History of Celebrating Wedding Anniversaries

The thought of a wedding anniversary brings to mind a repeat of wedding vows and a family centered celebration. The custom of recognizing these milestones goes back to medieval Germany where friends and family of the honored couple would gather to recognize their years together living harmoniously. On the 25th anniversary, the gift was to be a silver wreath and the 50th, a golden wreath. These have now come to be known as the silver anniversary and the golden anniversary. At 60 years, it is called the diamond anniversary. As the couple celebrates their love for each other, the entire family and friends will feel a sense of renewal and the bond of family tradition.

In the United States by 1937, a list of suggested gifts for anniversaries was issued by the American National Retail Jewelry Association. It continues to be updated. The earlier years receive more home related gifts as a way of building the household. 

A party celebration is definitely in order for most people. It can be a simple romantic dinner or something totally unique and outrageous including the entire family and friends. The longer a couple is married, the longer the sense of accomplishment hey feel Many look forward to taking and planning for a location destination.

Couples can even grow closer together as they arrange each detail of their second honeymoon getaway. Some make it a point to do this every year. They look forward to spending this special time together reconnecting and building on the old memories.

The types of gifts are varied. Couples might tend to give the more romantic gifts to each other such as a special personalized message engraved on a piece of jewelry or favorite chocolate with a love poem hidden inside. There are the more traditional gifts such as items of paper, cotton, wood or crystal. Lately, the popular choice has been a more modern approach. Plastic items, pottery and aluminum gifts can be included in this grouping. For example, a tenth wedding anniversary can be recognized by giving durable gifts made out of tin, aluminum or diamonds.

Many times family members enjoy putting together a surprise party for the couple. It becomes an memorable celebration especially if you take the time to match the entertainment and festivities with the couple's taste. pay attention to what they like to do and where they like to go. Each family member can take over a different aspect of the get together once the theme, food and location is established. It's also fun to pool money together from some of the guests to ensure they will receive some specially chosen quality gifts.