A couple you know - maybe your parents? -- are about to celebrate many years of marriage. There's talk swirling around about throwing a big party -- where could it be held? Who's going to host? Who will plan it?

But the couple say: no parties please!

Nobody's listening. After all, it's their Anniversary.

Listen to them. Too often people (read: adult children) throw a party when the parents don't want the fuss.

But you're reading this because you know -- or the Lucky Couple has already hinted -- that a party is a necessity. And why not? Being married for many years is a big deal. Throwing a party can be a lot of fun.

And it doesn't have to break the bank.

The old real estate adage applies to many things -- location is important. Where you throw the party can make (or break) a party. But this doesn't mean you have to rent the local country club, or pay outrageous fees to rent a hall.

Be creative: you can save hundreds -- even thousands -- by selecting a place that doesn't cost you anything. Try these ideas:

• does someone have a large enough home where the party can be held?
• for churchgoers -- does the church have a fellowship hall, or meeting rooms where the celebration can be held for free?
• a community center nearby with minimal rental fees? My aunt and uncle held their anniversary party at the town center, and the rental costs for the entire day were less than $200
• a local bed & breakfast? You might be surprised to discover that some B&Bs love hosting these sorts of parties. Rent the entire B&B -- out of town guests will stay at the B&B of course -- and the use of their party room is free
• rent picnic space at a local park -- the fees are usually minimal, and there are BBQ grills for making the meal. Plan ahead, since the best party areas are often booked months in advance
• local restaurants! Every town has at least one restaurant (usually more than this!) that would be glad to provide the space, and the catering, too. You might be surprised how reasonable the food will be (the restaurant would cater, of course) and you get a free space for your party

What is "combining"?

It means you let one thing serve multiple purposes.

For example, you can order silver champagne glasses on ebay for only a few dollars each. They look like a million bucks, they're perfect for the "Silver" part of the celebration -- and the guests are allowed to take their glasses home as their party gift and "remembrance" of the Big Day!

Voila!

1. Table decorations, in silver, also serve as
2. the glasses to toast the celebrating couple! and serve as
3. party gifts for the guests to take home.

You can find these by going to ebay.com and doing a search for "silver champagne" or "silver champagne glasses."

Whether you're hiring caterers -- or not -- the biggest expense for a Silver Anniversary party is usually the food. These tips are for those who are taking care of the food themselves. After all, not everyone can afford caterers!

Careful planning can make the party feel festive, and not send the party planners to the poor house.

Think "three" -- and think it three times.

What does this mean?

You'll have three parts of the meal:

1. nibbles and appetizers
2. the main meal
3. dessert.

Each part of the meal is divided into three:

1. only three appetizers
2. three dishes for the meal
3. three desserts

Because party planners often get carried away with food (the biggest expense), they find themselves with tons of leftovers. Plan the food carefully -- in threes -- and you can save yourself a lot of money.

It may seem rather "lean" to only have three appetizers, or only three dishes for the meal, but... trust us. When presented properly they look like a million bucks, and make the party (preparation, stocking during the party, and clean-up afterward) so much easier.

For more information, see my article "How To Cater Your Own Silver Anniversary Party."

Why do people think that a good party has to be expensive? Think about the last great party you attended -- did you enjoy it because of the money spent by the hosts?

I bet you enjoyed it because it was out of the ordinary. Great hosts and hostesses know that guests enjoy parties that take an individual -- and creative -- approach to a celebration. It's not about the money.

Repeat: it's not about the money!

When the invitations are clever (not expensive) and the event is held in a fun environment, and the decorations are inventive, and the food is beautifully presented (not expensive) -- it makes the party enjoyable for everyone.

And the guests of honor -- your parents, or the friends who are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary -- will thank you for putting time (not money) into the event.

Want more information? See my articles "How To Save Money on Invitations For A Silver Anniversary Party" and "How to Cater Your Own Silver Anniversary Party."