Wedding anniversaries are important dates to celebrate, and the sky’s the limit as to how you plan your special day. Some may opt for dizzying fanfare, while others may choose to mark the day with quiet enjoyment. When it comes to choosing a gift, many rely on a list of traditional suggestions that have been in existence for more than a century. This list has helped many to decide what gifts to present at each wedding anniversary.
For instance, paper is the traditional suggestion for a couple’s first anniversary. Its meaning is fitting, as just like the beginning of marriage, paper is fragile, yet will last a lifetime if properly cared for. Leather, on the other hand, is recommended for year three as a symbol of the shelter and security a couple has built between them. By the time they reach their first decade of marriage, the symbolism continues, and a couple has much to celebrate. The traditional gift is tin or aluminum, which speaks of the pliability or flexibility that a successful marriage requires.
However, this doesn’t mean gifts need to be limited to these suggestions. Thinking outside the box can be fun! For example, tickets to a concert could be the ‘paper’on your first anniversary, and a flight somewhere on a ‘tin’ plane could be the way you celebrate your tenth. Of course, if you love the idea of keeping to a traditional gesture, referring to a list of anniversary gift ideas by year can be extremely helpful.
In the meantime, if you’re thinking of throwing a modern spin on your next wedding anniversary celebration, here are a few ideas to get you started:
Just The Two of You
Fly Overseas
If this is a milestone anniversary, consider travelling overseas to a romantic city like Paris, or pack your swimsuits for a sunny getaway in Bali. Or, perhaps you postponed your honeymoon and take this opportunity to finally visit the vineyards of Italy or the Great Wall of China.
Visit Your Favorite City
Booking a weekend trip to your favorite city may be just what you need to relax and unwind while still being kind to your pocketbook. Take in an exhibition, stroll around a botanical garden or return to your favorite haunts. The idea is to maximize time together and minimize travel time.
Couples Spa
This could be the ideal getaway for those who have a demanding lifestyle that affords very little room for relaxation. Ask family members to look after the children or get a house sitter to care for pets in your home.
Want your family and friends to help you celebrate? These ideas are just some examples of how you can plan with a crowd in mind:
Celebrations With Friends and Family
Get Tickets to an Event
Whether you share a favorite headliner or adore opera or sports, get tickets for an exciting event that you’ll all enjoy. Kick it up a notch and make it a black tie dress code!
Book a Private Room at a Restaurant
Go out for dinner and make it extra-special by booking a private room at your favorite restaurant or one where there’s a special set menu. This allows you to spend unrushed time together without the worry of having to give up your table for the next reservation.
Rent an Airbnb for the Weekend
Save yourself the trouble of trying to accommodate large numbers of people in your home and instead, invite everyone to a nearby Airbnb. Not only will there be room for everyone, but you can also choose the amenities you want, such as a games room, hot tub, surround-sound stereo system etc.
How you celebrate your wedding anniversary and the gifts you choose will ultimately be up to you. No matter what you decide – traditional or modern, a small celebration or a large one – I hope these ideas inspire you to plan your next anniversary celebration that’s as unique as your love!
Photo Credit
Photo courtesy of Flickr – some rights reserved
Guest Author Bio
Trenton J. Smith
Trenton is an aspiring writer who loves to research and write about a wide variety of topics. When he is not writing, he enjoys gardening and long walks with his dog Boomer.
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