Wedding Anniversaries by Year – A Journey Through Time, Love and Symbols

Year by year, a story for two

Some loves flare quickly, like a spark, and others grow slowly—like a tree sinking its roots deep. Marriage is that long road full of seasons, and the wedding anniversary becomes the perfect moment to look back with gratitude and forward with hope.

The tradition of naming each anniversary after a material or a gemstone comes from medieval Europe, when communities honored couples for their longevity. From the delicacy of paper to the brilliance of diamond, every stage carries a symbol of the journey walked together.

Wedding anniversaries – meanings and gift inspiration

1 year of marriage – Paper Anniversary

The first year is delicate and fragile, yet full of excitement and promises. Paper symbolizes the beginning of the story—a blank page you write together day by day.
Gifts: personalized letters, handmade photo albums, a book with a dedication, or a couple’s journal to document the path you’re on.

2 years of marriage – Cotton Anniversary

Cotton is soft but sturdier than paper—a sign of adaptability and comfort settling into the couple.
Gifts: personalized bed linen, premium cotton bathrobes, pillows embroidered with initials.

3 years of marriage – Leather Anniversary

The relationship has become flexible and resilient, like leather. It’s the time when partners begin to adapt deeply to each other.
Gifts: leather planners, elegant wallets, personalized bracelets, or genuine leather bags.

4 years of marriage – Silk / Flowers Anniversary

Silk and flowers symbolize refinement, beauty, and sensitivity in the relationship.
Gifts: bouquets of fresh flowers, natural silk scarves, fine bedding, or floral artworks.

5 years of marriage – Wood Anniversary

A relationship with roots that begins to take a stable, lasting shape. Wood is warm and natural, symbolizing a living, growing marriage.
Gifts: handmade wooden objects, carved photo frames, symbolic furniture, or planting a tree together.

6 years of marriage – Iron Anniversary

Iron is hard and strong, yet it can be shaped—just like a mature relationship.
Gifts: wrought-iron accessories, candle holders, decorative objects with an industrial design.

7 years of marriage – Wool / Copper Anniversary

Wool means warmth and comfort, while copper symbolizes connection and emotional conductivity.
Gifts: cozy blankets, natural wool shawls, copper jewelry or decor.

8 years of marriage – Bronze Anniversary

Bronze is a durable alloy born of solid combinations—the perfect symbol for two people growing together.
Gifts: bronze statuettes or figurines, vintage clocks, frames, or decorative plaques.

9 years of marriage – Willow / Pottery Anniversary

Willow bends with the wind without breaking, while pottery is fragile yet beautiful and useful.
Gifts: hand-painted ceramic pieces, woven willow baskets, artworks or handmade keepsakes.

10 years of marriage – Aluminum Anniversary

A decade together—light yet strong. Aluminum symbolizes the adaptability of a relationship that has matured.
Gifts: engraved frames, anodized aluminum jewelry, personalized objects, or a surprise getaway.

11 years of marriage – Steel Anniversary

The relationship has become extremely solid. Steel is a symbol of stability and resistance to external pressures.
Gifts: steel watches, stainless jewelry, useful and long-lasting items.

12 years of marriage – Silk / Linen Anniversary

The combination of luxury (silk) and naturalness (linen) reflects a fine balance between comfort and refinement.
Gifts: clothing or accessories in silk and linen, personalized curtains, premium bedding.

13 years of marriage – Lace Anniversary

Lace is detailed, delicate, and painstaking—just like a 13-year relationship.
Gifts: elegant bed linens, lace-accented decor, artworks with floral motifs.

14 years of marriage – Ivory / Opal Anniversary

The elegance of ivory (today symbolically replaced by opal) speaks of rarity and value.
Gifts: opal jewelry, white objects, symbolic decorations.

15 years of marriage – Crystal Anniversary

A moment of clarity and full maturity. The relationship is transparent, with no secrets.
Gifts: engraved crystal glasses, decor pieces, lamps, or artistic objects.

20 years of marriage – Porcelain Anniversary

Fine and delicate yet resilient—porcelain reflects the refinement and depth of a solid relationship.
Gifts: tea sets, hand-painted plates, collectible pieces.

25 years of marriage – Silver Anniversary

A quarter-century of love—silver is elegant, durable, and precious.
Gifts: silver jewelry, engraved photo frames, symbolic objects.

30 years of marriage – Pearl Anniversary

Pearls are formed over time and pressure—just like the beauty of a mature relationship.
Gifts: pearl necklaces, fine jewelry, sea-inspired symbols.

35 years of marriage – Coral Anniversary

Coral is protective and full of energy. This anniversary honors deep connection and loyalty.
Gifts: jewelry in warm tones, marine art, exotic decorations.

40 years of marriage – Ruby Anniversary

The red of ruby evokes passion that has survived the years.
Gifts: ruby jewelry, elegant gifts in shades of red, symbolic paintings.

45 years of marriage – Sapphire Anniversary

Sapphire blue symbolizes wisdom, calm, and the depth of love.
Gifts: jewelry, artworks in blue tones, elegant decor.

50 years of marriage – Golden Anniversary

A life lived together, with joys and challenges. Gold is eternal—like love that has been forged over time.
Gifts: gold jewelry, a family celebration, renewal of vows.

55 years of marriage – Emerald Anniversary

Emerald green means balance, renewal, and prosperity.
Gifts: emerald jewelry, “green” gifts, trips into nature.

60 years of marriage – Diamond Anniversary

A symbol of love that doesn’t break. The diamond is eternal—just like the two of you.
Gifts: diamond jewelry, family photo albums, video documentaries.

65 years of marriage – Iron / Blue Anniversary

Represents the strength and patience that have held the relationship together for so long.
Gifts: blue decorative objects, sculptures, family messages and tributes.

70 years of marriage – Platinum Anniversary

Rarely reached, this anniversary reflects a lifetime of devoted love.
Gifts: platinum jewelry, jubilee trophies, family interviews and storytelling.

75 years of marriage – Golden Diamond Anniversary

A love so rare it deserves public recognition.
Gifts: combined precious-jewel pieces, anniversary photos bringing generations together.

80 years of marriage – Oak Anniversary

The symbol of longevity, strength, and dignity.
Gifts: objects made of oak, trees planted in the couple’s honor, commemorative ceremonies.

85 years of marriage – Marble Anniversary

Refinement, clarity, and a bond unmoved by time.
Gifts: sculptures, plaques, personalized art.

90 years of marriage – Granite Anniversary

The pure strength of a life fully shared.
Gifts: engraved stone, symbolic family gifts, honorary diplomas.

95 years of marriage – Onyx Anniversary

Onyx—rare, mysterious, profound. Like a love that has crossed nearly a century.
Gifts: jewelry, the couple’s life story preserved in a book or film.

100 years of marriage – Bone Anniversary (extremely rare)

The symbol of eternity—a bond that has outlived life itself.
Gifts: official recognition, an interview for local history, a symbolic ceremony.

How to choose the right gift

Follow the year’s symbol

A gift gains depth when it reflects the meaning of the anniversary.

Add a personal touch

Engraved names, the wedding date, or a discreet message can turn a beautiful object into something truly unique.

Choose experiences

Sometimes a surprise trip, a festive dinner, or a day dedicated just to them can mean more than any object.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most important wedding anniversaries?

Silver (25 years), Pearl (30 years), Golden (50 years), and Diamond (60 years).

Where does the tradition of these names come from?

From medieval European customs, when communities offered symbolic gifts to married couples.

Is it mandatory to give a gift that matches the year’s symbol?

No, but choosing according to the symbol gives the gift a special emotional charge.

A closing for the soul

Each anniversary is a chapter written with patience, emotion, and courage. The symbols of these years are not just simple traditions—they are milestones on a journey that deserves to be celebrated. And the gift—whether jewelry, an experience, or a memory—becomes a silent witness to a love that continues to grow, year after year.

Looking for memorable gifts? Discover beloved ideas for wedding anniversary gifts, pearl necklaces, pearl earrings, and pearl sets.