Ultimate Guide to Traditional & Modern Wedding Anniversary Gifts: Year-by-Year Inspiration
Honouring Love, Year After Year
Celebrating a wedding anniversary is more than just marking time—it's a tribute to enduring love. For our brides and couples in Launceston, Tasmania, the tradition of anniversary gifting offers a beautiful way to reflect on shared milestones. Historically, each year of marriage is linked to a specific gift material that symbolises the couple's journey and growth together. Today, modern gift ideas complement these traditions, offering contemporary and practical options for every relationship.
This blog is your definitive guide to both traditional and modern wedding anniversary gifts, designed especially for newlyweds, brides-to-be, and long-time lovers in Tasmania and beyond.
1st Anniversary - Paper
Traditional: Love letters, custom stationery, artwork.
Modern: Clocks.
Symbolism: A fresh beginning; a blank page.
2nd Anniversary - Cotton
Traditional: Monogrammed robes, cotton bedding.
Modern: China.
Symbolism: Durability, comfort, and flexibility.
3rd Anniversary - Leather
Traditional: Leather wallets, bags, or journals.
Modern: Crystal or glass.
Symbolism: Security and shelter.
4th Anniversary - Fruit or Flowers
Traditional: Floral bouquets, fruit baskets.
Modern: Appliances.
Symbolism: Blooming love and sweet rewards.
5th Anniversary - Wood
Traditional: Custom wooden signs, furniture.
Modern: Silverware.
Symbolism: Deep roots and lasting strength.
6th Anniversary - Iron
Traditional: Iron sculptures or cookware.
Modern: Wood.
Symbolism: Fortitude and resilience.
7th Anniversary - Wool or Copper
Traditional: Wool scarves, copper jewellery.
Modern: Desk sets.
Symbolism: Warmth and prosperity.
8th Anniversary - Bronze
Traditional: Bronze decor, commemorative coins.
Modern: Linens or lace.
Symbolism: Strength and stability.
9th Anniversary - Pottery
Traditional: Handmade pottery or ceramic homeware.
Modern: Leather.
Symbolism: Shaped and nurtured by time.
10th Anniversary - Tin or Aluminium
Traditional: Engraved tins or keepsake boxes.
Modern: Diamond jewellery.
Symbolism: Flexibility and preservation.
11th Anniversary - Steel
Traditional: Stainless steel watches or tools.
Modern: Jewellery.
Symbolism: Strength and unity.
12th Anniversary - Silk or Linen
Traditional: Silk sleepwear, linen clothing.
Modern: Pearls.
Symbolism: Luxury, comfort, and romance.
13th Anniversary - Lace
Traditional: Lingerie or lace accessories.
Modern: Textiles or furs.
Symbolism: Intricate beauty and elegance.
14th Anniversary - Ivory (ethically replaced)
Traditional: Ivory (now often substituted with gold or opal).
Modern: Gold jewellery.
Symbolism: Rarity and purity.
15th Anniversary - Crystal
Traditional: Crystal vases, glasses.
Modern: Watches.
Symbolism: Clarity and sparkle in your relationship.
20th Anniversary - China
Traditional: Fine china dinnerware.
Modern: Platinum.
Symbolism: Elegant yet fragile.
25th Anniversary - Silver
Traditional & Modern: Silver jewellery, photo frames.
Symbolism: Timeless and precious.
30th Anniversary - Pearl
Traditional: Pearl necklaces, cufflinks.
Modern: Diamond.
Symbolism: Beauty formed through time and pressure.
35th Anniversary - Coral (eco-friendly alternatives encouraged)
Traditional: Coral-coloured gifts.
Modern: Jade.
Symbolism: Protection and longevity.
40th Anniversary - Ruby
Traditional & Modern: Ruby jewellery.
Symbolism: Passion and vitality.
45th Anniversary - Sapphire
Traditional & Modern: Sapphire earrings or rings.
Symbolism: Loyalty and wisdom.
50th Anniversary - Gold
Traditional & Modern: Gold rings, bracelets, or pendants.
Symbolism: Prosperity and enduring love.
55th Anniversary - Emerald
Traditional & Modern: Emerald jewellery or keepsakes.
Symbolism: Deep love and commitment.
60th Anniversary - Diamond
Traditional & Modern: Diamond rings or earrings.
Symbolism: Unbreakable love.
Honouring the Journey Beyond 60 Years
While many couples celebrate up to the 60th year, there are also:
65th – Blue Sapphire
70th – Platinum
75th – Diamond & Gold
80th – Oak
85th – Wine
90th – Granite
100th – 10 Carat Diamond (Very rare and incredibly special)
Bridal Tip: Start a Lifetime Tradition at Our Launceston Bridal Boutique
At our Launceston-based bridal store, we not only help you find your dream gown but also cherish your love story beyond the wedding day. Why not start an anniversary gift tradition today? Browse our curated accessories, jewellery, and keepsakes that align with every anniversary milestone.
Celebrate Each Chapter of Love
Whether you're celebrating your 1st or 50th anniversary, each year brings new memories, growth, and love. Traditional and modern anniversary gifts serve as meaningful ways to commemorate your journey—and we hope this guide inspires you to celebrate every milestone with purpose and joy.
FAQs
1. Where did the tradition of anniversary gifts originate?
It dates back to medieval Germany, where husbands gave silver wreaths to their wives for 25 years and gold for 50.
2. Are modern anniversary gifts replacing traditional ones?
Not replacing, but expanding. Many couples embrace both traditions.
3. Can I mix traditional and modern gifts?
Absolutely! It allows creativity while honouring symbolism.
4. What if I miss an anniversary gift?
It’s never too late—celebrate retroactively or combine years.
5. Do you offer anniversary gifts in-store?
Yes! Our Launceston bridal boutique carries curated gift items for all anniversaries.
