What are the different wedding anniversary years?
Wedding season is almost here meaning that there'll be lots of new celebrations of love and marriage, but for those who have already tied the knot, what are the different wedding anniversary years and what do they mean?
Each wedding anniversary has a different meaning and a traditional gift associated with it depending on how many years you’re celebrating, and they range from paper all the way to oak with gold, platinum and diamond all included.
So, whether you're celebrating a milestone anniversary or know someone who is, here is a breakdown of every wedding anniversary year and their associated gifts. Happy celebrating!
What are the different wedding anniversary years?
1st wedding anniversary – Paper
The first wedding anniversary in referred to as the paper anniversary, which can represent the new marriage as a blank sheet of paper ready to be drawn on.
Traditional gifts can include stationery but a common, modern alternative is a clock which is said to represent eternal love. How cute!
2nd wedding anniversary – Cotton
Cotton represents the second year of marriage, in reference to thread being woven together and lives becoming more intertwined.
Gifts can include clothes and a modern alternative is china, meaning a fancy dinnerware set could be a perfect present.
3rd wedding anniversary – Leather
Leather is up next for the third anniversary, which is said to reflect the strength and resilience of a marriage.
This is the perfect anniversary to gift something leather, like a bag or purse, but the modern version of such gifts is crystal or glass.
4th wedding anniversary – Linen or silk
In the UK, linen or silk are up next for the fourth wedding anniversary, which are said to represent purity and honesty as well as sensuality.
But, fruit or flowers are the next alternative to represent a blossoming and ripening marriage. So romantic!
5th wedding anniversary – Wood
Wood is the name for a couples fifth wedding anniversary, symbolising strength and wisdom.
For a modern gift, silverware is welcomed, so maybe it's time to invest in some new cutlery?
6th wedding anniversary – Sugar
The sixth wedding anniversary is represented by sugar, so something sweet to eat is the perfect gift on this occasion.
Iron also signifies this anniversary, but we think a sweet treat is a better gift!
7th wedding anniversary – Copper or wool
To mark seven years of marriage comes copper or wool, as they conduct heat and are warming.
The modern alternative is actually a desk set, perfect for super organised people!
8th wedding anniversary – Bronze
Bronze is a traditional eighth anniversary gift as it’s very strong and is said to hold healing powers.
Some bronze jewellery would make a good gift and as a modern version, linen and lace make the next alternative. Time for some new bedsheets or PJs!
9th wedding anniversary – Pottery or willow
Pottery and willow are next up as traditional gifts to celebrate mark a ninth anniversary.
But, leather is the modern alternative meaning a bag, wallet, purse or other items would make a good gift.
10th wedding anniversary – Tin or aluminium
To mark 10 years of marriage comes tin or aluminium, to mark a strong and resilient relationship.
Alternatively, diamond is also an appropriate modern gift – sounds good to us!
15th wedding anniversary – Crystal
For 15 years of marriage, crystal is up next due to its clarity and purity. This means jewellery would be a welcome gift, please and thank you!
For a modern gift for a 15th anniversary, the alternative is to gift a watch.
20th wedding anniversary – China
To celebrate 20 years of holy matrimony comes china, meaning it's the perfect time for some new, fancy tableware.
But, platinum is the modern alternative so jewellery would make a great gift.
25th wedding anniversary – Silver
For those celebrating a quarter of a century of marriage, you can mark the occasion with silver.
This is both a traditional and modern gift, and is chosen as if polished regularly and taken care of, it will still shine. Cute!
30th wedding anniversary – Pearl
To mark three decades of marriage is a pearl, timeless and beautiful. So, pearl jewellery would be a perfect fit!
Diamonds are considered to be the modern alternative, meaning even more jewellery is in order.
40th wedding anniversary – Ruby
Ruby is the traditional and modern gift to celebrate forty years gorgeous ruby, associated with love and beauty. Stunning!
50th wedding anniversary – Gold
Half a century of marriage is no mean feat, so gold is the traditional and modern gift to mark the occasion.
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