What Do You Do for a 40th Wedding Anniversary?

Incorporate red into your celebrations.

By the time a couple has reached their 40th anniversary, they will probably appreciate spending time with loved ones more than receiving store-bought gifts. Look for opportunities to bring the entire family together and make memories.

Gifts

Ruby is the traditional gift for the 40th wedding anniversary, which means that gifts should incorporate these gemstones or the color red. Spouses can give each other jewelry with this gemstone, like a ruby heart-shaped pendant or ruby cufflinks. When buying a gift for a couple celebrating their 40th anniversary, consider a heart-shaped picture frame or red gifts like a bouquet of red roses, a bottle of red wine or a red crystal vase.

Throw a Party

If the couple has adult children, they may choose to organize a party in the couple's honor. Close friends or even the couple themselves may also choose to host a gathering or small dinner party to celebrate the anniversary. Use red invitations and decorate with red balloons and place settings. Have a child or close friend of the couple give a speech and hand out glasses of a red wine like merlot or cabernet to toast with.

A Memorable Getaway

A couple who is celebrating a 40th anniversary is often around retirement age or a little past it, so they should take an extended trip to the one place they've always dreamed of while they have the freedom to do so and are still young and energetic enough to do the trip right. They may also have children who are entering adulthood or have young families of their own, so it may be possible to arrange a trip that includes all the children and their families. Choosing a location that everyone can drive to will save on costs, as will renting a house to accommodate everyone rather than paying for several hotel rooms.

References

• FindGift.com: Anniversary Gift Ideas: Ruby

Resources

• FindGift.com: Anniversary Table