31 50th Wedding Anniversary Ideas for a Golden Celebration

Are you in the midst of planning a party and searching for 50th wedding anniversary ideas for parents, grandparents or another special couple? Any couple who has been married 50 years deserves a special celebration. It’s time to go all out. It is the Golden Wedding Anniversary, after all!

According to the Diocese of Trenton, reaching this milestone places a couple among a rare and honored group — only about 6% of married couples in the U.S. make it to their 50th anniversary. That’s all the more reason to celebrate in style!

Don’t get stressed out or overwhelmed by the little things. Start with a theme and go from there. From romantic dinners and small gatherings to family get-togethers and big bashes, we’ve designed this list of the best 50th wedding anniversary ideas to cover all the party topics you need.

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• 50th Wedding Anniversary Party Ideas
• 50th Wedding Anniversary Party Ideas for Parents
• 50th Wedding Anniversary Decorations
• 50th Wedding Anniversary Table Decoration Ideas
• 50th Wedding Anniversary Cake Ideas

50th Wedding Anniversary Party Ideas

1. Take Cooking Classes

As a fun 50th wedding anniversary idea, consider booking a cooking class — from cooking classes in Philadelphia to cooking classes in Chicago, you can choose from regional specialties or Italian, French, Indian and more. 

You can either learn how to prepare the perfect party food or use the culinary experience as the party itself. For the latter, simply invite the whole group for a fun evening of roasting, basting or grilling. 

Check out cooking classes near you to find classes for any culinary interest.  If you can’t get a whole group together to take advantage of this idea for a 50th wedding anniversary, there’s no need to scratch plans. Online cooking classes make it easy to include everyone.

2. Discover Food Tours

Put a unique spin on 50th wedding anniversary ideas with food tours. Gather the special couple and their closest friends for a fun tour of local food markets, restaurants, bars and cafés. Experienced tour guides inject humor, trivia and anecdotes into the tour. 

Whether it’s food tours in Seattle or food tours in New Orleans, you’ll discover new flavors and eateries. Look into a wide array of food tours near you for a 50th wedding anniversary idea they’ll remember for years.

3. Enjoy Online Beverage Tastings

One of the best 50th wedding anniversary ideas for whiskey, wine, cocktail and coffee lovers is the experience of beverage tastings. You’ll join experienced bartenders and sommeliers who lead classes via Zoom.

Invite the couple’s closest friends and gather around your mobile devices for a virtual wine tasting or an online mixology class — both fun and interactive 50th wedding anniversary ideas that can bring everyone together no matter where they are. These experiences let the couple celebrate with loved ones while enjoying something new and memorable.

4. Play Great Games

The best 50th wedding anniversary ideas have to include fun games. Consider a few to break the ice and find out some interesting facts about the couple. Plan games like Couple Facts, where they each write down some facts about themselves. Guests then must guess who the fact is referring to. 

Another great 50th wedding anniversary idea for a game is Who Said What. This game works basically the same as Couple Facts, except they each write down something funny or remarkable they said in the past. Guests must guess which person said what. 

Another variation of this game for a great 50th wedding anniversary idea is Name That Tune, with songs from the decade the couple dated and got married. These require planning ahead of time, but having a selection of super fun games to play together makes it all worth it.

For a ready-to-play option, consider the Big Dot of Happiness We Still Do game bundle, which includes four printable games like trivia, memory matching and word scrambles, all themed for the celebration. It’s a simple idea for a 50th wedding anniversary to add interactive fun without much prep.

5. Host a Dinner Party 

Celebrating through food is a wonderful way to honor a 50th wedding anniversary, especially with thoughtful dinner party ideas that reflect the couple’s favorite flavors or shared memories — think a menu inspired by their honeymoon destination or the decade they got married.

For a relaxed yet elegant 50th wedding anniversary idea, consider serving a date night charcuterie board piled high with fruit, cheeses, crackers and meats. It’s a simple but thoughtful touch that sets the tone for a warm, intimate evening.

You can also build out the celebration with themed menus like seafood feasts, Italian pasta night, Tex-Mex or backyard picnics with steaks, hot dogs and burgers. These creative setups double as festive dinner party themes that guests will love.

To keep the celebration lively, add some dinner party games — like the ones we covered before on this list of 50th wedding anniversary ideas for fun, meaningful moments that bring guests closer and celebrate the couple’s journey.

6. Create a Playlist

Choosing a playlist is one of the easiest and most meaningful 50th wedding anniversary ideas to help set the mood. Put together a playlist with songs from the couple’s wedding day, their first dance or popular hits from the year they got married. It’s a simple way to add a personal touch and fill the room with nostalgia.

You can even suggest that the couple create the playlist together as a fun and romantic date idea leading up to the big day. It gives them a chance to reflect on their memories while choosing songs they love.

Play the mix during dinner, in the background while guests mingle or as part of a slideshow or first dance. It’s one of those thoughtful 50th anniversary ideas that adds a deeper emotional layer to the celebration. For help picking the perfect tracks, check out this anniversary playlist guide from Brides.

7. Craft a Signed Photo Frame Keepsake

A signed photo frame is a thoughtful and easy 50th wedding anniversary idea that doubles as a lasting keepsake. Choose a recent photo of the couple and place it in a frame with a large mat, just leave off the glass for the event. 

Set it out with pens so guests can write messages or memories around the photo — it’s a personal touch that fits perfectly among thoughtful 50th wedding anniversary party ideas. Afterward, insert the glass to preserve the signatures and present it as a keepsake that the couple will cherish.

For a ready-made option, consider the 50th Wedding Anniversary Guest Book Frame. This customizable frame allows guests to sign wooden hearts and drop them into a shadow box, offering a unique and decorative alternative to traditional guest books.

8. Hand Out Personalized Can Huggies

A Golden Wedding Anniversary deserves a reminder. Personalized can huggies are a thoughtful memento for 50th wedding anniversary ideas and a creative party favor that guests will actually use. 

Customize them with the couple’s names, wedding date or a playful anniversary message. You can even match the colors or design to the party theme for a cohesive touch. 

Set them out in a basket near the drinks or place one at each seat for guests to grab. They’ll keep beverages cool during the celebration and serve as a lighthearted keepsake guests can take home.

You can find custom anniversary can huggies on sites like Etsy. There are plenty of design options to suit any style and get creative with this small but thoughtful addition to your list of 50th anniversary event ideas.

50th Wedding Anniversary Party Ideas for Parents

9.  Enjoy a Private Chef Experience

Give Mom and Dad the gift of a gourmet meal. It’s a thoughtful and luxurious 50th wedding anniversary idea that lets them relax and enjoy being celebrated.

Gourmet chefs come right to your kitchen and dining room with everything needed to prepare a delicious menu. You don’t even have to clean up afterward. Book private chefs in Los Angeles, private chefs in Houston or private chefs near you for a special and memorable 50th wedding anniversary idea.

10. Share Memories With a Slideshow

Try a 50th wedding anniversary idea that gets you into the digital age by creating a slideshow filled with memories and fun moments. Include old wedding photos, family vacation pictures, grandkid snapshots and even video clips if you have them.

This 50th wedding anniversary idea can even be a sweet activity to share with the couple ahead of time. Watching or creating it together makes for one of those simple but meaningful anniversary date ideas. 

It’s a heartfelt way to highlight their love story and makes a great addition to the party! You can play it during dinner, as a surprise moment or loop it in the background throughout the event.

Need help getting started? Tools like Animoto make it easy to build a polished and emotional slideshow, even if you’re not tech-savvy.

11. Display Memories With a Photo Board

Everyone loves photos. Ask guests to bring their favorite snapshots of the couple, whether from the past 50 years or just last week, and arrange them on a bulletin board or photo wall. 

This makes for one of the most heartfelt 50th wedding anniversary ideas, turning memories into a beautiful visual display. You could also set up a table with framed photos for a more classic presentation.

Need materials or inspiration? Shutterfly offers customizable display options, perfect for turning memories into décor. These easy-to-create pieces double as thoughtful 50th anniversary party ideas that add a personal and meaningful touch to the celebration.

12. Create a Time Capsule

Set up a table to display items from their wedding, such as a wedding dress, jacket, shoes, dried flowers, a re-creation of the bouquet and lots of photos. This nostalgic display serves as a heartfelt 50th wedding anniversary idea, allowing guests to reminisce and celebrate the couple's journey.

For a special touch, consider using a personalized keepsake box to collect mementos or messages from guests. The Knot Shop offers customizable options like the Personalized Wooden Keepsake Gift Box, perfect for storing cherished items from the celebration.​

50th Wedding Anniversary Decorations

13. Go Gold

It’s called the Golden Anniversary, after all, so 50th wedding anniversary decoration ideas tend to feature a gold color palette. Think streamers, glitter, confetti, balloons, plates and napkins — all in shimmering tones of gold. Add a coordinating color like black or white to make the gold really pop and give the event an elegant, celebratory feel.

Decorating with gold-themed décor is one of the most classic and eye-catching 50th anniversary party ideas, perfect for honoring five decades of love. For an easy and elegant option, check out this gold anniversary decoration set, which includes banners, hanging swirls and more.

14. Design a 50th Anniversary Party Sign

Create a personalized Golden Anniversary yard sign (you can find them at Party City) so everyone knows they’re celebrating a milestone. Add photos, names, dates and congrats for a 50th wedding anniversary idea everyone on the whole street will enjoy.

15. Use Photo Backdrop and Props

Is it really a 50th wedding anniversary idea if there aren’t any photos? Probably, but it’s much more fun with photos. Hang gold streamers or a big bunch of colorful balloons on the wall. 

You could also use a large, empty picture frame for guests to hold in front of themselves while someone snaps a pic — a playful and interactive 50th wedding anniversary idea that adds charm to your photo collection. Set out props like Champagne glasses, masks and even funny glasses for guests to pose with and create lighthearted memories.

Need props? Check out this photo booth prop set with plenty of fun options perfect for golden-themed celebrations and other 50th wedding anniversary party ideas.

16. Prepare a Decades Theme

For excellent 50th wedding anniversary ideas, consider a theme like a certain decade. For the ‘50s, set up a diner scene with checkerboard tablecloths, poodle skirts, leather jackets and tunes from Elvis, Chuck Berry, and Bill Haley and His Comets. For a ‘20s 50th wedding anniversary idea, get the party started with flapper dresses, pinstriped suits and jazz music.

17. Plan a Tropical Theme

Did the anniversary couple go to Hawaii or another tropical paradise on their honeymoon? No? Maybe they’ve always dreamed of going. Whatever the case, tropical-themed parties make an excellent 50th wedding anniversary idea, especially for warm-weather celebrations that echo classic summer date ideas.

Borrow tropical plants and fill the party room with pineapples, grass skirts and coconuts. Set up a tiki bar and serve island-inspired cocktails like the Hurricane for a festive touch. Hire a company to plant a flock of plastic flamingos in the yard for a fun surprise — one of those whimsical 50th anniversary event ideas that adds color, laughter and charm to the day.

18. Choose a Rustic Barn or a Western Theme

If you can rent a barn, all the better. If not, set up your space with galvanized buckets for beverages, twine-wrapped candles, wagon wheels, bandana-printed napkins and tablecloths, cowboy hats and even bales of hay. 

Don’t forget the square and line dancing music — it all comes together for a fun and rustic 50th wedding anniversary idea that guests will remember. If you need supplies to bring the theme to life, check out this Western party décor set for tableware and decorations that match the vibe.

19. Go Big With Balloons

Create a giant arch of balloons on the wall in your chosen color scheme — gold and silver, gold and white, gold and purple or even the couple’s wedding colors. Add a big cardboard 50 to go with it. 

Stage this behind the food table or a table displaying old photos. It’s a cheerful and eye-catching 50th wedding anniversary idea that doubles as décor and a perfect photo spot.

Looking for an easy setup? Try a white and gold balloon arch kit, which comes with everything you need to create a stunning display.

20. Print Life-Size Cut-Outs

For a unique 50th wedding anniversary idea, set up life-size cut-outs of the anniversary couple. Guests can take photos with the cut-outs and the real people.

It’s one of those clever 50th anniversary ideas that bring laughter and make the party feel extra personalized. You can order custom cut-outs from Life Size Custom Cutouts by uploading a photo and choosing the perfect size for your space.

50th Wedding Anniversary Table Decoration Ideas

21. Decorate With Violets or Purple Flowers

The official flower of the 50th anniversary is the violet. Use this with the gold theme to put a pop of purple into the party. A bundle of violets in short glass jars makes an elegant touch for table décor — a simple yet beautiful 50th wedding anniversary idea that ties in tradition and style. 

22. Set Up Party Plates and Napkins

Make party planning easy on yourself with pretty paper plates. Disposable plates come in so many attractive patterns and durable materials these days that you don’t need to break out the fancy china. It’s a practical 50th wedding anniversary idea that saves time without sacrificing style. 

Personalize napkins with a picture, a quote or the couple’s names and wedding date.

This adds a personal touch to every place setting.

23. Prepare a Trio of Candles

Flickering candlelight brings a romantic touch to 50th wedding anniversary ideas. Place three candles together with a ribbon and a sticker that says “50” or “Congrats.” Sprinkle some glittery confetti on the table and you have an eye-catching centerpiece that will wow everybody.

24. Give Personalized Champagne Glasses

Have glasses etched with the couple’s names, the anniversary date or simply “50th Anniversary.” Use them at the table during the celebration, then let guests take one home as a keepsake. It’s a thoughtful 50th wedding anniversary idea that works especially well for a smaller, more intimate gathering. 

For a creative twist, pair this with a virtual wine tasting experience to make the evening even more memorable. Guests can sip together from their personalized glasses while learning about wine.

25. Hand Out Bags of Gold-Wrapped Candy

Candy always makes a great 50th wedding anniversary idea. Fill gold favor bags with mini chocolates wrapped in gold or bronze foil for a touch of elegance. 

You can also wrap the treats in gold tulle and tie them with ribbon for a more refined presentation. It’s a charming way to add a little sparkle to the celebration — and give guests a tasty takeaway they’ll enjoy.

50th Wedding Anniversary Cake Ideas

26. Celebrate With a Screen-Printed Photo Cake

Choose a wedding photo or another favorite photo to have screen printed on a cake at a local bakery. It’s a personal and nostalgic touch that makes the dessert table extra special, and one of those meaningful 50-year wedding anniversary ideas that guests — and the couple — will always remember.

For a simple and fun option, consider customizing a PhotoCake from Baskin-Robbins. You can upload your own image and choose from a variety of ice cream cake flavors to match the celebration.

27. Keep It Elegant With a Classic Cake

On the other hand, you can keep it simple with an elegant cake decorated with white icing and stylish icing roses. Add a gold ribbon or gold candy beads for trim, and you’re done. It’s one of those timeless 50-year wedding anniversary ideas that proves simple can still be stunning.

If you're looking for something with a unique twist, consider a light and celebratory Champagne cake or opt for a gluten-free chocolate cake with edible flowers for a beautiful and inclusive dessert option that everyone can enjoy.

28. Indulge With a Fruit-Filled Cake

A 50th anniversary is the perfect excuse to go all out. Treat the couple — and the guests — to a decadent cake filled with fresh fruit or topped with rich swirls of chocolate and fondant. 

It’s a delicious and elegant 50th wedding anniversary idea that adds a sweet, celebratory touch to the occasion.

29. Showcase Sweet Treats With Dessert Stands

Fill cupcake towers and tiered plates with miniature versions of popular desserts like mini apple pies or lemon curd tarts, among other sweet treats. This not only gives guests a variety of desserts to enjoy but also creates a beautiful and inviting display. 

It’s a fun and flexible 50th wedding anniversary idea that adds charm to the dessert table and makes the celebration feel extra special.

30. Celebrate With a Pull-Apart Cupcake Display

Cupcakes are all the rage, and a pull-apart cupcake display puts a fun spin on the traditional dessert. Local bakeries can arrange cupcakes into shapes like the number “50” or a heart, then ice over the top so it looks like one cohesive design

It still feels festive and decorative, but since it’s made of individual cupcakes, it’s much easier to serve. No slicing needed!

If you like to bake, this is also an easy dessert to put together yourself. Whether you go for classic yellow cupcakes, indulgent red velvet cupcakes or pretty flower cupcakes, your home-baked dessert display is sure to stun.

31. Customize Cookies and French Macarons

Maybe the couple prefers cookies to cake. Colorful French macarons — especially in classic flavors like chocolate macarons — make a beautiful and delicious statement. 

You could also create a platter of custom cookies, such as lemon shortbread cookies shaped like the number 50, a wedding invitation, or a heart. For the cookie lovers in the crowd, this 50th wedding anniversary idea is unforgettable.

We hope this list has given you some 50th wedding anniversary ideas to help you put on the perfect party, whether it’s anniversary ideas at home or at an event venue like a country club, a hotel banquet room, a local park or a rustic barn setting. Parents, grandparents, other relatives and special friends will all appreciate the thought and planning behind the gesture.

Coming up with ideas for a 50th wedding anniversary shouldn’t be stressful. Have fun with it! Take a couple of our curated 50th wedding anniversary ideas, combine them and add your own spin for a celebration they’ll remember for years to come.

For even more fun 50th wedding anniversary ideas, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.