Receiving golden anniversary party invitations inspires a sense of wonder and excitement in the recipient. "What an amazing relationship they must have, to be able to grow together and remain happy for half a century!," you might think. You imagine how many lives this couple must have touched along the way, how many obstacles they must have overcome together, how many times they must have leaned on each other. So, if you're ever involved in planning 50th wedding anniversary parties, you will know that they are memorable and loving events.

Such a momentous occasion should be planned according to the couple's tastes and preferences. Determining the size of 50th wedding anniversary parties should be based on what you think the couple would be most comfortable with --- whether that is a large, catered celebration or a more intimate gathering at home or in a restaurant. Design your 50th anniversary party invitations to include special touches that add meaning, such as video slide shows, artwork or scrapbooks that contain guests' favorite memories of the couple. How about a menu that reflects dishes from their first date, their wedding day or just their favorite meal together? Since gold is the traditional symbol of a 50th anniversary, consider adding golden paper doilies, golden ropes with tassels to the backs of chairs, gold ribbons to tie napkins and gold-inked place cards.

There are so many ways to make this day special without exceeding your budget. For example, you can play songs from the decade the couple was married or use the topper from their wedding cake on the 50th anniversary cake itself. Give guests party favors such as a CD of the music played at the party, a gold-toned picture frame with a portrait of the couple, a personalized split of champagne or even a donation to the couple's favorite charity, in lieu of gifts.