the 25th wedding anniversary is traditionally the 'silver anniversary' you could look for a silver anniversary clock, or special plaque with their wedding date on it.party Ideas:
the time of day set for the party will tell guests what to expect, for example, 5:00 pm will tell guests that food will be served, since that is about dinner time, whereas 2:00 pm, they won't expect a meal. (if your party is informal, you could always have it later and do a potluck)
Invitations:
state clearly what your guests are to expect, since you want this to be a surprise party, be sure to let them know this. Also, whether or not it will be potluck, etc. You will want the guests to RSVP, so you can know how many will show up, and plan accordingly. Maybe contact people who were in their wedding party- bridesmaids, groomsmen, old high school friends, old neighborhood friends, etc.
Be sure to take lots of pictures, whether by a professional photographer, or buy a pack of disposable cameras and have the guests take pictures.
Consider a theme and decorate accordingly-
traditional 25th
western theme
luau theme
sport theme(only if they both enjoy sports)
ideas-
western theme: guest could dress in western wear, fun reception locales could be a barn or country church, or our own house or backyard. Dried wildflowers or daisies add a festive look, along with western decor, such as a wagon wheel, kerosene lanterns, bales of hay-find these at craft stores. Food can be heaped on tin plates, cutlery wrapped in bandanas, beverages served in tin cups....
luau ideas:
everyone dress causal,vacation, or nautical. they could wear grass skirts, pass out plastic leis.
Have the party at the beach-(if one is nearby) on a yacht, seafood restaurant, or again, at your own home is fine. Decorate with fish netting, chinese paper lanterns, put a grass table skirt around the tables, use lots of plants and flowers around to give a tropical feel, hollow out pineapples and cocnuts and fill with flowers for centerpieces, also put tea candles on small paper plates, hot glue seashells and flowers around the plate.
these are just a few ideas, but you can start with those, and tailor them to your taste and/or budget.
Hope this helps you out!!
Debra
http://www.partiesinyourmailbox.com
