How to commemorate a silver wedding anniversary

A 25-year marriage is something to toast.

A silver anniversary commemorates 25 years of marriage and is considered a milestone anniversary. The tradition of recognizing a 25th anniversary originated in Germany. Wives were given silver wreaths to mark the occasion. Today, couples often spend months planning how they'll celebrate this anniversary. Family and friends frequently join in the celebration.

Things You'll Need

• Silver or nontraditional gifts
• Love letter, poem or song
• Music
• Scrapbooks or slide show

Instructions

1. 

   Originally a silver wreath was given to the wife.

   Present gifts to each other and accept gifts from friends and family. Many spouses give each other silver rings engraved with a special message. Silver platters, vases, jewelry or other types of keepsakes are popular gifts. Nontraditional gifts are also options. The philanthropist couple would enjoy a donation to their favorite charity. Nature lovers might appreciate a tree planted in their honor. A couple might enjoy wine bottled the year of their marriage.

2. 

   Renew your vows.

   Renew your marriage vows--where you were married, in your church or in your home. If you want to include guests, invite children, parents, siblings, friends and your wedding attendants. Write a letter, poem or song to your spouse. The written word is a powerful tool to express your feelings.

3. 

   What's an anniversary party without a cake?

   Throw a theme-based party. Have a DJ on hand to play music that was popular when you were married. Arrive at your party in a classic car manufactured the year that you were married. Have scrapbooks and pictures on hand. You may even want to put together a digital photo slide show.

4. 

   Take a second honeymoon.

   Plan a romantic getaway--a weekend or longer. Many couples return to the place where they honeymooned. Other couples treat themselves to a new destination. The anniversary getaway can take place anytime in the year. Visit the Albuquerque balloon fiesta in October and reserve a flight in a hot-air balloon; tour the wineries of Italy; plan a pilgrimage to the Holy Land; go trekking in Alaska or soak up the sun on a beach in the Greek Islands.

References

• Romance Stuck

Resources

• Findgift
• Weddinganniversarygifts
• Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
• Trek Alaska
• Greeka