• Don't forget your sense of humor when arranging a 50th anniversary party.Elderly couple, till death do us part image by Peter Baxter from Fotolia.com
  
  A 50th wedding anniversary is special because they are so rare. Celebrations for such a happy event can be hectic and easily get out of hand if you're not an organized planner. Instead of agonizing over endless details, choose a few key elements to make your event as magical as possible and remember that the honored couple, not the party, should be the center of attention.
  
  

Theme and Décor

• The traditional theme for a 50th anniversary is "golden." Mix the color gold with the couple's original wedding colors for invitations and other paper goods, as well tablecloths and other linens. If the couple doesn't have special wedding colors, ivory is an elegant complementary color. Use gold frames around pictures of the couple through the years and place them around the venue. Gold candles can be used for centerpieces and to decorate service tables. Wrap almond candies in golden foil paper for favors. For a dramatic effect, float dozens of gold, helium-filled balloons on the ceiling. Serve a special cocktail dusted with edible gold powder in honor of the anniversary couple.
  
  

Gift Ideas

• A couple that has remained married for 50 years is probably very family-oriented and proud of their relatives' accomplishments. Instead of giving trinkets or gadgets they probably don't need, arrange for a family vacation that includes the couple's children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. If group travel is not in your budget, have the family record a video of each family member sharing a favorite memory of time spent with the couple. Purchase tickets or certificates for lessons on something the couple has always wanted to do, like sky diving, snorkeling, attending an opera, learning to tango or visiting a state park.
  
  

Memorable Touches

• Instead of a traditional guestbook, ask guests to use cards that you've provided to write a congratulatory note to the couple. Place these cards, along with photos from the party, into a scrapbook for the couple to keep. Tape a length of white paper on the wall where children can reach it. With supervision, have the young guests at the party sign their names and draw pictures for the couple-of-honor. They will enjoy having this unique piece of artwork created by the youngest generation. If possible, arrange for the original wedding party to attend the anniversary celebration. Have a professional photo taken of the group.