Wedding Anniversary Milestones & Gift Ideas

Weddings are both exciting and life-changing! While the wedding anniversary celebration might last a few hours or days, depending on the culture, the memory lives on. After months (or even years) of planning, it’s common to feel a sense of emptiness once the big day is over. But don’t worry—this is just the beginning of many joyful celebrations ahead.

These milestones provide an opportunity for a husband and wife to appreciate each other and commemorate the day they decided to solidify their union and commit to loving each other forever. Although every year of a successful marriage is a cause for celebration, some years serve as key milestones.

Here’s a look at what the big wedding anniversaries are, what they symbolize, and how to celebrate each one with meaningful gifts and memorable experiences.

• 1 year – Paper
• 5 years – Wood
• 10 years – Tin
• 15 years – Crystal
• 20 years – China
• 25 years – Silver
• 30 years – Pearl
• 40 years – Ruby
• 50 years – Gold
• 60 years – Diamond

First Wedding Anniversary – Paper

The first year of marriage marks a period of growth, adjustment, and deepening connection as you settle into life as a unified couple. As your first anniversary approaches, you may find yourself reflecting on how far you’ve come and wondering how best to mark the occasion.

The paper anniversary signifies a fresh beginning, a blank page in your life together. It’s a reminder of your love story still unfolding.

Gift ideas:

• Customized stationery or journals

• Tickets to concerts, plays, or sports events

• A printed map of where you met or married

• A framed illustration of your vows or venue

Looking for a memorable way to celebrate? Plan a cozy night in and write love letters to each other—then seal them in envelopes to open on your next anniversary. It’s a sentimental tradition that adds heartfelt meaning to your wedding anniversary celebration and becomes more special each year.

Fifth Anniversary – Wood

Reaching your fifth wedding anniversary is a meaningful marriage anniversary milestone—and a testament to the resilience and strength of your relationship. By now, the early days of “newlywed” life have given way to a more rooted connection, shaped by shared experiences, challenges, and growth.

That’s why wood is the traditional symbol for this anniversary. It represents the deep roots and enduring foundation your marriage has developed—strong, grounded, and capable of weathering life’s seasons. It’s the perfect moment to pause and honor how far you’ve come together.

It’s also a great time to reflect on how your relationship has evolved since the early newlywed days. Whether it’s overcoming challenges or celebrating wins, this marriage anniversary milestone reminds you of the resilience and harmony you’ve built together.

Gift ideas:

• Engraved wooden keepsake boxes

• Hand-carved serving trays or cutting boards

• A weekend cabin getaway or forest hike

• Wine and treats in a carved wood crate

Celebrating your wedding anniversary with a rustic picnic in the woods, a cozy night in a log cabin, or simply planting a tree together can make this milestone even more meaningful.

Tenth Anniversary – Tin or Aluminum

Reaching a decade together is no small achievement—it’s a powerful marriage anniversary milestone that reflects ten years of dedication, growth, and shared memories. At this point, your bond is no longer new but tested and fortified by time and experience.

The tenth wedding anniversary is traditionally symbolized by tin or aluminum—metals known for their durability and resistance to corrosion. Just as tin protects other materials from wear and tear, your relationship has developed the strength and wisdom to support not only each other but also to encourage and guide others in love and partnership.

Tin and aluminum represent flexibility and protection. These materials resist rust, symbolizing how your love has weathered the elements without losing strength or luster.

Gift ideas:

• Tin photo collage or anniversary print
• Aluminum home décor or candle holders
• Personalized tin memory boxes
• Romantic dinner using new cookware

Ten years is one of the big wedding anniversaries, and whether you mark it with a timeless keepsake or a new shared experience, it deserves thoughtful celebration.

15th Anniversary – Crystal

This year is where we bring elegance to the anniversary celebrations! “Finally, after 15 years together, the couple begins to see each other distinctly, as if they are looking at a crystal.” So, naturally, this elegant material is the 15-year symbol. In most cases, the couple is financially stable and has deeper respect and understanding for each other, so the gifts tend to get fancier.

After 15 years together, your relationship has matured into something clear, elegant, and refined. This milestone represents not just time, but the beauty and clarity of your shared vision.

Crystal, with its reflective quality, symbolizes how you see each other more clearly with time—valuing both strengths and imperfections as part of your love story.

Gift ideas:

• Crystal wine glasses or jewelry
• Watches or bracelets
• Elegant home décor
• A vow renewal celebration designed with crystal elements

Investing in an anniversary party is appropriate to crown this milestone. And to make it extra special, you can engage Curated Events and let us design and coordinate the party for you. Our collection of over 25 lines of glassware, from simple to crystal, is sure to blow you away!

20th Anniversary – China

Reaching your 20th wedding anniversary is a meaningful marriage anniversary milestone, reflecting two decades of love, growth, and intentional partnership. The traditional symbol for this celebration is china—a material known for its beauty and delicacy, yet also its strength when properly cared for. Like fine china, a marriage that endures twenty years has been nurtured with patience, mutual respect, and thoughtful attention.

When it comes to celebrating your wedding anniversary, consider gifts or experiences that mirror the refinement of this symbolic material. A few elegant ideas include:

Gift ideas:

• Elegant dinnerware sets
• Dining at a favorite Chinese restaurant
• A trip to China for a culturally rich getaway
• Hosting a refined dinner party with rented china from Curated Events
• A romantic evening at your favorite Chinese restaurant

Thinking of inviting friends and family to join the celebration but don’t own china? Not a problem. Curated Events offers a wide range of rental collections—from timeless classics to bold artistic pieces—perfect for any style or table setting.

Some couples choose this anniversary to renew their vows in an intimate ceremony. If you’re considering a meaningful event but unsure where to start, Curated Events is here to help. No celebration is too small—we specialize in turning your vision into a seamless, unforgettable wedding anniversary celebration.

25th Anniversary – Silver

Reaching your 25th wedding anniversary is an extraordinary achievement—a marriage anniversary milestone that reflects resilience, shared growth, and unwavering commitment. A quarter-century of partnership is no small feat, and it certainly deserves to be celebrated in style.

Silver, the traditional symbol of the 25th anniversary, represents both beauty and endurance. Like a lasting marriage, it is refined under heat and pressure—becoming more brilliant with care and time. Just as silver shines when polished, your relationship continues to reflect the strength, patience, and love you’ve invested through the years.

Gift ideas:

• Engraved silver jewelry or cufflinks
• Silver-accented dinnerware
• A silver-themed celebration with Curated Events

When it comes to celebrating this wedding anniversary, meaningful silver-themed gifts make a timeless impression. Engraved jewelry, silver cufflinks, or a luxury silver-plated serving set are classic options. If you’re thinking of something more immersive, consider hosting an elegant anniversary gathering surrounded by loved ones.

Planning a silver-themed soirée? Curated Events is here to bring your vision to life. From sophisticated table settings to custom silver-accented décor, our expert team can transform your milestone into an unforgettable wedding anniversary celebration.

30th Anniversary – Pearl

“Beauty is not something you buy; instead, beauty is what lies within.” – Byron Pulsifer. These words perfectly capture the symbolism behind the 30th wedding anniversary, traditionally represented by the pearl—a gem formed slowly over time inside the humble oyster, just as a strong marriage is shaped through years of shared experience, understanding, and grace.

This milestone reflects a relationship that has matured with intention and care. By now, your bond is not only resilient but also elegant in its depth—an inner beauty that reveals itself after three decades of commitment. As one of the most meaningful marriage anniversary milestones, the pearl anniversary is ideal for a celebration that honors the richness of your journey.

Gift ideas:

• Pearl necklaces, earrings, or cufflinks
• A seafood dinner with oysters and champagne
• Pearl-accented party décor by Curated Events

If you’re dreaming of something more extravagant, allow Curated Events to craft an unforgettable wedding anniversary celebration. From pearl-accented table settings and shimmering linens to a sophisticated dress code inspired by the gem itself, our team can design a soiree that truly honors your 30 years together—with elegance and personalization.

40th Anniversary – Ruby

Celebrating 40 years of marriage is a truly rare and remarkable achievement—one of the big wedding anniversaries that speaks volumes about enduring love and lifelong partnership. By this point, you’ve likely spent more years together than apart, building a bond that is both deep and passionate.

The ruby, with its rich red hue and exceptional value, symbolizes the fiery love that continues to grow stronger with time. Much like the gem itself, your relationship is both treasured and resilient. This marriage anniversary milestone is an opportunity to reflect on the warmth, loyalty, and devotion that have carried you through four decades.

Gift ideas:

• Ruby jewelry or accessories
• A ruby-red themed dinner party
• Crimson floral arrangements and lighting

For celebrating your wedding anniversary, consider uncorking a bottle of finely-aged red wine and savoring a quiet evening together—or go all out with a ruby-red themed event surrounded by loved ones. From crimson floral arrangements to glowing red lighting, this bold color theme makes a dramatic and heartfelt statement.

50th Anniversary – Gold

Half a century with your significant other is priceless! So what better way to commemorate this beautiful milestone than with gold? This precious metal denotes strength, triumph, and success, all characteristic of a 50-year union. At this stage, the different experiences of life have shaped and refined the love shared between a husband and wife. As a result of time and effort, the list of achievements to celebrate is endless, warranting a huge ceremony.

Gift ideas:

• Gold watches, rings, or keepsakes
• A golden-themed celebration with family and friends
• Vow renewals or formal dinner planned with Curated Events

A couple’s children and grandchildren typically organize a celebratory event to commemorate this golden anniversary. But let’s face it, planning an event of this caliber can be daunting. However, with the right team to plan, coordinate and execute your vision, you’ll create beautiful memories to cherish with your loved ones. “Curated Events is your one-stop-shop for all things events. We aspire to enhance all your gatherings to curate the most beautiful and memorable experiences.”

60th Anniversary – Diamond

By celebrating 60 years of marriage, you’ve probably seen it all, and your spouse has been through it all with you. What a beautiful bond to treasure! They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and we couldn’t agree more! These precious gems are the most invincible materials in the world, just like the love shared between you and your partner.

The diamond represents invincibility, brilliance, and everlasting strength. Just like your relationship, it’s rare, precious, and enduring. For this anniversary, you both deserve some diamond-themed gifts. If ever there was a time not to hold back on generosity, this is it!

Gift ideas:

• Diamond jewelry or keepsakes
• A luxury celebration or getaway
• Diamond-inspired event theme with Curated Events

Despite life’s pressure, your love has stood the test of time and is worth celebrating the Curated Events way; in elegance, luxury, and class.