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You owe them so much, these people who gave birth to you and raised you with love and devotion. Now they are on the verge of a significant wedding anniversary – be it 25th, 50th or even more. You want to make this day really special, but at the same time, give the celebrity personal touches. Here are some tips to help ensure a successful, memorable celebration.

Setting a Budget

Before you can do anything to prepare for the party, you must first determine how much you can afford to spend. If you have siblings, arrange a meeting to discuss the plan, and figure out how much each person is able to contribute. Some may be able to pitch in more than others, but make sure that each of your siblings feels that he or she is an important part of the event, no matter how much they can afford.

If you have no siblings or other people who might be willing to help finance the party, you must decide for yourself how much you are willing to spend. Set a realistic budget; one that will not create undo stress. "Pad" your budget by 5 or 10 percent for unexpected expenses.

Select a Site for the Party

Once you have set a budget, you can then determine the location of the party. First, consider how many people you want to include. If you have a limited budget and want to include a lot of people, consider having the party at your (or one of your siblings') home.

Many restaurants have banquet facilities or private rooms that you can use without additional cost. You can then either work with the catering manager to determine a menu, or offer your guests a choice of several menu items.

If someone in the family is a member of a private club, such as the Elks or VFW, you might be able to have the party there. Perhaps your parents enjoy an informal lifestyle, and love the outdoors. Consider a cookout or barbecue at a local park.

Be sure to solicit input from everyone who is contributing to the party before solidifying a location for the event. Create a list of the pros and cons of each location, and also estimate the number of people who could be invited depending on the chosen spot. Once you have selected a location, call and reserve that spot if necessary.

Create a Guest List

If the party is going to be a surprise, this can be challenging. However, your parents can be aware of the fact that you are planning a party without knowing the details. This makes it easier to come up with a guest list.

Be sure to include all of your relatives. Forgetting an aunt or cousin can lead to hard feelings down the road! If your parents are still working, ask them if there are people from work what they would like to invite. Invite the members of their wedding party and the person who married them if he or she is still living. Do not forget the flower girl and ring bearer! Include close family friends and other important people in your parent's lives. This should be a celebration of your parents' marriage, and the more people who are able to attend, the more special the event.

Invitations

You can create low-cost invitations on your computer using special software. Or, if you are creative, design your own. Purchase special paper and envelopes at an office supply store. The invitations should be processed at least a month prior to the event. It is also helpful to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for guests to use to RSVP. If you are offering menu choices, also include that information on the RSVP card.

If you prefer that gifts not be bought, specify this on the invitation. You may want to have guests donate to your parent's church or favorite charity. This should also be noted.

Use the invitation to ask guests to provide either a photo or special memory of your parents. Request that they send this to you at least a week prior to the event so that you can assemble a memory book to present to your parents at the party. Purchase a nice photo album or scrapbook, and then put the items into the book as they are received. Note the contributor of each item on the page.

Also request that guests come prepared to offer little vignettes about your parents – a special vacation, sometimes, or a good deed. These types of testimonies can be used in place of toasts, and will make the day special indeed.

Food and Beverages

If you are utilizing the services of a professional – a caterer, restaurant, or club – determine the menu based on your budget and the number of people in attendance. If you are on a limited budget, consider a buffet luncheon or mid-day tea, rather than a sit-down dinner. Older people often prefer not to be out late at night, and having the event in the daytime event will make it easier for them to attend.

If you are doing the party yourself, set up a menu that you will be able to easily manage. Remember, your parents are going to appreciate the fact that you have done this yourself, and if you are not a gourmet chef, your efforts will be even more meaningful.

Plan ahead. Start preparing food that can be frozen several weeks ahead, and put together a schedule of when things need to be done. If you have siblings, divide the work among them. Everyone has his or her own strengths and weaknesses, and even the most inept person can contribute, perhaps by doing the shopping.

If you are having the party at a restaurant, confirm the reservation and number of people a week before the party.

Relax

Planning and executing a party can be stressful, but remember that these are your parents, after all, and they will be thrilled at whatever you do. Honoring them is what it's all about, after all, and the memory of that will linger long after all the details are forgotten.

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Source by Richard Martindale