Patricia and Ray’s 50th Anniversary Hoe-Down
Ok, so anniversary parties aren’t usually my thing. But I just had to make an exception in this case. It’s got OMG! written all over it.
If I had to sum this one up in one sentence it would be: harvest festival meets hoe down.
There’s also a lovely story behind it that nearly had me blubbing. Yeah, so I’m a big softie! Patricia and Ray never got to have a proper wedding reception. So their daughter and grand daughter got their heads together and threw them this one – 50 years later. Better late than never.
The girls took two things the couple wanted – bluegrass music and minimal fuss. There’s a really strong DIY feel to this party, which is great news for brides on a budget. Mother, daughter and family friends worked together to make this anniversary party special. They handled everything from DJ duties and cake making to collecting wild flowers.
Patricia and Ray’s big day scores top marks on two levels.
Number one - it’s an absolutely fabulous themed party that used warm rich colors and arty decorative touches to maximum effect.
Number two - there’s no reason you couldn’t plan a fall wedding that channels this storybook setting.
If me and my spouse still love each other enough to have one of these in 50 years I’ll be doing cartwheels. Well, the mental equivalent of them anyhow.
Let’s take a closer look at what they did to make it such a rip roaring success…
Ahh, check the lovely pics of Patricia and Ray!
Here’s another area where they’ve kept the whole hoe-down theme simple. She’s given a subtle nod to the spirit of the hoe down with a gingham dress but there’s not a neckerchief in sight.
Much as I adore wedding cakes, these pics prove you don’t need a colossal creation to make a big impression.
Why do our wedding cakes have to be any fancier than this? If you want to do things a little differently, have some fun and experiment with your fave cake flavors. I’m planning one chocolate layer, one carrot and one coffee. A friend is doing the baking and I’m passing on elaborate cake toppers and flowers. I’m gonna let the scrummy flavors do the talking!
If you do fancy a bit of cake decor, follow Patricia and Ray’s lead and have cute little birds as toppers instead. Genius idea!
Making This Wedding Yours
Up for doing the DIY wedding thing? It’s the way forward if you want to save dollars and personalise your wedding.
Channel the ideas, themes and decor used in this anniversary party. You’ll have heaps of fun with the planning and wedding decor.
Forget being precious and matchy matchy! This kind of DIY wedding is all about rooting around for vintage pieces that don’t have to match. The girls used mismatched china and retro coloured bottles. If you want old school charm, take note!
Know what I really love about this anniversary party? They’ve gone with a definite theme but not taken it too literally. There’s nothing over the top about this party. Everything’s homely and inviting but totally tasteful too.
It’s all about taking little touches and working them into the entire party. I love how the little chalkboard signs were used throughout. A brilliant alternative to super-expensive signage.
Check out the patterned napkins wrapped round the cutlery. Look at the juicy apple place markers. And let’s not forget those gorgeous glass bottles with orange and yellow flowers. If you want a stunning centrepiece that doesn’t drain your dollars, look no further! Have a leaf through Perfect Weddings Without the Debt for more dollar saving tips.
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