OT:Anniversary ideas needed for 25th and 40th :o)

[kldmom2000]

It just occurred to me that this year is not only MY parents' 40th wedding anniversary, but also my IL's 25th wedding anniversary (MIL and step-FIL).

We don't have the money to do anything big for either of them, but I want to make sure that each of them has a memorable day

My mother has been battling metastatic breast cancer for over a year now. She's 59. Dad has been amazing during this time-a true testament to his devotion and his love for her Mom is unable to walk without the use of a cane and actually needs a wheelchair for any type of distance. She's very self-conscience about her appearance with her wig and her extreme weakness, so I wouldn't even fathom throwing a party. I need something special for the 2 of them since it's a big milestone in many ways Any ideas????

Now, IL's.... we can't really swing a 25th anniversary reception. My parents had one for their 25th, but it was paid for by my late grandparents. My SIL and her DH are unable to contribute anything since he's been out of work on disability with a back injury that has left him in severe pain every day. They are struggling..... My DH is self-employed and business is slow at the moment, so we can't pay for the whole thing ourselves. Would a back-yard BBQ in their honor be lame?? MIL's sister's kids threw their parents a 25th reception a few years ago, but they charged each guest $15.... I thought it to be tacky and won't do that.

Ideas???? Suggestions????? Thanks in advance!!!!!

 

[scottish mum]

For my mum and dads wedding anniversary I gave them a lovely rose. It was there 25th anniversary, silver wedding, so the rose bush I gave them was called a silver rose. They loved this and my dad planted it and it flowers every year just before their anniversary. They thought it was a lovely gesture and it wasn't expensive.
Also you could make a memories book up, we have done this too and put lots of photos in it. We had some from when they were kids, teenagers, their wedding, kids, grandkids etc. Another nice gift and not expensive.
I always think the best gifts are always the ones that the most thought has gone into, not the most money

 

[Perditamarie]

I love the rose idea and the photo book too....especially if you can scan older photos to be included.

I also think a backyard BBQ or open house at their home is a great idea....an open house could be less expensive too.

Whatever you decide, it is very thoughtful.

 

[donac]

I think a back yard barbeque would be great. Dh and I renewed our vows on our 25th in our backyard and it was lovely. You are doing something from your heart. That is what is important.

 

[RMAMom]

For you IL's a BBQ would be great you could also do an "old fashioned get together" make it a pot luck and invite everyone to bring their favorite dish ready to serve. Maybe you and a few close relatives could supply the burgers and H. Dogs or whatever you want to serve. Pass out index cards at the party and ask everyone to write a memory or comment about/for the happy couple. You could put them in a book with pictures of their day.

For your parents, what about a day of pampering for your Mom. Take her to the salon for a manicure and makeup maybe they can style her wig for her. Then you could invite a few close friends or just siblings for a dessert party. Just cake, coffee and maybe some champagne/sparkling cider to toast the happy couple. It would mark the occasion and your Mom would feel beautiful but the party would be short and sweet so she wouldn't get to tired.

I hope that helps,
Mary