Ideas for sit down meal - Golden Wedding

[PosiePootlePerkins]

Hi, I need some inspiration! My Mum and Dad are celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary in September and I have agreed to host a small gathering at my house. I will be providing a sit down meal for about 16 people and would like to offer a couple of choices of main course. Ideally something I can prepare in advance, but not sure if something like a casserole is special enough?
Any ideas/suggestions gratefully received!

I think you need to find out what meal your parents really enjoy.

Thanks so much for all the ideas. So we have decided on posh fish pie and beef bourginon, which I will prepare and serve with green veg, crusty bread and new potatoes. I am going to ask my aunt and brother to tackle the desserts, and will mention the ideas on here. Also a lovely idea about the fondant picture on the cake, I will have a think about that.

Sounds lovely, hope your parents enjoy.

Thank you. They have approved the menu! Now I just have to cook it...

Excellent! I think this is the company I used. They were good. www.eatyourphoto.co.uk/ediblephoto_faqs

Ooh thanks for the link!

Jumping in here. Some great ideas. If you want to do a roast type dish, do something you can slow cook - a big shoulder of lamb for example doesn't require a lot of faffing about but can still be served as a roast?

Also, my go to side dish for large groups is always a really really good cauliflower/broccoli cheese. Mine is (if I say so myself) delicious and always goes down astonishingly well. I like it because I make it the day before up to the part where you'd put in the oven and then usually pop in oven while meat is resting etc.

Sorry - I only saw one page. Ignore me!