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Gift Theme Origins for Wedding Anniversaries
Weddings are a key event in any couple's life, as they bring together friends and relatives to celebrate the happiness and joy of the couple. Wedding anniversaries are also perfect opportunities to celebrate the love of two people, commemorating the joy that they take in each other's company, despite the trials and tribulations of the marital journey.
In most cultures, the wedding anniversary is thought to be an important occasion, and it is generally celebrated in meaningful and significant ways. Couples are reminded of their marital commitment, and a lot of effort often goes into sourcing the perfect gift that will be symbolic and meaningful for one's partner, or the happy couple.
OUR MOST POPULAR ANNIVERSARY GIFT
While finding a gift for couples in the first years of their marriage is relatively simple (as they still require many of the essentials of marital life), later in their marriage, thinking of an appropriate gift idea that will be appreciated and treasured is more difficult.
Gift-giving on the occasion of a wedding anniversary has its origins in the medieval period. In the Holy Roman Empire, husbands would give their wife a silver garland to mark their 25th anniversary, and a golden wreath when they reached 50 years of marriage.
In the 1920s, Emily Post, an American writer, attempted to solve the issue of what gift to give on the occasion of an anniversary by drawing up lists of anniversary themes in a book titled “Etiquette”, published in 1922. However, only some anniversary years were included in the book, the first, fifth, then every fifth year up to the 25th wedding anniversary. In 1937, the American National Retail Jeweler Association added additional years to the list, including all years up to 14 years of marriage, and every 5th year up to 50 years of marriage. These are known as traditional themes linked with each marital year. More recently, a contemporary list was created, and today, all the anniversary years from 1 up to 30 have been linked with a theme or material, and then every fifth year up to 75 years of marriage.
Other Themes for Anniversary Gifts – Gemstones, Colours and Flowers
Not only are anniversary years symbolised by traditional and contemporary gifts, but they often also have a flower, colour and gemstone associated with them as well. The gemstones associated with marital years 1 to 25, and then every 5th year up to the 60th anniversary, are published in the Information Manual on Gemstones by the American Gem Trade Association. In some instances, other countries have suggested a different gemstone for certain anniversary years, so those alternate gemstones are outlined in our table.
Different marital years also often have colours and flowers associated with them, however, these vary dependent on the source. Usually, however, the rose is considered to be the perfect substitute for any anniversary if a woman adores roses, and often its shade can be matched with the colour linked to the anniversary year.
We have compiled a table here that details all the traditional and contemporary themes associated with each anniversary year. There is also further information below the table to help guide you when thinking about an appropriate anniversary gift for your loved one, or for a couple.
*** Although ivory is the traditional material for a 14th wedding anniversary, it is a poor choice ethically due to the decline of elephant populations. Instead, gifts that feature an elephant theme are an appropriate alternative.
Choosing a Gift
When you look at our table, you can see a complete guide to each anniversary year, outlining all traditional and modern themes, as well as the gemstones, colours and floral* symbols for each year. Further detail can be discovered by clicking the link located in the last column of each year. You can find information here relating to each anniversary year right up to 30 years of marriage, and then each 5th year up to the 60th year of marriage. You can also read on the background of the symbols linked to every theme, together with any additional aspects relating to the anniversary, and useful gift suggestions for each milestone. You will find lots of exciting ideas to browse through, which makes finding the perfect anniversary present a breeze.
* The floral symbol is explained in more detail when you click on the link in the last column of each anniversary year.
There are no definitive rules to choosing an anniversary present, so be guided by the recipient's tastes and find a gift they are sure to cherish.
You will note that after 20 years, there aren't traditional gifts associated with every marital year, however, there is a modern theme for each year right up to 30 years of marriage. This reflects the need for a couple to continue to sustain romance and commitment as they progress through married life. Some years also have no floral symbol, gemstone or colour associated with them. We do, however, suggest useful gift ideas for every wedding anniversary year.
We also wish to point out that in some instances, different countries have different gift themes, and when you look at the table, you can see the source that has been used for the gift suggestions, whether it is from the UK or the United States.
A wedding anniversary is the anniversary of the date that a wedding took place. Couples often mark the occasion by celebrating their relationship, either privately or with a larger party. Special celebrations and gifts are often given for particular anniversary milestones (e.g., 10, 15, 20, or 25 years). In some cultures, traditional names exist for milestone anniversaries; for instance, fifty years of marriage may be known variously as a "golden wedding anniversary", "golden anniversary" or "golden wedding".
Associating a wedding anniversary with precious metals such as "gold" (50 years) or "silver" (25 years) has been documented in Germanic countries since the 1500s. In English-speaking countries, the tradition of associating gift-giving with wedding anniversaries became more prevalent in the nineteenth century, alongside the emergence of the Victorian era. In the twentieth century, increased commercialization led to the inclusion of more anniversaries to a list of predetermined gifts.
In some parts of the world, couples can receive special recognition from government officials for particular milestones. In the Commonwealth realms, a couple can receive a message from the monarch for 60th, 65th and 70th wedding anniversaries and for any wedding anniversary after that. This is done by applying to Buckingham Palace in the United Kingdom or to the governor-general's office in the other Commonwealth realms.
In Australia, couples can receive a congratulatory letter from the governor-general on the 50th and all subsequent wedding anniversaries. The prime minister, the Leader of the Opposition, local members of both state and federal parliaments as well as state governors may also send salutations for the same anniversaries.
In Canada, couples can also receive a message from the governor-general for the 50th anniversary and every fifth anniversary after that.
In the United States, a couple can receive an anniversary greeting card from the president for the 50th and all subsequent anniversaries.
Roman Catholics may apply for a papal blessing through their local diocese for wedding anniversaries of a special nature (25th, 50th, 60th, etc.).
Some significant anniversaries have names that suggest appropriate or traditional gifts, such as a silver or platinum jubilee. Gifts may be exchanged by spouses or given by guests at parties; they may also influence an anniversary party's theme or decoration. These gifts vary in different countries, but some anniversary years now have well-established connections common to many nations; a popular analogy are the numerous jubilees thrown to celebrate anniversary milestones in the reigns of English monarchs, all of which are also associated with precious stones or metals.
In English-speaking countries, the fifth-year gift (wood) was cut on the day of celebration and then presented to the wife as a finished item before the next two quarter days had passed.
In 1937, the American National Retail Jeweler Association (now known as Jewelers of America as a result of an organizational merger) introduced an expanded list of gifts. The revamped list gave a gift for each year up to the 25th and then for every fifth anniversary after that.
In South India, 60th and 80th wedding anniversaries are accompanied by large celebrations similar to weddings. In Tamil Nadu, there is a famous Thirukadaiyur Temple where special pujas are conducted for wedding anniversaries.
Flowers are also associated with wedding anniversaries up to and including the 50th anniversary.
Wedding anniversaries are celebrated on the same day of the year as the date of marriage. On this day, couples are supposed to renew their vows and enjoy a short trip together. The celebration can be in the form of renewing vows or an anniversary party with friends and family.
On wedding anniversary, partners remember the joyfulness and happiness that they shared on their wedding night. They take some time off from their daily schedule and spend it together. In India, people exchange gifts to mark marriage anniversaries.
Some people celebrate on multiple days by having a small get-together with close friends and family. Others prefer to have a small party at home followed by a romantic dinner at a restaurant or even an exotic vacation together.
Wedding anniversaries are usually celebrated in the couple’s home country. Some people also choose to travel to their favorite holiday destination for this occasion. It is also common to have a special wedding anniversary party with friends and family in a different country. The guests can receive a nice gift or even (if you are the bride) treat you to something different each year. For example, if you love traveling, choose your next anniversary for a sightseeing tour instead of a trip back to your home country.
Marriage anniversaries are usually celebrated in the couple’s home country and there is not much difference from the usual birthday celebrations on this day. The main difference between the two anniversaries is that marriage anniversaries happen on the same day each year, while weddings usually take place after the first few years of marriage. On your wedding anniversary, most couples usually go out for a nice dinner and enjoy a day on the town.
Marriage anniversaries are usually celebrated on the same day of the week as the date of marriage. In most cases, people have a bit of a rest from their hectic schedules, and spend some time together with family and friends.
1) Wedding Anniversary: It is common to celebrate a couple’s Wedding Anniversary on the same date of the year as the date of the marriage. On this day, married couples usually renew their wedding vows because people wish to see that they have a happy and healthy life together.
2) Marriage Anniversary: On this day, couples usually do not renew their marriage vows because they are married for years already. In some cases, men and women never get divorced and stay together until death separates them in life.
3) The significance is more important on Wedding anniversary than Marriage anniversary where people try to recreate their honeymoon again on that significant day.
Wedding anniversary names common to most nations include: Wooden (5th), Tin (10th), Crystal (15th), China (20th), Silver (25th), Pearl (30th), Ruby (40th), Golden (50th), and Diamond (60th). (Article continues below image.)
Our year-by-year anniversary gift guide features both traditional wedding anniversary gifts, and modern takes on each of the anniversary years with advice from the 1st wedding anniversary all the way up to the 90th! Read on to learn everything you need to know about wedding anniversary milestones and their meanings.
READ MORE: 137 Wishes to Write in Your Anniversary Card
Take a look at our list of wedding anniversary years – from the 1st to 90th. We've listed the traditional anniversary gifts by year, and some suggestions for modern alternatives associated with each year's theme.
Those celebrating wedding anniversaries in the UK, can follow this list, but if you're celebrating in the United States, or buying an anniversary gift for a couple living across the Atlantic, be aware that there are a few minor differences. For example, US wedding anniversaries only go up to 75 years, silk can replace linen, and swap china for pottery. But it's your wedding anniversary - so ultimately you can celebrate with whatever traditional gifts or alternatives that suit you!
Purple Tree Designs
Whoever devised the meanings of anniversaries probably figured newlyweds would be pretty broke after paying for the wedding – so the traditional first gift of paper is nicely affordable. Paper also represents your new marriage as like a blank sheet ready to be coloured in!
Our favourite twist is to give tickets to an experience – print them out and it totally counts as a paper gift. Virgin Experience Days offer everything from a trip to London landmarks like the Shard to a romantic break away for two. We love the food and drink experiences – there are so many different cuisines, classes and experiences to choose from, you could spend your entire first year of marriage trying them all out.
READ MORE: 1st Wedding Anniversary Gift Guide
Cotton is made from lots of thread woven together and the longer you are married the more your life becomes intertwined. It represents how marriage brings couples closer together and the material is both strong and flexible, symbolising adaptability and a strengthening relationship. There are plenty of sweet cotton anniversary gift ideas, like personalised pillowcases or co-ordinating robes (check out The White Company), which you can snuggle down in.
If your partner loves to give or receive flowers, then these cute cotton blooms from Little Foundry will be their favourite gift and they’ll last a lifetime. You can also order a sweet personalised oak charm to go with them. The modern alternative to cotton is china.
READ MORE: 2nd Wedding Anniversary Gift Guide
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Leather is durable, strong and has a sense of resiliency - three things that a marriage should also have. Traditionally, it has been used as a material to protect things, like couples protect one another. As your marriage matures your relationship becomes much stronger, so giving your partner a leather gift for 3rd wedding anniversaries is a perfect way to represent this.
If you’re looking for a timeless leather anniversary gift, then a classic handbag, purse or wallet from Mulberry is perfect. The Bayswater handbag is a staple from Mulberry, but a purse, wallet or leather iPhone case are also brilliant. Ideal leather anniversary gifts also include a belt or hip flask – Aspinal of London have lots of gorgeous leather gifts and accessories that can be monogrammed to make them even more personal.
READ MORE: 3rd Wedding Anniversary Gift Guide
As your marriage blossoms and your partnership ripens following four years of marriage, it makes sense to give an anniversary gift of flowers or fruit.
This has to be one of the most romantic wedding anniversary years. Roses traditionally represent how much your love has blossomed so take your present-giving to the next level by naming a rose after your love. You choose the name, it’s officially registered, and then you receive a pack of seeds to grow your own roses. Bloom and Wild offer a huge range of gorgeous bouquets or flower gift subscriptions for 4th wedding anniversaries if your fingers aren’t quite so green.
Flowers not their thing? The modern alternative for 4th wedding anniversary gifts is appliances. Is there anyone whose morning wouldn’t be improved with a brand new coffee machine?
READ MORE: 4th Wedding Anniversary Gift Guide
The idea of using wood to celebrate your fifth wedding anniversary comes from the fact trees were seen to be strong and symbolised wisdom. Your marriage is solid and you have deep roots that are entwined. How wise you both are by the time you celebrate this wedding anniversary year!
A romantic sign to hang in your home will be a cute gift for your other half or, even better, is this miniature wooden signpost marking all the major moments in your journey together. From your first date to when you bought a house, it’s a great way to tell the story of the first five years of your marriage.
If you’re feeling sentimental about your wedding day, why not celebrate with a bottle of the wine you had on your big day presented in a personalised oak box? Or choose a wooden photo frame to give your wedding pictures a new lease of life.
READ MORE: 5th Wedding Anniversary Gift Guide
Life is thought to be getting sweeter by the time you reach your sixth wedding anniversary, so you and your partner can indulge in some sweet treats - this has to be one of the best wedding anniversary years, right?
Hotel Chocolat have some delicious and seriously stylish gift ideas, while Virgin Experience Days have amazing afternoon tea deals across the country.
The modern alternative to sugar is iron. Why not choose something romantic like this iron-influenced wall art featuring the sheet music from your first dance? A timeless cast iron casserole dish is brilliant gift idea for someone who loves cooking - it will last you for decades.
READ MORE: 6th Wedding Anniversary Gift Guide
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Or for something wool, The White Company have some gorgeous cashmere throws that are perfect for snuggling under while you watch a film. If you’d rather go for the modern alternative for a 7th wedding anniversary gift, it’s a desk set…yes, really! Suited best to those who are now part of the working-from-home crew, these gifts are symbolic of the pride in the work you've done together as a married couple. Brose the amazing selection at Paperchase for the perfect, modern 7th wedding anniversary gift.
READ MORE: 7th Wedding Anniversary Gift Guide
Bronze is chosen for eight years of marriage as it’s very strong – in fact, it’s a mixture of two metals (copper and tin) that are stronger together than separately. Traditionally, it was said to hold healing powers and represents good health and the sustenance that you give each other as a couple.
Choose a keepsake that will take pride of place on a shelf forever, like this miniature bronze stag statue - they even do a gorgeous spaniel one for dog-loving couples. Alternatively, you could gift these gorgeous copper initial cufflinks or, for a couple, a personalised copper framed print.
The modern alternative is linen and lace. There’s nothing nicer than slipping into fresh, clean sheets at night and your partner will love some elegant linen bedding from Marks and Spencer. Just make sure it’s a fancy set like these and add some rose petals for the perfect mood-setter.
READ MORE: 8th Wedding Anniversary Gift Guide
Pottery and willow are the two traditional gifts to celebrate nine years of marriage. Pottery is moulded by hand and the painstaking process results in a work of art, whereas willow is flexible but strong and can be woven to create beautiful things - representing team work and harmony within a relationship.
This willow picnic hamper is the perfect 9th wedding anniversary gift - take it on a date and toast to making it almost a decade in wed. If you would prefer to go for pottery, then how about a pottery-making lesson for two?
Leather is the modern alternative, so if you didn’t get leather gifts for your third anniversary now is the time.
READ MORE: 9th Wedding Anniversary Gift Guide
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Tin was used to store and preserve things which is why it is used to mark ten years of marriage. When another metal is coated in tin, it prevents it from corroding and can prolong the life of what it's storing. Mark a decade of a strong and resilient marriage by giving a tin inspired gift.
This garden accessory from Not On The High Street can be personalised with your initials and will look amazing in your garden.
If tin isn’t your thing, you might like to know the modern alternative is diamond. We’re lusting after the Monica Vinader rose gold Riva diamond hoop ring, which will look perfect alongside your wedding and engagement ring.
READ MORE: 10th Wedding Anniversary Gift Guide
While it might be tempting to opt for the modern gift of jewellery for your 11th anniversary, the traditional gift is steel – valued for its durability and strength. Entering a second decade of marriage (it's not as scary as it sounds!), you might immediately think of a watch, stainless steel cufflinks or a hip flask, but there are lots of interesting gift ideas out there.
Think outside the box: horseshoes are made of steel, so what about a horse riding experience day? Skis also have steel edges – what about a ski break? If you want to stick with the theme, a personalised tie clip, swiss army knife or cocktail shaker set, like this personalised one, are great.
READ MORE: 11th Wedding Anniversary Gift Guide
Silk represents 12 years of marriage for couples in the United Kingdom. This luxurious material symbolises protection, security, comfort, and the strength of a relationship, represented by the interwoven threads silk contains.
Silk pyjamas, robes or lingerie are a romantic gift to give to your partner, and, as fine linen counts too, a linen shirt or accessory would also work perfectly. These gorgeous cream silk pyjamas can come monogrammed too.
The modern equivalent is elegant pearl. We love everything from Olivia & Pearl who specialise in contemporary pearl jewellery. For men, mother-of-pearl works great as an inlay into gifts like fountain pens, shaving kits, cufflinks – even on a Fender guitar.
READ MORE: 12th Wedding Anniversary Gift Guide
The interlacing fibres of lace (and the modern equivalent of textiles or fur) represent the close bond that couples have at 13 years into their marriage.
Lace can make for very sensual gifts and you can’t go wrong with lace underwear from a brand like La Perla, Boux Avenue, Stella McCartney and Lounge Underwear.
The modern take on 13th wedding anniversary gifts is fur. Real fur is out of the question for most - but textiles and faux fur are great materials for gifts. They represent the warmth and comfort most will feel after 13 years of marriage. Consider gifts such as faux fur-lined gloves, a silk scarf or a leather jacket. A rug or throw, briefcase or handbag, or even something out there like a camping trip in a canvas tent all count as well.
READ MORE: 13th Wedding Anniversary Gift Guide
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We love this personalised ivory leather photo album that you can add your names, wedding date or another special date to and fill with pictures of your life together, as well as this personalised ceramic ivory token.
If the symbolic elephant is more your vibe, consider these adorable elephant tea light holders or a gorgeous personalised elephant anniversary cushion for your sofa or bedroom.
READ MORE: 14th Wedding Anniversary Gift Guide
Crystal is the traditional wedding anniversary gift for couples who have been married for 15 years. Crystal is a luxurious product, chosen for its clarity and purity: as a transparent product it represents how the couple sees each other clearly after 15 years together.
Crystal jewellery will always be a welcome gift – we love this matching necklace and earrings set from Goldsmiths.
For those who aren’t a fan of crystal, the modern anniversary alternative is to give a watch. Beaverbrooks has several beautiful rose gold watches that actually use crystal – a win-win! For the gents, there are loads of stylish watches on offer that will last a lifetime. We've got some great wedding watches you can be inspired by!
READ NOW: 15th Wedding Anniversary Gift Guide
Yes, you read that right, wax. And the modern gift is silver hollowware (which basically just means any tableware that isn’t flat). Both of them might seem tricky things to buy for, but that isn’t the case at all.
Wax for your 16th wedding anniversary represents how you’ve moulded your lives together after this many years; wax can melt, bend and change shape, just as you have to be flexible to make a marriage work. This is why luxury candles are such a lovely gift idea: try Jo Malone, Diptyque and Neom. It’s especially nice if you choose a scent that was also in your wedding flowers.
For silver hollowware, what about a Champagne and wine cooler or a silver and glass carafe?
READ MORE: 16th Wedding Anniversary Gift Guide
There’s no traditional option for this anniversary year, the modern 17th wedding anniversary gift is furniture. If you bought a new bed or sofa a few years into your marriage, now’s the time to refresh your space. We adore adding a love seat into a living room – it’s so cosy and romantic – or perhaps you want to redecorate your bedroom as an anniversary treat and buy a new bed frame.
Think outside the box with this one too. How about adding a cool dresser, like this one from Anthropologie? If you love being outside, what about some garden furniture? A lovely new coffee table or dining room table are ideal if you like having guests over.
READ MORE: 17th Wedding Anniversary Gift Guide
Both the traditional and modern 18th wedding anniversary gift, Porcelain is long-lasting and durable, just like your marriage after 18 years together. Made by clay being heated to an extremely high temperature, there's something special about a beautiful material coming from such humble beginnings. It’s incredibly elegant too, and lends itself to everything from jewellery to home accessories.
After 18 years, you’ll know exactly how the other one likes their brew, so a porcelain teapot could be just the ticket, like this sweet teapot with matching serving bowls. There’s so many bits for the home that come in porcelain too, which you can match with your colour scheme. Try a large porcelain pendant lamp for your lounge or bedroom, or what about some new door numbers for outside your house.
READ MORE: 18th Wedding Anniversary Gift Guide
There's only a modern 19th wedding anniversary gift, and that's bronze. Hopefully, you haven't exhausted the bronze gifts from your eighth anniversary!
Cufflinks, watches, sculptures, vases and jewellery are all excellent options. If you're looking for something a bit different, we adore this engraved sun dial which makes a statement focal point for a garden. Gardening lovers will also love this plant pot buddy - a little bronze hedgehog ornament to adorn your pots. The snail one is pretty great too.
If you're into florals, the 19th wedding anniversary flower is the chrysanthemum - you can order a gorgeous bunch from Bloom & Wild.
READ MORE: 19th Wedding Anniversary Gift Guide
To celebrate two decades of marriage, the 20th wedding anniversary traditional gift is china. Now, china is fragile but, when looked after properly, it can stand the test of time. After two decades together, you may have your moments (who hasn't!?) but if you take care, your relationship can stand the test of time.
Giving each other china based gifts is a good way to remind yourselves of that – we love this personalised china plate and these super cute matching china mugs!
Couples with more expensive tastes will be pleased to know the modern alternative for 20 years of marriage is platinum. Ernest Jones have a wonderful selection of platinum earrings and eternity rings.
READ MORE: 20th Wedding Anniversary Gift Guide
Toast to your 21st wedding anniversary by swapping brass anniversary gifts. Brass is the modern 21st wedding anniversary and, surprisingly, there isn't a traditional option. The most common modern gifts are brass or nickel, so think along the lines of brass jewellery or a brass watch and you can’t go wrong!
A brass bottle opener or a personalised brass photo print will also go down a treat, we promise.
READ MORE: 21st Wedding Anniversary Gift Guide
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Silver the traditional and modern gift for the 25th wedding anniversary year. Silver is a precious metal, and no matter how old it is, if it’s treated properly and polished regularly, it will continue to gleam. There is no modern alternative, showing how timeless silver is as a 25th anniversary gift.
Of course, you could buy silver jewellery, cufflinks or a watch as a gift – and they’d be very well received! But for something a little more sentimental, we love this stunning infinity photo frame by Vera Wang for Wedgwood. Give it to your loved one with a treasured wedding photo or family photo inside.
As an alternative, what about a personalised Champagne bottle to an engraved sterling silver bookmark?
READ MORE: 25th Wedding Anniversary Gift Guide
The 30th wedding anniversary gift for three decades of committed marriage is the timeless pearl. Pearls are a symbol of hidden beauty – they are cultivated over time within the not-so-pretty oyster, but once you open it up you find something precious inside. After three decades together it’s unlikely you’ll appear the same as you did when you first met, but it’s what’s inside counts.
Pearl-inspired anniversary gifts are the way to mark this occasion and we love this stunning pearl rose gold plated bracelet from Not On The High Street.
Diamonds are considered to be the modern alternative for 30 years of marriage. Treat your loved one to a special piece of pearl jewellery. An eternity ring or a pair of gorgeous pearl earrings would be the ideal gift to mark 30 years.
READ MORE: 30th Wedding Anniversary Gift Guide
Coral is known for marking a couple's 35th wedding anniversary. It's a very precious substance and was once believed to have magical properties to protect against illness and danger. It is still precious and protected today so think carefully when it comes to choosing a coral-inspired anniversary gift and maybe choose something inspired by the beautiful colour or shape of coral as opposed to the real thing.
You can either choose a white decorative piece of coral or one in a gold hue or take a more practical approach and book an incredible holiday somewhere where you can scuba dive in a coral reef. Be sure to book with a trusted retailer that runs sustainable and environmentally-friendly excursions.
The modern alternative is jade, still a vibrant colour but more environmentally friendly. This bright and sustainable jade bracelet from Wolf & Badger is a beautiful statement gift.
READ MORE: 35th Wedding Anniversary Gift Guide
The wedding anniversary gift to celebrate your 40th year wed is none other than the gorgeous ruby. Red is a colour often associated with love, and a rich red ruby is the perfect way to symbolise your love. Whether you want to do the traditional anniversary or the modern, look for ruby-inspired gifts as the stone is used for both.
This beautiful ruby ring is made using ethically sourced materials so you can feel good about saving the planet at the same time as wearing it. For a suit accessory, why not opt for a wonderful pair of ruby cufflinks would be a great addition to their wardrobe.
READ MORE: 40th Wedding Anniversary Gift Guide
For a 45th wedding anniversary, the traditional (and modern) gift given is stunningly blue sapphires. Beautiful blue sapphires were once the preserve of royalty, making them a luxurious, aspirational item. Give the gift of sapphires to celebrate an impressive 45 years together, as it’s used for traditional and modern anniversary celebrations.
This sapphire and diamond cluster pendant from Goldsmith’s is a perfect choice.
If you’d like somewhere to store all the beautiful jewellery and accessories you’ve been given across the years, then a leather valet tray or a stylish leather watch and jewellery case is fantastic for beside your bed or to take away with you.
READ MORE: 45th Wedding Anniversary Gift Guide
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After a lifetime together, there’s only one gift that can do it justice – gold. Gold is the gift associated with 50th wedding anniversaries. One of the most precious metals, gold symbolises lots of things, including prosperity and strength. Agai gold is used for modern and traditional anniversaries so buy your loved one a timeless gold anniversary gift.
You don’t have to opt for jewellery though - there's plenty of other options out there like this gold decanter! It’s perfect to serve wine, spirits or even water from. You can purchase matching Art Deco-style glasses that look great with it.
READ MORE: 50th Wedding Anniversary Gift Guide
The anniversary gift for 55th wedding anniversaries is emerald. Green is considered to be the most calming of all colours, and represents growth. After 55 years together your life may not be as hectic as it once was, but you’ve grown together so give emerald or emerald-inspired gifts to recognise that.
These emerald leaf earrings by World Three Studio is a stylish statement.
An emerald wedding anniversary blanket is a timeless gift that any couple would enjoy.
READ MORE: 55th Wedding Anniversary Gift Guide
60th wedding anniversaries are celebrated by giving diamond-themed gifts. As one of the strongest materials on Earth, diamonds flourish under pressure and are extremely hard-wearing – just like your relationship will be after six decades of marriage. It is considered to be invincible and is associated with love and wealth.
After 60 years of happy marriage, you'll have a wealth of experience and love so celebrate with diamond-inspired anniversary gifts.
Alternatively, a personalised 60th anniversary print is a lovely piece of artwork to add to your walls. You can also buy a 60th anniversary photo frame and fill it with pictures from your wedding day. If you want to go outside of tradition, you can buy a gift set with a newspaper from the day of your wedding and a vintage bottle of Bordeaux.
READ MORE: 60th Wedding Anniversary Gift Guide
Just like your 45th, your 65th anniversary calls for sapphire gifts. You simply can’t go wrong with some jewellery or a watch inlaid with sapphire, nor with a lovely bottle of Bombay Sapphire gin and some special new crystal glasses.
You can book a tour round the wonderful Bombay Sapphire distillery in Hampshire too if you’re big gin fans.
READ MORE: 65th Wedding Anniversary Gift Guide
Platinum is a metal that resists wear and is incredibly hard to tarnish, making it the perfect pick for 70th wedding anniversary gift. It’s one of the rarest metals, making it exclusive and is a symbol of endurance. What better way to describe 70 years of marriage? Celebrate by giving each other platinum gifts.
Featuring a diamond on a delicate platinum chain, this will become an heirloom you’ll want to pass down to your children and grandchildren.
READ MORE: 70th Wedding Anniversary Gift Guide
If our gift ideas above don’t automatically spark an idea, there are lots of romantic activities you can do for your anniversary. Here are 25 anniversary date ideas you’ll both love – some of them are free so you’ll be able to celebrate even if you have no money.
READ MORE: 21 Sweet Ways to Celebrate Your Anniversary at Home
The first few years of your marriage up to 10 years are all considered major anniversary landmarks. After that, the big celebrations usually come every 5 and 10 years.
Marriage in Hinduism lacks any trace of age limit as per history. The concept of age of consent was introduced through the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. As per Section 5 (iii) of the Act, the boy should have completed 21 years, while the bride should have completed the age of 18 years at the time of marriage. Even the conditions related to solemnization of special marriages under Section 4 of Special Marriage Act, 1954 lays the same age of consent for marriage in India. The Child Marriage Restraint Act (1929) and even the latest Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 prohibits marriage before the age of maturity. The legal age for marriage in India is being proposed to be amended, increasing the marriage age for girl in India 2022 from 18 to 21 years. However, the amendments are yet to be passed by the parliament and come into effect. If you notice someone organizing child marriage against the applicable laws, contact the authorities through family lawyers in India.
In most of the personal laws as well as the Special Marriage Act, 1954, women's legal age of marriage in India is barred to 18 and above. However, in the case of Muslims, attaining the age of puberty is the indicator for a marriage contract. Usually, girls above the age of 15 years are said to have attained the legal age of marriage in India. Although recently, the marriage age for girl in India 2022 is being proposed to be increased to 21 years. However, the events of child marriage as per data reveals the societal mindset heading towards the contrary.
The law of the land holds the husband responsible for maintenance of wife. That is the reason why the legal age of marriage in India for males is higher than that of females. In the usual scenario, a male should have crossed the age of 21 years in order to get married as per the marriage law. The legal age for marriage among Muslim men is said to be marked with attaining puberty.
Marriage has become the most common cultural union in human society for procreation. Although the rituals may vary, ultimately the aim is to form a union of man and woman legally acceptable in the civil society.
If we take reproduction science for understanding the marriage age in India for girl and boy, puberty may be the measure. Puberty means the age at which a person’s body undergoes reproductive developments transforming into an adult. For girls, it usually happens between 10-15 years. For boys, the age surrounds 13-16 year olds. However, the maternal mortality rate is higher in girls who get married soon after attaining the age of puberty.
Even if the psychological aspect is focused upon, maturity does not come with age but experience. Marriage requires a lot of maturity for both girls and boys.
Scientific research does not reveal any hard and fast rule for when a person should get married. However, some reports have revealed data based research which prove that people married between the age of 28 to 32 years are less likely to divorce their spouse. Some research reveals that the best age to get married according to science is 24 to 30 years. But even researchers agree that nobody’s life goes smooth and similar to others. Everyone has his/ her own storms to deal with, and married life also experiences hiccups for different individuals. Thus, relying on scientific data won’t help in deciding whether someone should get married early or wait for their late twenties.
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Q- Is 21 the right age to get married?
A- No age is the right age to get married until the person is ready to take up the responsibility. Marriage in India is a civil union. It is a package full of responsibilities, be it legal or societal. One should be financially, mentally and physically stable enough to kick start with married life.
Q- Why should girls get married at age 21?
A- The matter is under discussion by the Government of India for raising the minimum legal age of marriage in India from 18 to 21 years for girls. It is already 21 for boys in India. Girls getting married at or after the age of 21 years will have a chance to complete their higher education and start a career. By the age of 18 years, they hardly complete their schools while some of them are married off. If increasing the age of marriage brings more girls into higher education followed by employment, it will grant them a chance to become independent and decide for themselves.
Q- Should the age of marriage be raised to 21?
