Giving my parents a 20th wedding anniversary party is it a bit much??

I am throwing my parents a surprise 20th anniversary party next October 2009 ... why not wait to the 25th because my dad has cancer and is 77 so friends say you can have a party at any year...so I want to wait to the 20th ... It is going to be in florida where they live I live in NY so does my brother close friends of theirs said they will fly down cousins from VA and from Arizona. Some said they are ready to come and book by the end of the year my brothers wife goes I can't afford that I told her make it your vacation and yes you can afford 185 a night for 2 nights and the airfare they go to florida one time a year to see her parents that live an hour from mine.
We are having the party at a hotel a cocktail and reception for 40 people, dj, the hotel is beautiful I am sending out invites, we are getting a photographer ... i thought this would be a nice idea for everyone to get together .... is it a bit much for a 20th anniversary?

thank you everyone.. it is going to be at a sheraton hotel in clearwater ... it is so beautiful i went down there 2 weeks ago they comp me a free night for my sister and i they gave us a fruit/cheese platter when we got back that night ....
the hotel service was fantastic.. i think the party will be a great hit next year...
thank you ..

Not at all. I think it's a great idea and wonderful present for your parents that you clearly love very much!

I don't think it is too much.

My dad passed away due to cancer and my parents had been together for more than 20 years. My mother wishes they had done something big and memorable like that for their 20th.

I think it is an amazing idea and you are doing a really sweet thing.

I hope you guys have a blast! ^___^

an anniversary? it sounds like your having a wedding all over again. i think it is a bit much, but thats just me, its nice though. i would never do that for my parents cause they would just complain about everything thats wrong and not say thank you in the end.

I think it is really sweet. I'm sorry about your dad. Cancer runs deep in my family too so I know what it's like. The fact that you are willing to go to such lengths for your parents is just amazing. They will love it. It's a fantastic idea.

definitely, make it happen. i'm sure that your parents will be very happy. next year in july, my parents will have a big party for their 25th anniversary.

No, it's not, especially since your Dad is sick, I think that is a really nice thing to do. 20 years is a big accomplishment these days and should be celebrated. I hope they really enjoy it.

I think it's a wonderful gesture for your parents.

Just keep in mind with as expensive as things are getting and the travel it will be hard for some to make it.

I think your parents will love this so much.

I think it's an awesome idea! We did the same for my parents and it was a huge hit. Everyone loves a good/big party and you're parents will love having everyone with them to celebrate their special day.

i don't think it is,, if your father has cancer it may be the last time to get the whole family together for a happy occasion,, i hope it all goes well.

no its perfect, what part of florida do they live in? b.c i know in miami some great caterers ( i think thats how your spell it) i used them for my birthday

nothing you do for your parents is enough. your parents are going to be so happy..it was really thoughtful of you and its gonna mean a lot to them!!! goodluck

it sounds lovely. i just threw a party for my mom's 60th. hard work, but it is nice to do for others like that

Absolutely not, 20 years is a milestone too.

No that great idea

no, its very nice.

god bless you...

No that would be great. Here are some tips:
invite friends and family
use colors white and red( for the symbol of love)
Wine
wedding cake
and add stuff that you think your parents would like.


OR

Pay for their bill at a resturant and tell them that you love them.

I hope that i helped

My siblings and I, along with LOTS of help from Grandma, did this for our parents 25th. We had probably around 50 people and did it in a hotel restaurant. We had a friend of the family do the video, my siblings and I did the pictures, and there was a buffet (small) for food, etc. It was very nice.

I'd definitely go for it. Is this a surprise? If so, remember to put that on the invitations!

I think this sounds fantastic, especially if most people are agreeable to the travel. Considering your father's health I think it's great timing, and a good way to get family and friends together. For something like this its totally appropriate to get a DJ and a photographer. It's a big event for two very special people, and your parents as well as the people who traveled a good distance will appreciate all the hard work you put into it!

I think it's great. Your parents have been married 20 years and it should be celebrated. Those family members who are unable to or can't afford to come for the weekend shouldn't be made to feel bad, though. Just say, "I'm sorry you won't be able to come." Plan whatever you think your parents will enjoy and focus on making a great time for them instead of worrying about the few who can't make it.

One thing you don't mention is who you expect to pay for this party. I'm assuming you are paying and simply asking the guests to pay their own travel and hotel costs (perfectly fair). If, however, you are expecting other guests to chip in for the cost of the party, you'll need to take their opinions into account when it comes to how much you spend. When you pay for the party, you can have whatever you want.

And you know your parents and how they are likely to react. If they enjoy surprises, then let this be a wonderful surprise. If you think they will freak out, you may want to ease them into it - maybe say that you and your sister will be in town and you want to take them to a nice dinner where photos will be taken for their anniversary. That way they know to dress up and be ready, but the surprise won't be ruined.

If you are comfortable with your arrangements, it isn't a bit much at all! There are no sanctions against a kindly thought, and it seems very nice that you want to throw your parents this party, especially given your father's situation.

If any members of the family find the hotel's rates too high, perhaps you can suggest hotels nearby that are more in their price range.

Have a great party...I know your parents will appreciate the thought!

that is very sweet of you! your parents will greatly appreciate it, i'm sure. and i agree with you... i wouldn't necessarily wait any longer to throw the party. i hope this works out perfectly... good luck! (: