Because paper doesn’t have to mean printer paper, and silver doesn’t mean a cutlery set.

Wedding anniversaries come around like clockwork – but once you’ve had a couple, it can be tricky to know how to make each one feel special without repeating the same dinner-and-flowers combo.

Enter: traditional anniversary gifts.

You’ve probably heard of silver for 25 years and gold for 50, but did you know your first anniversary is paper? Or that fourth is fruit (yes, really)? Let’s break it down – with fun, modern ideas for how to actually celebrate them.

Year-by-Year Anniversary Meanings + Celebration Ideas

💌 1st Anniversary – Paper

Why? Paper symbolizes a fresh start — delicate, but full of potential.
Modern take: Write each other love letters, frame your wedding vows, or gift a custom art print of your wedding date or song lyrics.

Party idea: Invite your loved ones back for cake and a slideshow of your first year as newlyweds.

🧶 2nd Anniversary – Cotton

Why? Cotton represents flexibility and strength as your lives begin to intertwine.
Modern take: Cosy matching PJs, a personalised cotton robe, or a cute cotton tote with an inside joke.

Low-key idea: Picnic in the park with a new cotton blanket.

🍰 3rd Anniversary – Leather

Why? Durable, protective, and long-lasting. Like your love (aww).
Modern take: A leather-bound journal, custom keyrings, or tickets to a concert tucked inside a leather wallet.

🍓 4th Anniversary – Fruit & Flowers

Why? It’s all about growth, blooming love, and sweet moments.
Modern take: A surprise delivery of their fave flowers and treats, or a day out to a vineyard, orchard, or botanical garden.

🪵 5th Anniversary – Wood

Why? Wood symbolises strong roots.
Modern take: A personalised wooden keepsake box, a carved photo frame, or even a new tree for your garden (the ultimate love plant!).

Feeling fancy? Rent a log cabin for a romantic getaway.

🥂 10th Anniversary – Tin or Aluminium

Why? It doesn’t rust – just like your love.
Modern take: A custom photo tin filled with your favourite memories, a cocktail set, or a playlist called “10 Years Strong” in an engraved USB.

💎 25th Anniversary – Silver

Why? Shiny and valuable, like 25 years of putting up with each other.
Modern take: Silver jewellery, engraved gifts, or – go big – throw a party with all your wedding guests (and a sparkly silver theme!).

💛 50th Anniversary – Gold

Why? A half-century of love deserves the royal treatment.
Modern take: Plan a celebration with golden touches – from décor to outfits to bubbly.

Bonus points: Recreate your wedding day on a smaller (or glitzier!) scale.

But do you have to follow the list?

Absolutely not. You can make up your own traditions, skip the themed gifts entirely, or pick the ones that speak to you. The point is to pause, celebrate, and reflect – in a way that feels meaningful (or fun!) for you both.

Want to mark the occasion with a party?
We’ve got anniversary invitations to match every vibe — from classy and elegant to glittery and glam. Whether it’s your 1st or your 50th, we’ve got you covered.

👉 Browse Anniversary Invitations