much time, order a custom 50th-anniversary banner online.
25. Fresh flowers
You may go for flowers that match the theme, such as white calla lilies or white daisies. You could also get a bouquet of the couple’s favorite flowers as a gift.
26. Photo wall
Honor the happy couple and their life by displaying their photos on the wall. You may ask friends and family of the couple to give you photos for this purpose. Ensure to include some funny pictures as well to make the event truly heartwarming.
Party Favors For 50th Anniversary
Image: IStock
A party favor is a token of appreciation you can give the guests for attending the party.
27. Budget favors
Depending on the budget you have, choose your party favor. Some ideas include gold picture frames, wine glasses, small vases with intricate designs in gold, gold-colored bookmarks, DIY golden candle jars with quotes, personalized photo magnets, a small pouch with gourmet food (such as chocolates, coffee beans, Hershey’s kisses, fortune cookies, mini cupcakes), and coasters.
28. Mini potted plants
Mini potted plants with gold accents will add a special favor to mark the day. Give these beautiful potted plants to your guests, and they will surely remember this celebration of love.
29. Anniversary bookmark
Hand over your guests some anniversary bookmarks. These can be golden in color and can contain the couple’s favorite book quotes. This favor is ideal for book lovers.
30. Personalized favors
You could also personalize some of the favors for your guests. These include a key chain with gold-plated monograms, a monogrammed notebook (depending on the theme of your party, choose the color and keep the monogram in gold), jewelry, candleholders with an etched quote, and a personalized bottle of champagne. You may even engrave the name of the couple or the anniversary date on the favors.
31. Golden candy tins
Get some golden tin cans and fill them up with sweets or treats the couple loves. It will make up for a memorable favor.
32. Paper hand fans
If you are having a garden or outdoor anniversary celebration, personalized paper fans will be the perfect party favor for the guests. People can not only cool themselves down with them, but they will also serve as a reminder of the grand event. Ensure that you write the name of the couple on one side of the fan.
50th Wedding Anniversary Themes
Some golden elements to the golden celebration could enhance the overall aspect of the event.
33. Gold accents
Image: IStock
Include gold in places that would stand out the most, such as in flower vases, balloons, confetti, curtains, tassels, tablecloths, cutlery, and ribbons. You could also go with a certain decade trend and follow its theme—it can be from the 30s, 40s, or 50s, take your pick.
34. Honeymoon night
Recreate the night of their honeymoon with the same champagne, beautiful bouquet, and dress them up in their wedding attire. You could even include fireworks to make the night more special.
35. Renew your vows
If the guests of honor prefer to have a quiet gathering, organize a small vow exchange session. Use light decorations, such as candles and soft lighting. Don’t forget to arrange the food and drinks that the couple loves.
36. Parisian romance
Add a touch of Paris to this event with French-inspired decor. You can use Eiffel Tower decorations and family heirlooms and set up other decorations in a color palette like lavender and powder blue. Food items like quiches and croissants and brie with baguettes will complete this theme.
37. Casino night
The color scheme for a casino night can be gorgeous red along with black and white. You could also incorporate green since the dollar is also green. Balance the colors and mix it up between curtains and table covers. Creativity has no boundary, so go wild.
38. Gatsby theme
Transport your guests to the roaring 1920s when dancing and singing were the niches. Gold accents with the main color theme as black and white would go well. You could also arrange for a photo booth.
39. Fairytale theme
You can create fairytale-inspired surroundings indoors or outdoors. Use a color palette of light pink, purple, green, and blue. Use flower decorations and set up twinkling lights. If you are outdoors, consider a picnic or a tea party.
40. Art deco
A classic black and white minimalistic theme could never go wrong. The best thing is any color can go with this classic combo. But make sure to balance it all out lest it looks garish.
41. New York theme
New York buzzes with energy and charm. You can recreate the city’s atmosphere for the lively couple on this day. To do so, play some old-school romantic jazz and serve classic martinis to your guests. Don’t forget to add in some delectable slices of New York-style cheesecake.
50th Anniversary Party Food Ideas
Food and drinks at the 50th anniversary can make or break the event. If you are hosting the wedding event at a restaurant, choose the menu that you would like to surprise the couple with.
42. Professional chef
Image: IStock
If you are hosting the party at home, hire a professional chef (if your gathering is small) or a catering service (if you have a long list of guests). You could also choose the food the couple had at their wedding to make them feel nostalgic. A dinner party is an intimate way to celebrate a couple’s 50th anniversary.
43. Have an Italian-themed menu
A romantic Italian-themed menu will certainly please the guests of honor. You can prepare or order pasta dishes, Italian sheet pan chicken, tiramisu, and the like.
44. Gold wrapped candies and cake
A great 50th-anniversary food idea involves candies wrapped in gold-colored paper. Fill golden bags with candies or chocolates that the couple loves. A cake with gold ribbon or gold candy beads for trim will look great with these sweets.
45. Create a charcuterie table
Are the guests of honors foodies? Celebrate their distinct personalities by arranging a charcuterie table filled with their favorite cheeses, fruit, and bread. You can put together any combination according to the tastes of the couple.
46. Three or seven-course meal
Choose a good three, five, or seven-course meal with a variety of appetizers and desserts. A cake that follows the theme of the party can be a perfect choice. Depending on your guest list, choose the anniversary cake.
47. Dessert stand display
Arrange some three-tiered dessert stands, preferably in golden. On them, you can display a variety of pretty pastries and desserts. Showcasing these sweet items in such tiers will make the whole venue look livelier.
48. Have a buffet
Another option is serving the anniversary party food choices in the way of a buffet. It’ll make it easy to serve a great variety of food preferences and tastes. You may also prepare some food items in advance.
49. Enjoy finger food
Finger food is easy for the guests to grab while talking. You can find lots of finger food options for different tastes at a place like Costco. You can even have them catered or make them yourself. Have platters of hot and cold finger foods dotted around the room.
50. Signature drinks
A party is incomplete without beverages. Arrange for signature cocktails or mocktails based on the couple’s favorite flavors and drinks to add a personal touch to the menu.
Games For 50th Anniversary Party
Add more fun to the party by playing these games.
51. Never have I ever?
Each player gets to ask a question. They will take a sip of wine or a shot of whisky if they have done it and if they have not, they remain sober.
52. Trivia buffs
There will be many married and unmarried couples in this celebration. So, why not create a questionnaire about each partner and ask everyone to fill them up? Ensure to have a variety of MCQ questions of your choice. Once everyone completes them, tally the points to find the highest scorer.
53. True and false
Here you can make flashcards with different questions about their significant other. Once a couple chooses a flashcard, they have to answer the question right, and their partner will say if the answer is right or wrong.
54. Three-legged race
It is a fun option to go for. One person’s right leg will be tied to another person’s left leg. Each couple would have to run, and the objective is to beat the other contestants to win the game.
55. Two truths and a lie
It’s a compelling 50th-anniversary game that everyone will enjoy. One guest will begin by telling two truths and a lie about themselves. Others will guess which statement is a lie. The player will reveal their answer after everyone has made their guesses.
56. Musical chairs
It can be played by older people as well. Arrange the chairs in a circle, and the participants would have to walk around the chairs. Once someone says stop, they would have to find a chair to sit on. Any participants who do not get the chair will be eliminated. For each round, one chair gets removed until there is a winner. For bonus points, play the music that was popular when they were young.
57. Guess the couple in the photo
Collect a wedding or celebratory photo of each couple at the party. This includes the picture of the anniversary couple. Place every photo on a frame and assign a number to each frame before you show them at the event. Give each couple a list of all the couples whose photographs have been displayed. Ask everyone to identify the couples’ photographs. Many won’t be able to do so correctly.
58. Memory lane trivia
The guests at the party should be well-acquainted with the celebrating couple. But how well do they truly know them? Test their knowledge with this trivia game. Ask the guests questions about the couple’s milestones, history, and tidbits from their lives—‘Where did the couple first meet?’ ‘What nicknames do they call each other?’ etc.
Illustration: Best 50th Anniversary Party Ideas To Make The Day Special
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who should host a 50th wedding anniversary party?
Children usually host their parents’ golden jubilee wedding anniversary party as a tribute to their beautiful relationship and a form of expression of gratitude. However, friends, cousins, and loved ones can also host the 50th-anniversary party.
2. What percentage of couples celebrate their 50th anniversary?
According to the US Census Bureau data, around 6% of the couples in the country reach their golden jubilee wedding anniversary (1).
3. How can you personalize a 50th-anniversary party to the couple’s tastes and interests?
Explore unique wedding anniversary ideas that suit the couple’s tastes and pick a theme that depicts a memorable time in the couple’s life. Ensure the decorations effortlessly complement the theme. Display a montage of the couple’s journey on the big screen to all the guests. Turn on their favorite music and incorporate decorations using those things that mean the most to the couple. Include their favorite foods and drinks in the party menu and arrange for personalized party favors, such as coffee mugs with the couple’s picture, to make the event memorable for the couple.
4. What is symbolic of 50 years of marriage?
The 50th year of marriage is a venerable milestone representing the enduring love, trust, loyalty, and commitment shared by the couple for over five decades. Gold or golden color symbolizes this remarkable milestone. Champagne toasts honor the union, while the renewal of vows reaffirms their commitment. Family and friends represent the love and support received throughout their journey.
5. What questions should I ask at the 50th anniversary?
Ask the couple about their favorite memory, the most significant change they have noticed in each other, the best and worst decisions they have made, and the relationship advice they would like to give. You may ask what the couple loves the most about each other and what surprises both about one another. These questions will allow the couple to reflect and cherish their time together.
6. What are some unique ways to incorporate family in the 50th anniversary celebration?
To incorporate and engage family members in the celebration, create a family tree display, showcase family heirlooms, hand out party favors with family photos, and invite family members to share stories about the celebrating couple or the family history.
Completing 50 years with your partner is no less than a milestone. Having seen all the good and bad together, it’s time you celebrate your journey with one another. Our list of 50th-anniversary party ideas can help you have a great time with your loved ones. So select a party idea and theme that best suits your emotions for this special day. Arrange novel party favors, souvenirs and gifts that give every guest a sneak peek into your and your partner’s journey together. Organize delectable foods, drinks, and activities to make your golden jubilee party a hit among children and adults. Remember, you and your partner have come a long way. So don’t forget to surprise them with these heartfelt 50th anniversary wishes and a thoughtful gift!
Infographic: Tips On Writing A Beautiful 50th Wedding Anniversary Toast
The 50th wedding anniversary is a significant milestone, and no celebration is complete without a heartfelt toast or speech. Save this infographic for tips on writing a beautiful and unique wedding anniversary toast. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Key Pointers
- A 50th wedding anniversary is a momentous occasion that calls for a good celebration.
- If you are planning a party, invite the couple’s family and friends.
- Consider themes like rustic charm, a photo wall, or a New York vibe for a unique touch.
- Curate a scrumptious menu and games that appeal to all the guests.
- Let the couple enjoy their day in their preferred style, concluding with a cozy dinner surrounded by loved ones.
Personal Experience: Source
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. 50th wedding anniversary party.https://awalkinthecountryside.blogspot.com/
References
- Census Bureau Reports 55 Percent Have Married One Time.
https://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/marital_status_living_arrangements/cb11-90.html
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