How to Celebrate a Wedding Anniversary

By eHow Weddings Editor

Rate: (16 Ratings)

Celebrate your love for one another and look forward to more happy years.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Anniversary Greeting Cards
Flowers
Picnic Basket
Picnic Blankets
Bracelets
Wedding Rings
Women's Watches
Airline Tickets
Bed-and-breakfast
Spa Gift Certificates

Step1

Decide with your spouse whether you want to exchange gifts or buy something together. Consider looking up the traditional gift for your anniversary year and buying something that relates; if you decide to buy something as a couple, exchange small tokens like cards or flowers.

Step2

Plan a quiet evening or getaway together. Many couples like to observe their anniversary in a private, intimate manner, especially early anniversaries.

Step3

Arrange a small party for your closer family and friends, if desired. If you decide to have a get-together, begin by inviting the bridal party from the wedding.

Step4

Plan a large party if celebrating a landmark anniversary, such as the 10th, 25th or 50th. Again, begin by inviting members of the wedding parties.

Step5

Consider reaffirming your wedding vows if you'd like to recreate your wedding, or have the large wedding you never had.

Tips & Warnings

Couples generally prefer that guests not bring gifts to anniversary parties. Politely include this request on a small slip of paper in the invitation rather than printing it on the invitation itself.
If you have a friend or loved one whose spouse has passed away, consider observing their anniversary by taking him or her out to dinner or sending a modest floral arrangement with an appropriate note of affection. Avoid mentioning the deceased spouse or the anniversary, and don't send an anniversary card to a widow or widower.
Set an e-mail reminder or devise some other method to keep you from forgetting your anniversary.
Keep in mind that these are simply guidelines. Celebrate your anniversary any way you want.
Don't expect your friends and family to remember your anniversary. In fact, it may be better if they don't.

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Comments

Anonymous said

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on 4/3/2006 I have only been married 14 years, but we're planning to throw a party for our 15th. It is not one of the milestone, but who cares. In today's world of divorce happening every day making it another year is a reason to celebrate. Whether it be the 7th, 12th or 28th, I reckon you should have a party every year if you can.

Anonymous said

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on 1/16/2006 As the wife of a previously widowed husband, I disagree with acknowledging in any way a widow's or widower's previous wedding anniversary once they are remarried. It would be insensitive to the widow's or widower's new spouse.

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Acknowledge widows and widowers on their wedding anniversaries. Perhaps the person who suggested to avoid mentioning the deceased spouse or the anniversary and not to send an anniversary card to a widow or widower, is not widowed. If so, he or she certainly does not speak for the rest of us. We do not forget our spouses, and by not being acknowledged them we only feel that we (or worse yet our deceased spouse), have been forgotten. I assure you, we are already thinking of our spouses and certainly are already aware of what day it is, and a simple "I'm thinking of you and (your spouse) today" would be kind and comforting.

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 I am a hopelessly romantic person, but I am happily married to a not-so-good-with-ideas husband. So, I am making it my task to have the 10th anniversary special. I plan to spread it out for 10 days, 1 for each year. Each day will have a surprise for him; the first day celebrating with friends/family and the last day being an intimate dinner on a cruise ship.

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 On our anniversary each year, we redo our wedding night at a different hotel/resort each time. This way our wedding has never really ended. On the milestone years, we revisit the original hotel and relive the same night over again. It's very romantic!

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