-
Step 1
Make anniversary dinner reservations for the late afternoon to take advantage of lunch prices or early-bird specials. Also mention it’s your anniversary since many restaurants will offer you a complimentary dessert or glasses of champagne.
-
Step 2
Head home after your anniversary meal to watch the videos from your wedding and honeymoon instead of going out to an expensive movie or play. Cuddle on the couch and reminisce about how you (and your family and friends) have changed over the years.
-
Step 3
Postpone your anniversary vacation. If you were married in the summer months, you’ll face higher rates when booking your hotel and flights (and face larger crowds at sights and attractions). Instead, plan an off-season trip, even if it doesn’t coordinate with your wedding date. Or celebrate at a relaxing local spa or bed and breakfast to save airfare altogether.
-
Step 4
Celebrate by hosting an anniversary potluck. Entertaining can be expensive, so stay on budget by relying on your family and friends to bring their favorite drinks, main dishes and desserts. Make the event a “theme night” to reflect where you spent your honeymoon, for example. Create a trivia game to see how well your loved ones know you. Ask guests to bring their wedding videos to run throughout the evening.
-
Step 5
Create gifts for one another that mean a lot, but cost next to nothing. Fill a small gift bag or decorative box with slips of paper that include the reasons you love your spouse, inside jokes, favorite movie lines and memorable moments. Design a small scrapbook with favorite photos of the two of you and the reasons why you treasure your marriage. Fulfill a secret fantasy. Compose a sweet song or poem.
