You may be familiar with the concept that each wedding anniversary gift comes with a theme, based on the year. This practice goes as far back as the Middle Ages and is very romantic and special. The value of each wedding anniversary gift increases as the years go on, just as your relationship becomes stronger and stronger. If you’re looking for a summary of each wedding anniversary gift, as well as its meaning, you’ve come to the right place…
Quick links {Gifts} {Share your wedding story} {Follow us on Instagram}
1 Year Anniversary
Traditional: Paper
The symbolism here is that paper is fragile, just like the first year of marriage. But, if taken care of properly, it can last a lifetime!
Modern: Clocks
Time is precious! Clocks represent the passing of time and all the changes and challenges that come with it.
2 Year Anniversary
Traditional: Cotton
The woven threads of cotton symbolise how you become more interconnected as time goes on. You also learn to be more flexible!
Modern: China
China is both strong and delicate, indicating the strengths and weaknesses of the relationship.
3 Year Anniversary
Traditional: Leather
Just like marriage and the home you build, leather represents shelter and security for the third year.
Modern: Crystal or Glass
Glass and crystal reflect light and beauty!
4 Year Anniversary
Traditional: Fruit or Flowers
By your fourth anniversary, your relationship has fully bloomed! This is why we give flowers or ripe fruit.
Modern: Appliances
Electrical appliances signify how settled you feel in your relationship.
5 Year Anniversary
Traditional: Wood
Just like a tree, you’ve sprouted roots and together, you can endure anything!
Modern: Silverware
The meals you’ve shared and will continue to share are best enjoyed with beautiful silverware.
6 Year Anniversary
Traditional: Iron
Iron is strong and marks the strength of the bond you have built.
Modern: Wood Objects
Similar to the traditional five year gift, wood symbolises your resilience.
7 Year Anniversary
Traditional: Copper or Wool
Metal creates heat, just like the warmth you give each other! And wool is just cozy!
Modern: Desk Sets
Giving a desk set brings a touch of home to their work space.
8 Year Anniversary
Traditional: Bronze or Pottery
Bronze indicates strength and symbolises your relationship getting stronger!
Modern: Linen or Lace
These are both delicate and refined, just like love!
9 Year Anniversary
Traditional: Willow or Pottery
Willow demonstrates flexibility, and so does pottery! Just like clay, marriage is formed and shaped over time into something beautiful.
Modern: Leather
Just like the traditional three year gift, leather symbolises protection and how it endures.
10 Year Anniversary
Traditional: Tin
Tin won’t rust or wear down! The preservation symbolises how every successful marriage requires flexibility.
Modern: Diamond Jewellery
After a decade, your marriage is as beautiful as a piece of diamond jewellery.
11 Year Anniversary
Traditional: Steel
Just as steel is strong, by your 11th year, nothing can break your bond.
Modern: Fashion Jewellery
It’s something they can wear each day, so they’ll always remember the sentiment when they put it on.
12 Year Anniversary
Traditional: Silk or Linen
Home is where the heart is! So these two home decor staples represent the life you’ve built together.
Modern: Pearl
As they say, finding a good pearl is like finding hidden treasure, just like how you found the love of your life.
13 Year Anniversary
Traditional: Lace
Lace is elegant and beautiful, representing the sanctity of marriage.
Modern: Textiles or Faux Furs
These different fabrics signify the comfort and warmth of being married for 13 years.
14 Year Anniversary
Traditional: Ivory
Ivory symbolises luck and protection, and originates from Hindu mythology.
Modern: Gold Jewellery
The meaning behind gold jewellery is unification, eternity and perfection.
15 Year Anniversary
Traditional: Crystal
Crystal is both delicate and sturdy, just like your marriage.
Modern: Watches
A watch or timepiece symbolises the passing of time and the years you’ve spent together and will spend together.
16 Year Anniversary
Traditional: Wax
Your relationship has an incredible spark, just like that of a lit candle.
Modern: Silver Holloware
Silver holloware is anything related to the dinner table that isn’t silverware. It symbolises unity, as you will enjoy it when you sit down to eat together.
17 Year Anniversary
Traditional and Modern: Furniture
A gift of furniture demonstrates the security, comfort and familiarity of marriage.
18 Year Anniversary
Traditional and Modern: Porcelain
Porcelain is elegant, refined and delicate. This signifies the hard work you’ve already put into your marriage and a reminder to continue to handle your relationship with care.
29 Year Anniversary
Traditional and Modern: Bronze
Bronze demonstrates how your relationship has grown stronger. It also represents the health in your marriage despite tough times.
20 Year Anniversary
Traditional: China
Just like the delicate and fragile nature of being in love, china shows how you need to look after and handle your marriage carefully.
Modern: Platinum
Platinum can get through thick and thin, just like your 20 year marriage.
25 Year Anniversary
Traditional and Modern: Sterling Silver
You may know that 25 years is known as the “silver anniversary” and one that is worth celebrating with a precious and valuable metal.
30 Year Anniversary
Traditional: Pearl
Pearls are precious and represent the hidden beauty of a marriage that is long-lasting with maturity.
Modern: Diamond
A diamond is long-lasting, beautiful and strong.
35 Year Anniversary
Traditional: Coral
Coral from the ocean is said to have magical healing powers that shield you from harm, just like the love you have protects your marriage.
Modern: Jade
Jade signifies luck, wealth, wisdom and passionate love.
40 Year Anniversary
Traditional and Modern: Ruby
It is said that rubies hold a flame that never burns out, just like your commitment and love after 40 years.
45 Year Anniversary
Traditional and Modern: Sapphire
Sapphire is associated with royalty and demonstrates the longevity of your marriage.
50 Year Anniversary
Traditional and Modern: Gold
This important milestone is known as the “golden anniversary” and demonstrates the prosperity, wisdom and strength of a long-standing marriage.
55 Year Anniversary
Traditional and Modern: Emerald
Emeralds signify true love as well as devotion and adoration.
60 Year Anniversary
Traditional and Modern: Diamond
After 60 years of marriage, celebrate with a stone that represents the unconquerable and enduring love.
