Dear Ma Evans,
I have plenty of ideas for you. You know your parents better than any
"google-expert", so think about things they like.
First of all, before the creativity, the tradition. That would bring
up the creativity - since the 30th wedding anniversary is the pearl
one.
That means, that the first creative idea is a pearl-themed party. It
can be done in some place such as the Lake Michigan area (explanation:
water source, close to most of the family except for you; however, any
beautiful spot close to a lake or sea would do). A more expensive idea
is Hawaii (pearls, you know), in which only the surroundings will do
as a special and creative idea. A less expensive water-related
alternative is to have a pool party.
Another possibility is to make a 70s themed event, with everything
(good) that had to do with that period.
Decorations etc.:
(1) A plastic clam. You can fill it in with pearl or with some kind of
game/sweepstake that you'll draw during the night (see ahead). Plastic
clams: http://www.captainscove.net/clamonstrinp.html ;
(2) If you make it in Hawaii, you can ask the guests to come with
Hawaii-themed article of clothing; you can also ask the guests to wear
sea themed articles of clothing (whether the party is in Hawaii or
not).
(3) In a 70s themed even, an article of cloth should be matching, and
it can include a "reproduction" of the event.
(4) Fireworks - people like fierworks, and its also very unique and
festive. Highly recommended, no matter what kind of party concept you
decide on.
Guests can be divided into groups and compete in a trivia quiz about
the family, about 1972, etc.
Food can be also marine themed, but don't exaggerate, some people
don't like seafood. In a seventies themed party, food can be related
to the atmosphere of the period and include lots of colourful foods
(fruits, etc.), BBQ, etc. Before serving the food, you may want to
have a drink reception, that can be "traditional" or theme-related.
The music can be from the date they did marry (question: when you said
they had no formal wedding you meant that they married in city-hall,
or that they didn't have anything at all?). There are many beautiful
love songs from 30 years ago.
Another important aspect of the program is to make a film or some kind
of presentation about your parents, including greetings from everyone
possible. This will be a great gift fro them as well. Documentation
could be also made by opening a special web-site about the
anniversary. There are several sites that can give you a free homepage
(www.geocities.com www.angelfire.com and more).
If you think your parents would like it, you can order a priest/rabbi
to renew their vows. If they never done it, they may like the idea.
Important things that you shouldn't forget, no matter what party
solution you choose, are speeches (there are free-lancer writers who
would do that for you, if you think you can't); If you choose not to
do it in Hawaii, but in the continental area, you might want to think
about solutions for rainy weather.
Several sites have further ideas for you:
http://www.party411.com/index.html
http://www.beach-tips.com/OurGurus.asp - for beach themed parties
http://www.birthday-tips.com/OurGurus.asp
http://www.party-tips.com/OurGurus.asp
www.partywithjanel.com/vblite/index.php
http://directory.google.com/Top/Recreation/Parties/Planning/
http://directory.google.com/Top/Home/Entertaining/Party_Planning/
Several helpful books:
Happy Anniversary! by Robin A. Kring -
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0671318152/ltc-political
The Best Party Book - 1001 ideas -
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0671780492/ltc-political
Complete Idiot's Guide -
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/002863974X/ltc-political
My search terms might also help (although most of what I did was just
thinking :-):
parties ideas
parties "creative idea"
anniversary "creative idea"
I hope that helped. Please contact me if you have any further
questions. |
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