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How to have an Amazing Anniversary
Anniversary Tips
Celebrating your wedding anniversary is a chance to remember why you fell in love in the first place, and renew your feelings as you contemplate the surprises the next year has in store for you. Whether it’s the early years of your epic journey or a marathon milestone, every anniversary is special, with its own significance and traditional etiquette.
How you choose to celebrate your own special occasion is up to you, but referring to tradition often helps add further meaning to your intentions – as well as serving as a source of original gift inspiration!
We’ve put together a reference guide including the traditional gifts, modern counterparts, gemstones, flowers and colours for each year – as well as gift suggestions and some further trivia about that particular anniversary.
The durability of traditional materials for each year – from Paper for the 1st Anniversary to Diamond for the 60th – usually corresponds to the length of the marriage. The longer the marriage the stronger the material! The modern counterparts each have a meaning that relates to good fortune for your marriage – i.e. clocks for forever, textiles for comfort. The gems and flowers also have positive symbolism, while the colours are linked to that year’s traditional material.
1st Anniversary
Traditional Gift: Paper
Modern Gift: Clock
Gemstone: Fresh Water Pearls
Flower: Pansies
Colour: Papyrus Yellow
The early years of a couple’s marriage are usually celebrated as a twosome and you’ll want to mark your very first year together in a memorable and intimate way.
The traditional material for this anniversary is Paper, which can be interpreted in various creative and wonderful ways. You can give photo albums or journals, or maybe tickets for the theatre or an unique journey such as the Orient Express! If you prefer the more contemporary route, the gift of a clock will demonstrate how you’ve cherished your past year together and hope to ‘clock up’ many more…
Pearls are associated with love, innocence and purity, reflecting the magic and freshness of the first rush of love and new beginnings together. Pansies impart loving thoughts, profoundly channelling the romantic feelings from giver to recipient.
We recommend: fine lunch on the orient express, dinner and theatre experience, city clock, cascading pearl earrings, twin strand pearl charm bracelet, blue quill and inkpot set
2nd Anniversary
Traditional Gift: Straw
Modern Gift: China
Gemstone: Rose Quartz, Garnet
Flower: Cosmos
Colour: Linen White
It’s doubtful anyone nowadays would truly appreciate a gift of actual straw, so useful in years gone by for insulation and bedding. If you would like to honour the traditional theme, gifts associated with the countryside and nature would be appropriate. The modern gift of china represents the valuable and domestic bond you share after two years, a delicate treasure that needs to be cared for consistently.
Rose quartz and garnet are both powerful gems for marriage. Rose quartz is the ultimate love stone – the stone of universal love and marital bonds. Garnet promotes success and constancy in relationships. The cosmos flowers symbolise peace, promoting a year of smooth sailing for the next year of your marriage.
We recommend: adopt a donkey, national trust day, set of Mozart mugs, midsummer nights earrings, forget me not earrings, garnet elements earrings
3rd Anniversary
Traditional Gift: Leather
Modern Gift: Crystal/Glass
Gemstone: Crystal
Flower: Fuchsia – passion
Colour: Fawn
The traditional theme of Leather can be honoured with exquisite and timeless leather accessories or fabulous jewellery boxes. The modern themes of Crystal and Glass allow for a wide range of surprises, from stunning crystal vases to sparkling gems.
Crystal is meant to be therapeutic and healing, with the power to dispel negativity. Fuchsia is a particularly passionate flower, and will reflect the intense emotions between you and your loved one.
We recommend: enchantress necklace, ladies leather wallet, flower leather notebook, murano sweetie bracelet, new yorker crystal candle holders
4th Anniversary
Traditional Gift: Books, Flowers, Fruit
Modern Gift: Electrical Appliances
Gemstone: Amethyst, Topaz
Flower: Geranium -- comfort
Colour: Green
This year’s traditional theme of books, flower and fruit offers much opportunity in terms of gift giving. Perhaps you’d like to treat them to a beautifully bound book related or a gorgeous bowl for their favourite fruits? As for the modern gift of electrical appliances, its best to steer clear of overly domestic items which lack fun and romance and go for more unusual presents – such as a toaster that prints a heart on every piece of toast!
Amethyst is a protective gem and promotes creativity and honesty. Topaz is attracts wealth, bestows charisma and promotes health. Geranium flowers represent comfort, reflecting how the years so far have intensified the security and pleasure you take in each other’s presence.
We recommend: scandal, the beatles, amethyst love knot earrings, blue topaz love knot earrings, sirens song earrings, blue topaz drop necklace, flower leather notebook, fruit bowl, wild fig and grape mini bathing experience, skull toaster
5th Anniversary
Traditional Gift: Wood
Modern Gift: Silverware
Gemstone: Turquoise
Flower: Daisies
Colour: Turquoise
Wood, the 5th anniversary’s traditional theme, links intimately with nature – particularly flowers, plants and trees. Gifts to do with the garden, such as stylishly printed tools, kitchen garden sets and picnic sets would be ideal. As for the modern theme, silverware, rather than rather uninspiring spoons and forks, elegant bar tools and wine sets are the perfect way of giving a gift that benefits the household – and sets the stage for fun times ahead!
Turquoise represents success in love, and is meant to keep its colour when it’s in sympathy with its wearer. Daises symbolises innocence and show that your relationship continues to be as fresh as ever.
We recommend: oak leaf napkin rings; steel bar tools; dedicate a tree; crazy daisy watering can, citrus garden wooden cupboard, daisy earrings, daisy necklace
6th Anniversary
Traditional Gift: Iron, Sugar
Modern Gift: Wood
Gemstone: Amethyst, Garnet
Flower: Calla lilies -- splendour
Colour: White
The year’s traditional themes of Iron and Sugar are best represented by a cheeky present such as pole dancing classes (iron pole!) or indulgent treats such as champagne truffles or sweet hampers. The contemporary theme of Wood is intimately linked with nature – particularly flowers, plants and trees. Gifts to do with the garden, such as stylishly printed tools, kitchen garden sets and picnic sets would be ideal.
Amethyst is a protective gem and promotes creativity and honesty, while Garnet promotes success and constancy in relationships. Calla lilies signify splendour and opulence, promoting good fortune for your subsequent years together.
We recommend: v&a cray secateurs, floral secateurs, v&a anemone garden tool set, a dozen 'passion' roses, oriental bouquet, v&a anemone print watering can, love heart sweetie box, amethyst love knot earrings, garnet elements earrings
7th Anniversary
Traditional Gift: Copper, Wool
Modern Gift: Desk Set
Gemstone: Lapis Lazuli, Onyx
Flower: Jack-in-the-pulpit – protection
Colour: Off White
The 7th Anniversary is traditionally represented by gifts of copper and wool, materials meant to conduct warmth. An elegant pashmina or irresistibly cuddly faux fur hottie would perfectly fulfil these intentions. The modern theme of Desk Set lends itself to romantic writing items such as the poet’s toolkit or wax and seal set – original and timeless gifts for the purpose of expressing intimate thoughts and secrets between lovers.
Lapis Lazuli stimulates clarity and promotes wisdom and faithfulness, while Onyx is meant to encourage positivity and soothe negative emotions. Jack-in-the-pulpit is an unusual and protective blossom that will reflect your mutual desire to safeguard your relationship in the years to come.
We recommend: evening opulence pashmina, faux fur hottie, tree of life luxury throw, office coffee warmer, black onyx passion earrings, ornate onyx cross
8th Anniversary
Traditional Gift: Bronze, Pottery
Modern Gift: Lace, Linen
Gemstone: Aventurine, Multi-coloured Tourmaline
Flower: Clematis - adventure
Colour: Bronze
The Bronze and Pottery items traditionally given for the 8th anniversary represent creativity and beauty in the marital home. Beautify your home with exotic vases and intriguing ornaments. The modern gift of Lace and Linen would be well expressed with a sensational chemise or luxury throw.
Aventurine is a lucky stone which encourages chance and creativity. Multi-coloured Tourmaline promotes balance, attracts love and revitalises. Clematis symbolises adventure – keep your marriage exciting by walking on the wild side every now and then!
We recommend: the emperor's tale vase; thinking man; set of musicians; luxury silk chemise; flavours of the orient vase, bronzed red robin watering can
9th Anniversary
Traditional Gift: Pottery, Willow
Modern Gift: Leather
Gemstone: Lapis Lazuli
Flower: Poppies -- consolation
Colour: Terracotta
To honour the traditional themes of Pottery and Willow, we recommend elegant pieces for the home, such as vases and ornaments. If you prefer to follow the contemporary suggestion of Leather, gorgeous Italian leather accessories or jewellery cases would be ideal.
Lapis Lazuli stimulates clarity and promotes wisdom and faithfulness, making it perfect for strengthening your communication and understanding of each other. Poppies symbolise consolation, reflecting the care and consideration you feel for your partner.
We recommend: leather jewellery box, royal jewel chest, semi precious stone leather journal, angel wings vase
10th Anniversary
Traditional Gift: Aluminium, Tin
Modern Gift: Diamond Jewellery
Gemstone: Black Onyx
Flower: Daffodils -- chivalry
Colour: Silver
So many things happen in a decade – each one is effectively an era. A couple that has experienced so many changes together has undoubtedly already built a strong foundation on which to build the rest of their years together upon.
The traditional themes of Aluminium and Tin would be appropriately honoured by gifts of stylish garden and home accessories. The modern gift is Diamond Jewellery, which perfectly marks the significance of a couple’s first decade together.
Onyx is meant to encourage positivity and soothe negative emotions, which will help to continue smoothing over any surprises you may face together. Daffodils symbolise chivalry – don’t let familiarity breed contempt now that you’d made it this far already!
We recommend: black onyx passion earrings; jewel of my heart diamond necklace, little girls big diamond ring
11th Anniversary
Traditional Gift: Steel
Modern Gift: Fashion Jewellery
Gemstone: Hematite, Turquoise
Flower: Morning Glories – promise
Colour: Turquoise
Steel, the 11th Anniversary’s traditional material, is as strong and unbreakable as the bond you share. A fun twist on this theme would be stainless steel bar accessories or a cocktail shaker – an auspicious sign of the good times still to come! The modern gifts are Fashion Jewellery – we particularly recommended our matching necklace and earrings sets.
Hematite is an ideal marital gem, as it is meant to improve relationships and increase intuition. Turquoise represents success in love, and is meant to keep its colour when it’s in sympathy with its wearer. Morning Glories signify promise – your marriage is built upon the promises you’ll always keep.
We recommend: steel bar tools, serenity gift set, princess gift set, cleopatra gift set, summertime gift set
12th Anniversary
Traditional Gift: Linen, Silk
Modern Gift: Colour Gems, Pearls
Gemstone: Agate
Flower: Peonies – healing
Colour: Oyster White
Linen and Silk are this year’s traditional materials – treat her to an alluring silk chemise or gorgeous luxury throw. Our iridescent mother of pearl items or colourful Guinevere bracelet would be perfect for the modern themes of Colour Gems and pearls.
Agate attracts strength and protects from bad dreams and stress. Peonies are meant to be healing, and will help safeguard your relationship from ills and troubles.
We recommend: luxury silk chemise, silk camisole and french knickers set, the tree of life luxury throw, full moon necklace, seafoam pendant
13th Anniversary
Traditional Gift: Lace
Modern Gift: Furs, Textiles
Gemstone: Citrine, Malachite, Moonstone
Flower: Hollyhoch – domestic happiness
Colour: White
The 13th year needn’t be an unlucky one for the two of you; particularly if you make sure you continue to support each other through any challenges.
Luxuriously embroidered items such as our pashminas or saree journals perfectly reflect the delicacy and beauty of Lace, this year’s traditional theme. Such items, as well as our addictively huggable hotties and furry hearts also suit the modern themes of Furs and Textiles.
This anniversary has not one, but three gemstones that hold special meaning. Citrine promotes wealth, confidence and clarity of thought, while Malachite protects children from accidents and balances relationships. Moonstone brings good fortune, success in love and promotes inspiration. Hollyhocks signify domestic happiness.
We recommend: evening opulence pashmina, the tree of life luxury throw, indian saree journal, faux fur hottie, furry heart
14th Anniversary
Traditional Gift: Ivory
Modern Gift: Gold Jewellery
Gemstone: Moss Agate
Flower: Dahlia -- dignity
Colour: Ivory
Due to current ethical concerns about Ivory, this year’s traditional material, it would be better to honour this anniversary with beautiful ivory-toned items such as bone china mugs and indulgent bath and body sets. The contemporary gift of Gold Jewellery would be easily satisfied by our collection of pure gold items, from traditional yellow gold to blushing rose gold.
Moss Agate promotes abundance, as well as enhancing concentration and endurance – important qualities for maintaining the strength of your marriage! Dahlia is a flower that symbolises dignity – respect for yourself and for each other is a keystone to your continuing bond.
We recommend: traditional english remedies gift box, organic relaxation box, romantic bath caddy, koru necklace
15th Anniversary
Traditional Gift: Crystal
Modern Gift: Watches
Gemstone: Crystal
Flower: Roses – passionate love
Colour: Ruby Red
From the 15th Anniversary onwards, historically, anniversaries are usually celebrated with the family. Therefore your 15th year together is definitely a great excuse to have a party with loved ones.
Traditionally, Crystal is given for this anniversary. Our crystal vase or Swarovski-studded jewellery honours this tradition perfectly. A contemporary update is the giving of timepieces – a thoughtful and potentially stylish way to mark your time together so far and remind you of the long future that remains to be seen. Bracelets, encircling the wrist, further this representation of eternal togetherness.
Crystal is meant to be therapeutic and healing, with the power to dispel negativity. Roses symbolise passionate love – keep that flame burning!
We recommend: new yorker crystal candle holders, city clock, enchantress necklace, name a rose, classic silver rose bangle, bed of roses
20th Anniversary
Traditional Gift: China
Modern Gift: Bone China, Platinum
Gemstone: Emerald
Flower: Day Lily -- enthusiasm
Colour: Emerald Green, White
China is both the traditional and modern gift for your 20th year together. Intricate ornaments and stylish crockery are appropriate for this occasion. The modern theme also includes Platinum, which can be easily honoured with gifts of incredible platinum jewellery.
Emerald preserves love, symbolises hope and promotes faithfulness. It is also meant to bring the wearer reason and wisdom. Day Lilies symbolises enthusiasm – they will beautifully express how much you still care about one another.
We recommend: set of mozart mugs, thinking man, set of musicians, angel wings vase, lily and leaf drop earrings
25th Anniversary (Silver)
Traditional Gift: Silver
Modern Gift: Silver
Gemstone: Sterling Silver
Flower: Iris – faith/hope
Colour: Silver
This is typically the year where children start organising anniversary celebrations for their parents (hint, hint!). A quarter of a century together is a magnificent achievement and should be celebrated accordingly.
This year is all about and has always been about Silver. Silver gifts can be anything from chrome-coloured cocktail shakers to stunning jewellery pieces.
Silver symbolises prosperity and elegance, as well as gracefully getting older together (not that you’re old… just older!). Iris signifies faith and hope, qualities that will ensure you see another 25 years together.
We recommend: mayan music heart; infinity twist necklace; guardian angel locket; circle of life pendant; simple silver cross; lucky knot necklace; wave pendant; flying kisses
30th Anniversary
Traditional Gift: Pearls
Modern Gift: Diamond Jewellery
Gemstone: Pearl, Diamonds
Flower: Sweet Pea -- shyness
Colour: Green
Pearls are the traditional gifts for this anniversary. Pearl jewellery, shell-themed items and luminously white gifts are all perfect for the 30th year together. The modern gift is Diamond Jewellery, a suitably extravagant and memorable present. Anything that sparkles and shine would honour this occasion wonderfully!
Pearls are associated with love, innocence and purity, reflecting the magic and freshness of the first rush of love and new beginnings together. Diamonds also symbolise innocence, as well as constancy, reflecting your continuing and strong marital bond. Sweet Pea is strangely a flower that connotes shyness – perhaps referring to the way you can still make each blush and feel the first rush of love all over again.
We recommend: musical notes pearl necklace; lady of the pearls cravatte; pearl drops; waterfall diamond necklace
35th Anniversary
Traditional Gift: Coral
Modern Gift: Jade
Gemstone: Coral, Jade – healing, vitality/prosperity, good fortune
Flower: No Flower
Colour: Coral
The traditional gift for this anniversary is Coral, for which we would recommend our coral jewellery or pink-hued accessories (passport tags, journals). The modern recommendation is Jade, which is easily honoured with jade jewellery or dazzling greenery such as heart-shaped topiaries.
Coral is a healing gem that encourages vitality, while Jade promotes prosperity and all kinds of good fortune. There is no specific flower associated with this year, so any pink or red blossoms would be ideal.
We recommend: indian saree journals, wild fairy brooch, flaming heart necklace, timeless sentiments heart necklace
40th Anniversary (Ruby)
Traditional Gift: Ruby
Modern Gift: Ruby
Gemstone: Ruby
Flower: Nasturtium - patriotism
Colour: Red
This is the Ruby Jubilee for romance, and it is all about rubies and passionate red. Ruby jewellery is an obvious gift choice, as well as gloriously red items such as our tomato-print watering can or furry red heart.
Ruby is considered to be the most powerful gemstone in the universe. It symbolises friendship, love, vitality and royalty. Nasturtium signifies patriotism and commitment – no doubt an intrinsic element of your longstanding bond.
We recommend: furry heart, name a rose, i love you pebbles, a dozen 'passion' roses, silver flower and gemstone drop earrings
45th Anniversary
Traditional Gift: Sapphire
Modern Gift: Sapphire
Gemstone: Alexandrite
Flower: No Flower
Colour: Emerald Green
The 45th anniversary is represented by the dazzling Sapphire, a gem with heavenly and joyful connotations. It is referred to as the Stone of Destiny, aligning with the intensity of the fortunate couple’s intertwined fates.
Besides sapphire jewellery, any items with a rich blue hue would be ideal. Our blue silk saree photo albums, filled with carefully chosen memories for the couple to reminisce about would be an excellent choice. The blue paperweight would make a memorable party giveaway for a family celebration.
Alexandrite is an extremely rare stone, named for Alexander II of Russia as it was found on his coming of age day. It is noted for its unusual ability to change colour, usually from green to red. It is a lucky stone that is meant to stimulate pleasure and encourage love.
We recommend: large diamond paperweight, midnight blue heart necklace, the monte carlo globe, indian saree photo album
50th Anniversary - Gold
Traditional Gift: Gold
Modern Gift: Gold
Gemstone: No Gemstones
Flower: Violets – fidelity
Colour: Gold
Your half century together is accordingly honoured with an opulent Gold theme. Gold has been a symbol of purity, wealth and achievement throughout history. The material’s enduring shine and strength perfectly reflects such long-lasting marriages.
Besides golden jewellery, items that shine and glow would make ideal gifts.
Violets signify fidelity, an essential aspect of any marriage that lasts fifty years!
We recommend: falling leaves earrings, silver and rose gold plated leaves necklace, koru necklace
55th Anniversary
Traditional Gift: Emerald
Modern Gift: Emerald
Gemstone: Alexandrite
Flower: No Flower
Colour: Emerald Green
The 55th year of marriage is considered the Emerald anniversary, with both traditional and modern gifts representing this title. Besides emerald jewellery, items related to the garden and greenery would be ideal.
Alexandrite is an extremely rare stone, named for Alexander II of Russia as it was found on his coming of age day. It is noted for its unusual ability to change colour, usually from green to red. It is a lucky stone that is meant to stimulate pleasure and encourage love.
We recommend: oriental bouquet, v&a cray garden tool set, v&a cray secateurs, wild tomatoes watering can, silver essence bangle
60th Anniversary
Traditional Gift: Diamond
Modern Gift: Diamond
Gemstone: Diamond
Flower: No Flower
Colour: Diamond White
The 60th Anniversary is Diamond Jubilee of love for a few lucky and long-living couples! It is undoubtedly an occasion to share with all the generations of the family – a time to lovingly showcase such a testament to togetherness.
Naturally, the ideal gift, crossing both traditional and modern themes, is the Diamond. If such generosity is impractical for the many well-wishers who hope to mark this occasion, gifts relating to memories, such as photo frames and photo-albums, will doubtlessly be treasured.
The Diamond symbolises innocence and constancy, qualities which aptly reflect such an enduring and strong union of love and friendship. There are no specific flowers associated with this anniversary, mainly due to its rarity, but pure white flowers would be particularly appropriate.
We recommend: jewel of my heart diamond necklace, eternity diamond necklace, diamond kiss necklace, black large photoframe
75th Anniversary
Traditional Gift: Diamond
Modern Gift: Diamond
Gemstone: Diamond
Flower: No Flowers
Colour: Diamond White
A 75th Wedding Anniversary is truly a momentous and rare occasion, and is meant to call for a 10 karat diamond.
The single most beautiful stone to give is of course the diamond. A gift of a once in the lifetime experience for the couple to share would also be incredible.
We recommend: eternity diamond necklace, classic lunch cruise and london eye trip
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