Tell me about Anniversary Parties

My brother, SIL, and DH and I are planning a 40th Anniversary party for my parents. I've only ever been to one anniversary party myself, so I'm a little lost with this. We're definitely planning a DJ because my parents LOVE to dance. Tell me about the anniversary parties you've thrown or been to. Did they do a vow renewal ceremony? What were some sweet touches that you noticed? Speeches/toasts...who does them? Any words of advice would be great!

Tell me about Anniversary Parties

I've only been to one, it did not include a vow renewal but the couple did do a very nice speech at the beginning of dinner where they essentially thanked each other for 50 year of happy marriage, family, etc and also touched upon the hard times that strengthened their marriage. Various other people made toasts and short speeches throughout the night as well. There was also a slideshow on plasma TVs (not sure thats still popular) set to their wedding song.

Re: Tell me about Anniversary Parties

Re: Tell me about Anniversary Parties

i haven't been to one, but i saw something at a quinceanera that i liked.

they did the usual slide show... but...

instead of stopping the party to have everyone stare at a screen, they set it up to one side (this venue had different "areas"). this allowed guests to stop by and watch whenever they wanted and for however long they wanted. it was set up near the bar... so it helped pass the time while they were waiting for their drink.

how about having the grandkids give some kind of speech? something short and sweet... kids are always a hit and it also underscores that their marriage brought about these little people.

Re: Tell me about Anniversary Parties

Just make sure if you want them to make speeches that they are ok with it.
I have a HUGE thing about public speaking- even in front of just friends and family- and I would be horrified if I had to make a speech. In any capacity. It would ruin the party for me, no joke.

You can make a scrapbook/guest book. Get pictures of them from their wedding but also throughout the years and paste them one per page- pass it around during the party for guests to sign, send wishes, share memories of them. Everyone will get a kick out of looking at the old pictures too.

Framed pictures of them throughout their relationship on the tables too

Re: Tell me about Anniversary Parties

We just had a 50th for my in-laws.
No vow renewal.
We rented a restaurant with a private room for 80, had a DJ which of course played their wedding song and put photo boards around the room.
My BIL gave a speech which included all of their children/grandchildren.
My FIL also gave a speech but MIL did not.

At other parties, I've liked when they had the original cake topper.

Re: Tell me about Anniversary Parties

i threw my parents' 40th. I did a trivia about them and whoever got the most correct answers won. I had my mom read the questions. It was a scream!

The party was a surprise also.

Re: Tell me about Anniversary Parties

My siblings and I threw my parents a surprise 50th a few years ago. My parents planned a vow renewal at their church. My siblings and I said we would take them to dinner afterwards. We surprised them with a party of about 100 people. We had it in a firehouse hall with catering and a dj. We did a photo booth. I did a dessert buffet. I did each table centerpieces of pictures frames with flowers in a decade of their 50 years. It was a lot of work for my younger sister and I, but it was well worth it since my parents were completely clueless.
My ex brother n law made a speech. My oldest sister and oldest brother made a speech. I think the best man made a speech too.

Message edited 11/7/2018 8:01:01 PM.