Anniversary Gifts

I recall my grandparents throwing their own party for their 50th - maybe you could suggest they do the same. Or if you think you would be better able to throw a party in ten years, offer to do so for a bigger anniversary, like their golden.

Nobody should be forced to throw someone else a party--it takes away the spirit of the event(We were guilted into doing this for my grandparents' 50th and it was a nightmare!). I'd offer to throw them a picnic in your backyard with a limited guest list or to take them to a nice dinner--their choice. If you have time, you could assemble a CD of photos of their 40 yrs of marriage and do a slide show...that becomes the entertainment and the gift! You can only do what you can do and cannot be expected to host a gala. If all else fails, ask them what they did for their parents' anniversaries...I am certain that big parties were not part of the deal! It might help them to gain some perspective. Good luck!

So are you doing the party? Honestly, it does sound like that's what they really want, and you shouldn't spend money on something they're not going to use a second year in a row. So, if you're going to do it you do need to get started! I would pick a theme and go with it...that will make everything easier. If they are fun people maybe you could do a "60s" theme and people could dress appropriately and you could play music from that time too. I would probably get it catered or recruit all family members (except for them) to do some cooking.

If they're not into that, I would check into renting a private room at a restaurant and go from there. You sound far too busy to put this together by yourself, so if you're going to spend the money anyway, do it at a restaurant. Depending on how many people you have you can work it out with the restaurant to do a certain menu to keep the price down (people ordering off the menu could get expensive fast!) An alternative to dinner could also be brunch or just heavy hors devours and/or dessert. Brunch would probably be the cheapest, esepcially if you do it at home, and it can be very festive and celebratory...especially if you buy a few bottles of champagne and OJ!! Most restaurants would probably also offer a cash bar option for those who want to drink or you could give people 2 free drinks or something, that would work too.

If there are going to be some kids, I would go and buy a bunch of stuff for the kids to do and designate a table or area for them. Put out some crayons, books, cars, small toys, etc. and let the kids chill in the corner. I've done this quite a few times and it works out perfectly! Parents usually take turns going over there and checking things out and making sure they are good!

Why don't you and your husband sit down and talk with them. Maybe they don't want to throw the party for themselves because they think that it would look funny.
Do they attend a church or an organization where you could use a room for the event? You could throw them a nice reception with just cake and punch.
Ask them to help with the bill because even though you would love to help them with a party you don't have the money.
You could also ask them to help get all of the details together, since it is their big day, not yours.
I helped my parents with their 50th Anniversary party, but my parents paid for everything because we have 2 children and didn't have the money.
The invitations came from me and the RSVP's , maybe that is what your father-in-law is wanting? They rented a room at a local college and had the event catered, but my mom and I met with the caterer's etc.
There are a lot of details involved in planning even a reception but you can find a lot of help online or at the library.
Good luck!

The Metro Parks rent out pavalions!

Big party for an anniversary, well, you could do all of them together- and just cover them all at once- send a few invites or just do family- make it pot luck and it shouldn't cost you too much- or really take much to get ready for.

it sounds like they are expecting something kind of swanky for their party. but i think if you put together a kind of in between party they would be happy. if you guys are members of a church you can normally use the church for pretty cheap. as long as you provide the food and drinks and clean up afterwards. or you could do a backyard or park thing too. and you could do some pretty good finger foods or small wraps and have those catered in for cheap too. a place i would reccomend is the columbus sandwich company in pickerington. their food is great and they can provide things for all different tastes. vegetarian and vegan as well. pictures could be done by students at the different photography scools around the area. they could probably use the money and some of the pics for their portfolios so they would be cheap too. then just tell everyone to wear nice dresses and slacks and polos kind of thing so that it's still swanky. hope this helps. i'm sure your in-laws will just be glad to have all their friends and family there to celebrate their important day

I agree with JoEllen -- sit down and talk to them about what they want, and let them know honestly what your limitations are. Let them know that you do want to help them celebrate their anniversary, but it's not within your means to foot the bill, but that you're glad to help plan & organize the event, with their input, since their views will shape whether they enjoy it. :)

Good luck.

I usually ask everyone if they want to go to a restaurant-make sure everyone knows they pay for their own and can help pitch in and pay for celebrants if they want. This works for big spenders in our family when they want big party and we don't have time or finances-some restaurants have entertainment and special things for celebrations-check around

June is a great time for a lovely cookout, which doesn't have to get too expensive! Start now, stocking up on odds & ends or putting away a little cash each week. Then, get some nice pork loins or pork chops, salad, veggies, corn on the cob, fruit, etc. and have a really nice cookout! If it isn't as "fancy" as they might like, at least you tried and I am sure you will make it lovely. Add outside lights or candles, some flowers (potted ones that you can keep for your yard!)
Good luck!