I just attended a 25th anniversary and it was great... my younger cousin (20) hosted the event in honor of her parents (my aunt and uncle). Now keep in mind she is a full time university student paying her own tuition on a small budget. Because she was on a very tight budget she decided that she would have an open bar (which is fine by me as I am there to celebrate the 25 wonderful years that my aunt and uncle have shared.) Secondly she decided she would have everyone pay for their own meal... this is how she worked it out... she asked for $35 from each guest... $20 to go towards the meal, which was very good... and the remaining $15 from each guest was pooled together and given as one gift from the entire family to be put towards my aunt and uncles trip to Hawaii. I know it seems we paid for everything... but that is not the case... I think people sometimes overlook the other hosting details that add up... such as the venue, decorations, favors, cake, centre pieces and etc. She also hired a photographer, which I think is more important paying for than the bar... the photos are lifetime memories that will help remind our entire family of the amazing time we had that day/night. I am happy she kept my aunt and uncle in mind that day... it was there day and if that meant I had to spent a little bit of my money to make sure it was everything they dreamed, then so be it I LOVE MY FAMILY. I almost forgot... we raised $1800 toward their trip to Hawaii. Pretty good, eh! (Yes I'm Canadian.) Think about it! If I had to go out and get a card that's $5... gift wrap and bows $10-$15... a gift is approx. $50 or more if you want something worth buying... this would have added up to a lot more money. So basically I saved... I paid $35, $20 to my meal, $15 toward the Hawaii pool and approx. $12 on drinks the wine was free and set on the tables. So if you do the math based on buying a gift at $50 and the card and bow at $15... I saved $23, WOW! Sure she could have left the bar out all together, but I think it's best she gave her guests the option to have a few casual drinks or not. I mean really what does it really cost for a few good casual drinks approx. $15. Just my opinion! Have a good day!

oops.havent been on in a while.not a halloween party. by classy, i mean semi dress up. were thinking assorted appetizers and a dessert bar. very simple buffet dinner,maybe salad,glazed ham,chicken breast(maybe in an orange sauce)potato(maybe a baked sweet potato)veg and rolls.maybe 100 people. best friends are making the appetizers and desserts.definitely would like recipes. flexible on any of the courses.also would really like a fall punch recipe.spiked or not.we are having karaoke.starting out w/some nice music and working our way into the karaoke.most of my budget will probably go towards the open bar bill but only because of family and friends pitching in. i wanted to have it catered but my kids and friends insisted they want to do this for me.

Male - female? Dollar amount? Having turned 50 several/several years ago, I can say that the gag gifts received are not really memorable and just got passed along or tossed. For something meaningful - write out 50 reasons why you like them as a friend or 50 memories you have of things you've done with them, or 50 things you'ld like to do with them in the future....kind of a bucket list ( ie restaurants to go to , shopping, movie, etc.). As far as buyable gift ideas, perhaps a book that falls into their area of interest- look at Amazons 2013 best books of the year for ideas. Or a coffee table book with photography, such as Humans of New York or again look at Amazon's 2013 best books of the year. Or, get a state specific photography book....search for Colorado coffee table book or California coffee table book, etc. Bake them a pie or get a collection of coffees or teas. A bottle of wine. 50 bottles of different kinds of beer. If a female, a pretty necklace, scarf or handbag. I've given gifts from Amazing clubs.com before where they send a gift each month. You can pick and choose for the number of months or type of product depending on the persons interest. Perhaps that's more than you want to spend, but it's always been well received by the people I've given it to. It's like a gift that keeps on giving. If I remember you can print off a gift card or maybe I just made up something telling them what to expect.

How thoughtful of you to do this for your parents! Especially your wanting to ensure that your guests will be cool & comfortable (I'm so done with attending outdoor summer weddings & sweating/melting in my good clothes) is impressive. Your plans sound great - especially having it butlered so you can enjoy this special party along with your guests. I was just a kid in the 50's and barely remember attending those weddings & receptions (but I do remember they were lovely and low-key...either watercress sandwiches, champagne & wedding cake, or the sit-down dinners). I do remember my parents & their friends hosting cocktail parties (which were very popular)...my folks made daiquiries or whiskey sours. I don't remember the hor d'oeuvres as being all that great though - not like today's. Onion dip was popular (made from Lipton's dry onion soup)...you might want to make the Barefoot Contessa's onion dip which is much better and serve with home-made potato chips as a 50's hor d'oeuvres (along with current healthier appetizers!). Have some chilled champagne for a toast, do big posters with photos of your parents' school days, courtship, friends, early marriage, babies arriving, etc. (my sister & I did that for the 50th anniv. party we held for our parents--lots of fun to create & guests enjoyed seeing themselves "back in the day"). Maybe have a CD featuring hits from the 50's (what a major change in music over those 10 years, especially when rock and roll came along). And, if possible, someone who will do a bit of emceeing (for lack of a better word), welcoming everyone, saluting the guests of honor maybe with funny stories from their courting days or wedding day, introducing special guests (their wedding party), etc. Oh--and someone to take videos and photos. Have a good time planning this party. It will be a lot of fun for your family and your parents will be so pleased. Ann