Golden anniversary party

What it is

A celebration of 50 years of marriage. Family and old friends gather, the couple’s story is told in photos and speeches, and they share a dance to their wedding song. The same format works for silver (25), ruby (40) and diamond (60) anniversaries.

Plan ahead

• Six weeks before: book a venue (a restaurant private room, a hall, or at home) and send invitations.
• Four weeks before: collect photos from every decade and their wedding album.
• One week before: finalise speeches and the slideshow. Find their original wedding song.

Set the scene

Gold and white flowers, gold “50” balloons, their wedding photo framed on the welcome table, and a timeline wall of photos by decade.

Activities

• Slideshow: 10-15 minutes, set to songs from each era.
• Speeches: short tributes from children and grandchildren.
• Memories book: guests write a favourite memory of the couple.
• First dance: to their wedding song.

Food and drink

• A sit-down lunch or a buffet
• Champagne toast
• A cake decorated like their wedding cake

Tips

• Seat the couple where they can see everyone and get to the bathroom easily.
• Record the speeches for family who couldn’t attend.