25th Anniversary Party Of The Year Questions

Hi Rachel - My brother and I are doing something similar. We`re both in or finishing college so funds are an issue for us, but what we`ve learned so far is that there is no right or wrong way to throw this sort of party! How many people you invite is up to you. Many people who attended the wedding have either passed on or have fallen out with our family, so the guest list isn`t necessarily the same as it was 25 years ago. We`ve added people our family has grown close to through the years, too, a blend of past and present I guess. I think the size of the party depends on what you`re comfortable with. As for where to have the party, that`s something that depends on both your funds and what kind of party you want to have. With us, funds are limited so we`re trying to make the dollars stretch as much as possible. I`ve been to anniversary parties that have been huge hotel ballroom events, but ours is going to be nothing like that! :) Good luck with your planning, and feel free to contact me if you want to share ideas or anything.

I am in the beginning stages of planning dh`s and my 25th anniversary. Our only dd is still in high school with no means of financing the party. I do have some advice about this since dh and I planned his parents` 50th anniversary party. Dh has a sister but she chose not to take part in the party---long story---so it was just us doing the planning AND the paying!

We held it at his parents` church in the fellowship hall. Everything the church provided was free. They provided tables for refreshments/punch/coffee. Also they had chairs around the perimeter of the room for those who wanted/needed to sit. Some of the ladies of the church offered to serve refreshments, make coffee, serve punch, etc. They also helped clean up as well! What a great group of ladies! The church also provided linens which I laundered.

What did we serve? We had a cake made to replicate as much as possible their wedding cake. For beverages, we kept it simple and served coffee and punch (which I made ahead and froze). I bought meatballs and made sauce for them the day before the event. We had sandwiches and a vegetable/fruit tray made by the local deli.

What you serve really depends on the time of day you have your event. We had WAY too much food but I was nervous about there being enough to go around. (My inlaw`s party was at 2 PM.) Mid afternoon time is a great time if you`re trying to limit your food budget. All you`d really need is maybe a fruit/vegetable tray, cake, coffee, and punch or soft drinks.

For decorations I bought a mix of stuff. I got gold helium balloons and rented a tank the day before. I got 2-3 floral arrangements at Michael`s with 40% off coupons. I also got single artificial roses, gold ribbon, and gold glitter---all to intertwine and sprinkle on the tables. That was about it! By the time we got food out on the tables we didn`t need much more.

We did splurge and get printed invitations and repsonse cards. Check around cause prices can vary greatly! Also get references from local brides or party planners.

Instead of a book for everyone to sign as they came in, I did loose scrapbook sheets. This way I could include it in the scrapbook I was doing. YOu could have someone do a scrapbook for you but plan on paying dearly for it---unless someone volunteers to be a gift to the couple.

We also had one use cameras available for people to take pics during the event. NOt too many were taken so I probably wouldn`t do that again. I was the official pic taker at the party. Make sure that if you have a family member appointed as photographer that you have someone take his or her photo as well. I also took pics during the set up/tear down process.

If your parents don`t want or need gifts, just put something like this at the bottom of the invitation:

"The gift of your presence would thrill us more than anything else."

In case someone insists on bringing a gift, have a discreet table set aside in a room nearby or a corner. The honorees can take them home and unwrap them there.

I think alot of this stuff can be done for a 25th. Don`t be afraid to ask for volunteers or for the use of their church`s hall. Also, ask to borrow or rent instead of buying stuff.

If you have questions just email me .

Blessings,
Cindy

I am in pretty much the same boat as Rachel (see previous message). I too graduate in December 2004 from The University of Alabama (ROLL TIDE!!!). My parents 25th anniversary is on March 15th, 2005. I am not going to have a lot of money, but I think I am capable of finding the necessary financing; however, I would like to keep it in reason. I was thinking about renting out the Montgomery, AL Civic Center Ballroom for the evening. Having tables, and some food catered in. Getting a band to play (obviously, the song they danced to at their wedding), but also maybe a little classic rock, old school county, and even some motown. They wouldn`t have to be a big band, and defintely not an expensive band, as long as they can play the above requested genres. I would like to invite family and friends, 100 people at the most. I would be sending out invitations to give people adequate time to prepare for the event. I would like to say a few words regarding how hapy I am for my parents, and how significant an accomplishment 25 years of marriage is these days. I would also like to have an open bar, but I need to keep the tab within reasonable limits. Also, the ballroom would have to be large enough to accomodate the tables for eating, as well as have enough remaining space for people to dance, and enjoy themselves. I would also like to put together a little slide show featuring digital pictures we`ve taken over the years. So, my questions would be as follows:

1. Who can talk to about this? Are there event planners that do parties this small? and if so, do they do anniversaries (because all of the websites I have visited thus far don`t have any listings for anniversaries)?
2. Would we need one open bar, or two for 100 people? Would serving cheaper liquor (not the cheapest, but not the best either) be a bad thing?
3. Who should I contact about booking entertainment? Would a band be better than a d.j.?
4. Is the civic center ballroom (providing it`s big enough to accomodate my previously specified requests) an appropriate setting, or would a hotel or bar be more appropriate?
5. Should I have a photographer, or someone record the event?
6. What type of food would be appropriate (I mean we`re all southerners, and you can`t really go wrong with catered BBQ)?
7. Is it acceptable to request formal attire on the invitations?
8. How do I get all of my parents friends, and some of their co-workers mailing addresses? and how do I keep said event confidential?
9. Should I have my parents delivered to the undecided location and returned home in a limo?
10. Do I need flowers for such an event?
11. Finally, how much is all of this going to cost me?

As you can obviously tell, I have no idea what I`m doing, and I`m in way over my head. If anyone reading this message happens to have the answers to all, or any of my questions, or any other helpful suggestions, please don`t hesitate to e-mail me at WipeOutRed@aol.com. Thanks again for all of your help.

-BOB JONES

It is not too early to start planning, especially if you are thinking about renting a venue or hiring a dj or band. Plus, the earlier you start the more sales you might find for items you must purchase.

--1. Who can talk to about this? Are there event planners that do parties this small? and if so, do they do anniversaries (because all of the websites I have visited thus far don`t have any listings for anniversaries)?--

I believe we live in a town smaller than yours and have an event planner with a store front. You should be able to find someone with a store front or by word of mouth. Just because they don`t advertise 25th ann. Parties doesn`t mean they don`t do it. Ask around in your circle of friends . . . Think about who`s gotten married, had graduation, retirement or 50th anniversary party, etc.

--2. Would we need one open bar, or two for 100 people? Would serving cheaper liquor (not the cheapest, but not the best either) be a bad thing?--

Not sure on the bar since we don`t drink.

--3. Who should I contact about booking entertainment? Would a band be better than a d.j.?--

I would choose a band but that is a judgment call.

--4. Is the civic center ballroom (providing it`s big enough to accomodate my previously specified requests) an appropriate setting, or would a hotel or bar be more appropriate?--

Personally I would choose a ballroom, hotel, or such not a bar. Remember not everyone on your list may feel comfortable in a bar. How about a restaurant party room? Also a biggie . . . Having to rent a venue will certainly up your cost. Do you know someone who can provide a location at a discount or FREE? Possibly someone in the business who is a personal friend?

--5. Should I have a photographer, or someone record the event?--

Certainly you can but hiring a professional will up your cost. Here`s what we did . . . I took pictures and we left out disposable cameras for guests to take candid shots. I then used those to make a scrapbook of the event.

--6. What type of food would be appropriate (I mean we`re all southerners, and you can`t really go wrong with catered BBQ)?--

Well, that`s fine unless you`re going to request formal or dressy attire. I certainly wouldn`t want to eat bbq in my best clothes. You might be able to do some of the food yourself. See my post above post.

--7. Is it acceptable to request formal attire on the invitations?--

Yes, it is. But consider the food you`re serving--see question 5. Also, do most of your friends already own the attire you`re thinking of? If not, can the easily purchase/rent it?

--8. How do I get all of my parents friends, and some of their co-workers mailing addresses?--

Call other relatives, aunts, uncles, cousins, parent`s offices, etc. Discreetly look thru their address books.

--and how do I keep said event confidential?--

Easier said than done!!

--9. Should I have my parents delivered to the undecided location and returned home in a limo?--

That would be a special treat if you can afford it. Here where I live, it`s $300+ with a 3 hour minimum.

--10. Do I need flowers for such an event?--
That would be very special.

--11. Finally, how much is all of this going to cost me?--

See my post above and let me tell you it roughly cost me $800-$1000.

One thing you didn`t mention was invitations. My in-law`s were celebrating their 50th anniversary so I did formal invitations. You could do these on the computer but you have the ink cartridge factor--could get pricey.

Also, it would be nice to have a cake like the one your parents had at their wedding. Take a picture of it to a bakery or individual who does baking and see if they can replicate it.

Feel free to email back with follow up questions.

Blessings,
Cindy

Rachel-

My parents 25th is in August 2005(next summer) and I am already starting to plan and in the same boat as you. I could give you some advice being that I am a good planner and love throwing parties. I bought a little piggy bank and everyweek I throw about $20 in there. Between me and my brother we could get approx. $2000.00 by next summer.

What I did so far was I booked a restraunt in which I pay per person and have everything included and taken care of. I feel that it is easier than having to arrange a caterer, a DJ, liquer and so forth.(Finding a restraunt with entertainment is a plus). I`m having about 45 people so the food will run me about $1500. Then I have about $500 for the cake, invitations, decorations and so forth. Start buying decorations and extra stuff like that now and during the year when you have extra money so that your not hit with a big bill all at the end. I hope I gave you some tips that might help you, good luck, Julia

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To your photographer question, I agree with Cindy (above).... Put out some inexpensive "throw away" cameras and ask folks to snap pictures for you (you`d be surpised how many folks do this). You might also consider having someone video tape as well. But, what`s better than a scrapbook is an awesome DVD Video Album with both the photographs and video.

I`m a PartyPop vendor who specializes in anniversary slide show productions. Check out some of my work at www.dvdvideoalbums.com.
If interested, send me an email via my "info" link on the Contact Us page and I can send you more info or contact you if you wish. I`d love to put something spectacular together for you and your parents that will fit into your budget.

Good Luck Rachael ,

Tom

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