How to Plan For a Golden (50th) Wedding Anniversary

Co-authored by Natasha Miller

Last Updated: February 3, 2023

Celebrating a 50th wedding anniversary is a huge relationship milestone and the happy couple deserves special recognition. There are many ways that you can celebrate your anniversary, from purchasing gifts, to taking trips, renewing your vows, or throwing a party. Regardless of what you choose, make sure that you find a way to honor your spouse and the relationship that you have enjoyed over the last fifty years.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Choosing a Gift for a Golden Anniversary

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Give the gift of gold. Gold is the traditional symbol for 50th wedding anniversaries and it is common to give your spouse something made from gold. Here are a few ‘golden’ ideas to get you started:^{[1]
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- Gold jewelry of any type (ex. earrings, necklaces, rings, watches, cufflinks, or tie clips).
- Champagne glasses trimmed in gold.
- Clothing trimmed in gold or of gold lace.
- A gold nugget.
2
Purchase something sentimental. Fifty years is a long time to be married and chances are you share a lot of important memories with your spouse. Look for something sentimental that reflects your relationship or is a reminder of your wedding day.
- For example, you could celebrate your 50th wedding anniversary by purchasing a new set of wedding rings or have the diamonds reset into new rings, if the old bands are worn.
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3
Take your spouse on a vacation. Another meaningful gift would be to take your spouse on a special vacation. Perhaps you could take your spouse to the same spot where you spent your honeymoon or to a destination they have always wanted to go to.
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Choose alternative gifts. Despite the fact that this is your golden anniversary your spouse may not want something made from gold. Instead, you can look to get them something that is meaningful, such as a framed picture of the family.
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Order violets. Violets are the flower that is associated with 50th wedding anniversaries because the leaves of a violet are heart shaped and the flower is purple in color. You could give your spouse violets in a golden vase to combine two of the 50th wedding anniversary traditions.^{[2]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Planning a Golden Anniversary Party

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Select a venue and choose a date. Before you can begin to plan the details for an anniversary party you need to find an appropriate venue and select a date. It would be best to hold the party on the actual anniversary, or a weekend that falls close to the exact anniversary date. You may want to choose a location that is meaningful to the couple, such as a restaurant they enjoy or the place where they got engaged.
2
Make a guest list and send out invitations. If you are throwing a formal party you will want to send out invitations well in advance of the event. Address and mail the invitations using your best penmanship.
- E-vites, or electronic invitations, can also be used. They will help save postage costs and you will likely receive responses much quicker.
3
Decorate the venue. There are a variety of different decorating options that are suitable for a 50th wedding anniversary party. You may want to consider decorating with a gold colour scheme to emphasize the fact that this is a 50th wedding anniversary. For example, you could have gold trimmed plates, glasses, napkins, flowers, and tablecloths. Other decorating ideas include:
- Recreating the same color scheme that the couple used at their wedding 50 years ago. You could also try and find similar floral arrangements.
- You could choose a decorating theme based on the decade the couple was married, the place they went on their honeymoon, or to something to match their current interests.
4
Get an anniversary cake to honor the couple. Have the couple cut the cake together and be sure to have photos taken. Here are a few example messages to put on the cake:
- “Happy Anniversary”
- “Happy Golden Anniversary”
- “Congratulations on 50 Years of Marriage”
- You may also want to include the name of the couple on the anniversary cake.
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Share stories and highlight important memories. You may want to have the couple share stories or provide the guests with some tips for creating a lasting and loving marriage. It would also be a good idea to have photo albums available that guests can look through to reminisce about the couple at different stages of their marriage. The party should feel like a tribute to the couple and this will help add a personal touch.
- If you are crafty you could try to create a scrapbook to share with the couple at the party. The scrapbook can include pictures from throughout their marriage and highlight important moments, such as the births of children and grandchildren, travel, career achievements, and retirements.
- A slideshow of photographs is another great way to showcase the couple and their relationship over the years and it will ensure that all guests get a chance to see the pictures.^{[3]
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Have someone give a toast or tribute to the couple. Arrange in advance for someone to give an anniversary toast to the couple. Typically, this should be someone close to the couple, such as a child, sibling, or family friend. This is a great way to share memories and stories about the couple.^{[4]
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Arrange for music to be played during the party. Music is a must for all parties and you can be really creative with the music selection for a 50th wedding anniversary. For example, you could play all of the couple's favorite songs from over the years, play music that was popular the year the couple was married, or play all romantic songs including the couple’s original wedding song.^{[5]
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- You’ll likely want to bring food, as well. If you do, ensure that you provide a variety of gluten-free and vegetarian food for your audience.
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Have the couple renew their wedding vows as part of their 50th anniversary celebration. Many couples will decide to renew their wedding vows at some point during their marriage. This is done to reaffirm their commitment to each other and is often associated with a milestone anniversary. The 50th wedding anniversary is a perfect opportunity for a couple to renew their vows.^{[6]
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- You will need to do some additional planning to make this happen. Most importantly, make sure you have an officiant present.

Method 3

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Recognizing the Happy Couple

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Seek out recognition from the government. In many countries the government will provide ceremonial recognition to couples on their 50th wedding anniversary. Look to see if there are any special acknowledgements given to couples in your country. Typically, you will have to request this recognition in advance. Here are a few examples:
- The White House will send the couple official greetings acknowledging the couple's Golden Anniversary. These need to be requested 6 weeks in advance.
- The Prime Minister of Canada will acknowledge a couple's 50th wedding anniversary. You can request this by completing an online form.
- In Australia, the Prime Minister and Governor-General will send greetings to Australian couples celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.
2
Create a guestbook so guests can leave a congratulatory message for the couple. A guestbook is an excellent memento that can be given to the couple to help them remember their 50th wedding anniversary. This is also an excellent space for guests to leave a message recognizing the couple for this wonderful achievement.
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Recognize the couple’s 50th wedding anniversary in your local newspaper. Most newspapers will have an announcements section. It would be a nice tribute to celebrate a 50th anniversary in your local newspaper. Include a wedding picture from 50 years ago along with a recent picture of the couple. You can also share some of the wonderful experiences they have had together over the years.

Community Q&A

Question

I am renewing my vows in a church. Would it be proper to walk down the isle?

Community Answer

Yes. Treat the ceremony as if It was your wedding again.
Question

Should I send out a save the date for our 50th wedding anniversary dinner?

Community Answer

Even if it is just a quaint dinner of a special few, sending out save the date cards to those on your guest list will allow them to reserve the date of an event they will surely not want to miss celebrating with you and your spouse.
Question

How far in advance should invitations or save the date Evites be sent for a Golden Anniversary party?

Jada Williams

Community Answer

Most invitations are given at least one-two months in advance. This should give most guests and attendants enough time to mark the date and clear their schedules.