Wedding anniversaries are more than just dates on a calendar. They are markers of love, commitment, and shared history. Every year spent together represents new challenges overcome, memories created, and a partnership that grows stronger with time. That’s why the wedding anniversary has long been celebrated not only as a personal milestone for couples, but also as part of a wider tradition stretching back centuries.

The practice of marking anniversaries is believed to have started in medieval Europe. Husbands would honour their wives with silver wreaths on the 25th wedding anniversary and gold on the 50th, recognising these remarkable milestones. These traditions were later expanded during the Victorian era, when society placed great importance on rituals and symbolism. Over the years, anniversary symbols were assigned to nearly every year, starting with delicate materials in the early years and progressing to stronger, more precious ones as the marriage deepened.

Today, these traditions continue to evolve. Couples celebrate with traditional gifts, modern alternatives, or memorable experiences – but the sentiment remains the same: every anniversary is a chance to pause, reflect, and celebrate love.

Here’s a year-by-year look at what each anniversary means, from the first milestone to the diamond decades.

Years 1–10: The Foundation Years

The first decade is about building strong roots, with symbols that start delicate and grow more durable.

• 1st – Paper: A fresh page, symbolising the story yet to unfold.
• 2nd – Cotton: Strength woven from two lives coming together.
• 3rd – Leather: Durability, protection, and resilience.
• 4th – Fruit & Flowers: Growth, blossoming love, and natural beauty.
• 5th – Wood: Strong roots and stability.
• 6th – Iron: Strength and enduring commitment.
• 7th – Copper or Wool: Warmth, comfort, and protection.
• 8th – Bronze: Lasting strength, blending durability with beauty.
• 9th – Pottery: Crafted with care, yet fragile if neglected.
• 10th – Tin/Aluminium: Flexibility and resilience after a decade together.

Years 11–20: Growing Stronger

As the marriage matures, the materials become more resilient and precious.

• 11th – Steel: Strong and unyielding.
• 12th – Silk or Linen: Elegance, luxury, and comfort.
• 13th – Lace: Intricacy, delicacy, and beauty.
• 14th – Ivory: Traditionally rare and precious (though today, couples often opt for ivory-coloured gifts to celebrate ethically).
• 15th – Crystal: Clarity and sparkle.
• 16th – Wax: Light and warmth.
• 17th – Furniture: Practical comfort, reflecting the home you’ve built.
• 18th – Porcelain: Beautiful yet delicate.
• 19th – Bronze: Strength with warmth and character.
• 20th – China: A reminder of beauty, fragility, and the care relationships require.

Years 21–30: The Milestone Years

By now, the bond is strong, symbolised by enduring and precious materials.

• 21st – Brass or Nickel: Durability and resilience.
• 22nd – Copper: Warmth and strength.
• 23rd – Silver Plate: A nod to tradition with a practical twist.
• 24th – Opal: Mysterious, colourful, and precious.
• 25th – Silver: One of the most celebrated milestones, reflecting brilliance and value.
• 30th – Pearl: Hidden beauty, strength, and wisdom developed over decades.

Years 31–40: Depth and Endurance

These anniversaries celebrate lasting passion and love.

• 35th – Coral: Vibrancy, life, and natural beauty (today often symbolised with coral-coloured gifts rather than the material itself).
• 40th – Ruby: Deep passion and an enduring flame.

Years 41–50: The Golden Years Begin

As couples approach half a century together, the symbols shine brighter.

• 45th – Sapphire: Loyalty and deep commitment.
• 50th – Gold: The ultimate symbol of prosperity, wisdom, and lifelong love.

Years 51–60: Unbreakable Bonds

The later anniversaries celebrate the rare, remarkable endurance of lifelong love.

• 55th – Emerald: Vitality and enduring strength.
• 60th – Diamond: Unbreakable and everlasting – the strongest symbol of all.

Why These Traditions Still Matter

Wedding anniversary traditions may have ancient roots, but they remain just as meaningful today. They remind us that marriage is a journey – one that begins with fragile new beginnings and grows into something strong, resilient, and enduring. Each symbol, whether it’s paper, silver, or diamond, reflects not just the material itself but the qualities of the relationship at that stage of life.

In our busy modern world, anniversaries offer couples a chance to pause and reconnect. Whether you choose to honour the traditional gift, put a modern spin on it, or celebrate with an unforgettable experience, the important thing is to acknowledge the love and partnership that has carried you to that milestone.

After all, while trends may change, the celebration of love never goes out of style.