Anyone ever give their parents an Anniversary Party?

DH and I were thinking of throwing a 35th anniversary party for his parents in September. They never really had a reception (got married on a Wed. between MIL's layovers-she's a flight attendant-and only had a gingerale toast). FIL is almost 78 and has never had a birthday party, EVER!

Has anyone ever thown an Anniversary Party? Do you have any ideas to share? We will be using the clubhouse of our townhouse development.

I was thinking of cute invites with their photo on it (I'll try to dig up a wedding photo), a photo sign in board, etc. Just looking for ideas! THANKS!

Re: Anyone ever give their parents an Anniversary Party?

my sister and i threw a anniversary party for my parents but it was their 25th, we rented a clubhall and we gave them a reception because they never had one. we made a colage of them and all of their friends and family. look into clubhouses or a nice reception hall.

Re: Anyone ever give their parents an Anniversary Party?

Thanks! We'll be using the clubhouse of our townhouse development. It's really nice inside!

Re: Anyone ever give their parents an Anniversary Party?

About 5 yrs ago, we had a 40th ann. party for my grandparents at the Smithtown Landing CC. We got a DJ, had a great photo board, an awesome photo cake, and invited all of their friends secretly. They had a blast!!!

We used Sensational sounds DJ - very affordable and perfect for this type of party.

They'll love it! Do it!

Re: Anyone ever give their parents an Anniversary Party?

that's so cute! I'm sure they will love it! Sounds like a great idea to find an old wedding picture.

Re: Anyone ever give their parents an Anniversary Party?

We gave our mom and dad a 25th they loved it. We had told them it was a 30th for my aunt and uncle and it was their job to get them to 'their' surprise...they walked in and my mom was laughing hysterically and pointing to my aunt saying 'gotcha' it took her two minutes to realize it was HER party!!!

We have it all on video it was soooo cute!!!

Re: Anyone ever give their parents an Anniversary Party?

Interesting that you say that you both want to throw DH's parent's an anniversary party for their 35th. We want to do the same thing for our parents. On what scale do you want to do it? At a catering hall, like a small wedding or a room in a really nice restaurant? We want to do the second. Good luck!
What day are they married in September? My parents were married on September 6th.

Take care!

Re: Anyone ever give their parents an Anniversary Party?

The clubhouse idea sounds great. Are you doing any music or entertainment?

Re: Anyone ever give their parents an Anniversary Party?

Oh geez, I never thought of how we'd get them there! MIL is always flying out so I need to have her invited to something she can't refuse!

Re: Anyone ever give their parents an Anniversary Party?

Re: Anyone ever give their parents an Anniversary Party?

They are from out of state? Maybe just tell them you want to go out for their anniversary for dinner, no party thing but just dinner. Would that be too obvious?

Re: Anyone ever give their parents an Anniversary Party?

We are going to host an anniversary party for my parent's 40th.

I'm still tossing up in the air now on either having it at Villa Lombardi's or having it in the clubhouse of our complex. I don't think i'm saving that much having it in the clubhouse because i'd still have to hire a caterer and at least at Villa I won't have to worry about anything. I'm still up in the air though.

I love the idea of having their picture on the invite. I was thinking of doing that as well!

Re: Anyone ever give their parents an Anniversary Party?

IL's anniversary is the 23rd. Since it sounds like there are a few of us throwing anniverary parties in '05 we should share ideas! If you come up with a good one post it!

Since IL's family is in Germany and scattered over the US there won't be a large crowd. I think they only had 20 family members/family friends at our wedding.

I'm not sure what I'll do for entertainment...maybe not a DJ or anything. I'm still thinking about that one! I don't think it will be anything too formal, they just aren't formal people. The first time FIL (in 76 years of his life) wore a tux was at our wedding!

I figured we can play a Newlywed type game too. They'd get a kick out of that.

Re: Anyone ever give their parents an Anniversary Party?

We did, we rented out a small hall. It was the best thing we ever did - they often tell us it was the happiest night of their married lives!

Re: Anyone ever give their parents an Anniversary Party?

we threw a 40th for my parents this past July, it was awesome because it was a surprise, kept it small and intimate, we had their wedding cake replicated by a local bakery, we put together a CD of our favorite love songs from the past 50 years, starting with the song from their first date..they love this CD, (The CD was the favors and we put their wedding picture on the CD) not all of the songs are slow..the temptations have some fast upbeat love songs..anyhow..we bought them Ruby toasting flutes for the 40th, had Ruby balloons, had it catered and just had a wonderful time, they really loved it and its a very nice memory, we had our oldest brother give a speech and it made everyone cry because there are five kids in our family and he asked us each our favorite memories and then he inculded them in the speech, it was very beautiful the party was very personal and I think it went really well.
Good luck planning yoru party..they are so much fun to plan!!!