Our Year-By-Year Guide to Anniversaries and Symbolism – Planning Your Celebration

Anniversaries are a time to celebrate and honor the milestones of your relationship. Whether you're celebrating your first or your 50th anniversary, each year holds a unique significance and symbolism that represents the growth and love shared between partners. As you plan your anniversary celebration, it can be helpful to understand the meaning behind each year and the traditional symbols associated with them. In this year-by-year guide, we'll explore the symbolism behind each anniversary from the first year to the 70th, providing you with inspiration and ideas to make your celebration truly special. So let's dive in and discover the perfect way to honor your love and commitment!

Anniversaries are a time to celebrate and honor the milestones of your relationship. Whether you’re celebrating your first or your 50th anniversary, each year holds a unique significance and symbolism that represents the growth and love shared between partners. As you plan your anniversary celebration, it can be helpful to understand the meaning behind each year and the traditional symbols associated with them. In this year-by-year guide, we’ll explore the symbolism behind each anniversary from the first year to the 70th, providing you with inspiration and ideas to make your celebration truly special. So let’s dive in and discover the perfect way to honor your love and commitment!

1st anniversary 

Paper. This symbolizes the fragility and flexibility of a new marriage. The traditional flower for the first year of marriage is carnations, as they are associated with young and passionate love. They represent the couple's commitment to each other after one year of marriage.

1st anniversary

Paper. This symbolizes the fragility and flexibility of a new marriage. The traditional flower for the first year of marriage is carnations, as they are associated with young and passionate love. They represent the couple’s commitment to each other after one year of marriage.

Elegant 'One' party banner set with gold foil letters and half-circle design. Perfect for first birthdays, anniversaries and more. #OneBanner #GoldFoil #PartyDecorations
One Banner

2nd anniversary

Cotton. This represents the durability and versatility needed in a successful marriage. Flower is Cosmos: Cosmos represents the order and harmony that a couple has brought into each other’s lives after two years of marriage.

2nd anniversary

 Cotton. This represents the durability and versatility needed in a successful marriage. Flower is Cosmos: Cosmos represents the order and harmony that a couple has brought into each other's lives after two years of marriage.

3rd anniversary

Leather. This symbolizes the strength and durability of a marriage. Sunflowers: Sunflowers symbolize the strength and warmth of a couple’s love, as well as the loyalty and devotion they have shown each other after three years of marriage.

4th anniversary

Fruit or flowers. These represent the sweetness and growth of a relationship. Geraniums: Geraniums represent the comfort and understanding that a couple has developed over four years of marriage

5th anniversary

Wood. This symbolizes the strength and stability of a relationship. Daisies: Daisies symbolize innocence, purity, and true love. They represent the beauty and simplicity of a couple’s love after five years of marriage.

6th anniversary

Iron or candy. Iron represents the strength of a relationship, while candy symbolizes the sweetness. Calla Lilies: Calla Lilies represent the growth and beauty that a couple has achieved after six years of marriage.

7th anniversary

Wool or copper. Wool represents warmth and comfort, while copper symbolizes the durability of a relationship. 7th Anniversary – Freesia: Freesia symbolizes the trust and faithfulness that a couple has built over seven years of marriage.

8th anniversary

Bronze or pottery. Bronze represents the strength of a relationship, while pottery symbolizes the beauty of imperfection. Lilacs: Lilacs represent the happiness and joy that a couple has experienced over eight years of marriage.

Anniversaries are a time to celebrate and honor the milestones of your relationship. Whether you're celebrating your first or your 50th anniversary, each year holds a unique significance and symbolism that represents the growth and love shared between partners. As you plan your anniversary celebration, it can be helpful to understand the meaning behind each year and the traditional symbols associated with them. In this year-by-year guide, we'll explore the symbolism behind each anniversary from the first year to the 70th, providing you with inspiration and ideas to make your celebration truly special. So let's dive in and discover the perfect way to honor your love and commitment!

9th anniversary

Pottery or willow. Pottery symbolizes the beauty of imperfection, while willow represents the flexibility needed in a successful marriage. Poppies: Poppies symbolize the deep love and passion that a couple shares after nine years of marriage.

10th anniversary

Tin or aluminum. Tin symbolizes the durability of a relationship, while aluminum represents the flexibility needed to sustain a marriage. Daffodils: Daffodils represent the renewal and rebirth of a couple’s love after ten years of marriage.

11th anniversary

Steel. This symbolizes the strength and resilience of a relationship. Tulips: Tulips represent the perfect love and devotion that a couple has developed after eleven years of marriage.

11th anniversary

 Steel. This symbolizes the strength and resilience of a relationship. Tulips: Tulips represent the perfect love and devotion that a couple has developed after eleven years of marriage.

12th anniversary

Silk or linen. These fabrics represent the luxury and comfort that comes with a long-lasting relationship. Peonies: Peonies represent the happiness and good fortune that a couple has experienced over twelve years of marriage.

13th anniversary

Lace. This represents the intricate and delicate nature of a relationship. Chrysanthemums: Chrysanthemums represent the optimism and hope for the future that a couple shares after thirteen years of marriage.

14th anniversary

Ivory (Tusk.) While not commonly celebrated due to ethical concerns, ivory represents the preciousness and rarity of a successful marriage. Dahlias: Dahlias represent the strength and dignity of a couple’s love after fourteen years of marriage.

Dahlias for an 14th anniversary

15th anniversary

Crystal. This represents the clarity and transparency needed in a successful marriage. Roses: Roses represent the enduring beauty and love that a couple shares after fifteen years of marriage.

15th anniversary

 Crystal. This represents the clarity and transparency needed in a successful marriage. Roses: Roses represent the enduring beauty and love that a couple shares after fifteen years of marriage.

20th anniversary

China. This symbolizes the elegance and grace that comes with a long-lasting relationship. Daylilies: Daylilies represent the strength and beauty of a couple’s love after twenty years of marriage.

25th anniversary symbolism

Silver. This represents the strength and beauty that comes with a long-lasting relationship.Iris: Iris represents the wisdom and faith that a couple has gained over twenty-five years of marriage, as well as the devotion and respect they share.

We Still Do Anniversary napkins with silver foil - perfect for a 25th wedding anniversary
We Still Do Silver Napkins

30th anniversary

Pearl. This represents the rare and precious nature of a successful marriage. Lily: Lily represents the deep and long-lasting love that a couple shares after thirty years of marriage.

35th anniversary

Coral. This represents the beauty and strength that comes with a long-lasting relationship.

There are no traditional flowers specifically associated with the 35th and 45th wedding anniversaries. However, you could consider using the colors or characteristics associated with these anniversaries and symbolism to choose an appropriate floral arrangement. For example, for a 35th-anniversary celebration, you could consider using coral-colored flowers, such as roses or peonies, or you could choose flowers with a protective or strong symbolism, such as daisies or daffodils. For a 45th anniversary celebration, you could consider using sapphire-blue flowers, such as iris or delphinium, or you could choose flowers with a sincere or truthful symbolism, such as white lilies or carnations. Ultimately, the choice of flowers should reflect the couple’s personal preferences and the overall theme of the celebration.

2nd anniversary

 Cotton. This represents the durability and versatility needed in a successful marriage. Flower is Cosmos: Cosmos represents the order and harmony that a couple has brought into each other's lives after two years of marriage.

40th anniversary

Ruby. This represents the passion and commitment that comes with a long-lasting relationship.Gladiolus: Gladiolus represents the strength and integrity of a couple’s love after forty years of marriage.

45th anniversary

Sapphire. This represents the wisdom and loyalty that comes with a long-lasting relationship.

40th anniversary

 Ruby. This represents the passion and commitment that comes with a long-lasting relationship.Gladiolus: Gladiolus represents the strength and integrity of a couple's love after forty years of marriage.

45th anniversary

 Sapphire. This represents the wisdom and loyalty that comes with a long-lasting relationship.

50th-anniversary symbolism

Gold. This represents the richness and beauty that comes with a long-lasting relationship. Yellow Roses or Violets: Yellow roses or violets represent the enduring love, loyalty, and commitment that a couple shares after fifty years of marriage.

55th anniversary

Emerald. This represents the growth and renewal that comes with a long-lasting relationship.

60th anniversary

Diamond. This represents the strength, durability, and beauty of a long-lasting relationship.

Add a touch of retro charm to your birthday or anniversary celebration with our black on ivory 60 napkins. These high-quality paper napkins feature a bold and stylish '60' design, perfect for a milestone celebration. With their classic black and ivory color scheme, these napkins will complement any party theme or decor. Order now and bring a touch of vintage flair to your special occasion!

70th anniversary

Platinum. This represents the strength, endurance, and value of a long-lasting relationship.

We hope that our year-by-year guide has inspired you to plan a meaningful and memorable anniversary celebration. Whether you choose to incorporate traditional symbols or create your own unique traditions, the most important thing is to celebrate the love and commitment you share with your partner. If you’re looking for the perfect party supplies to make your celebration truly special, we invite you to check out our shop. We offer a wide range of anniversary party decorations and supplies that are perfect for any milestone anniversary. From elegant tableware to personalized gifts, we have everything you need to make your celebration unforgettable. Thank you for reading and happy anniversary!

SHOP THE ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION COLLECTION IN THE ENFETE SHOP

Anniversaries are a time to celebrate and honor the milestones of your relationship. Whether you're celebrating your first or your 50th anniversary, each year holds a unique significance and symbolism that represents the growth and love shared between partners. As you plan your anniversary celebration, it can be helpful to understand the meaning behind each year and the traditional symbols associated with them. In this year-by-year guide, we'll explore the symbolism behind each anniversary from the first year to the 70th, providing you with inspiration and ideas to make your celebration truly special. So let's dive in and discover the perfect way to honor your love and commitment!

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Carey Greene Owner of EnFete boutique party supplies for all your occasions - read all about her

I’ve always loved to throw a good party. But I always knew, it’s not just a party. Whether it’s a birthday, bridal shower, anniversary or baby shower, a special event is just that—truly special.

Hi, I’m Carey! The Owner and Designer behind EnFete. I was bit by the party planning bug at just six-years-old and haven’t looked back ever since. 

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