Bridal & Celtic Creations

CLICK HERE for more information on CELEBRITIES!

CLICK HERE for more information on DISCOUNT DESIGNER SHOES!

CLICK HERE for more information on BRIDESMAIDS!

A Wedding Anniversary Guide – History, Themes, Gifts & Etiquette

Wedding anniversaries are an ideal opportunity for married couples to celebrate their love for one another and remember why they decided to marry in the first place. Historians have traced the origins of silver and golden anniversaries to medieval Germanic Europe, where silver and gold garlands were presented by the husband to the wife to celebrate the 25th and 50th years of marriage respectively.

Prior to 1937 only the first and major milestone anniversaries had materials associated with them. In 1937 the American National Retail Jewellery Association issued a more comprehensive list of representative materials for all the traditional wedding anniversaries for each year up to the 15th Anniversary and then every fifth year after that up to the 60th. This list has been continually updated by various commercial companies over recent years and today celebrants can choose between the traditional list as well as a contemporary list of anniversary themes (which provides alternative modern-day suggestions such as electrical appliances!)

Traditionally, gifts exchanged or given in the early years of marriage were practical household items to aid the couple in starting a new home together (an extension of the wedding gift).

Luxury gifts tend to be given in the later years when the couple has already acquired things they need. The more cynical-minded might see the increase in gift value over time as an incentive to stay married!

The following section outlines the main wedding anniversaries, associated themes and provides some useful gift suggestions.

1st Wedding Anniversary – Paper

Traditionally the theme is paper which is supposed to symbolize the strength obtained from the interlocking fibres. The modern take on this is a clock for reasons to do with timeless, eternal love. The precious metals/gemstones associated with the first wedding anniversary are gold jewellery, pearls or peridot. The associated colour is gold or yellow and the relevant flower is the orange blossom or pansy.

Gift ideas include a photo album, commemorative newspaper, wedding day chart, personalised poem, share certificate, movie/concert ticket, photograph by a professional photographer, subscription to a favourite magazine; have a star named after a loved one or a clock.

2nd wedding anniversary – Cotton

Traditionally cotton gifts are given because cotton has always been associated with prosperity and durability. The modern gift theme is china. The relevant gemstone is Garnet, and the associated colour is red. If you are going to give flowers then the go for Cosmos (which means modesty).

Gift ideas relevant to the cotton theme include a (personalised) bathrobe, towel or tee shirt, and for china how about a (personalised) trinket box, mug or anniversary plate.

3rd Wedding Anniversary – Leather

Traditionally leather gifts are given based on the durability of this material being analogous to the durability of your marriage! The contemporary theme is crystal or glass (not so durable!)

If you are going to give your partner jewellery then opt for pearl or jade. The relevant colour theme is white or green, and associated flower is the Fuchsia (which means taste).

Gift ideas for the third wedding anniversary include leather wallet, handbag or briefcase, leather bound book, engraved vase, perfume bottle, wine or champagne glasses, engraved glass tokens or perhaps an engraved decanter.

4th Wedding Anniversary – Fruit/Flowers

Traditionally fruit or flowers are meant to symbolize a blossoming and fruitful relationship. Less romantic modern, albeit practical thinking, suggests giving electrical appliances!

The relevant gemstone is Blue Topaz with the colour theme is blue or green. If you’re planning to give flowers then the suggested bloom is the geranium (which incidentally means folly or stupidity!)

Some gift suggestions for a fourth wedding anniversary are cut flowers, a basket of fruit, and engraved glass flower token, rose bush, or shares in Apple Corp.

5th Wedding Anniversary – Wood

Traditionally the theme of the fifth wedding anniversary is wood which symbolizes a strong and long lasting marriage. The modern gift theme is silverware. The relevant gemstone is sapphire and the appropriate colour theme is blue, pink and turquoise. The flower you are supposed to give is the daisy which represents innocence and love.

Suggested gift ideas include planting a tree, a personalised jigsaw, personalised wine box, wooden commemorative plaque, photo personalised coasters or placemats

10th Wedding Anniversary – Tin/Aluminium

Traditional materials are tin or aluminium symbolizing the flexibility and malleability of a good relationship. The contemporary theme and gemstone is diamond. The relevant colour is silver or blue and the appropriate flower is the daffodil (trumpet-shaped daffodils represent joy, cheerfulness, and happiness).

Gift ideas include – personalised number plate, engraved brushed aluminium frame or a personalised teddy in a tin.

15th Wedding Anniversary – Crystal

Traditional gift material is crystal and the contemporary theme is watches. The relevant gemstone is ruby. Gift ideas include engraved crystal tankards, champagne flute and wine glasses. Appropriate colour theme is ruby red. If flowers are to be given Roses are the appropriate choice.

20th Wedding Anniversary – China

The traditional theme is china and the modern theme is platinum with the gemstone being emerald. Recommended gift ideas include personalised anniversary plate, personalised trinket box or dinner service. Relevant colour theme is emerald green or white and flowers are Lillies.

25th Wedding Anniversary – Silver

Silver gifts are given to celebrate this important milestone wedding anniversary. The appropriate flower is the Iris. Suggestions for gifts include a silver anniversary candle, engraved silver picture frame or silver plated champagne flutes.

30th Wedding Anniversary – Pearl

The traditional material associated with this one is pearls and the relevant flower is the Sweet Pea with a green colour scheme. Ideal gifts include a pearl necklace or engraved mother of pearl trinket box.

40th Wedding Anniversary – Ruby

Ruby is the theme for this wedding anniversary and the appropriate flower is the nasturtium. Gift ideas include ruby jewellery or a bottle of port.

50th Wedding Anniversary – Gold

One of the big ones! Gold is the order of the day and the relevant flower is violet. Gift ideas include any gold jewellery or perhaps a gold hearts wedding anniversary album.

60th Wedding Anniversary – Diamond

Now it starts to get really expensive – Diamonds! This is the first of two diamond anniversaries, the other being 75 years.

75th Wedding Anniversary

The 75th anniversary is the original traditional diamond anniversary with the 60th being added when Queen Victoria celebrated her Diamond Jubilee on her 60th anniversary of accession to the throne in 1897.

Anniversary Celebration Etiquette

In the early years (say less than 15) the anniversary celebrations normally only involve the couple themselves, and often include an overnight trip or ‘second honeymoon’. However, in the later years, any children they might have may decide to organize the anniversary celebration for their parents. For milestone anniversaries a party is usually the order of the day. It is not recommended to throw a surprise party for a couple on their anniversary, because not all couples will appreciate the gesture; it is always better to discuss any plans with the couple prior to the event, especially as they may already have plans of their own.

Invitations to an anniversary party should be sent out at least four weeks in advance of the celebration. An invitation does not imply the need for a gift. Indeed many couples are uncomfortable about receiving gifts and often request that no gifts are given by the guests at their anniversary, perhaps they feel they don’t really need anything or they may not want their guests to feel obliged. It is important that you try and respect their choice, but if you insist on giving a gift, it is advisable to do so after the event so as not to embarrass the hosts or the other guests who did not bring a gift.

Generally it is not deemed good etiquette to ask for a monetary gift although asking for a small contribution towards a commemorative gift such as a tree or sundial is a nice way of getting around this.

If traditional gifts are given it is normal for the couple to open them later rather than during the celebration, although again this is down to personal choice. Personalised gifts make great anniversary gift ideas as the personal touch makes the present much more meaningful. If a personalised gift is to be given it is often more usual to include the number of years married plus the couples’ names rather than the date of marriage.

The seating of guests at an anniversary party is really down to personal taste although traditionally the oldest son sits beside his mother and the eldest daughter beside her father with the best man or maid of honor from the couple’s wedding day and with their respective spouses also seated at the main table.

Typically a short speech of some type is expected even at a very informal affair. Often one of the children says a few complimentary words about their parents and this is followed by a response by one or both members of the couple in order to thanks the organizers etc.

Above all, any wedding anniversary celebration is a celebration of a couple’s love for one another and can be as large or small, formal or informal and private or shared as you want it to be.

About the Author

The author owns www.nameagift.co.uk which is a website that specializes in Personalised gifts including personalised Anniversary gifts

Harvest Moon FoMT- Karen’s Heart Events and Wedding

6.00Ct Heart Diamond Engagement Bridal Ring Set GIA 14k $119,999.00

6.00Ct Heart Diamond Engagement Bridal Ring Set GIA 14k $64,999.00

5.00Ct Heart Diamond Engagement Bridal Ring Set GIA 14k $48,999.00

3.00Ct Heart Diamond Engagement Bridal Ring Set GIA 18k $29,999.00

5.00Ct Heart Diamond Engagement Bridal Ring Set GIA 14k $28,999.00

4.00Ct Heart Diamond Engagement Bridal Ring Set GIA 14k $19,999.00

5.00ct Heart Diamond 3pc Bridal Set Eternity Ring GIA $18,499.00

3.00Ct Heart Diamond Engagement Bridal Ring Set GIA 14k $18,199.00

3.50Ct Heart Diamond Engagement Bridal Ring Set GIA $17,999.00

2.00Ct Heart Diamond Engagement Bridal Ring Set GIA 18k $15,999.00

5.00ct Heart Diamond 3pc Bridal Set Eternity Ring GIA $14,999.00

3.55 Ct Heart Shaped Diamond Bridal Rings Set SI3-G EGL $14,199.99

6.50 CTW Heart Diamond Bridal Set Ring Platinum F-G/SI1 $13,562.10

3.00Ct Heart Diamond Engagement Bridal Ring Set GIA 14k $13,199.00

5.00Ct Heart Diamond Engagement Bridal Ring Set GIA 18k $12,999.00

4.70ct Heart Diamond 3pc Bridal Set Eternity Ring GIA $12,999.00

3.20Ct Heart Diamond Engagement Bridal Ring Set GIA $12,999.00

4.75 ct SI1 Heart Cut Diamond Bridal Set in Platinum $12,889.00

2.90 Ct Heart Shaped Diamond Wedding Rings Set SI3 EGL $12,599.99

6.50 CTW Heart Diamond Bridal Set Ring 18k WG F-G/SI1 $12,569.00

3.50Ct Heart Diamond Engagement Bridal Ring Set GIA $12,499.00

4.50 Ct Heart Shape Diamond Wedding Ring Set 14K SI EGL $12,399.99

2.99Ct Heart Diamond & Sapphire Bridal Ring Set GIA 18k $11,999.00

2.99Ct Heart Diamond & Emerald Bridal Ring Set GIA 18k $11,999.00

2.99Ct Heart Diamond & Ruby Bridal Ring Set GIA 18k $11,999.00

4.00Ct Heart Diamond Engagement Bridal Ring Set GIA 14k $11,999.00

6.50 CTW Heart Diamond Bridal Set Ring Platinum F-G/SI2 $11,897.10

6.50 CTW Heart Diamond Bridal Set Ring Platinum H-I/SI1 $11,753.10

2.3 Ct Heart Shape Diamond Wedding Rings Set 14K SI EGL $11,699.99

2.3 Ct Heart Shaped Diamond Wedding Rings Set SI3-G EGL $11,499.99

4.76carat Heart Bridal Set Ring 18k WG Certified! $11,269.00

2.40Ct Heart Shape Diamond Bridal Ring GIA in 18k Gold $10,999.00

4.75 ct F-G Heart Cut Diamond Bridal Set in Platinum $10,989.00

6.25 CTW Heart Diamond Bridal Set Ring Platinum F-G/SI1 $10,943.10

4.75 ct SI1 Heart Cut Diamond Bridal Set in Platinum $10,889.00

6.50 CTW Heart Diamond Bridal Set Ring 14K WG F-G/SI1 $10,853.10

6.50 CTW Heart Diamond Bridal Set Ring Platinum H-I/SI2 $10,853.10

4.28ctw Heart Diamond Bridal Set Ring 18K F-G/SI1 $10,719.00

6.50CTW Heart Diamond Bridal Set Platinum F-G Certified $10,673.10

3.42ct EGL Heart Channel Style Bridal Set H/SI1 $10,567.00

4.28ctw Heart Diamond Bridal Set Ring 14K F-G/SI1 $10,419.00

2.45 Ct Heart Shaped Diamond Wedding Rings Set SI2 EGL $10,299.99

3.50Ct Heart Diamond Engagement Bridal Ring Set GIA 14k $10,299.00

2.50 Ct Heart Shape Diamond Wedding Rings Set 14K SI2-F $10,259.99

6.50CTW Heart Diamond Bridal Set Platinum H-I Certified $10,223.10

2.50Ct Heart Diamond Engagement Bridal Ring Set GIA 14k $10,199.00

3.85ct F-G/SI1 Heart Diamond Bridal Set Ring 14K W/G $10,039.00

3.85ct F-G/SI1 Heart Diamond Bridal Set Ring 14K Y/G $10,039.00

3.00Ct Heart Diamond Engagement Bridal Ring Set GIA $9,999.00

4.50ct Heart Diamond 3pc Bridal Set Eternity Ring GIA $9,999.00

3.20Ct Heart Diamond Engagement Bridal Ring Set GIA $9,999.00

4.50 ct SI1 Heart Cut Diamond Bridal Set in Platinum $9,989.00

4.75 ct F-G/SI1 Heart Cut Diamond Bridal Set in 18K $9,908.43

4.75 ct H-I Heart Cut Diamond Bridal Set in Platinum $9,889.00

6.25 CTW Heart Diamond Bridal Set Ring Platinum F-G/SI2 $9,863.10

3.86 ct F-G Heart Cut Diamond Bridal Set Ring Certified $9,802.32

6.25 CTW Heart Diamond Bridal Set Ring Platinum H-I/SI1 $9,728.10

4.76 carat Heart Bridal Set Ring 14k WG Certified! $9,692.10

6.50 CTW Heart Diamond Bridal Set Ring 18k WG F-G/SI2 $9,647.10

3.03 ct SI1 Heart Shape Diamond Bridal Set Platinum $9,538.32

Wilton 2105-4923 24-Cavity Silicone Brownie-Squares Baking Mold $7.12 Enjoy the chewy texture and delicious taste of freshly baked brownies with this fun-to-use baking mold. Comprised of 24 individual cavities, each measuring 1-1/2 inches wide by 3/4 inches deep, the innovative unit sizes down the traditionally dessert-portioned treats into bite-sized squares–perfect for birthday parties, dessert buffets, holiday gatherings, and other special-occasion or everyday e…

Wilton 2104-3160 12-Piece Cake-Decorating Press Set, Decorator Favorites $5.21 Decorator Favorites Pattern Press Set. Includes: fleur-de-lis; double heart; medallion; open heart; closed scroll; heart; large, medium and small C-scrolls; crest; double scroll; vine….

Waechtersbach Plate, You Are Special Today, Cherry Red $31.65 This is the original “red plate” imported from Germany where it is carefully made by Waechtersbach, producer of world famous ceramics noted for their brilliant, deep color. This plate is a perfect complement to Waechtersbach’s solid cherry red dinnerware, formerly known as the “Fun Factory” line. Set the table in red and replace one setting with the “you are special” plate to honor a guest or ce…

Songbird $7.43 Songbird cherry-picks tracks from the three locally released albums of Eva Cassidy, whose hauntingly beautiful vocals went virtually unheard outside her native Washington, D.C., during her short 33 years with us. Lost to melanoma in 1996, Cassidy sang with an unaffected purity and an astonishing ability to make both classic and contemporary songs sound like they were written just for her. Sting’s …

Mob Hits – Music From and a Tribute to the Great Mob Movies $14.71 As you may already know from seeing it hawked incessantly on late-night TV by Jerry Vale, Mob Hits is a compilation CD that attempts to capture the ambience of the modern gangster pic by assembling songs heard in key scenes of such films as The Godfather, GoodFellas, Donnie Brasco, and Casino. While licensing restrictions keep the music of Frank Sinatra from being part of this collection (odd, as …

Andrea Bocelli – Amore $10.18 Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli’s cross-over success was firmly solidified long before the 2006 release of AMORE, and here, the singer casts an even wider net. Bocelli’s voice is tailor-made for sensual romantic balladry, and naturally those songs abound. However, while past outings were marked by dramatic, though fairly straightforward orchestration and a crisp studio gloss, AMORE finds Bocelli util…

Mickey Blue Eyes (Korean Subtitles) HUGH GRANT, JEANNE TRIPPLEHORN and JAMES CAAN star in this romantic comedy about love, fine art and The Mob. Michael Felgate (Hugh Grant), an elegant, debonair Englishman who runs an auction house in New York, is head-over-heels in love for the first time in his life. After only three months of dating his beautiful girlfriend Gina (Jeanne Tripplehorn), Michael gathers up his courage and proposes m…

14k White Gold 1/10ct TDW Round Diamond Heart Band (H-I, I1-I2) $286.99 Click here for Ring Sizing Chart14k white gold ring features carved hearts Band sparkles with round diamonds

Lettered Crystal Cake Toppers $17.6 Add stunning elegance to your special day with a crystal cake topperRomantic accessory is plated in sterling silver studded with Swarovski crystalsWedding planning becomes a cinch with this stunning cake topper

Photo Wedding Cake Topper $17.6 Create a unique keepsake for your special day with this photo cake topperRomantic accessory lets your love be seen in every detail within a heart shapeWedding planning becomes a cinch with this cake topper

Silver-plated Monogram Double Mirror Heart Compact $36.99 Make every day special with this unique monogrammed compact mirror. This silverplated heart-shaped compact is sleek, stylish and magnifies all at the same time.

‘Love’ Wedding Cake Server Set $0 Serve your wedding cake with ‘Love’, server setSilver-plated serving pieces add a romantic touch with a heart detail on the end of each serving pieceHearts on service handles measure 1 1/4 inches long

Decorator Preferred Heart-shape Cake Pan $11.39 Make your cake special with a heart-shaped cake pan from WiltonWilton, the leader in cake decorating tools, only deals with the best Wilton bake ware is the choice of serious bakers for wedding cakes and other special occasions

Delta Wedding / the Ponder Heart (Hardcover) $16.3 Set in 1923, Delta Wedding is an exquisitively woven story of southern family life, centered around the Fairchild family`s preparations for a wedding at their Mississippi plantation. In The Ponder Heart, a comic masterp…

14k Gold Overlay Women’s Double Row Serrated Center Wedding Band (4 mm) $7.79 Serrated center wedding band14-karat yellow gold overlay jewelry

Handmade Weddings More Than 50 Crafts to (Paperback) $16.31 Handcrafted details are at the heart of a beautiful wedding adding charm, meaning, and style. In this delightful book, Eunice and Sabrina Moyle, the founders of Hello!Lucky, join forces with stylist Shana Faust to bring you over 50 gorgeou…

14k Gold Overlay Women’s Triple Row Serrated Center Wedding Band (5 mm) $7.39 Serrated center wedding band14-karat yellow gold overlay jewelry

Jolee’s Jewels Crystal Heart Pendant $5.69 Celebrate extra special occasions by creating your own jewelry designs by using these fine components featuring crystal elements. This piece are ideal for everything thing from weddings to decor pieces.

Jolee’s Jewels 3-piece Round Crystal Elements $5.69 Celebrate extra special occasions by creating your own jewelry designs by using these fine components featuring crystal elements. This pieces are ideal for everything thing from weddings to decor pieces.

Wedding Photography from the Heart (Paperback) $20.17 A book from a celebrity photographer introduces wedding photographers of all levels to his world-renowned style, offering creative techniques for capturing a couple`s most special moments accented by two hundred color and black-and-white photos. Origin…

Satin Finish Serving Set $37.6 Beautiful cake serving set for your wedding daySet features pewter finish with scrolling vines and heart patternsPieces may be personalized at your local engraver

Heart of the Five Love Languages $5.87 Description not available.

Steel ‘Alliance’ Sculpture (Peru) $53.99 Marco Antonio Florindez pays tribute to love with this sculpture: the love of a couple, love for the family, children, friends, love toward the world. Wedding rings form the heads of two people who hold hands while their bodies form a heart sculpture.

Calendar Girls (FS/DVD) $9.69 Based on a true story, Nigel Cole`s CALENDAR GIRLS has a mix of comedy and heart-tugging emotion that compares with British comedies FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL and THE FULL MONTY. Annie (Julie Walters) and Chris (Helen Mirren), of bucolic Yorkshire,…

Heart of the Wedding (Paperback) $14.66 Description not available.

The Log Cabin Wedding $14.86 Although it was her idea to bring together her family and that of a neighboring widow woman to reap the harvest, Elvirey feels her heart "squeeze tight" at the thought of the widow and her Pap getting married.

Weddings from the Heart $11.41 Weddings can be traumatic or transporting, depending on many factors, some of which are beyond the control of the bride and bridegroom. But one area which they can control is the ceremony itself. This newly designed bestselling guide offers hundre…

George Lopez (Comedian) – Team Leader [PA] $9.2 Disc 1:SpanglishChicano SpeakOrientationTeam LeaderKids in the StoreBike, TheMexican HomesDogsDisposable CameraDisneylandWeddings in the Back YardMy Uncle`s Heart Attack”Lo…

Highland Barbarian $6.85 When a dying old man hires him to bring his niece home, Sir Artan Murray kidnaps Cecily Donaldson from her wedding to a brutal lord, only to find himself saddled with a raging beauty who changes his destiny and holds his heart in the palm of her hand. …

Complete Novels $22.64 Five of Welty`s most celebrated works of fiction are gathered here, along with some shorter pieces.

Petula Clark – Open Your Heart – A Love Song Collection [2/3] * $13.34 Disc 1:These Are The Days Of Our LivesDidn`t I Say I Love YouI Am Your Song [Alt. Take] – (alternate take)Walking On AirOpen Your HeartGood ThingsCome To Me For LoveWedding Son, The (There Is Love)…

Complete Novels $22.64 Description not available.

The Bled – Pass The Flask $9.97 Disc 1:Red WeddingYou Know Who`s SeatbeltI Never Met Another GeminiRuth Buzzi Better Watch Her BackSound Of SulfurPorcelain Hearts And Hammers For TeethGet Up You Son Of A B****, Cause Mickey Loves Ya

There Goes the Bride $6.86 Legend claims this antique Irish wedding veil can grant your heart`s deepest desire. But be careful what you wish for…The moment Texas socialite Delaney Cartwright touches the veil, she knows she can`t go through with her wedding. And it`s no…

Various Artists – Hard To Find Jukebox Classics 1958: Pop Gold [2/17] $15 Disc 1:Honeycomb – Jimmie RodgersYou Are My Destiny – Paul Anka(All Of A Sudden) My Heart Sings – Paul AnkaEnd, The – Earl GrantHawaiian Wedding Song, The – Andy WilliamsWedding, The – June ValliSecret,…

Manuel – The Music Of The Mountains [4/26] $6.97 Disc 1:Mexican Hat DanceYou Belong to My HeartPlaza de TorosMountains Are Crying, The (Ay Ay Ay)Song of the Barefoot ContessaMexican LullabyWedding Song, TheThree Caballeros, TheSong of the Mo…

Andy Williams – Andy Williams` Greatest Hits $6.37 Disc 1:Born FreeDays of Wine and RosesMoon RiverDear HeartHawaiian Wedding SongMoreAlmost ThereCharadeHappy HeartCan`t Get Used to Losing YouMay Each Day

Galactic – The Other Side of Midnight: Live In New Orleans [Digipak] [5/3] * $11.83 Disc 1:IntroductionGossip – (featuring Cyril Neville)Balkan WeddingYou Don`t Know – (featuring Cyril Neville)Cinearamascope – (featuring Trombone Shorty)Heart of Steel – (featuring Cyril Neville)Garbage…

Charlie Feathers – Can`t Hardly Stand It! $24.43 Disc 1:DISC 1:Peepin` EyesI`ve Been DeceivedDefrost Your HeartWedding Gown of White, ATongue-Tied JillGet with ItEverybody`s Lovin` My BabyCan`t Hardly Stand ItOne Hand LooseBottle t…

Lilly`s Wedding Quilt (Paperback) $9.8 She isn`t looking for love. He`s mending a broken heart. It will take divine intervention for these two to get together.Local Amish schoolteacher Lilly Lapp is tired of weddings, afraid ofhorses, and immersed in caring for her depresse…

Bikini Season (Paperback) $9.79      Erin Merritt has returned to her scenic hometown of Heart Lake to plan her wedding, but when she repeatedly runs into her childhood crush, she wonders if she’s engaged to the wrong man.  To make matters …

Expecations And Parking Lots $11.78 Disc 0:No track list availableDisc 1:Solid GroundHearts To BreakCalifornia CanLook At You Now (Wedding Gown)Done My TimeI`ve Been WaitingSave MeIt Ain`t Always EasyW…