25th anniversary ideas! Help?

Question

I am having a small get together for my parents 25th anniversary next week. (Surprise for my mom, but not dad) it's on a wednesday night so I'm assuming people won't stay too long, but I want them to at least have a little fun.

I am sending my parents to get pictures done in a park and then out to dinner so the guests will be there a little less than an hour before my parents get there. I am trying to think of things to do before and after my parents arrive. I am a college student but it can't be too pricy. It can be inside or outside but I think outside would be better. I am just going to serve drinks and desserts and finger foods since it's past supper time.

We have a really big yard but I not too much in it because my mom gardens and my dad has gold nets set up. (so basically a fire pit, a gazeebo and then a bunch of space)

Thanks soooo much for your suggestions

Answer 1

Honestly, you won't have to do anything, the guests will end up mingling amongst themselves.  I've thrown 3 annniversary parties for my parents, and one was at my parent's house and I've never had activities.  One was in a hall with dancing, but the others weren't but I never had any activities, everybody just talked and caught up with each other.

I think once you tell them where the party is, like indoors or out, and where you want them to be, they'll be fine.  They'll sit around and chat and once your parents get there, they will take over and sit around talking.  Then you can get to serving the drinks and desserts, as you are still the  host of the party.  They are considered the guests of honor and you are the host, in charge of everything, the drinks, food, etc.

The one thing I would do if you can afford it, is get a corsage for your mom and a boutiniere for your dad, just as something special for them to wear out at the restuarant and back at the party.  You can have silver ribbons put on being it's their silver anniversary.

If you want to do an activity you can do a little trivia game, like a newlywed game, You can play the 25th Anniversary Edition of the Newlywed game once they get there.  Everyone would have fun with that!  You can also ask any other couples in your family or friends to join in, and have a small prize, like a bottle of wine for the winner!   Whichever couple gets the most answers right!  You can ask each couple questions, like ask your dad what your mom was wearing on their first date, what her favorite color is, where her favorite vacation spot is, her hobby, etc.  Then have the same questions for your mom, You don't have to separate them, do it with them each sitting there.  I think being the party's about them, make it just about them and then if they want other couples to join in, let them ask them.  You can ask you mom if she would like other couples up there with her.  

What you can do is take a set of chairs and decorate in them and put them away from everyone else, set up away and in front of everyone and then if they want more people to play, add those chairs in.  Just make sure they're either up higher or in front of everyone so everyone can see them.  Everyone will enjoy having fun with them!

Or you can just let everyone talk and catch up for the night.  I would see how the night's going when your parents get there.  What you can do is give it some time, it may be late when they get in and they may be too tired. Or they may not want the night to end! You can ask your parents on the aside if they would like to do it and leave it up to them, or just talk and catch up with everyone.  

You can also get some silver and white balloons and cluster them around the party area.  You don't need much, but just like 3 clusters of them to make it festive.

I hope your parents have a great party, which I'm sure they will, it is VERY sweet of you to do all that you're doing for them.  I LOVE the idea of having their pictures done!  I hope your parents have a very Happy 25th Anniversary!!  And of course, many more!!