My grandparents were married in 1947. With my grandfather’s recent return from overseas service in the US Army their families’ Depression-era budgets and my great-grandmother unwell the wedding was a small simple affair in a restaurant. Fifty years later my grandparents decided to make up for it at their golden anniversary party.

My parents coordinated the event which included renting a hall; hiring a caterer musician and photographer; and inviting all their relatives and friends to the gala party. My grandparents made a grand entrance into the hall announced by the bandleader and the guests broke into circles of dancing around the “chassan and kallah” — admittedly more sedately than at your typical wedding.

A table near the entrance displayed the happy couple’s wedding picture as well as a photo album sign-in book with pictures ranging from my grandfather’s army days in Europe to my father as a baby and on through the years. My grandparents were glowing throughout the evening and it was the perfect celebration of a beautiful 50 years together.

A wedding anniversary is much more than a simple marker of a number. Anniversaries are a celebration of a life built together day by day year by year. Anniversary parties therefore take on a special meaning reflecting the significance of the milestone achieved.

Whether it’s the 25th or 65th anniversary parties are a great way for family members to show how much the couple mean to them. In some cases the guests of honor themselves might decide to throw the bash inviting family and friends to share in their happiness. Whether the setting is formal or just your backyard the anniversary party is an opportunity to unleash your creativity to celebrate the rich experiences of the couple’s lives.

Here professional party planners along with resourceful party hosts share some out-of-the-box ideas for that special anniversary celebration.