Golden Wedding ideas

[Ilovewheelychairs]

Hi all,

It's my PIL's golden wedding anniversary at the end of March and we're really stuck for ideas on what to buy! We were going to buy them a couple of days away somewhere but they've announced they're going to do that for the anniversary itself. They would like a party but due to DH's brother and SIL hating me (long and boring backstory but everyone agrees I've done nothing wrong, including BIL!) they don't want one as they wouldn't go if I was there. (I have offered to not go but they said they like me and didn't want me not to be there!).

We have contacted the hotel they're staying at to see if we can upgrade them; they are full and can't do that. They have offered to put champagne in their room but MIL doesn't drink champagne or wine. Only alcopop type drinks. FIL only drinks red wine/beer. Hotel have also suggested we book an excursion for them but they are going with friends and we can't afford to pay for them as well really, plus they wouldn't like their holiday activities being dictated to them.

We have about £300 to spend. We would buy them a nice meal at a good restaurant but MIL is incredibly fussy and won't eat the majority of foods including all vegetables and most fish, rice or anything spicy or too bland, so it would be wasted.

Roses for the garden etc are being done by other family members.

I want to do a scrapbook of memories from all their friends and family but DH says BIL and SIL will be upset if we do this and that they will then try and do the same thing and refuse to contribute to ours, so will cause great upset for little gain.

FIL likes pottering around fixing/tinkering with cars, DIY, gardening.

MIL hates all of the above but loves theatre visits, cinema, afternoon teas etc. FIL hates those things. MIL obsessively minimalist so stuff we buy for the house is usually displayed for a month or two then squirrelled away/regifted.

Please help hive mind!!! I'm going to make them a cake but we would like to get them something special too. I really do get on with them well for the most part and they are always kind and generous to us.

Thanks so much in advance!!

I know they're going away on their anniversary, but I'd still say go for your "night away" idea. Just choose somewhere else, perhaps later in the year.

You've said folks are doing something for their garden - so I'm assuming they're gardeners. How about tickets to Chelsea Flower Show, and a night's stay in a nice hotel? That's in May, I think.

There may be other things that they'd enjoy that you could combine with a country house hotel experience, or something with fine dining if they enjoy their food.

What about a country spa hotel, with gorgeous gardens. MIL gets pampered in the spa, whilst FIL wanders round the gardens, then they both enjoy their luxury meal and hotel.

Thanks for this. I'm not sure FIL would go for the luxury hotel idea unless there was something they could do, and MIL wouldn't go into the spa on her own. As mentioned in the OP the meal would be wasted on her unless they have chicken and chips!

Chelsea flower show and a hotel might be worth looking into though, although really that's something we'd normally think about for a birthday. It just doesn't feel special enough for such a big celebration! Having said that I have no idea really what I do feel is special enough so it's a good idea and something we'll look at, thank you.

Difficult, isn't it, when they're so different.

Would they do something completely random, like a hot air balloon trip?

Or an "experience" day? Like a helicopter trip? Depending on where you/they are, some of these look incredible.

www.experiencedays.co.uk/

Send 'em snorkling. I dare you.

Thanks for the suggestions. MIL is afraid of heights so helicopter trip or similar is out of the question although it's FIL's idea of heaven! Did the hot air balloon trip for FIL's 70th bday.

Have to say, I like MIL a lot but she makes present shopping difficult!

LOVE the snorkelling idea, might just do that as a joke to see their faces 😂😂

Got an aquarium nearby, where you can put them in with sharks? Or at least, make fake vouchers for, just to see their wee faces?

NationAl trust membership? Or are there any places they love that might to do a private tour?
What about A classical concert? Or book them a VIP package at the Bristol Balloon Festival (if there is such a thing?)
Hire them a classic car for a day and send them of with a Fortnums picnic to a stately home or a lovely beach where you can meet them?

What about afternoon tea on a luxury steam train?

Thanks so much for the ideas! We bought them NT membership for Christmas but love the afternoon tea on a steam train and the hiring a classic car ideas! Would never have thought of those so thank you!