35th Anniversary Party: Questions

whitelilly1010

I wasn't sure where to post this but second weddings seemed most appropriate.  I am starting to plan a party for my parents 35th anniversary.  I would like it to be a surprise and similar to a reception.  I loved the idea of having them throw something instead of the bouqet and garter.  I would love ideas as to what though.  Any other ideas would be appreciated too. 

I was also wondering...do people generally give gifts at anniversary parties?  I have never been to one and not sure if there should be something set up for cards or a gift table.  I would personally take something but I hate to assume anyone else would.  However, I hate not to have something set up for them if it is custom for gifts to be given. 

Thanks for your input!

Marrin713

I gave my parents a 25th anniv party (25 years ago LOL) and people brought gifts.   Don't know what you could have them throw tho (maybe the papers to their paid up mortgage???)

right1thistime

Anniversary parties I have been to I have always brought a gift.   A card box/ platter  may also be appropriate, since even if people don't bring a gift, they will most likely bring a card. 

Many more mature folks don't love the bouquet toss at their weddings, so I am not really sure about this.  Rather than have your parents toss anything- how about an anniversary dance?  That's where they play a song, and keep eliminating people based on how long they have been married (anyone less than 20 yrs sit down, anyone less than 25...).  Now, I have to say, that this can be painful for someone who was long married and recently lost a spouse.   Maybe to add a twist, you could have the DJ dismiss the group in reverse, so that the most recently married couple gets the bouquet from your parents, with good wishes for a marriage as longlived and loving as theirs?   ~Donna

Lisa50

Congratulations to your mom and dad.  35 years is wonderful!! 

I've been to many 25th and 50th anniversary parties and, most of the time, people bring gifts.  Regarding them throwing something, since the party is a surprise, it might be better not to assign any tasks, just let them except enjoy themselves.

Have a great time!

MikesAngie

Congratulations to your mom and dad, 35 years that is great!

Since it's a party akin to a reception and a surprise, I wouldn't have them "toss" anything.  Perhaps have a special dance for them.

Definitely have a table set up for cards and gifts.

whitelilly1010

Ladies, thank you for the kind words and input.  I've been searching and thinking of ideas and only came up with lottery tickets or something related to their hobbies for a toss.  
 
right1thistime:  Knowing them I thought they would like it.  I could be wrong.  I could always have something for them to toss (if I can think of anything besides a garter toss...not a fan of it) and they can choose to or not.  I like the twist on the anniversary dance.  I may just do that. 

Sue-n-Kevin

What a thoughtful person you are! Even coming here to get etiquette tips, LOL.

I am an only child, and threw my parents a surprise 25th and 50th anniversary party at my home. The 50th was a REAL surprise because it was 2 months early, because we had California family in town. Everyone but my parents knew about it though.

We had them come over, allegedly for a BBQ. Asked them to dress nicely, because we were going to take some pictures. All the guests were in the garage (it was July, and HOT), and I hung a "Happy 50th Anniversary" banner to the bottom of the garage door. As it opened, the sign became apparent, and everyone yelled "Surprise".

I had a small token 2 layer wedding cake made at a local bakery, and it was placed on a large dining table, the other end was for gifts. I laid out my Mom's actual real veil under the cake, sort of forming it into a cloud. I put their original wedding rings (they wear replacements) and invitation into frames/item holder so they were on display. I made my Mom a mini-veil with a floral headband, and a silk bouquet for her to carry that day, and keep. Got my Dad a silk rose bout. Made favors out of little sachets with white lace bags, they had gold bells attached that people rang for my parents to kiss.

My Mom and her brother are Canadian, and he sprayed a very large branch from his backyard gold, and hung 50 gold Canadian "two-nies" on it. They are Canadian 2 dollar coins, it was really cool.

I also had the caterer make their original wedding dinner, which my Dad's mom made (back in the day when families did the cooking for weddings), which was kielbasa and saurkraut (yes my Dad is Polish, LOL). Also had chicken since everyone there (ie kids) doesn't like kielbasa.

My cousin videotaped it, and made us a dvd. It really was a fun party!

Good luck..........I'm sure you will have lots of your own ideas to make this a special occasion for them.

whitelilly1010

@Sue-n-Kevin:  Thanks for sharing your story.  It sounds great!  I loved the idea of having the dinner they had at their wedding and a veil for my mother.

right1thistime

lily - Sue's story about serving the original dinner made me remember that when my BIL & SIL had their 25th anniversary dinner, we had a florist create a floral centerpiece that mimicked (<-- that looks weird) her bouquet.  They were very very touched. 

And I agree- you know them best, so if you think they would like to toss something, maybe you are correct.  ~Donna