Wedding anniversary milestones and materials by year

What are the most popular wedding anniversary milestones to celebrate?

The first anniversary is always the most popular to celebrate but it’s followed closely by those big milestones including the 5th, 10th, 20th, 30th and the list goes on. The 50th is a particularly popular one to celebrate as it’s such a massive milestone. No wonder they call it your golden anniversary.

Why are anniversaries associated with different materials? 

Back in the day (the Victorian era, if we’re being precise) it was traditional for husbands to give their wives items made from gold or silver for their 5th and 10th wedding anniversary. Since then things have evolved quite a bit and there are now gift suggestions for every year. Something we’re very thankful for as it makes picking a gift a whole lot easier. Goodbye, choice paralysis. 

Gift ideas for some of the big anniversaries

First anniversary ideas

For your first anniversary, you’re spoilt for choice with paper. It represents a blank page and the start of your story. And, there are so many lovely gift ideas crafted from paper – think wedding location prints, your own personalised newspaper and more. If humour’s the way to their heart, you could even personalise some toilet paper. Yes, really.

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Third anniversary ideas

Leather represents the durability and flexibility of a couple’s relationship after three years of marriage. And it just so happens that it makes a gorgeous gift too, whether you go for a personalised photo album or a monogrammed bookmark.

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Fifth anniversary ideas

What does wood represent? I hear you ask. It’s a sign of enduring love and symbolises the deep roots of a marriage. When it comes to presents, this could be a personalised chopping board or a bouquet of wooden blooms. Because why not?

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10th anniversary ideas

Happy tin years! Sorry, we couldn’t resist. In case you’re wondering, tin or aluminium represents the strength but also the flexibility of your relationship. For this anniversary you could go for a tin of their favourite treat or even a piece of bespoke wall art. 

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25th anniversary ideas

For 25 years, we’ve got silver representing the strength of a 25-year marriage. You’ve got the more traditional ideas for this one from rings to cufflinks but if you’re looking for something out of the box, we love this silver anniversary grow bar. 

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30th anniversary ideas

Pearls symbolise the wisdom that you get after 30 years of marriage. And what a milestone it is. You can keep things classic and go for a special piece of pearl jewellery or you could even start a 30th anniversary garden. Cuuute.

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50th anniversary ideas

For 50 years, it’s time to push the boat out and gold is the perfect choice. Think bespoke jewellery, beautiful artwork or a personalised bottle of bubbles – all crafted or sourced with love by brilliant small brands. 

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60th anniversary ideas

The 60th anniversary is a biggie so it deserves a gift that rises to the occasion. And, what better than a diamond representing enduring love? Time to open that special fizz you’ve been saving.

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Anniversary milestones by materials

To make your life easier we’ve listed out all the anniversaries and their materials below. You’re welcome. 

1st-10th wedding anniversary materials

1st: Paper

2nd: Cotton

3rd: Leather

4th: Fruit or flowers

5th: Wood

6th: Candy or iron

7th: Wool or copper

8th: Pottery or bronze

9th: Willow or pottery

10th: Tin or aluminum

11th-20th wedding anniversary materials

11th: Steel

12th: Silk or linen

13th: Lace

14th: Gold jewellery

15th: Crystal

16th: Wax or silverware

17th: Furniture

18th: Porcelain

19th: Bronze

20th: China

25th-50th wedding anniversary materials

25th: Silver

26th: Art

27th: Music

28th: Linens

29th: Tools

30th: Pearls

31st: Travel

32nd: Bronze

33rd: Iron

34th: Food

35th: Coral

36th: Antiques

37th: Books

38th: Luck 

39th: Laughter

40th: Ruby

41st: Office or desk decor

42nd: Clocks or watches

43rd: Entertainment 

44rd: Electronics 

45th: Sapphire

46th: Games

47th: Garden or plants

48th: Home improvement 

49th: Copper

50th: Gold

55th-90th wedding anniversary materials

To stop this blog going on forever, we’ve narrowed this list down to the bigger milestones and their materials. And, yes, if you’re wondering, a couple actually has reached 90 years of marriage before. Google it, we’re not lying! 

55th: Emerald

60th: Diamond

65th: Blue sapphire

70th: Platinum 

75th: Diamond

80th: Oak

85th: Wine

90th: Granite or diamond

Still looking for a special anniversary gift? Have a browse of our best present ideas from the UK’s most creative small brands.