Understanding the Meaning of Wedding Anniversary Years and Gifts
Depending on your country, the traditional wedding anniversary gifts by year differ. Cotton is given for the first year of marriage in the United Kingdom, leather for the third. These beautiful gifts are woven together (cotton) and represent strength (leather).
It is harder to select meaningful gifts that fit each year’s importance. Silverware or a tea set are useful gift for couples to be utilised regularly. Alternatively, why not purchase a gift experience such as a trip away if you want to go all out? This will show your spouse how much you appreciate them and your years together.
Wedding Anniversary Gifts Traditional UK
The belief of celebrating each year of marriage is ancient (at least medieval). Victorians created lists for everything, this being one. A traditional and modern anniversary gift list sets expectations for the perfect gift in the correct years. The Victorians often described their wedding gifts with some poetic licence. The list increases over time to cover more years, current items, colours, flowers, and jewels.
Depending on your nationality, there are various wedding anniversary years. In the UK, there are modern and traditional gifts for each year starting from the first to the fifteenth, then we cover each fifth year.
You can honour tradition by wrapping your gift idea in an appropriate coloured wrap. Or, use this gift guide to locate unusual gifts that show you care.
Marriage is a personal contract between two people; you can make your own traditions. Cufflinks in the years’ precious gems or a garden bed with a special flower arrangement. You can take this traditional wedding gift list or modern themes, mixing and as needed. The list of gifts is divided into parts to help people select the appropriate one.
1st Wedding Anniversary: Paper
The traditional material for the 1st anniversary gift is paper. A young married couple might be unable to buy an expensive gift on their first anniversary. Clocks are the modern gift representing how fast time flies. Also, there is a suggestion that a relationship needs time.
Choose mother-of-pearl or peridot for an official jewel. The mother of pearl symbolises peace and harmony and is found in many beautiful things. Pearls are for virtue; peridot brings health and good cheer.
Go for a bouquet of pansies, carnations or orange blossoms. Shakespeare’s Hamlet quotation referred to Pansy as thoughts’, as the name sounds like the French penser-to-think. Carnations have been cultivated for centuries, their presence has stood for steadfast love. Orange Blossom is a classic bridal headdress, so gifts of it spark wedding memories.
The colouring for the paper wedding day is cheerful yellows.
2nd Wedding Anniversary: Cotton
When it comes to the traditional 2nd anniversary gift, cotton is the go-to option. If going with the standard gift list, seek items manufactured with thread for the second year of marriage. Or, consider using a red cotton cloth to wrap your special gift in a Japanese style.
A more fashionable outlook sets you searching for chinaware gift sets. This year’s color is passionate reds, with the precious garnet. Rich red garnets symbolise love and have been prized for time immemorial.
Blossoms include lily of the valley (perhaps as scented soap), cosmos or an old favourite, roses. Sweetly scented lily of the valley (also the May lily) name means a return to happiness. The Dutch plant the traditional flower in newlyweds’ gardens to ensure future happiness. Cosmos sulphureus smells like chocolate and speaks of great love.
3rd Wedding Anniversary: Leather
After three years, they have shown staying power. Traditionally wedding anniversary gift ideas are long-lived and slightly more expensive leather goods. Hide suitcases for that once-in-a-lifetime holiday or a more modest leather-covered journal. Trendy couples can opt for crystal or glass. Engraved champagne flutes accompanied by the very best bubbles.
If you incorporate jewels into your gift, natural pearl, moonstone, quartz or jade. Moonstone can signify success, quartz is translucent and true, while jade is rare and lucky.
Flowers for these special occasions are bright, cheerful sunflowers and glorious fuchsia. Or, for the second, the modest lily of the valley. Sunflowers are for happiness and longevity. The secret message of fuchsia is to express your affection for your mate. The delicate flower is innocent and hopeful.
Color theme white or jade or a mixture of the two.
4th Wedding Anniversary: Linen
It’s the fourth anniversary! What should you get your loved one? The giftstraditional in the UK are fine linen or silk; in America, it is flowering blooms and fruit. Silks are more elegant than papers and cottons but less practical than leathers. There is a hint that they are wealthier from their union. A modern gift is still linen or an appliance, perhaps by now, the toaster is broken, or the kettle needs replacing.
The jewel is the peaceful, calming, rare blue topaz, Texas’s state gem. Natural pale blue is rare; most have been treated to produce those intense blues.
Floral gifts of geraniums speak to the comfort of a shared home. Hydrangeas express appreciation for the gift of understanding. Both represent the satisfaction of a long, passionate friendship.
The coloured guidance for four is blue or green.
5th Wedding Anniversary: Wood
When you reach the fifth anniversary milestone, it is customary for a gift made of wood. This symbolizes the strength and endurance of your marriage. Wood is a popular gift material since it’s sturdy and can hold pictures or mementoes. The modern gift is silverware; both are strong and attractive.
What about a personalised chopping board or rolling pin for your chef spouse? Wooden gifts are good ideas for those who enjoy crafts and DIY projects! You can select from a wide range of products, such as jewellery boxes, birdhouses, or even wine racks.
You can personalise each gift with a note or name to make it a more memorable occasion. Our workshop offers handmade wooden products that we craft ourselves. We use only the finest wood straight from the heart!
The gem is rose quartz (for true love) or sapphire (for protection and insight).
Celebration themes can incorporate turquoise, azure or pinks. The fifth year’s symbol is the daisy, whose beauty speaks (in flower language) of loyalty and faith. The daisy comes in many sizes; some cultivated varieties have stunning colouration.
6th Wedding Anniversary: Sweet
There are different interpretations of what a 6th anniversary gift should be. In the UK, we celebrate this with sugar and in the USA, with iron. The latest choice as a popular anniversary gift is iron or hardwood. You can be creative with sugar-body scrubs and a day at the spa, but woods and irons are employed in plenty of novel gifts.
Why not get a Le Creuset cooking pot as a unique idea for your sixth anniversary gift? This iconic French brand produces pots and pans to complement any kitchen. Plus, they come in different colours and styles – to match your partner’s personality!
Amethyst was once as rare and sought after as a diamond; its colouring makes it a favoured royal jewel. Its protective qualities are believed to prevent drunkenness.
The colouration choices are purple, whites and turquoise. The flower is the exotic and sensual calla lily.
7th Wedding Anniversary: Woollen
In the US, the traditional symbol is personalised copper or wool; in the UK, it is woollen. Fabric for warmth and waterproofing is ideal in a cold, damp England climate. The modern gift list for year seven is things made from brass or a desk set.
Onyx is usually carved in large pieces and, when polished, makes beautiful stones. The colour is yellow or off-white to fit your lovers personality. Let’s assume you’ve decided that flowers are the way to go. Freesias are delightfully scented and symbolise friendship and thoughtfulness.
8th Wedding Anniversary: Salt
Salt is the traditional anniversary gift in the UK, perhaps from King Lear when Cordelia says, her love is like that of fresh meat for salt. American tradition is for a gift from bronze or pottery, while the modern gift theme gives linen or lace.
The colouring is bronze, with tourmaline, another soothing stone. Florals include clematis and lilac. In the language of plants, clematis denotes ingenuity and lilac, first love.
9th Wedding Anniversary: Copper
The modern anniversary gifts are leather, and the conventional is copper (UK) or willow (US). Metals and hide items gain a soft glow with age and careful polishing. A reminder that couples work at their relationship over the years for it to shine.
The color is warm earthy terracotta. In art masterpieces, lapis lazuli powder is often used to add vivid colour. The flora ranges from the peaceful poppy to the colourful bird of paradise.
10th Wedding Anniversary: Tin
Traditionalists will give tin (aluminium in the US), while newer anniversaries offer diamonds. This metal is durable and flexible, both excellent qualities for a long marriage. As the tin man said, everything is better with a loving heart.
Silver or blue is the colour scheme. With crystals or green tourmaline, the 10th anniversary gemstones. The dancing daffodils mean honesty and forgiveness.
11th Wedding Anniversary: Steel
A traditional gift of steel is a symbol of strength, perseverance, and durability. These are all qualities that come with a successful marriage. You can’t go wrong with a watch or a pair of cufflinks for a man who has everything, and modern jewellery is great.
The scheme and the gemstone match turquoise. The tulip, whose message is pure devotion. Red tulips are for passion, yellowish for cheerfulness, and cream is eternal.
You might confuse it with variegated blooms, but the meaning is you have beautiful eyes. Morning Glory, a short-lived flower with a subtle note to enjoy every moment, is an option. Whatever you do, make sure it celebrates your enduring affection for each other!
12th Wedding Anniversary: Silk
Modernists favour pearls on the 12th anniversary, while traditionalists prefer linens or silks. Fine linen bed sheets will make you feel as if you’re sleeping in luxury all year round. Silk is a natural resource that can be fashioned into beautiful clothing.
The jewel is jade and or colourful oyster. Genuine pearls need wearing to keep their lustre, and jade is lucky. The twin ingredients for a successful marriage are good fortune and close contact.
The soft and lovely peony represents romance and quiet for this romantic wedding anniversary. No matter what you decide, we’re sure your recipient will adore it!
13th Wedding Anniversary: Lace
It’s time to get lacy for those marking their thirteenth wedding anniversary year! This lovely fabric has been used for decades, making anniversary presents.
There are lots of different types, so you can find something that perfectly suits your spouse. There’s bound to be a sort they prefer, whether classical style or more contemporary. Why not go all out and buy them a piece of lingerie? They’ll appreciate the gesture and may wear it on future anniversaries!
If you’re looking for an item less risqué, why not consider buying some home decor in the form of lace? A pretty curtain or tablecloth can add elegance to any room. The modern gift giver can find general textiles or fur. If they’re always cold during the winter, maybe a faux fur coat or throw will keep them toasty all season long. Whatever you choose, we hope you have a happy 13th anniversary!
This commemorative gemstone is Citrine, speaking of sunshine and optimism. The colouring for year 13 is white; there are sweet violets or bold chrysanthemums.
14th Wedding Anniversary: Ivory
While ivory gifts may be a popular choice, it’s important to note that the trade is banned to stop poachers. As such, it’s best to avoid giving antique ivory pieces for the elephant theme. Tagua nut carvings are an excellent substitute, known as vegetarian ivory.
Other options are available, such as modern gold jewellery celebrating this special occasion.
Ivory, along with the gorgeously brilliant opal, is the hue of the year. Dahlia flowers symbolise elegance and dignity. It means a commitment to another person making it an excellent selection.
15th Wedding Anniversary: Crystal
The fifteenth anniversary is celebrated with luxurious and transparent crystal objects. His and her watches are popular modern alternatives because they can be customised to fit any aesthetic or budget. As such, watches are appropriate gifts for this occasion.
Check out Mappin & Webb if you want a high-quality timepiece from a dependable retailer. With over 240 years of experience, this company guarantees customer satisfaction.
The gemstone is rhodolite, a pink rose-coloured jewel whose meaning is inspired, love’. The colouring scheme must be deep, dark, velvety red roses.
20th Wedding Anniversary: China
The 20th anniversary is a momentous event and should be celebrated with a big party. China is the gift for the twentieth-year mark, with a tea set or plates usually chosen. But we recommend porcelain flowers instead for display all year round.
Followers of the current list will look for a platinum eternity ring to mark 20 years of marriage. The official jewels are emerald or platinum (a metal).
The anniversary theme is that twenty years of togetherness is worthy of celebration. The themes are emerald or the default white. Go for daylilies “no concerns” or brilliant, colourful asters for floral symbols.
25th Wedding Anniversary: Silver
For the 25th anniversary, sterling silver has always been a popular present. The traditionalistic and modern both shop for a silver gift and the anniversary theme. For those celebrating their 25th anniversary, there are several options to consider.
A traditional present for this momentous occasion is a silver photo frame. This could display images of the happy family throughout the years or any photos. Consider colouring pictures in silver or black for an extra touch of class and refinement.
If you’re looking for alternatives, there are many. Cufflinks are always popular, especially if the husband and wife have contrasting styles. The jewel listing is silver or tsavorite. And don’t forget Champagne! A personalised bottle makes an ideal gift for this year.
The iris symbolising faith, hope, and wisdom. If you want to keep the focus going, look for Iris Sibirica or pure white roses.
30th Wedding Anniversary: Pearl
Pearls are beautiful as gifts and official gemstones to mark the thirtieth anniversary. They come in various colors, so you can choose the perfect anniversary gift for your spouse. Keep them in a special place to remind you of your great 30 years of marriage.
Plenty of pearl anniversary gifts include necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings. Gifting your spouse a pendant or brooch also works. Consider purchasing an entire jewellery set to go all out.
Diamonds are an alternative for 30 years of marriage. For some couple’s this might be the preference if they already have some diamond jewellery. Tiffany offers gift inspiration for 30th anniversary celebrations. An eternity ring is a great option – it symbolises never-ending love!
This theme is green. Blooms can be colourful, sweet peas (perhaps a home-grown bunch) expressing long-lasting bliss. The substitute is the lily with echoes of devotion and purity.
35th Wedding Anniversary: Coral
The 35th anniversary year has no official fauna, so coral-pink roses fit this color. The traditional gift is coral, but if you do not want to buy an animal product, then the alternate gift is jade. The precious stone is emeralds.
Gift-giving can challenge but think creatively about the subject. A book with it in the title, a coloured object or a reef diving experience?
40th Wedding Anniversary: Ruby
The 40th anniversary gift theme is ruby because this is the ruby wedding anniversary. The blossoms can be in lots of shades. A simple nasturtium (there is a reddish variety) symbolises victory or showy. Gorgeous gladioli for strength and admiration.
Rubies are a form of sapphire, but their deep colors put them in a particular class. Red is for passion, and the ruby symbolizes passionate love that has stood the test of time.
45th Wedding Anniversary: Sapphire
Another gemstone year, the blue sapphire, the coloring, and the iris fit in with this. Sapphires protect the wearer and are linked with Venus, symbolic of love and commitment. The sapphires’ color comes from impurities; otherwise, it would be a clear stone.
If genuine sapphires aren’t appropriate for the happy couple, then coloured-wrapped presents? Bombay Sapphire gin is a classy gift for a 45th anniversary.
Think of bluish shades or anything with Iris spuria as an alternative. The iris stands for faith and hope, painted extensively by Van Gogh.
50th Wedding Anniversary: Golden
In the golden anniversary year, conformist and modern anniversary gift-givers agree on gold. Gold is often seen as a color of prosperity and is associated with strength. That’s why it is the perfect choice for a 50th anniversary gift! It symbolizes all the happiness from the past 50 years of marriage.
When you give someone an item made from this precious metal, you give them a piece of history. Gold has been used as a form of currency for centuries, and it has always held value. Your loved one can keep this item safe and remember your fiftieth anniversary party whenever they look at it.
If you’re seeking more special than traditional gold jewellery, try a break to Colombia. It offers couples unforgettable memories to share on their golden wedding anniversary. From stunning beaches to lush rainforests, there’s something for everyone in Colombia!
You can be creative with wrapping or yellow roses to keep the theme going. Fifty gold gifts, perhaps, or a movie night with themed films.
55th Wedding Anniversary: Emerald
After 55 years, the focus is the emerald; even the chosen calla lily has tints. Calla lily is not a lily plant, but the name has stuck; the word calla translates from Greek as beauty. In the Western tradition, we associate emeralds with Venus, the goddess.
Fifty-five years is a long time, and the emerald reflects the evergreen nature of an enduring marriage. A vacation to Ireland or green-theme artisan products could be the best anniversary gifts.
60th Wedding Anniversary: Diamond
Traditionalists and modernists focus on the diamond with the dazzling white orchid. Every continent has diamonds, which are prized for their beauty and purity. The magnificence of diamond results from a combination of heat and pressure. Decades of marriage will have withstood stresses and challenges.
In the Chinese language of, flowering plants, orchids symbolise many children. The orchid is one of the most prolific blooming plants in a multicoloured range. But for this diamond wedding anniversary, bright whites.
Time For A Ring Upgrade?
Are you coming up on an incredible milestone anniversary and need an upgrade to your ring? If so, you are in luck! There are lots of beautiful rings to choose from, and they don’t have to be expensive.
If you want something unique, consider a jewelry maker to create a custom ring. This lets you pick your design and materials, ensuring your band is unique.
Choose a stunning ring that expresses your affection.
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