Anniversary party invitations: wording and etiquette
Who hosts an anniversary party, what to write for a 25th, 40th or 50th, how to handle gifts, and wording for children hosting and couples hosting themselves.
The short version
- Milestone anniversary parties are often hosted by the couple's children; couples can just as well host their own.
- Name the couple, the number of years, and who is hosting.
- Gifts are usually not expected; say "no gifts, please" if you prefer.
- Send invitations four to six weeks ahead, more for a surprise or if guests travel.
An anniversary party invitation names the couple, the number of years they are celebrating and the hosts, then gives the usual details: when, where, the dress code and how to reply. Milestone anniversaries, such as the 25th (silver), 40th (ruby) and 50th (golden), are often hosted by the couple's children, and the invitation says so.
Who hosts an anniversary party?
Anyone. Grown children often host milestone anniversaries for their parents; couples often host their own for a 10th or 25th. If the party is a surprise, the hosts send the invitations and the couple's name stays off any group thread.
When should invitations go out?
Four to six weeks before the party, or two to three months if many guests travel. For a surprise, give guests a little longer and a clear contact who is not the couple.
Wording when children host
Please join us in celebrating the 50th wedding anniversary of Margaret and Robert Hale. Saturday, September 18, at 6 PM, The Grand Pavilion. Hosted by their children, Sarah, Tom and Anna. Kindly reply by September 1.
Wording when the couple hosts
Twenty-five years, three houses and one very patient marriage later, we would love to celebrate with you. Saturday, September 18, from 7 PM, at home. Dinner, drinks and dancing in the garden. Reply by September 4. Priya and Arjun
Wording for a surprise party
Shh! Mom and Dad think we are taking them to dinner. Help us surprise them for their 40th anniversary on Saturday, September 18. Please arrive at The Boathouse by 6:30 PM. Reply to Sarah only.
What about gifts?
Usually not expected, especially for long marriages, when most couples have everything they need. Many invitations say "no gifts, please" or suggest a donation to a charity the couple care about. If guests ask, the traditional anniversary materials (silver for 25, ruby for 40, gold for 50) are a gentle hint.
Ideas that make the invitation personal
- A photo from the wedding day next to a recent one
- The date and place of the wedding, and the number of years
- An invitation to bring a memory or a photo to share
- The original wedding song, if there will be music
We design anniversary invitations to order, with the couple's photos and replies collected online, for $49 once. You see the finished invitation before you pay.
A wedding invitation asks people to witness a promise. An anniversary invitation asks them to celebrate that it was kept.
Common questions
Who hosts an anniversary party?
Anyone. Milestone anniversaries are often hosted by the couple's grown children, and couples frequently host their own celebrations too. The invitation should name the hosts.
What do you write on a 50th anniversary invitation?
The couple's names, that it is their 50th (golden) wedding anniversary, the date, time and place, the hosts, the dress code if any, and an RSVP date.
Do you bring a gift to an anniversary party?
Gifts are usually not expected, and many invitations ask for none or suggest a charity. A card with a memory of the couple is always welcome.
An invitation designed for your occasion
We design it for your event, with replies collected online, for $49 once. You see it finished before you pay.
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