Big, big party for 25th or 50th anniversary?

[barkley]

not really done in our circle of friends (maybe b/c most are on 2nd or 3rd marriages and haven't hit either of those marks yet). we did go to a party for a 30th a year or so ago-very informal in the couple's home. it was kind of neat to see the wedding photos and then see the people in them 30 years later.


we have our 25th in a couple of years. doubt we'll do much. I would much rather take any money we might feel we would 'splurge' on it and throw it at our mortgage. I've never been to a mortgage burning party-and believe me , when that happens -that WILL be something we will celebrate

 

[Pooh67_68]

I have only been to one anniversary party and it was for my husband's bosses 50th.


For our 25th we went to Disney.

 

[kirstenb1]

Our 25th will be this September. It must be the introvert in me, but I have no desire for a party. We'll probably do a trip somewhere.

 

[powellrj]

I have never been to a 25th party and the only time I have heard of them is on the DIS. Most of the people I know have been married more than 25 years so its not that big of a deal. A few people I know have 50th parties including my mom who insisted on one.

For our 25th we took our kids to WDW since the youngest ones were still really young.

I don't like to be the center of attention so I wouldn't want a 50th one either. My DDIL had a 50th birthday party for me several years ago and even that made me uncomfortable!

 

[Gumbo4x4]

25, no. 50, yes. Usually hosted by the kids. My aunt & uncle decided instead of a party, THEY paid to take their kids/grand kids to Branson for a week. My parents loved the idea so much, they followed suit. We tried to do a party too, but Mom would have none of it. We did host one for their 40th though. My inlaws aren't there yet, but rest assured there will be no party. MIL is a huge buzzkill when it come to anything related to, well anything

 

[mrsklamc]

My grandparents had these types of parties, but 1) my grandmother is all about getting attention and 2) they lived in the middle of nowhere so everyone was happy to have something to do.

DH's grandparents had family-only parties for major anniversaries.

We've asked DH's parents on each major anniversary but they decline, and DH and I are certainly not interested in having them, ourselves.

 

[Katelly]

My dh and I had a party for my parents 50th anniversary. It was at a very nice restaurant and we rented out a private, quaint cottage that they have available for parties. We had about 75 guests, music (no dancing), booze and great food. We asked that guests not bring gifts, but rather old photo's or a little note if possible.

I've never heard of a big wedding type party for a 25th. Most couples that I know go away for a weekend or go on vacation or just go out for dinner to celebrate. I don't think I'd bother going if I was invited to a huge party for a 25th. It's twenty five years, not fifty or seventy five. Those are big milestones.

 

[elaine amj]

I see anniversaries as private affairs that no one else really cares about.

I would not want to attend an anniversary party.

DH and I have dreamed about throwing an anniversary party pretty much ever since we got married. We like throwing parties. We did invite our wedding party for dinner for our first wedding annivesary - it was a wonderful way to celebrate.

We almost threw a party for our 10th anniversary. But when we looked at the total cost of everything we wanted to do - we decided to go on a trip instead LOL!

We're still talking about a party for our 20th or our 25th. We just like to gather people together to have fun and it's not easy to have an "excuse" like that, kwim? What we'd really like to do is rent a big house on a beach or somewhere fun and throw a BBQ for 50-60 people with fireworks and a DJ (because I like to dance but don't like the bar scene). About 10-15 close friends would be invited to sleep over.

Can't think of any other scenario where we could do something like this other than an anniversary. Plus, how much fun is it to celebrate our marriage with all the friends who have supported us throughout that marriage. I believe friends and family have an impact on a marriage.

We do the party at our house thing all the time - we throw an annual NYE party for our friends and for some years, we threw an annual backyard fireworks party in the summer (we'd spend a couple hundred and everyone coming would pitch in $20 or so towards fireworks).

 

[sk!mom]

NOpe, DH and I aren't big party type people, though. For our 25th, we went to Euope for 2 weeks. No party at all.

Of course, if I hadn't married at 18 and therefore had the wedding my mom wanted, we would have likely married in Vegas or on a beach somewhere- Just the two of us. I really dislike big productions and being the center of attention and would always choose travel over an expensive party.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

As long as we're talking weddings....

In my family it's the tradition that for your 25th (and 50th, if you both live that long) that you have a HUGE party, I'm talking basically a wedding reception without the wedding. Catered meal, booze, music, dancing, 100s of people, etc.

I mentioned to some friends that I'm starting to save up since our 25th is in two years, and it'll be an expensive one since we'll have a party. They had never heard of this!

DH is just thrilled because he won't have to wear a tux or say any vows in front of people .

So does anyone else have big parties for big anniversaries?

Terri

Only 40th and 50th for bigger parties and nothing to that level, although if you have the money to do it then that would be fun.

My parents will be celebrating their 50th in May, not sure what we are going to do. Right now we just are brainstorming, putting together a slideshow and then eating at a restaurant in a party room.

My 25th is in 2015. I want a nice romantic vacation. No thanks on a party.

 

[jdb in AZ]

My in-laws didn't have a big wedding/reception so when it was time for their 50th, DMIL had a lot of fun planning an anniversary party. They had lots of friends and family who enjoyed celebrating with them.

When DH and I reach that milestone I'd rather go to Victoria and Albert's at WDW, stay at one of the resorts for a couple of days, then go on a cruise.

 

[bigbabyblues]

DH's grandparents had a huge party for their 50th. It was planned and paid for by their kids, I think. DH and I were dating at the time, but I wasn't able to get off work to go. They had about 150 people there, catered dinner, music that would have been from the time they got married, photographer, the whole bit. They had friends from all over, not just local people.

We celebrate our 17th in March, and unless something changes, I can't imagine wanting a huge party for our 25th. More like a nice trip somewhere for the two of us that is more than we would normally do.

 

[lisaviolet]

Yes on both.

____________________________________--

My parents LOVED their 50th we had for them. It was a surprise and we got them!!! Such a great memory.

I even had my father bring folding chairs, cause he thought I needed them as I do on some visits with family(very small suite).

So it was priceless to see him walk into our party room with folding chairs to greet about 75 friends and family.

 

[crz4mm2]

We did a cruise on our 30th with vow renewal. It was absolutely PERFECT.

I wanted to do an Alaskan cruise for our 35th but DH says he is never cruising again.... He just didn't like it. So guess that's out.

Maybe by 50 I can talk him into it again

 

[Handbag Lady]

We do smalls for the 25th and huge blowouts for the 50th.

My great aunt started it. For her 50th, not only did they pay for everything and made sure they picked a date that worked with everyone, but they invited all of the living bridal party members to attend as well. They had a priest bless their marriage and the whole family and had a huge reception afterwards.

My great aunt even still could fit into her wedding suit and had both her wedding suit (and her shoes, yes her wedding SHOES from 50 years prior) and my great uncle's suit, tie, and hat on display.

My mother made a huge quilt using blocks sent out to each family member months in advance and had THAT on display. She even sewed into it a few empty white blocks for grandkids and great grandkids not yet born to complete later on.

Then again, this is the same family that has 20 year memoriums for each passed relative.

 

[Katy Belle]

My parents and DHs parents both had parties for 25th and 50th. My parents parties were basically cake receptions in the church basement. I love the photos from the 25th. They were cutting the wedding cake and I was peeking out between them! I was 3 years old. Im assuming they paid for that party themselves, as I was clueless and broke.. Their 50th my siblings and I hosted. Cake and finger foods on a Sunday afternoon. My brother read a speech. All the grandkids sang songs, one danced. It was very nice. For their 60 th we did a smaller cake reception in the basement of the retirement home they live in. Hoping to throw them a 70th Anniversary party in 3 years!

DHs parents had a catered outdoor barbeque picnic for their 25th. I was just dating DH at the time. I know DH and his siblings helped set it all up, but Im sure his parents paid for it. Their kids were 23, 20, 16. Their 50th we, and siblings, paid for. Dinner, a ventriliquist, and a band! That is what MIL wanted. It was fun.

Both my parents and DHs parents have lived in their communities forever. Their siblings all live close. They are small towns and they know everybody. Many people in those communities have Anniversary parties.

DH and I celebrate 25 years this summer. No big party in the plans. We have moved 7 times in our marriage and our friends are scattered all over. Our kids are 18,16,13 and Im sure they are not planning a party! We are going to WDW in March, and will likely do something special the day of, probably dinner out. I'm considering a surprise trip for DH, but not sure its in the cards!

 

[mumto3girls]

No set traditions in my family. I don't recall what if anything my parents did for their 25th. They are not party people. For their 35th they took us children and our families out to dinner. Their 50th is still a few years away. My godmother (mother's cousin and closest friend) did throw herself a party at one of the nicer restaurants in the city for her 25th. She should be coming up on her 50th soon. I don't think either set of grandparents hit 50.

I do recall going out to dinner with DH's grandparents for their 50th. It was low key as neither was well at the time. For my in laws 25th, my SIL threw them a party at their home. DH and I were away at school and she never checked the date with him to see if he could make it. I do think he put some money towards it, but not much!

I think SIL hits 25 soon and in laws and my parents will all hit 50 in the next few years so we will see. DH's parents are more party people than my side.

I so hate being the center of attention that I didn't want a big wedding so no party for me. I would way rather take a trip. When we hit 25 my youngest will be almost 15. We may be able to figure something out as far as going away. I would love that.

 

[ronandannette]

I see anniversaries as private affairs that no one else really cares about.

I would not want to attend an anniversary party.

DH and I have dreamed about throwing an anniversary party pretty much ever since we got married. We like throwing parties. We did invite our wedding party for dinner for our first wedding annivesary - it was a wonderful way to celebrate.

We almost threw a party for our 10th anniversary. But when we looked at the total cost of everything we wanted to do - we decided to go on a trip instead LOL!

We're still talking about a party for our 20th or our 25th. We just like to gather people together to have fun and it's not easy to have an "excuse" like that, kwim? What we'd really like to do is rent a big house on a beach or somewhere fun and throw a BBQ for 50-60 people with fireworks and a DJ (because I like to dance but don't like the bar scene). About 10-15 close friends would be invited to sleep over.

Can't think of any other scenario where we could do something like this other than an anniversary. Plus, how much fun is it to celebrate our marriage with all the friends who have supported us throughout that marriage. I believe friends and family have an impact on a marriage.

We do the party at our house thing all the time - we throw an annual NYE party for our friends and for some years, we threw an annual backyard fireworks party in the summer (we'd spend a couple hundred and everyone coming would pitch in $20 or so towards fireworks).

I am firmly in the PARTY camp. We are very enriched by sharing many aspects of our lives with friends and loved ones and look forward to any opportunity to celebrate their happiness (and vice versa). I can't imagine a scenario where I would receive an invitation to an event of personal significance for someone and think "who cares?...not worth my time".

Due to our ages we're unlikely to make 50 but we've got a good shot at 25! Regardless of who plans or pays a party WILL be had, and Lord willing a spectacular vacation to follow.

 

[disykat]

I certainly agree that 25 years is party "worthy," but I really haven't heard of any in my circles. At 25 years, most couples are in the middle of college expenses etc. for their own kids, maybe helping out with weddings too. I think it's just not practical for most.