Let’s talk wedding styles. Now, there are lots of different styles of weddings you could go for: classic, luxury, casual, modern… And the choice you make will act as a guide for all your other decisions, from your venue through to little details like your place cards. So think for a minute about what you want. How do you feel about something a little more laid back? Perhaps in the countryside? We’re thinking light-filled spaces, distressed wood, maybe even something outside… If that makes you giddy, a rustic wedding might be the one for you!
Now it’s time to get inspired with our top twelve rustic wedding ideas!
1. An Outdoor Ceremony
It’s a little risky with the British weather, but we love an outdoor ceremony. You might decide to have a truly enchanting ceremony in a forest or go super rustic and opt to get married in a field. You and your guests might even camp nearby afterwards!
2. A Barn Venue
It’s an oldie but a goodie! We’re sure you’ve seen lots of photographs of wedding ceremonies in gorgeous rustic barns – and with good reason! They’re trendy for a reason. Think high ceilings, big windows and gorgeous linens. It could be the perfect setting for your big day.
3. Lawn Games
Something we love about rustic weddings is their laid-back vibe! Playing a few lawn games is a great way to keep your guests in high spirits. They’ll bring out everyone’s playful side and act as a bit of icebreaker for any guests who don’t know each other so well.
4. Wooden Seating
Forget chair covers, bows and sashes if you’re after a rustic style for your wedding. Instead, think vintage wooden chairs, decorated with greenery and other foliage. If you and your partner are splitting your guests onto separate sides, why not add distressed signs to let them know where to sit?
5. A Folk Band
When it comes to entertainment, there’s nothing better than a folk band at a rustic wedding. Folk bands tend to play tunes that are welcoming, warm and full of heart, and their acoustic or “unplugged” music creates the perfect atmosphere, especially for an intimate ceremony.
6. Animals
Any animal lovers out there? If you’re getting married near a farm, why not see if you can add their livestock into your wedding photographs? It’ll make for some super unique memories! Or bring your pets along to the ceremony to really get the whole family involved.
7. Flower Crowns
Everyone loves a flower crown – and for good reason! They look gorgeous with any outfit. We especially love them paired with a boho wedding dress or an oversized suit.
8. Floral Wedding Arches
A rustic wedding arch is a great way to elevate your wedding. A floral arch makes for a gorgeous focal point – not to mention some fantastic photo ops!
9. Home Cooking
It’s not just about your decorations! Even your catering can have a rustic twist. One of our favourite rustic wedding ideas is serving your guests homemade cookies. You could even personalise them with your guests’ names!
10. Wooden Details
Consider using wooden logs for a rustic twist. They might come in handy as holders for place names or table numbers – or they can be used to display your wedding cake! Add some flowers and foliage to make it even more gorgeous. Try wooden table numbers to to keep everything on theme. You could even pop them into potted plants or watering cans filled with wildflowers to take things to the next level!
11. Sparklers
Make the most of the great outdoors and dazzle your guests with sparklers and fireworks! Not only will your guests be excited to get involved, but we bet you’ll get some great photographs too.
12. Jam Jars
One super cute – and budget friendly! – idea that never goes out of style is repurposing jam jars as flower vases. Fill them with wildflowers – or, if you’re green fingered, you might even try planting herbs in them!
There you have it – twelve gorgeous ideas for to help create your dream rustic wedding.
Whether it’s been one year since the two of you got married, a decade, or even 50 years, every wedding anniversary is special, and deserves to be celebrated. To mark such a wonderful occasion, you no doubt love to show your other half just how much that loyalty and adoration means to you.
Every couple is different. You may use your anniversary to offer a huge gesture of love like a meal at a fancy restaurant or a trip somewhere nice. You may give them a stunning bouquet of flowers and a card or have a romantic night in away from the rest of the world. Or, you might choose to give them a gift specifically linked to the number of years the two of you have been together.
But what should you give? If you’re stuck for ideas, every anniversary has a traditional gift you can give your partner, as well as an anniversary gemstone and traditional flower. These traditions go back more than a hundred years, and today, there are modern gifts too, which gives you plenty of choices.
In this article, we’re going to explore everything to do with wedding anniversary gifts and traditions in the UK, including the traditional gifts given by couples to each other for a century, and the modern options for couples who want to give their symbolic gift-giving a 21st-century boost. We’ll also let you know the gemstones and flowers, and dive into the symbolic meaning everything has so you can put love and consideration into your gifts every year.
And if you’re in a rush, check out our handy infographics below: we’ve got one for the traditional and modern anniversary gifts, as well as the anniversary gemstones and flowers. Be sure to save them for future reference!
Your marriage was a monumental and pivotal event in your life. It no doubt changed the way you live, think and behave. Your goals likely evolved, your priorities shifted, and your mindset altered. You may still (and always) be an I, but the day you got married, you also became a we.
Because marriage is such a big commitment, it should be celebrated. So, whether you’ve been married one year, two years or five decades, why not use it as an excuse (not that you need one) to celebrate the love you and your partner share?
Of course, you and your other half might like to keep things on the low down. You might not like the fuss associated with an anniversary or you might not have the money to spare. And that’s okay too. So long as you and your partner are open and honest with each other from the start, there’s nothing wrong with choosing not to celebrate your anniversary. You do you.
Wedding anniversary gifts are like the gifts given to mark other significant moments of someone’s life, such as a birthday, Christmas, marriage or any other special occasion. But it counts double for an anniversary, because you’re not the only one celebrating something. Both you and your partner have reached an incredible milestone in your marriage, whether it’s one or one 90 years.
Couples love to give each other gifts on their anniversary because it marks such an important time they share. It’s a symbolic gesture that shows your continued love and commitment to your partner and how much you appreciate them. It doesn’t have to be anything expensive and you shouldn’t feel pressured to give them a gift if your budget doesn’t allow it – it all depends on your personal preferences and circumstances, and what feels right to you as a couple.
No, you don’t have to give your partner a gift on your anniversary. While many couples do choose to mark every anniversary with a card, gift or something else, it’s not for everyone. You might not be comfortable with giving or receiving gifts, or you may not have the budget to spare. And that’s perfectly okay.
There are plenty of other ways you can treat your partner on your anniversary that don’t involve giving a gift. Instead, why not put your phones away and enjoy a cosy movie night? Or take a romantic walk and enjoy a picnic at a lakeside? There’s lots you can do if you’re not in a position to give each other gifts.
Like with any part of a marriage, it’s all about communication. So be open and honest with your partner about what you’d like to give on your anniversary.
What are traditional and modern anniversary gifts?
Wedding anniversary gift guide: a quick reference infographic
It’s thought that couples have been giving each other gifts to mark their wedding anniversaries for hundreds of years. For example, Folklorist Hanns Bächtold-Stäubli wrote that couples in Germanic countries gave each other anniversary jewellery as far back as the 16th century.
During the Victorian era, the act of giving anniversary gifts grew in popularity, but at the time there were no ‘rules’ as such. It was only after the publication of Emily Post’s 1922 book, Etiquette: in Society, in Business, in Politics and at Home, that the idea of traditional wedding anniversary gifts for specific milestones came to be. The list contains traditional gifts you can give to your partner for your 1st to your 15th anniversary, then every five years after that.
Less than 20 years after Emily Post’s book, the American National Retail Jeweler Association published a modern version in 1937. Since then, couples have used both lists as a source of inspiration for what to gift each other.
Until a second even more modern version is created, couples will have to bend the rules if they want to give each other an iPad or PlayStation.
Here’s a list of the main wedding anniversaries and their associated gifts:
Whether you should give your partner a modern or traditional anniversary gift is entirely up to you – there’s no right or wrong answer. Speak to your partner about what you might like to do and if you want to stick to a theme.
Different gifts have different symbolic meanings and might have a unique meaning or nostalgic element for the two of you. Some gifts might also have actual uses and a lot more flexibility about them. As you might expect, modern anniversary gifts are a little easier to work with, but even some of those are a little outdated by 21st-century standards.
If you stick to traditional anniversary gifts, for your first anniversary you’ll want to give your partner something associated with paper. Now, this could be a packet of tissues, or it could be a certificate showing how they’ve purchased an acre of land on the moon – you can be as creative with it as you like.
For something a little easier to work out, you could get them the modern equivalent, which is a clock. This could be a gold watch, a FitBit or Apple Watch, a new bedside alarm clock… whatever you think your partner would love.
Or, you could scrap the idea that year altogether and get them a bunch of flowers or an overnight stay in a romantic B&B somewhere. There are no official rules, just inspiration and ideas you can follow.
And you could mix it up. One year you could go traditional, one year you could go modern. It’s about whatever fits your budget, your preferences and how it aligns with your creativity and what you and your partner have discussed. And if your partner does want an acre of land on the moon, then go for it!
Do different countries around the world have different anniversary traditions?
Yes, depending on where you live, there may be different traditions and gifts associated with each wedding anniversary. There is a lot of crossover, but just because something is a tradition in one country doesn’t mean it applies to every country.
For example, in Korea it’s common for couples to celebrate their 100-day wedding anniversary, as the first 100 days are thought to be among the toughest they’ll experience as they settle into married life. To mark the occasion, Korean couples like to give each other a ring which might be engraved with a short phrase that means something special to them.
In this article, we’re going to focus on the traditional and modern anniversary milestones, traditions and gifts that couples in the UK might like to stick to. But, because there’s so much crossover, many of these traditions are shared across the world. Couples in the UK, USA, Germany, Japan and beyond mark the 25th (silver) and 50th (gold) anniversaries with gifts, parties and other celebrations.
What are wedding anniversary gemstones?
Wedding anniversary gemstone guide: a quick reference infographic
Okay, so we’ve already covered that there are traditional and modern anniversary gifts you could give to your partner to mark specific milestones in your marriage. But, to make things super simple and give you even more options and ideas for what you could give them, there are also specific gemstones associated with every anniversary. So, if all else fails, a piece of jewellery that contains a gemstone is guaranteed to bring a smile to your other half’s face thanks to the symbolic meaning behind it.
Check out the below guide to see what wedding anniversary gemstones there are:
1st anniversary gemstone – Gold
2nd anniversary gemstone – Garnet
3rd anniversary gemstone – Pearl
4th anniversary gemstone – Topaz
5th anniversary gemstone – Sapphire
6th anniversary gemstone – Amethyst
7th anniversary gemstone – Onyx
8th anniversary gemstone – Tourmaline
9th anniversary gemstone – Lapis Lazuli
10th anniversary gemstone – Diamond
11th anniversary gemstone – Turquoise
12th anniversary gemstone – Jade
13th anniversary gemstone – Citrine
14th anniversary gemstone – Opal
15th anniversary gemstone – Ruby
16th anniversary gemstone – Peridot
17th anniversary gemstone – Carnelian
18th anniversary gemstone – Cat’s eye
19th anniversary gemstone – Aquamarine
20th anniversary gemstone – Emerald
21st anniversary gemstone – Iolite
22nd anniversary gemstone – Spinel
23rd anniversary gemstone – Topaz
24th anniversary gemstone – Tanzanite
25th anniversary gemstone – Silver
30th anniversary gemstone – Pearl
35th anniversary gemstone – Emerald
40th anniversary gemstone – Ruby
45th anniversary gemstone – Sapphire
50th anniversary gemstone – Gold
55th anniversary gemstone – Emerald
60th anniversary gemstone – Diamond
65th anniversary gemstone – Sapphire
As you can see, there are a few repeated gemstones. Gold, ruby, sapphire, emerald, pearl and diamond all make two or three appearances. For example, gold is both the 1st and 50th anniversary, but each has a different meaning. For the 1st anniversary, the gold can symbolise prosperity and optimism for what the future could bring. For the 50th anniversary, the gold can represent perseverance and a symbolic bookend to the 1st anniversary half a century later.
What are wedding anniversary flowers?
Wedding anniversary flower guide: a quick reference infographic
Flowers are an international symbol of love, and many lovebirds love to give flowers to the person they love (that’s a lot of love). As well as traditional and modern gifts and anniversary gemstones, there are also wedding anniversary flowers. If you give your partner flowers to mark the occasion, choosing the appropriate flowers adds that extra bit of care and thoughtfulness.
Surprisingly, roses – the flower almost everyone associates with romance and love – only appear on the list once. Even though a lot of anniversaries have a traditional flower associated with them, it’s not something you need to stick to. After all, nothing makes a statement quite like a bunch of roses!
Here are the flowers traditionally given on each wedding anniversary:
1st anniversary flower – Carnation
2nd anniversary flower – Lily of the valley
3rd anniversary flower – Sunflower
4th anniversary flower – Hydrangea
5th anniversary flower – Daisy
6th anniversary flower – Calla lily
7th anniversary flower – Freesia
8th anniversary flower – Lilac
9th anniversary flower – Bird of paradise
10th anniversary flower – Daffodil
11th anniversary flower – Tulip
12th anniversary flower – Peony
13th anniversary flower – Chrysanthemum
14th anniversary flower – Orchid
15th anniversary flower – Rose
16th anniversary flower – Statice
17th anniversary flower – Red carnation
18th anniversary flower – Sunflower
19th anniversary flower – Chrysanthemum
20th anniversary flower – Aster
21st anniversary flower – Iris
22nd anniversary flower – There isn’t one
23rd anniversary flower – Nil
24th anniversary flower – Lavender
25th anniversary flower – Iris
30th anniversary flower – Lily
35th anniversary flower – Coral rose
40th anniversary flower – Nasturtium
45th anniversary flower – There isn’t one
50th anniversary flower – Violet
What are the major or most important wedding anniversary years?
Every wedding anniversary is special – it marks another year spent with the love of your life, after all. But, there are a few wedding anniversaries that are perhaps that little bit more special. Your 1st anniversary marks one whole year since the two of you had the most incredible day of your lives. Your 10th anniversary marks a whole decade! You might also like to mark the anniversaries every five years after that with a bit more oomph, like the 15th and 20th anniversaries.
After that, the 25th and 50th anniversaries are huge occasions, which should definitely be shouted about from the rooftops. They’re both such incredible achievements that you might want a huge celebration with friends and family, but also just the two of you because, at the end of the day, marriage is about you.
You might also want to mark every 5th anniversary that passes as something extra special. In the UK, the longest-known marriage is between Ron and Joyce Bond, who celebrated their 83rd wedding anniversary in January 2024!
What are the traditional and modern anniversary gifts for every year?
If you’d like to mark your next wedding anniversary with a symbolic and thoughtful gift, there are traditional and modern options you can consider. Which you choose is up to you – you might even decide not to go with either.
The creator of the traditional gifts, Emily Post, only wrote about the gifts couples should exchange for their 1st to 15th anniversaries, then every fifth anniversary after that. But thankfully, as with most traditions, they’ve evolved over time – so we’ve filled in the blanks to include the new traditions couples have adopted.
So, if you’d like to give your other half something with symbolic meaning, here are a few ideas, including the anniversary gemstones and flowers as well.
The traditional and modern 1st wedding anniversary gifts
Traditional – Paper
Modern – Clocks
Gemstone – Gold
Flower – Carnation
The traditional gift couples give to each other to mark their very first wedding anniversary is paper. Now, paper might seem like a strange choice – what’s so special about that? But, it’s not like you’re limited to giving your partner a blank sheet of A4 so they can doodle or practice their origami. Paper is a symbolic gesture that represents a new start – a blank sheet of paper can be filled in with whatever you want, after all. It can also be helpful since weddings are expensive and paper’s cheap!
But, paper is super versatile and you can get creative. Why not give your other half a family crest to hang on the wall? Or commission an artist you admire to recreate your favourite wedding photo? And if all else fails, a voucher can have a million and one uses, from a romantic hot air balloon flight to a romantic meal for two.
If you’re thinking modern, a clock is a wonderful gift that marks the time you’ve spent together during your first year as a married couple. This could be a new alarm clock for the bedside table or an ornate cuckoo clock. You could even combine the modern gift with the traditional gemstone (which technically isn’t a gemstone), gold. And what could be nicer on your 1st anniversary than to gift your partner a nice gold watch?
The traditional flower to give on your 1st anniversary is the carnation, which are big, beautiful blooms that are delicate but absolutely bursting with colour. A perfect gift for the perfect occasion.
The traditional and modern 2nd wedding anniversary gifts
Traditional – Cotton
Modern – China
Gemstone – Garnet
Flower – Lily of the Valley
If you’re all about traditional 2nd wedding anniversary gifts, then you’ll want to give your partner a gift associated with cotton. On paper, it may be a gift just as confusing as paper (see what we did there?) but it actually has a lovely symbolic meaning. Cotton is a natural fibre that grows in fields, and is then processed so it becomes strong and durable, which represents your second year of marriage.
The most obvious choice of gift you might give is clothing. This could be a beautiful dress, a pair of matching robes, or the most comfortable slippers imaginable. You could even have a custom tea towel made that features the date of your wedding.
For a modern option, you might want to give your partner some china. How you interpret this is up to you – an obvious choice would be a lovely tea set. Or, you could even spoil your partner and whisk them away on a trip to Beijing!
The anniversary gemstone for two years of marriage is garnet, a stone that comes in a variety of beautiful colours and can vary hugely in cost. This gives you plenty of options if you’re keen to give your partner a gift that features garnet.
The traditional flower for a 2nd anniversary is lily of the valley, a super elegant flower with tiny white heads that look like little bells. Very dainty but also very beautiful.
The traditional and modern 3rd wedding anniversary gifts
Traditional – Leather
Modern – Glass or crystal
Gemstone – Pearl
Flower – Sunflower
The traditional 3rd anniversary wedding gift is leather, which is a super durable material that represents the strength of marriage. Leather is so hardy that a leather shoe was found that was thought to be 5,500 years old! There are so many things you could choose from, too, like a pair of boots, a jacket, a wallet, a purse… And the great thing is, there are also plenty of vegan leather products to choose from so everyone gets the option to give a traditional gift if they want to.
The modern 3rd anniversary gift is glass or crystal. This represents how fragile marriage can be, but also how beautiful it can be, which is why it should be looked after and treasured. You might want to give your partner a vase, some engraved champagne flutes, or even a set of shot glasses. Let your imagination run wild.
The 3rd anniversary gemstone is pearl, which is a hugely versatile gemstone that can be used in all kinds of jewellery. From rings and bracelets to necklaces and earrings, it’s a delicate stone that has a wide range of uses.
For flowers, the bold and eye-catching sunflower is traditionally given. Sunflowers are warming and welcoming and bring life to any room.
The traditional and modern 4th wedding anniversary gifts
Traditional – Fruit or flowers
Modern – Appliances
Gemstone – Topaz
Flower – Hydrangea
For your 4th wedding anniversary, the traditional gift to give your other half is fruit or flowers. Okay, flowers we understand, they’ve been given as a romantic gesture for thousands of years, but fruit? Actually, fruit has a fabulous symbolic meaning too, in that it’s fresh, it grows from a small seed and it’s sweet. A bouquet of flowers is always a wonderful gift, but a basket of fresh fruit is such a unique and thoughtful way to mark an anniversary.
The modern gift is appliances. When modern gifts were established in the 1930s, there wasn’t quite the same range of choice as there is today, which can make your decision easier. It could be a coffee maker, an air frier, a new fridge freezer… you certainly won’t be stuck for ideas.
The 4th anniversary gemstone is topaz, a clear stone that comes in a lot of different colours. It’s also another stone that can vary in cost, with some types of topaz being very affordable. But, if you want to push the boat out it can also be incredibly expensive.
The hydrangea is the traditional flower given to mark a 4th anniversary, which are fabulously explosive blooms of vivid and varied colour.
The traditional and modern 5th wedding anniversary gifts
Traditional – Wood
Modern – Silverware
Gemstone – Sapphire
Flower – Daisy
The traditional 5th wedding anniversary gift is wood. Wood is a tough, durable material that grows from a tiny seed into a magnificent tree that has deep and strong roots. This is why it’s perfect that it represents your fifth year of marriage. And the great thing is, wood can come in a huge variety of forms. You could give your other half a wooden carving, a sign to hang on the wall or a bench for sitting on in the back garden.
For something more modern, you could give them some silverware. Okay, so it might not be that modern, but some fancy new cutlery or an engraved spoon you can hang in the kitchen make for a lovely gesture.
The anniversary gemstone for five years is sapphire, which is a striking blue stone that looks amazing on rings, necklaces, earrings… in fact, it looks amazing on anything. It can be a little pricey, but it’s definitely worth the cost if your budget allows for it.
If you’d like to give your partner something floral, the daisy is the traditional flower for five years of marriage. Daisies might be small, but they’re the quintessential flower, with bright and open heads that scream of spring.
The traditional and modern 6th wedding anniversary gifts
Traditional – Sugar
Modern – Iron
Gemstone – Amethyst
Flower – Calla lily
The traditional gift for a 6th wedding anniversary is sugar. Now, a bag of sugar might not hit the spot, but there are so many ways to interpret this. A box of chocolates, a delectable cake, some Turkish delights… or a trip to a chocolate factory! Yes, you might treat your partner to some chocolates throughout the year, but when it’s your 6th anniversary it has a lovely symbolic message. After all, sugar is sweet, and after six years together your relationship is only getting sweeter.
The modern 6th wedding anniversary gift is iron. Now, try to avoid the temptation of getting your partner an iron so they can iron your clothes… though this can make for a funny exchange on your anniversary! With a little creative thinking, you could come up with something unique and thoughtful, like an engraved padlock, a cast iron skillet or a sculpture that represents your love.
The 6th wedding anniversary gemstone is amethyst, which is as striking as it is elegant. They’re usually a stunning shade of purple, and they’re hardy so can come in a huge variety of shapes and decorative objects.
The flower to mark a 6th anniversary is calla lily, which are elegant flowers with cup-like heads. They might be beautiful, but just be aware that they produce tiny crystals that are super sharp, so it’s recommended that you don’t have them if you have pets or young children. There are plenty of other flowers out there though that aren’t toxic to pets, so your other half won’t have to go without.
The traditional and modern 7th wedding anniversary gifts
Traditional – Wool or copper
Modern – Stationery or desk set
Gemstone – Onyx
Flower – Freesia
For your 7th wedding anniversary gift, there’s a huge selection of ideas for you to choose from, so you’re guaranteed to think of something your other half will love. The traditional gifts are wool or copper, which could include anything from a big, thick jumper to cufflinks made with 1p coins. Wood represents the warmth and cosiness of marriage, while copper represents wealth and prosperity.
For something more modern, you could give some stationery or a desk set. Neither sounds particularly romantic, but you could personalise some pens or give your partner a brand-new diary.
As for the 7th anniversary gemstone, onyx is an eye-catching stone that features shades of black and sometimes even white. Onyx can sometimes be expensive, but it’s incredibly unique and used in a lot of different types of jewellery.
The freesia is the traditional flower to mark a 7th anniversary. Freesias are colourful blooms which look hugely eye-catching and have surprisingly long stems.
The traditional and modern 8th wedding anniversary gifts
Traditional – Bronze
Modern – Linen or lace
Gemstone – Tourmaline
Flower – Lilac
When they’re separate, copper and tin are two relatively weak metals. However, when melted down and combined, they become bronze, the traditional 8th wedding anniversary gift, which is incredibly strong. This is why humanity made such huge strides during the bronze age, with the ability to create strong tools from bronze. The art of mixing two things (you and your partner) so they become strong (your marriage) is a lovely, symbolic gesture. Many statues and figures are available in bronze and make for a thoughtful anniversary gift.
The modern 8th anniversary gift is linen or lace, which are both beautiful and delicate fabrics. This could be anything from bedsheets to special pyjamas – very romantic.
The 8th anniversary gemstone is tourmaline, which isn’t usually the first choice of stone for jewellery, but is super appealing thanks to the range of colours. Some stones also have a rainbow effect, which is a wonderful stone to choose for LGBTQ+ couples in particular.
For something floral, the traditional flower for an 8th anniversary is the lilac, dainty little flowers that come together to form large, cloud-like blooms. Lovely.
The traditional and modern 9th wedding anniversary gifts
Traditional – Pottery or willow
Modern – Leather
Gemstone – Lapis Lazuli
Flower – Bird of paradise
Traditionally, you might give your partner a gift of pottery or willow when celebrating your 9th wedding anniversary. Pottery is a lovely symbolic gift because it’s something that’s been made by hand from a lump of clay and formed into something beautiful. A willow tree is fabulous and full of luscious life with a strong trunk and roots – just like the ninth year of marriage.
When it comes pottery, there are loads of ideas for you to choose from. Anything from a handcrafted vase to a plant pot. For willow, you could choose a carved ornament, a basket full of treats and other goodies, or even a cricket bat if your other half is that way inclined.
If you’re going modern, you could get them a leather gift. This has already appeared on the list as the traditional gift for a 3rd anniversary, so try to think back six years to work out if you’ve already got this covered. If not, there are plenty of gift options out there for you.
The anniversary gemstone for nine years of marriage is lapis lazuli, a beautifully textured blue stone that makes any piece of jewellery pop.
The bird of paradise is the traditional flower for a 9th anniversary and looks more like a flower from Avatar than it does anything from Earth. It’s unique and attention-grabbing, but also delicate and colourful.
The traditional and modern 10th wedding anniversary gifts
Traditional – Tin or aluminium
Modern – Diamond
Gemstone – Diamond
Flower – Daffodil
When celebrating your anniversary, the traditional gift for reaching the 10-year mark is tin or aluminium. Okay, so neither is particularly glitzy or glamorous. But you can still get creative and have some fun with it, like a tin filled with chocolates, matching tin camping mugs, or a good ol’ tin of beans. If you choose the last one, it might be good to get a little extra something as well, just to be safe.
The modern 10th anniversary gift is, of course, diamond. It’s an extra special milestone in your marriage journey, after all. Diamond is also the 10th anniversary gemstone, so it’s a double-diamond type of celebration. It all depends on your budget as to what you might like to give your partner to commemorate your decade together, but diamond offers you plenty of choices to give something beautiful and memorable.
You might expect a 10th anniversary flower to be something like a rose, but it is in fact the humble daffodil. Daffodils might commonly grow throughout the spring, but they represent new beginnings, which is appropriate as you begin a new decade as a married couple.
The traditional and modern 11th wedding anniversary gifts
Traditional – Steel
Modern – Jewellery
Gemstone – Turquoise
Flower – Tulip
To mark your 11th anniversary the traditional way, you might want to give your partner a gift linked to steel. Even we admit that this one’s hard, but with a little thought and research, it’s definitely possible to get your partner something showstopping. An engraved cutlery set, a dish to keep treasured jewellery, or tickets so you can both set sail on a cruise… cruise liners are made from steel, right?
For the modern alternative, you could give your other half some jewellery. Link it to the traditional gemstone for an 11th anniversary with turquoise, which is a striking bluey-green colour – perfect for while you’re on that cruise!
If you’d like to treat your partner to flowers to celebrate your 11th anniversary, the traditional flower is the tulip, which comes in a massive range of stunning colours.
The traditional and modern 12th wedding anniversary gifts
Traditional – Silk
Modern – Pearl
Gemstone – Jade
Flower – Peony
Okay, when you get to 12th wedding anniversary gift-giving, you’ll have plenty of great themes to choose from. The traditional gift is silk, elegant and smooth, just like your marriage. It’s also a lovely choice as there are lots you can give your partner, from a posh scarf to the most comfortable pyjamas you can imagine.
The modern gift to give is pearl, which means there’s a whole world of jewellery options open to you. But, the 12th anniversary gemstone is jade, which comes in all different shades of green. This means if you want to go for jewellery, you’ll face a dilemma – pearl or jade? Both are a great choice, so why not choose the best of both worlds and go for a jade and pearl necklace? The greens and creams complement each other perfectly and it has a double meaning!
If giving flowers is more your thing, for your 12th anniversary you could give your partner the traditional peony, which comes in every colour except blue, and has big and fantastic blooms.
The traditional and modern 13th wedding anniversary gifts
Traditional – Lace
Modern – Fur
Gemstone – Citrine
Flower – Chrysanthemum
Unlucky for some but definitely not for you, as you celebrate 13 incredible years together! The traditional gift is lace, which gives you the opportunity to get your partner something a little exciting if you know what we mean. And if not, some new shoes with laces will do just the trick too.
The modern 13th anniversary gift is fur, which sort of reflects how these modern gifts maybe aren’t quite as modern as we might think after all. Thankfully there are still options out there, as faux fur is super convincing and works for everyone.
The anniversary gemstone for 13 lucky years is citrine, and as the name suggests it’s a wonderful lemony or orangey colour, and is actually a variety of quartz.
For something a bit more floral, the traditional 13th anniversary flower is a chrysanthemum, a lovely, open bloom that’s bright and warming.
The traditional and modern 14th wedding anniversary gifts
Traditional – Ivory
Modern – Gold jewellery
Gemstone – Opal
Flower – Orchid
A long time ago (and not even in a galaxy far, far away) the traditional 14th wedding anniversary gift was ivory. Of course, this is no longer the case as it comes with massive animal rights connotations. But, couples who still want to mark the traditional gift often give something associated with elephants instead. Perhaps a wooden carving of an elephant, or an elephant feeding experience at your nearest zoo, so you can admire these amazing animals in person.
The modern 14th anniversary gift is gold jewellery, and we don’t need to go into detail about the huge amount of options you’ll have with that. You could combine it with the 14th anniversary gemstone, opal, a stunning iridescent stone that bounces light around like a natural disco ball. Opal is also associated with hope and truth, which is perfect for marking an anniversary.
The traditional 14th anniversary flower is the orchid, which is tall, strong, delicate and beautiful. An orchid looks magnificent in any room.
The traditional and modern 15th wedding anniversary gifts
Traditional – Crystal
Modern – Watches
Gemstone – Ruby
Flower – Rose
If you like sticking to traditions, your partner is in for a real treat for your 15th anniversary. The traditional gift is crystal, much like the modern option for a 3rd anniversary. You could go for anything from an ornate vase to an engraved whisky glass.
The modern gift for 15 years is a watch, which means you can treat your other half to anything from an expensive Rolex to one of those Casio watches with the little calculators on them that everyone had in the 90s.
The gemstone for a 15th anniversary is the ruby. Rubies are a dark red in colour, almost purple, like the two hearts that you gave to each other all those years ago. Rubies also look fantastic in all kinds of jewellery, so you’ll be spoilt for choice.
The traditional anniversary flower for 15 years is the rose. Finally, after 15 years, you can give your partner the flower most associated with love (if you’re sticking to the loose rules, of course – you’re free to give them what you like when you like). Roses are hardy and versatile, while also being elegant and beautiful. The ultimate symbol of love.
The traditional and modern 16th wedding anniversary gifts
Traditional – Wax
Modern – Silver holloware
Gemstone – Peridot
Flower – Statice
What’s one of the things you’ll always crack out which is guaranteed to create a romantic atmosphere? That’s right, a candle! Which is perfect, because the traditional 16th wedding anniversary gift is wax. Wax might not be hardy, but it burns bright, which is a lovely symbolic meaning for your marriage so far.
The modern gift for a 16th anniversary is silver holloware, which is a fancy way of saying a bowl, pot or container that’s made of silver. This could be a teapot, gravy boat or tureen – basically, anything that you can keep something else inside of.
The gemstone for a 16th wedding anniversary is peridot, which is a fantastic green-coloured stone, and one of the few gemstones that’s only found in one colour. That makes it rather unique, and makes for a lovely choice of gift. It also represents compassion, which you’ll likely have in abundance after spending 16 years with your love.
If you’d like to treat your other half to flowers, the traditional flower for 16 years of marriage is the statice, a papery bloom that usually grows in hot Mediterranean climates. The Victorians used to give statices to let someone know they were thinking about them, which couldn’t be more perfect for an anniversary.
The traditional and modern 17th wedding anniversary gifts
Traditional – Watches
Modern – Furniture
Gemstone – Carnelian
Flower – Red carnation
While Emily Post’s list of traditional gifts didn’t include the 17th anniversary, couples have taken to giving each other a watch, much like the modern option for a 15th anniversary. If this was you two years ago, you might prefer the modern gift option – furniture. While an IKEA Callax Unit or Billy Bookcase will possibly do the trick, have a good think about what will have symbolic meaning so the two of you can look back on it and remember your 17th anniversary.
The 17th anniversary gemstone is the carnelian, a rust-coloured semi-precious stone which represents creativity and self-esteem. It’s not the shiniest of stones out there, but it still looks great set in jewellery.
For a flowery touch, the red carnation is the traditional 17th anniversary flower. Its big blooms fill any space with an explosion of fantastic reds, and is a symbol of intense love.
The traditional and modern 18th wedding anniversary gifts
Traditional – Porcelain
Modern – Porcelain
Gemstone – Cat’s eye
Flower – Sunflower
No one can quite agree on what counts as a traditional 18th wedding anniversary gift, so most like to take inspiration from the modern equivalent, which is porcelain. Now, porcelain might famously be associated with toilets and sinks, but neither of those really has an air of romance about it. Unless you’re able to treat your other half to a brand-new bathroom, perhaps. Instead, you could go for a porcelain figurine, an engraved decorative plate, or a thimble that commemorates the date you got married.
If porcelain doesn’t inspire you, the anniversary gemstone for 18 years of marriage is cat’s eye. Cat’s eyes are super unique in that, as you might expect from the name, they look a little bit like a cat’s eye. They’re almost marble-like and are a wonderful centrepiece for any jewellery. And you’ll get double brownie points if your other half happens to love cats, too.
The traditional flower for an 18th anniversary is the sunflower, the same as for the 3rd anniversary. Sunflowers are big, beautiful and long-lasting… much like the marriage between you and your love.
The traditional and modern 19th wedding anniversary gifts
Traditional – Bronze
Modern – Bronze
Gemstone – Emerald
Flower – Chrysanthemum
More than 10 years after its first appearance on the list of traditional and modern anniversary gifts, bronze once again becomes both the traditional and modern 19th wedding anniversary gift option. Sculptures, candlesticks, a picture frame, cufflinks… there’s a lot to choose from if you use your imagination.
The gemstone for 19 years of marriage is aquamarine, a fabulously bright and blue sky-coloured stone that symbolises youth and happiness. It’s not the most commonly used stone in jewellery, so would make for a unique gift to celebrate your special day.
For something floral, the traditional flower for 19 years is the chrysanthemum, which has already made an appearance on the list just six years before. But for good reason – it’s a lovely big bloom that comes in all kinds of colours. Plus, it symbolises happiness and a long life, which is apt as you near your 20th wedding anniversary.
The traditional and modern 20th wedding anniversary gifts
Traditional – China
Modern – Platinum
Gemstone – Emerald
Flower – Aster
After a four-year break, the traditional anniversary gifts are back as outlined in Emily Post’s book. The traditional gift to give your partner to celebrate two decades together is china, which is delicate, beautiful and painstakingly made – so perfect to represent the time you’ve spent as a married couple.
The modern gift for 20 years is platinum, which is a rather pricey precious metal that’s used to make all kinds of incredible jewellery, from rings to bracelets. You could combine this with the 20th wedding anniversary gemstone, which is emerald. Emeralds are a stunning, eye-catching shade of green and go well set in any type of jewellery. They also symbolise royalty, so there’s not a more perfect gift for the king or queen in your life.
The traditional flower for a 20th wedding anniversary is the aster, which is a dainty flower that looks a little bit like a purple daisy. They also grow in the UK and flower around the summer months, so if your anniversary falls during the hotter time of the year then asters should be in good supply.
The traditional and modern 21st wedding anniversary gifts
Traditional – Brass or nickel
Modern – Brass or nickel
Gemstone – Iolite
Flower – Iris
To celebrate your marriage now being legally old enough to rent a car, we once again enter territory not covered by Emily Post’s list of traditional gifts. So, the modern gift, brass or nickel, covers both bases. Both represent strength, which is lovely after the amount of time you’ve spent together. This means you have a huge choice of gifts available, from trinkets and ornaments to personalised jewellery.
The 21st anniversary gemstone is iolite, a fabulously blue or purple stone which is actually fairly low priced. That means you can pick up jewellery with iolite relatively cheaply. And thanks to its incredible colour, it goes with almost everything, too, so you won’t struggle to find something your other half will love.
The traditional flower for 21 years of marriage is the iris, which is also purple but oh so delicate. You’ll also be spoilt for choice, as there are over 300 species of iris out there.
The traditional and modern 22nd wedding anniversary gifts
Traditional – Copper
Modern – Copper
Gemstone – Spinel
Flower – There isn’t one
There isn’t an official traditional wedding anniversary gift for 22 years, so it borrows from the modern option (which in turn borrows from the 7th anniversary gift), copper. Copper is a great rusty brown colour, and makes for a fantastic ornament or statue. Because it’s a fairly weak metal, it can be moulded into all kinds of shapes and engraved easily, so what you can get is only limited by your imagination.
For something a bit more sparkly, the 22nd anniversary gemstone is spinel. Spinel are a lovely ruby shade of red – in fact, they’re often confused for rubies. They vary in cost, but are always a beautiful addition to any piece of jewellery, so you really can’t go wrong with them.
Now for the bad news – there’s no official flower associated with 22 years of marriage! The good news is, you can go crazy with creativity! Why not have a bouquet designed by a local florist that contains 22 flowers? One from each of the traditional flowers of the past 21 years plus an extra – that’ll definitely show your other half just how much you mean to them.
The traditional and modern 23rd wedding anniversary gifts
Traditional – Silver plate
Modern – Silver plate
Gemstone – Topaz
Flower – Nil
The modern 23rd wedding anniversary gift is a silver plate, and because there isn’t a traditional gift, the silver plate unofficially falls into that category too. A silver plate is a fairly self-explanatory thing, but you can still have a lot of fun with personalisations and engravings so it’ll look amazing on the wall or when brought out for special occasions. You could even use it to announce a weekend away or get them a dish to keep their jewellery in.
The gemstone for 23 years together is topaz, which has already appeared on the list before as the gemstone for the 4th anniversary. But it’s a beautiful stone, so if you’ve already given your partner jewellery containing topaz that’s no bad thing. Another piece to complement it would be a wonderful gesture.
As for flowers, the traditional flower for a 23rd wedding anniversary is nil. If you’re not familiar with this name, it’s also known as Japanese morning glory, which may or may not be apt considering it’s your anniversary (steady on!). It’s quite a bushy plant, so it’s not really one you can give as part of a bouquet, but it does grow in the UK and usually flowers in the later summer months if you sow the seeds in the spring.
The traditional and modern 24th wedding anniversary gifts
Traditional – Opal
Modern – Musical instrument
Gemstone – Tanzanite
Flower – Lavender
When choosing gifts for your 24th wedding anniversary, if you want to stick to the ‘rules’, you’ll have a wonderful selection to choose from. The traditional gift is opal, which was also the gemstone for 14 years of marriage. It’s a stunning iridescent stone that looks fabulous in all kinds of jewellery and symbolises hope. You could pair this with bluey-purple tanzanite, the traditional gemstone for 24 years. It’s believed it helps with intuition, which is lovely as you clearly have great intuition by celebrating your 24th anniversary with the love of your life!
The modern gift for a 24th wedding anniversary is a musical instrument. This gives you a fantastic opportunity to give your partner a gift that they’ve always wanted, but never got around to. Or they may be a keen guitarist or pianist and could do with an upgrade. And if they’re really not into playing an instrument, you can’t go wrong with the good ol’ trusty triangle!
The traditional 24th wedding anniversary flower is lavender, a beautiful bloom associated with the south of France, distinguished by its striking purple hue and soft calming fragrance. Lavender represents purity, silence, devotion, serenity, grace and calmness – all great qualities to celebrate in a marriage.
The traditional and modern 25th wedding anniversary gifts
Traditional – Silver
Modern – Silver
Gemstone – Silver
Flowers – Iris
Your 25th wedding anniversary is known as your silver anniversary for a reason. This is it, the big one. A quarter of a decade spent with the person you love the most. It’s an incredible milestone that should be shouted about from the rooftops. That’s why silver is considered the must-have gift for traditional and modern gifts, as well as the gemstone (though technically a precious metal, but we’ll let it slide).
There are so many amazing gifts you could give your partner that are silver. Jewellery, a keepsake box, a photo frame, silverware, an ornament… the list goes on. You’ll certainly be spoilt for choice.
The traditional flower to give for a 25th wedding anniversary is the iris, which also made an appearance just a few years ago for the 21st anniversary. It’s purple, pretty and delicate, but represents wisdom and trust – could there really be a better flower to symbolise 25 years together?
The traditional and modern 30th wedding anniversary gifts
Traditional – Pearl
Modern – Diamond
Gemstone – Pearl
Flower – Lily
After spending 30 whole years together, you might want to celebrate by giving your partner the traditional gift, which is pearl. It represents becoming wise through experience, and there’s no doubt that you’re wise after spending such an amazing amount of time with your other half. Pearl is already associated with the 3rd and 12th wedding anniversaries, but it’s the traditional gift for 30 years for good reason. It’s also the traditional 30th anniversary gemstone, so you’d be covering two bases with this thoughtful and symbolic gift.
The modern gift for a 30th anniversary is diamond. Diamond is also associated with other anniversaries, but that doesn’t make it any less special. They’re the ultimate symbol of love, and are perfect when set in necklaces, rings, earrings, bracelets… and any other type of jewellery your partner might love.
The traditional flower for 30 years of marriage is the lily. Lilies are stunning open-flower blooms that are available in all kinds of magnificent colours. Just remember that lilies are toxic to cats, so think twice if you have a furry little friend living with you at home.
The traditional and modern 35th wedding anniversary gifts
Traditional – Coral
Modern – Jade
Gemstone – Emerald
Flower – Coral rose
Wow, 35 years. What a milestone! To mark your 35th wedding anniversary with a traditional gift, you can give your other half something related to coral. This is another traditional gift you could interpret in different ways. You could give an item of jewellery set with a coral stone, you could give them something that’s the colour coral, or if you have the budget, a trip to the Great Barrier Reef to view the incredible coral in person.
The modern gift for a 35th anniversary is jade, a fabulous stone which is a delicious shade of green. In the Far East, jade has a rich history as it symbolises immortality and represents the soul, which is great for celebrating a long and happy marriage. Plus, the gemstone to mark 35 years is emerald, an incredible precious stone which also happens to be green. Why not pair jade and emerald together in a piece of jewellery to give your partner something truly unique?
Sticking with the coral theme, the traditional flower for 35 years isn’t anything in particular, but many like to give their partners flowers that are coral-coloured. Bouquets that feature coral and other pastel shades are wonderful and autumnal.
The traditional and modern 40th wedding anniversary gifts
Traditional – Ruby
Modern – Ruby
Gemstone – Ruby
Flower – Nasturtium
The fact that you’ve made it to 40 years together is incredible, and a real testament to your love and devotion to each other. To mark such a fabulous milestone, the traditional and modern gifts, as well as the anniversary gemstone, are ruby. For that reason, many like to treat their other half to something that contains this truly precious stone. Yes, rubies can be pricey, but for good reason – they’re drop-dead gorgeous and set well in almost every kind of jewellery. Ruby symbolises power and a thirst for life, and after 40 years of marriage, you’ll know a thing or two about living your life to the fullest.
The traditional flower for a 40th anniversary is nasturtium, a small orangey-red flower which, from a distance, you might mistake for poppies. They’re very small and delicate so it’s hard to include them in a bouquet, but they’re relatively easy to grow. If you sow the seeds in the garden in the spring they’ll flower in just a few months. They’re also perfect for celebrating your marriage, because nasturtiums symbolise victory through perseverance.
The traditional and modern 45th wedding anniversary gifts
Traditional – Sapphire
Modern – Sapphire
Gemstone – Sapphire
Flower – There isn’t one
45 years is another stunning milestone, which can only be marked by a stunning gift. The traditional and modern gifts, as well as the gemstone, are all the same – the sapphire. Sapphires are precious stones, so can be rather expensive, but wow are they worth it! They represent wisdom and strength, which are definitely qualities you’ll have adopted after all those years spent with the love of your life.
There’s actually no traditional flower for a 45th anniversary, but many like to treat their partners to flowers that evoke sapphires, so blue flowers are a great choice. This might be hydrangea, iris, clematis, morning glory… there’s a lot out there that can make up a truly fabulous bouquet.
The traditional and modern 50th wedding anniversary gifts
Traditional – Gold
Modern – Gold
Gemstone – Gold
Flower – There isn’t one
You’ve reached your 50th anniversary, that’s absolutely incredible! 50 years together is such a massive achievement and one that deserves to be celebrated with glitz and glamour. This is why the traditional and modern gifts, along with the anniversary gemstone (well, precious metal) is gold. Yes, your 50th wedding anniversary is your golden anniversary, so it’s the perfect opportunity to give your love something made from gold. This could be absolutely anything, from jewellery to a whisky glass adorned with gold.
There isn’t a traditional flower for a 50th anniversary, but you might want to give your partner flowers that evoke the gold theme. This could be yellowy-gold roses, sunflowers or chrysanthemums, which would look incredible and vibrant as part of a summery bouquet
The traditional and modern 55th wedding anniversary gifts
Traditional – Emerald
Modern – Emerald
Gemstone – Emerald
Flower – There isn’t one
For your 55th anniversary, there’s an overarching theme of emerald, with this beautiful green precious stone being the traditional and modern gift, as well as the anniversary gemstone. Emerald has already been an anniversary stone for the 20th and 35th anniversaries, but it’s so beautiful that it deserves to make another appearance. It’s known as ‘the jewel of kings’ and symbolises truth and love, which you obviously have plenty of since you’ve made it to your 55th anniversary.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a traditional 55th anniversary flower, but flowers with green blooms will keep your celebrations on track with the emerald theme. Lilies, carnations, chrysanthemums, dahlias and orchids all come in wonderful shades of green.
The traditional and modern 60th wedding anniversary gifts
Traditional – Diamond
Modern – Diamond
Gemstone – Diamond
Flower – There isn’t one
Being married to someone for 60 years is just jaw-dropping, so it’s more than worthy of being known as your diamond anniversary. So, the traditional and modern gifts, and the anniversary gemstone, are the glorious precious stone, the diamond. Diamonds are one of the most iconic symbols of love because they’re beautiful, hardy and – sometimes – priceless. They also symbolise faithfulness and commitment, which reaching 60 years of marriage demonstrates you have plenty of. Diamonds are also a fantastic stone to include in all types of jewellery, from necklaces to bracelets – and of course, rings.
There isn’t an anniversary flower for 60 years, but you could choose to give your partner flowers that evoke the feeling of diamonds. Diamonds let off a rainbow display of lights known as fire, when the light hits them just right. So, you could choose to have white flowers to represent the diamond and its sparkle, with other colours, like red, yellow and blue, to represent the fire.
The traditional and modern 65th wedding anniversary gifts
Traditional – Sapphire
Modern – Sapphire
Gemstone – Sapphire
Flower – There isn’t one
65 years together – is there really an achievement quite like it? The traditional and modern gifts, as well as the anniversary gemstone for 65 years, is the sapphire. Much like the anniversary you celebrated 20 years ago, your 65th anniversary is celebrated in the traditional way by giving your other half something that evokes this fabulous precious stone.
There also isn’t a traditional flower associated with 65 years of marriage, but you might like to gift your partner sapphire-blue flowers. Blue flowers could include bluebells, orchids, asters – even roses can be blue. Blue flowers symbolise peace and tranquillity, which you definitely deserve after such a long time with your favourite person.
The traditional and modern 70th wedding anniversary gifts
Traditional – Platinum
Modern – Platinum
Gemstone – Platinum
Flower – There isn’t one
A 70th wedding anniversary is an achievement that very few get to experience, and is a real testament to the incredible love and commitment you and your partner share. To celebrate such a huge moment in your lives, the traditional and modern gifts, and anniversary gemstone (though it’s a precious metal) is platinum. Platinum can be a pricey metal, but it looks fabulous in pretty much every type of jewellery. After all, platinum symbolises true love, so could there really be anything as perfect to give to your other half when celebrating 70 years together?
There isn’t a traditional flower for celebrating 70 years, but you could give someone flowers that evoke the quality and feeling of platinum. Lots of flowers come in various shades of silvery-white, like roses, tulips, dahlias, peonies and hydrangeas.
The traditional and modern 75th wedding anniversary gifts
Traditional – Diamond
Modern – Diamond
Gemstone – Sapphire
Flower – There isn’t one
To be married to the person you love for 75 years is something most of us can’t comprehend. The level of love and devotion to another person is nothing short of stunning. The traditional and modern 75th anniversary gift is diamond, much like the 60th anniversary. In fact, the 75th anniversary was the original diamond anniversary, with the 60th added a little later. Diamonds represent commitment and faithfulness and are considered by many to be the precious stone to symbolise love. Thankfully, diamonds are versatile and can be used in so many different types of jewellery, so you should definitely be able to find something your other half will love.
You might also want to pair a diamond with sapphire, which is the anniversary gemstone for a 75th wedding anniversary. Any piece of jewellery that contains both diamonds and sapphires proves that it really is a match made in heaven – exactly the same as your marriage.
There isn’t a flower that’s traditionally given for 75 years, but if you’d like to give your other half a bouquet to commemorate the occasion, you could choose flowers that are white and blue. That way, you can continue the diamond and sapphire theme – plus it makes for an eye-catching combination.
The traditional and modern 80th wedding anniversary gifts
Traditional – Oak
Modern – Oak
Gemstone – Ruby
Flower – There isn’t one
At 80 years and counting together, it’s obvious that your relationship is strong with deep, unshakable roots. That’s why the traditional and modern 80th wedding anniversary gift is oak. Oak trees stand tall and proud, and oak represents endurance, power and stability – which is why it’s perfect for such an incredible occasion. You might choose to give your other half an oak carving, or perhaps plant a tree in their name.
The anniversary gemstone for 80 years is ruby, which we’ve seen for two other anniversaries: the 15th and 40th. Rubies are synonymous with love, as well as health and wisdom, which you’ll no doubt have plenty of after spending 80 years with the love of your life.
There isn’t a flower that’s traditionally given to mark an 80th anniversary, but ruby-red roses and other big blooms would be fabulous. You might also like to include a few oak leaves just to tie it into the whole theme of such a brilliant day.
The traditional and modern 85th wedding anniversary gifts
Traditional – Wine
Modern – Wine
Gemstone – Moonstone
Flower – There isn’t one
After spending 85 years with your partner, you might expect the traditional and modern gifts to be something rather extravagant and pricey, such as platinum or diamonds, like the anniversaries that came before it. However, it’s far more humble than that – wine. That being said, you might not want to give your partner a £5.99 bottle of Merlot from the local shop – but it is something open to interpretation. It could be a trip to a local vineyard, a wine-coloured photo frame or, of course, your favourite bottle of vino.
The 85th anniversary gemstone is moonstone, a stunningly iridescent stone that comes in various colours and all with unique patterns. Many moonstones have the appearance of tiny planets, which look incredible set in jewellery. Moonstones can also be relatively inexpensive, so you can give your partner a one-of-a-kind but affordable gift to mark your big day.
There isn’t a traditional flower for 85 years, but if you like to give flowers then you could give your partner a bouquet that features colours associated with wine and moonstone. Deep red hydrangeas, rosé-coloured roses, multicoloured tulips… you can have a lot of fun creating the perfect bouquet.
The traditional and modern 90th wedding anniversary gifts
Traditional – Granite or diamond
Modern – Granite or diamond
Gemstone – Diamond
Flower – There isn’t one
Very few couples have been married for 90 years, but it can and does happen. In fact, a couple from Yemen celebrated their 90th wedding anniversary in 2021. And as we get older and people live longer, it’ll no doubt happen more and more. But what do you give someone you’ve been married to for nine whole decades? Well, because it happens so infrequently, there isn’t an official traditional or modern gift, but it’s common for couples to give each other gifts centred around diamond or granite. Diamond can also extend to being the gemstone to mark a 90th wedding anniversary, so you could give the best of both worlds.
When it comes to diamond gifts, the choices are obvious – diamond jewellery is always going to brighten someone’s day. Granite is a little trickier, but you can get jewellery, ornaments, coasters, bowls, plates… there’s a lot out there. Or, if you have the budget, a nice new kitchen with granite worktops would work, too.
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Nestled amongst mature oak and spurs woodland, you will be sure to create lasting memories in this enchanting place.
Jasmine, the manager at Wickwoods Country Club, gives us a taste of what can be expected from this stunning wedding venue.
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I have worked in hospitality for 15 years, and specifically at Wickwoods for 10 years. I’ve been involved in and overseen more than 200 weddings and over 100 events, each with their own unique requirements and styles. My passion is helping people, whether that be a wedding couple, a member of my team that needs development or a friend and relative in need.
What drew you to the wedding world?
I’m definitely a detail oriented person and enjoy being organized, so naturally moving from reception and front of house to event management just happened. It’s a complete bonus that on top of that I love helping to create a sense of excitement with clients.
What do you think makes Wickwoods Country Club unique?
Definitely our team. It’s an absolute pleasure to work alongside colleagues who share such passion to go above and beyond expectation and who genuinely enjoy working here. Couples always comment on how apparent this is.
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
The moment a couple enquiries, I am eager to get to understand the vision for their special day, and what’s important to them. Through a series of telephone calls and meetings, I endeavour to learn what makes each couple unique and how I can help deliver their dream wedding.
What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
Couples that relax into their day and go with the flow. Couples always mention how comfortable they feel letting us look after the details so that they can truly soak up the experience.
Check out this article on how to manage wedding stress and anxiety!
What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Wickwoods Country Club?
One groom surprised his dance-fanatic wife with a flash mob for the evening reception! She was absolutely beaming, and the guests all got involved. A very special moment to have witnessed.
Why should a couple book Wickwoods Country Club?
We pride ourselves on customising our approach to each individual couple, and delivering an exceptional experience from the planning stages, right through until the big day. Rest assured, each and every detail will be covered, and your special day will run seamlessly.
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Don’t go O.T.T.! Adding too many elements to your day will not only ramp up costs, but also add pressure and unnecessary stress to your planning.
What’s the best photo spot at Wickwoods Country Club?
The Woodlands create a stunning backdrop to more intimate shots of the happy couple.
What part of your business are you most proud of?
We are most proud of our valued team members and their passion for helping exceed clients’ expectations. Each and every employee gets a kick out of making someone’s day.
How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
Throughout the lockdown, technology related to hospitality and weddings came into its own. From Zoom meetings, to wedding planning apps and now food and drink ordering apps… I think we are just scratching the surface on what technology can do for us in the industry. So far, technology has greatly supported the survival of the business and assisted us and our clients in communicating and planning for the future.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
Reach out to your venue and your suppliers if you are feeling uneasy. The vast majority will want to work with you in a progressive way to come to a solution that works for all involved.
What do you love about Bridebook?
Everything you need to plan your perfect wedding is at your fingertips!!!
Proposing to your partner might seem an easy task, but sometimes you’re not sure exactly how to get down on one knee. Proposing to your partner is a special moment that neither of you will ever forget..
To make this memorable moment extra unique, we are here with 15 romantic marriage proposal ideas that will make your partner fall in love with you again.
1. Re-create your first date proposal
Do you remember the place where you both met for the first time? A restaurant, a bar, or a movie?
All you need to do is recreate your first date, this will bring up all the lovely memories back. You both can have a conversation about all the happy and beautiful memories of your relationship. Then you can get down on your knee with a ring in your hand and romantically propose to your partner.
2. Summit proposal
Just imagine proposing to your partner on the top of the mountain with a stunning all-round view. Isn’t it amazing?
Plan a trip to your favourite mountainous destination with your partner and plan a proposal. If you and your partner love the joy of conquering the summit, then make that moment worth remembering and even more memorable by proposing to them there in your unique way.
3. Hot air balloon proposal
As “Love is in the Air” then why not propose to your partner in a romantic hot air balloon ride.
This engagement idea is becoming ever so popular, and for a good reason. Just book a hot air balloon ride to make the moment of proposing that much more romantic and beautiful. This will be a proposal neither of you will ever forget – just make sure your partner is not too afraid of heights.
4. Friends and family proposal
If you and your partner are close to both your family and friends, then why not include them in your life’s special moment?
Proposing to your life partner with all your friends and family members will be a great way to include your loved ones in your happy moment. This will make you and your partner feel extra special, and will be an engagement your friends and family will not stop talking about.
5. Pets and kids proposal
As you are planning for a romantic proposal and have pets or kids in your house, why shouldn’t they be a part of this beautiful moment?
How cute will it look to see a proposing message like “Will You Marry Me?” around a dog’s collar? Or a child holding a board with another romantic proposal message. Your partner will surely love this. And you can make this moment an extra special one by going down on your knee with a ring and proposing to them.
6. Holiday proposal
Are you and your partner fond travellers? If yes, then you should take your partner on holiday to a romantic destination and make that moment worth remembering.
Plan a trip to a destination that you both wanted to visit together, or one that’s extra special to you both, and don’t forget to carry the ring with you. You can then plan various ways of proposing to them like going for a candlelight dinner, a walk on the beach, or watching a sunrise or sunset.
7. Scavenger hunt proposal
You can bring joy and excitement while proposing to your partner by playing a treasure or scavenger hunt game – talk about a unique engagement proposal idea.
Just hide the clues of your proposal message in and around the house and ask your partner to find the clues. After finding all the clues, they will be ending up forming a complete proposal message, creating a charming and memorable moment.
8. Skywriting proposal
One of the most surprising ways to propose your partner is the skywriting proposal, which can make them feel amazed.
All you need to do is to hire a skywriter and ask them to write your proposal message with a plane in the clouds, an unforgettable moment for both of you.
9. Camping proposal
Proposing to your partner in a tent under the night sky will leave a surreal and fantastic memory.
Pitch up a tent under the night sky and spend quality time with your partner by sharing some of your favourite memories, watching the stars, or anything romantic to help set the mood. Then when the moment is right, pull out the ring and propose.
10. Favourite movie proposal
Are you and your partner both movie lovers? If yes, then why not choose the movie engagement idea?
Plan a movie date with your partner to watch you or your partner’s favourite romantic movie and don’t forget to carry a ring with you. While watching the movie together, wait for a romantic scene to come, then you can take out the ring and propose. This will surely surprise them and make your movie date a perfect one.
11. Favourite love song proposal
One loving way of proposing to your partner is to propose with a song playing in the background.
You can plan out a date with them, then you can play their favourite love song in the background or if you have a great voice, why not serenade your partner? Then when the time is right, go down on your knees with a ring in your hand and propose.
12. Foodie proposal
Are you or your partner food lovers? If yes, then a foodie proposal is perfect for you both.
First choose their favourite food; then you can write down your proposal message on a paper or card and then place it in their food. If you’re an excellent cook, why not make it even more special and cook the meal yourself? Example: proposal message on the icing of a chocolate cake or a note inside a fortune cookie.
13. Boat Proposal
One of the most romantic engagement ideas is proposing to your partner out on the water.
Go for a boat ride with your partner and plan to propose to them there as it will be the most romantic, intimate, and perfect place to ask them for marriage. This boat ride will surely be memorable for both of you.
14. Crossword puzzle proposal
Proposing to your partner with a crossword puzzle is one of the most unique, surprising and fun marriage proposal ideas.
You need to contact any of the puzzles editors to form a crossword puzzle that delivers a proposal message to your partner. Or else you can create your own crossword puzzle online for proposing.
15. Skydiving proposal
Last but not least, a skydiving proposal is one of the most memorable engagement ideas ever.
With nature as your perfect setting, this idea is one they will surely remember for the rest of their life. Ready the question that’s largely printed on the destination so that they notice it the second you reach the ground. What’s even better? Go with printing a large banner so that they can notice it while both of you are in the air together.
This was all about the best 15 romantic marriage proposal ideas that will add more love and memories in your love life. You can choose any of these ways of proposing to your partner and making that extra special moment an unforgettable one.
Here are some more wedding article we know you’ll love:
If you’re too excited about planning your wedding and can’t wait, then why not have a browse at some of the most beautiful and unique wedding venues in the UK:
For Emma and Mike, a fairytale really did come true at Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire! Located on the very edge of the Cotswolds, this magnificent medieval fortress was the perfect location for their elegant white wedding. And we have to mention their gorgeous floral arrangements – aren’t they stunning?
Congratulations to Lisa and Mike on their fabulous wedding! And a special thank you to Pippa, the wedding and events manager at Berkeley Castle, for providing us with the photographs and details of Lisa and Mike’s special day.
Procedures to put in place to reduce risks during weddings
As venues prepare for a ‘new normal’ of hosting weddings amidst COVID-19, it can be helpful to learn what other venues have been doing to conduct weddings safely. Here are some of the actions and procedures that some venues around the country, and around the world, have put in place for events to minimise health risks for their guests, staff and service providers amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
The below protocols have been implemented at venues around the world with different levels of restrictions, so be sure to stay up-to-date with your current local recommendations as protocols will evolve as Government regulations change.
Guest Movement
Stagger guest arrival
Staff escort for each guest into the venue one-by-one
No valet parking
One-way systems
Escorted to seats / toilets
Ceremony
Socially distanced chair spacing
Immediate seating to minimise guests mingling
Masks / Gloves
Provide complimentary disposable gloves near food with signage “gloves recommended”
Provide complimentary disposable masks with signage “masks recommended”
Wedding couple provided masks for guests
Masks for sale by venue
Santising protocols
Hand sanitiser stations placed at entrances and throughout venue
Disinfectant foggers between events
Photographers / Other Suppliers
No shared props for photobooth
Pre-wedding phone calls with each supplier and distribution of ‘info sheet’ to ensure all professionals are familiar with safety protocols and requirements
Table Seating
Guest seating spaced 2 meters apart
Tables spaced 2 meters apart
Catering / Food Service
Guest encouraged to use hand sanitiser before taking food at buffet/table
Plexiglass sneeze guard at buffet
Replace self-served food with staff-served plated food
Servers wear masks & gloves
Disposable plates/containers for passed appetisers
Bar Service
Disposable cups
Plexiglass barrier
Signage “no mask, no service”
Bartender wears mask & gloves
Queue distance markings on floor
Drinks served at tables only
Dance Floor
Only couples who came together can dance together
Extended dance floor outdoors
Risk Reducing Measures
Ask wedding couple to inform guests in advance of protocols and restrictions in place
Maintain records of staff, customers and visitors to support NHS Test and Trace
Signage – themed / stylish signs reminding guests to socially distance, wear masks, wash hands etc.
Staff member verbally reminding guests to respect Government guidelines
At Elsham Hall in Lincolnshire, the first COVID-friendly wedding took place on Saturday 4th July with 11 guests. The venue implemented a variety of procedures to promote safety including staggered guest arrival, hand-sanitiser available, escorts to seats / toilets, one way systems, verbal communication of Government guidelines and temporary contact info collection.
Elaine Brocklesby, of Bride Beautiful Ltd at Elsham Hall, said that couples and guests were happy to comply with the new restrictions and remained positive despite the unusual situation. “From the couples point of view, they certainly made the most of the difficult decision to go ahead with their vows, they embraced the masks, they had fun with photos, they brought their own champagne to pop the cork in our gardens and country park.”
In consideration of venue staff and third-party service providers, Ms. Brockelsby found the new restrictions to be positively embraced by the professionals working the event. “They understand and appreciate the new protocols. The registrars and photographer understood and welcomed our health and safety measures.”
Understandably, hosting weddings under restrictions will be nerve-wracking, especially in the beginning phases. The revised procedures may make weddings feel less like the carefree, happy, huggy celebrations to which we have become accustomed. But, remember that couples are still thrilled to be getting married and it is possible to make it a lovely and memorable experience, whilst complying with Government restrictions with safety measures in place.
For more business advice we’ve collated all of our COVID-19 resources for wedding professionals to help you easily find the support you need. If you have any questions at all or need any help then please do reach out to anyone in the Bridebook team.
Excerpts and links to relevant guidelines for wedding venues – updated Tuesday 21st July 2020
Government update Friday 17th July: From 1 August, small wedding receptions will be able to take place – this means sit-down meals for no more than 30 people and subject to COVID-19 Secure guidance.
Original article – published Thursday 16th July
On 23rd June, the Prime Minister announced that lockdown guidelines would be relaxed beginning on 4th July to enable weddings to restart at a restricted level. Further guidance was issued on 24th and June 29th June to provide additional clarity, and instructions for NHS Test & Trace support was issued on 2 July.
We are thrilled about the great news that our industry is finally able to host weddings again, and these guidelines represent a starting point from which we can begin working again. Below are a few links to Government guidance for your review. The guidelines are filled with recommendations on re-opening protocols and restrictions that will vary in relevance to each of our industries and individual businesses. We encourage you to read the Government guidelines thoroughly to identify how they apply to you.
See excerpts (and please read the full linked document):
Social distancing:“Where it is possible to keep 2 metres apart people should. But where it is not, we will advise people to keep a social distance of ‘one metre plus’ meaning they should remain one metre apart, while taking mitigations to reduce the risk of transmission.”
Business risk reduction:“We are today publishing guidance on how businesses can reduce the risk by taking certain steps to protect workers and customers. These include, for instance avoiding face-to-face seating by changing office layouts, reducing the number of people in enclosed spaces, improving ventilation, using protective screens and face coverings, closing non-essential social spaces, providing hand sanitiser and changing shift patterns so that staff work in set teams.”
Gatherings:“We advise that from 4 July, two households of any size should be able to meet in any setting inside or out. We are not recommending meetings of multiple households indoors because of the risk of creating greater chains of transmission. Outside, the guidance remains that people from several households can meet in groups of up to six.”
Hospitality:“All hospitality indoors will be limited to table-service, and our guidance will encourage minimal staff and customer contact.”
Track & Trace:“We will ask businesses to help NHS Test and Trace respond to any local outbreaks by collecting contact details from customers.”
See excerpts (and please read the full linked document):
1.17 Can weddings go ahead?
Yes, from 4 July, weddings and civil partnerships will be allowed to take place. You should only invite close friends and family, up to a maximum of 30 people. The wedding exception is for wedding ceremonies only. Large wedding receptions or parties should of course not be taking place. Wedding celebrations can only happen when people follow the guidance of six people outdoors, support bubbles, or two households indoors or outdoors. It is critical for these guidelines to be observed to keep you and your family and friends as safe as possible.
1.25 Can I gather in larger groups for any reason?
You should only be gathering in groups of up to two households (including your support bubble). It is against the law to gather in groups of more than 30 people, except for the limited circumstances to be set out in law. You should observe the guidelines for meeting people wherever possible, and limit your social interaction to your own household or one other (or, outdoors, also a group of up to six people), to help to control the virus.
See excerpts (and please read the full linked document):
COVID-19 secure environment:“legally-valid ceremonies or formations are strongly advised to go ahead only where they can be done in a COVID-19 secure environment. It is also advised that the ceremonies are kept as short as reasonably possible and limited as far as reasonably possible to the parts of the ceremonies that are required in order for the marriage or civil partnership to be legally binding. No more than 30 people should attend a marriage or civil partnership, where this can be safely accommodated with social distancing in a COVID-19 secure venue.”
Receptions:“Any receptions that typically follow or accompany marriages or civil partnerships are strongly advised not to take place at this time. Small celebrations should only take place if following social distancing guidelines – i.e. in groups of up to two households indoors, or up to 6 people from different households outdoors.”
Venue decision-making:“Venue managers will have discretion over when they consider it safe to open, and the officiant should also be content that it is safe to proceed. The venue should decide to remain closed or not proceed with the marriage or civil partnership if they are not able to safely adhere to the guidelines outlined below. Where the legislation requires that a venue does not open at this time then it must remain closed.”
See excerpts (and please read the full linked document):
The following information should be collected by the venue, where possible:
Staff
the names of staff who work at the premises
a contact phone number for each member of staff
the dates and times that staff are at work
Customers and visitors
the name of the customer or visitor. If there is more than one person, then you can record the name of the ‘lead member’ of the group and the number of people in the group
a contact phone number for each customer or visitor, or for the lead member of a group of people
date of visit, arrival time and, where possible, departure time
if a customer will interact with only one member of staff (e.g. a hairdresser), the name of the assigned staff member should be recorded alongside the name of the customer
No additional data should be collected for this purpose.
To support NHS Test and Trace, you should hold records for 21 days.
For more business advice we’ve collated all of our COVID-19 resources for wedding professionals to help you easily find the support you need. If you have any questions at all or need any help then please do reach out to anyone in the Bridebook team.
Charlotte and Callum knew exactly what they wanted for their autumnal wedding in Chathill Northumberland: a gorgeous burgundy colour scheme, seasonal flowers… and a horse-drawn carriage!
What made their day even better? A venue that could offer them the whole weekend, not just a day. With its blend of traditional features and contemporary touches, Ellingham Hall offers a completely exclusive (and seriously stylish!) two-night wedding experience.
Congratulations, Charlotte and Callum, on your beautiful ceremony! And special thanks to Rachel Barlow, marketing and communications manager at Ellingham Hall, for providing us with the photographs of the happy couple’s big day.
Elizabeth and Samuel had a rustic, countryside wedding with informal style catering at this gorgeous venue.
The Compasses at Pattiswick is a unique venue in the North Essex countryside. This beautiful old building with contemporary design is perfect for intimate gatherings.
Congratulations to Elizabeth and Samuel on their gorgeous wedding! And a special thank you to Claire, the wedding coordinator at The Compasses at Pattiswick, for providing us with the photographs and details of their special day.
Sarah and Lee had the most amazing and fun wedding in the stunning Floral Rustic Barn and Country House. Even gale force winds didn’t get anyone down!
Blakelands Country House is a historic venue set in ten acres of beautifully kept gardens, paddocks and lakes. Its rustic look offers a truly charming setting for a wedding.
A huge congratulations to Sarah and Lee on their beautiful wedding! Many thanks to the photographer Natasha Ince for capturing all the best moments from this special day.
Charley, the bride, is the wedding and events manager at Manor Hill House. She chose to get married at the venue she works, which made the ceremony all the more personal and special to the couple and the whole team.
Manor Hill House is a rural yet contemporary venue that offers sheer opulence and style for your perfect day.
Location: West Midlands | Styles: Vintage, Outdoor, Rustic, DIY, Marquee, Casual, Country | Colors: Blue, Pastel
A huge congratulations to Charley and Daniel on their beautiful wedding! And a special thank you to Charley for letting us have a glimpse of their perfect day.
Laura and Craig had a classic themed wedding with a lot of little DIY bursts of personality in North Yorkshire.
Allerton Castle is the perfect, romantic setting for your Happy Ever After. This wedding venue is an exclusive, historic stately home, allowing you to feel like royalty for your special day.
“This wedding was so unique due to the bursts of personalities they entwined with their perfect day. From using cricket bats for the confetti tunnel, the Lord of the Rings leaf pins for the groomsmen to an owl ring barer that wouldn’t fly!”
Congratulations to Laura & Craig on their beautiful DIY wedding!
A beautiful Easter themed wedding with colour, love and laughter. Showcasing the fun and interactive ‘Host the Roast’ menu option, Samantha and Phil couldn’t have opted for a better venue.
The Wellbeing Farm is an authentic countryside venue in the West Pennines of Lancashire, near Bolton. It provides couples with a unique wedding experience where they can interact with farm animals.
Location: Greater Manchester | Styles: Classic, Traditional, Boho, Outdoor, Rustic, Vintage, Natural | Colors: Orange, Blue
“The 20th of April saw Sam and Phil get married on a perfect Easter’s day – the weather was absolutely lush. The ceremony itself was incredibly romantic, Sam was given away by both of her parents, and The Manytones’ harpist Susan provided a dreamy soundtrack throughout the proceedings. There was loads of fun to be had, with the groomsmen being very helpful the entire day, toast mastering throughout. There was even an appearance from Sam and Phil’s dogs! Again, a massive congratulations to Sam and Phil! We’re so glad we got to be a part of your stunning wedding.”
Congrats to Samantha and Phil on a very fun ceremony! And a special thank you to Celia from The Wellbeing Farm for providing us with a glimpse of the beautiful affair.
Picking your wedding colour scheme is one of the first (and most fun!) steps you should take when planning your wedding. Choosing your colour palette early on will make picking out all your other details – from your flowers and your decorations to your invitations and your place cards – that much easier.
But are you and your fiancé a baby blue couple? Or would rich purples and golds suit you better? Will an autumnal red go with your venue? With so many options out there, it can be hard to know where to start! So here are our top tips for choosing the perfect wedding colour scheme.
Get Inspired
If you’re feeling lost for where to start, Pinterest is a great place to go for some initial inspo. We’d also recommend looking at real weddings to see what other couples have done. Still feeling stuck? Then it’s time to shut the laptop and get outside! Consider going for a wander through interiors and fabric shops. You’ll be able to find out what’s on trend right now, plus fabric designers have a knack for matching unlikely colours – so keep your eyes peeled for anything that stands out to you. And think outside the box! If lilies are your favourite flower, why not take inspiration from that and design a colour scheme incorporating crisp whites and fresh greens?
Location, Location, Location
Once you’re feeling inspired, the first thing to consider when choosing your colour scheme is your wedding location. If you’ve already chosen and booked your venue, what colours will you be working with already? What other colours will bring out your venue’s best features? Your venue might have wallpaper or carpets that could clash with certain other colours so it’s important to check that out before you commit to your wedding colour palette.
If you haven’t found your venue yet, keep your ideal colours in mind when looking round potential locations. The colours you choose don’t have to match perfectly, but you’ll want them to mesh well with your venue’s overall style at the very least. For example, if you’re getting married in a rustic barn, working with light-filled spaces and pale woods, sage green and cream could be beautiful choices. On the other hand, if your venue is more of a country house, full of cosy, oak-panelled rooms, deeper hues may well be a better fit.
Seasons Change
Another major factor to consider when choosing your wedding colour scheme is what will match the seasons. Our top tip is to take inspiration from good old Mother Nature! For an autumn wedding, go for rich reds, deep greens and warmer tones. Spring couples, on the other hand, might want to focus on pastels, greens and light neutral colours. For winter weddings, picture a white Christmas: all blues, silvers and creams (and perhaps a little sparkle too!). Finally, if your wedding is in the summer months, now’s your chance to incorporate more vibrant hues – think bright colours, jewel tones and perhaps a little gold.
Set the Mood
Don’t underestimate the power of colour! Your wedding colours play a key role in determining the whole vibe of your wedding, influencing everybody’s feelings and emotions on your special day. From classic and romantic to fun and creative, your chosen colours will have a huge impact on the atmosphere of your big day. If you want to amp up the drama, don’t choose a pastel colour scheme! You’ll want strong jewel tones instead – such as emerald greens, deep purples and golds – to set the mood. On the other hand, those very same pastels – think blush tones, creams and whites – are perfect for creating a more dreamy, romantic mood.
Think Texture
It’s not just about colour – texture plays an almost as important role in setting the mood of your wedding. In summer, linens and cottons bring a beautifully relaxed feel to any celebration, while velvets can be used to create a sense of opulence and luxury at a winter wedding. Different textures can complement your wedding colour scheme and add a little extra interest to your decor, especially if you decide to go for a more neutral palette.
Get Trendy
So you’ve spent hours scrolling Pinterest, stared at photographs of your venue for what feels like hours… and you’re still stuck for ideas? Then here’s one more tip! For many couples, an easy way to get inspired is to find out what colours are trending. Looking at the most popular colours of the year is a great place to start. Sage, cassis and cantaloupe aren’t just ingredients in a fancy fruit salad – they’re the perfect colours for bridesmaid dresses! A word to the wise, though – don’t get too caught up with what’s “on trend” if you’re not feeling it. At the end of the day, you should always go for the colours that really make you excited.
So there you have it: five ways to get started with your wedding colour scheme. Just remember: your wedding day is all about you, your partner and what you both love. As long as you pick a colour combination that makes you both happy, you’re onto a winner.
All over the world, couples have been forced to postpone their special day, because of COVID-19. We understand how difficult it is to re-imagine your wedding on a new date and wait even longer to marry your person.
When your original date does come around, you’ll feel all kinds of emotions, and that’s completely normal.
Having an ‘un-wedding day’ turns what could be a sad day, into one filled with laughter, love, and bubbly. Yes, it won’t be the day you were expecting, but there are still some amazing ways to celebrate your date when it does arrive.
Here are our top 10 ways to celebrate your original day:
1. Host a Minimony:
Lockdown regulations have been relaxed, so why not have a mini version of your big day? This could be with your (socially distanced) loved ones, or just the two of you. The beauty of a minimony is it can be whatever suits you as a couple. Whether it’s putting on your wedding outfits, cutting a cake, and having speeches or saying parody vows and pronouncing yourself ‘almost-married’. Some photographers are even willing to stage socially distanced photoshoots. Just think of it as your wedding-day warm-up!
2. Organise a wedding-day drive by:
Drive-bys have become an increasingly popular way to celebrate in lockdown, and having a drive-by wedding reception is a great way to mark your day. Send out some invites, stand on your front porch in your best, and wave to all of your biggest fans! You could even deck out your car out with an ‘almost married’ banner and go for a little drive afterwards to carry on the fun.
3. Collect memories from your guests:
With the Bridebook address collector, your guests can send you their favourite memory of you as a couple. All you have to do is send them your link via text, WhatsApp, or Facebook and your guests will do the rest! Pop open some bubbly, set up a romantic dinner, and read through all of the wonderful memories you’ve been sent. Yes, you’ll probably cry as well as laugh, but it will be a night to remember.
4. Cook your wedding meal:
You’ve been looking forward to your wedding menu for months, but you never thought you’d be the one cooking it! Make some fancy menus and set your guests the challenge of cooking your wedding meal. Bonus points if it’s something really difficult and pastry covered… You’ll get some serious laughs at the mess your wedding squads have come up with. Create a signature wedding cocktail too, so you can drink together in style.
5. Host a Zoom happy-hour:
A wedding is not just about the ceremony, but the people who love and support you the most. If you already know your seating plan, you could even send out Zoom links for each table, for more intimate conversations (plus everyone will know each other even better for the real day!). If you’re having a DJ or a band, see if you can get them involved for a performance or an impromptu dance party – you might not be having a party IRL, but there’s no reason to celebrate in isolation!
6. Make a scrapbook:
There’s nothing better than a trip down memory lane, especially when you’re doing it with the love of your life. Revisit your favorite moments as a couple, from those cringy first pictures to your engagement shots. If you’ve saved concert tickets, boarding passes, or anything else special, add them into your book, ready to re-read on your new wedding day.
7. Have a DIY spa day:
If you want to mark your day but avoid doing something wedding-related, why not set up a zen zone in your own home? Put on some fluffy robes, make some fresh juice (a mimosa counts, right?), and give each other relaxing massages. If you want to be really fancy, treat yourselves and use some champagne flutes or china from your registry.
8. Have your first dance (and your second, and third):
There’s nothing like hitting the (at-home) dancefloor with your number one person! Have your first dance away from prying eyes, and enjoy the moment just the two of you. Make your way through your wedding playlist and dance the night away! By the time your new date comes, you’ll be absolute pros.
9. Let them eat cake:
You’ve been waiting for that vanilla buttercream, chocolate swirl cake for months, so let yourself have it! Order a cake to be delivered in the same flavor of your real wedding cake, and devour it. If you fancy yourself the next Mary Berry, try and recreate this beautiful homemade wedding cake. Bon appétit!
10. Write your wedding letters:
Bring a piece of your original wedding date into your new one, by writing letters to read the morning of your real wedding. These letters will be a beautiful keepsake and will remind you how you were feeling on your original date, and how excited you were for your wedding day, like your own personal time capsule.
Above all, try and enjoy your day! You’ve found each other, and nothing can take that away from you. You’ll have to wait a little bit longer to say your I-dos, but trust us, it will be worth the wait.
Hamish Shephard is delighted to invite our VenuePro members to join his live, Zoom Masterclass on Thursday 4th June, at 10am.
This online event is exclusively for our Bridebook VenuePro members. To help during COVID, all venues can currently join VenuePro Lite for free until the 6th July. If you haven’t already, click HERE to upgrade for free now to make use of the benefits & to attend the Masterclass.
Spaces are very limited. To reserve your spot and pre-submit questions, click HERE.
The session will be action focused. Hamish will be providing our VenuePro members with clear actionables that will help them operate their businesses most effectively during these challenging times. Please come prepared for an impactful hands-on session.
Hamish Shephard is the CEO and Founder of Bridebook. Bridebook now helps plan over 2/3rds of UK weddings and works with over 100,000 UK wedding businesses. Hamish also runs Hedsor House, a wedding venue in Buckinghamshire, and is Chairman of the Association of British Wedding Businesses. Hamish previously co-founded HelloFresh, the world’s leading recipe-kit company.
One of the most sought after wedding venues in the country. This magnificent Tudor mansion has everything you need for your special day.
We talked to Kristie, the Sales Manager at Leez Priory, to find out more about this stunning venue.
Tell us about yourself!
I’ve worked at Leez Priory for the past 4 years and recently became the Sales Manager. In my free time I like to train at my partner’s gym which is local to Leez Priory and spend my down time with friends and family.
What drew you to the wedding world?
I love being around people and the idea of making someone’s wedding day dreams come true is amazing!
What do you think makes Leez Priory unique?
When couples come to see Leez Priory, not only do they buy into the stunning house and grounds but also me. I get to know all about my couples and build a rapport with them which I am able to carry through all the way up until their big day!
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
I spend around 1.5 hours with my couples during the viewing appointments and countless correspondence going backwards and forwards. During this time I find out how the question was popped, how they felt, what their hobbies are and share things we have in common. We also invite our couples to our dinner dates and to our open days so that they can get to know our beautiful venue and our team better before their big day – if I’m available I always try to pop in and say hello!
What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
Confidence that Leez Priory is there for you no matter how big or small the question may be!
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
RELAX. Don’t be uptight, let your hair down and let your Personal Wedding Manager worry about the admin. You’re there to simply make the most of the best day of your life!
What do you love about Bridebook?
As you quote ‘whatever your taste, we’re sure to have the wedding venue for you’.
What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Leez Priory?
They are all unique, but for me it had to be one that was held last summer. If I had clicked my fingers and said everything that I would want at my own wedding they had, even down to the groom’s suit!
Why should a couple book Leez Priory?
Why wouldn’t you book Leez Priory?! There is something so magical about it that words can’t capture, but I’ll try! It boasts elegance, history, charm and romance and, of course, 5-star customer service.
What’s the best photo spot at Leez Priory?
It’s a hard one as we have so many incredible photo opportunities but it has to be the stunning historic Tower.
What part of your business are you most proud of?
Our Team. Not just the ones you see on the wedding day but the ones who keep the glassware sparkling, carpets pristine, the grounds manicured and the admin functioning.
How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
We now aren’t limited to holding weddings for couples who live in the UK. We quite often get couples calling to book their weddings site unseen from all across the world thanks to the power of technology. Snippets of couples’ weddings are being shared nearly every day of the week which allows EVERYONE around the world to get a look at how beautiful Leez Priory is.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
Put your trust in us. There is no doubt that this is an extremely stressful time and we can’t say when this will be over, but one thing we can promise you is good things come to those who wait… it might not be on the date you initially hoped for, but we will make your wedding day dreams come true!
Want an ideal setting for your wedding? How about two stunning 16th Century adjoining barns set in beautiful countryside?
Sophie, the Director of Wick Farm Bath, gives us a taste of what can be expected from this wedding venue.
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
We bought Wick Farm in 2005 to farm and bring up our children in a rural setting. We wanted to create a small holding and grow our own food as much as possible.We slowly renovated it as well as started our farming debut. Pigs, sheep, chickens, geese and horses, plus our collection of abandoned and orphaned cats and dogs, ten in total!
Then in 2010 we decided to turn one of the dilapidated barns into something, and that is when the weddings began. The whole family was involved. My husband did the admin, maintenance and lawns. I did the coordinating, design, gardening and showrounds and my kids waited tables.
We are a lot more organized now with the fabulous Strawberry Field Catering running the catering and front of house side, a book keeper and two gardeners and cleaners to keep everything spick and span!
What drew you to the wedding world?
We fell into it by accident. We renovated the barns as offices originally, but when we launched the adverts and website all we got were wedding enquiries and that is how we evolved. We applied for our wedding licence, premises licence, etc. – and here we are!
What do you think makes Wick Farm Bath unique?
I think as we are family run every wedding is personal to us. We often have couples coming back for their children’s christenings, bar mitzvahs, parties, celebrations, anniversaries etc.
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
They have usually been to the barn 3 or 4 times before their big day, plus for their free food tasting. We meet them for a final run through the week of the wedding and if they want a rehearsal they can do that as well. Often couples have a free photoshoot here or various meetings with their florist and other suppliers too. So by the time their wedding comes, they have been to see us quite a few times!
What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Wick Farm Bath?
The most beautiful was one created for a Canadian Couple by Matthew Oliver. It was stunning with a wall of flowers hanging off ribbons, weeded trestle tables and flowers galore. The most memorable was a Star Wars themed one, where they fought each other coming down the aisle with their lightsabers!
Why should a couple book Wick Farm Bath?
Because we will make their day perfect, as our testimonials will prove.
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Don’t get carried away with mundane details and waste money. Your day will be remembered for the people, delicious food and venue.
What’s the best photo spot at Wick Farm Bath?
The fabulous 600 year old arched oak door and our stunning hay barn on the hay bales and against the old beams.
What part of your business are you most proud of?
The fact that we built the business from scratch and now have the perfect medieval wedding barn.
How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
It is changing the industry massively! Social media is such a big part of getting our venue out there and promoting our suppliers.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
We have managed to rebook all but one wedding this summer, so don’t worry about booking your wedding with us. We can always move it for you with no costs incurred.
What do you love about Bridebook?
Their efficiency, clarity and the fact that they are so helpful!
With rustic charm and character, this beautifully restored Cotswold stone barn is the perfect place to say your “I Do’s”.
Faye, Head of Oxleaze Barn, tells us more about this wedding venue.
Tell us about yourself!
I’ve been working in the wedding industry for 10 years. Our team have all worked in different sectors of the events industry, so a wedding at Oxleaze is supported by professionals who come from production and design backgrounds too! Our team all have one thing in common – we love the great outdoors.
What drew you to the wedding world?
We love being part of seeing people’s plans come to fruition – when you chat to a couple at their viewing you hear of all their unique ideas, so seeing it all come together on their big day is so special.
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
Our viewings aren’t time limited so we spend a lot of time chatting with the couple, hearing about their unique ideas and helping them put their stamp on Oxleaze. We also have a planning meeting with the couple months before the wedding, this allows them to share their worries and concerns as well as making sure we know the individual things that really matter to the couple.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
It’s all about acceptance. You may not have the wedding that you had planned but you committed to each other for so much more than ‘one date’ so remember what’s important, accept the changes and let yourself get excited about making new plans. It’s an opportunity to get creative with changing colour schemes and seasons!
Also, remember we are here to help! We have much more experience in different options for the look and feel of your wedding so pick up the phone to your suppliers and take their advice.
What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
A shared understanding for the importance of your big day. We love listening to the speeches, hearing everyone’s heartfelt words about how much time and effort has gone into celebrating your relationship. And realizing that this one day is a representation of the future and who will be a part of your journey.
What do you think makes Oxleaze Barn unique?
A wedding at Oxleaze is best suited to couples who want escapism. Although we are just 1.5 hours from London, we are situated on a farm ‘in the sticks’ which makes for gorgeous photo opportunities and guests can make a weekend of the Cotswolds. Our small team all love to hear about the plans for the wedding and we never want to feel like a ‘wedding factory’ with just one wedding per weekend.
The couple has our undivided attention. It is of paramount importance to us that the couple and the family know the team, from the Shetland pony to the venue staff who manage the day, we want the couple to feel like they have come ‘home’ for their wedding.
What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Oxleaze Barn?
Genuinely every wedding has something about it that ‘wows’ us. It could be the way the barn has been decorated, the menu choice, the dress or the suits! We love that our couples have free reign to make lots of choices about their day, it means no two are the same.
Why should a couple book Oxleaze Barn?
Everything about our venue is centered around family. We like to work with you as individuals rather than it feeling like a business transaction. We are honored every time someone confirms they would like to host their wedding with us and we never forget that. In return, we promise you a fun, relaxed and supportive team to help you navigate your big day.
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Look at different photos of your venue in rain and sun. This often takes the pressure off wishing for a sunny day – something no one can control!
What’s the best photo spot at Oxleaze Barn?
The private gardens – stunning all year around and so many different focal points.
What part of your business are you most proud of?
Our team!
How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
It’s brilliant because there are so many apps and websites to help couples research – but don’t forget to speak to suppliers on the phone and meet in person if you can – it’s so important to get along with them!
What do you love about Bridebook?
Community. For clients and suppliers alike. Bridebook allows couples to use one platform to research and communicate with people but it also offers brilliant support to venues and suppliers.
On the border of Surrey and West Sussex, surrounded by 25 acres of beautiful parkland, lies this gorgeous country house.
Rosie, the owner of Ramster Hall, tells us a bit more about her venue.
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
When I was little my many siblings and I used to roller skate and bicycle between the dusty furniture in the halls, they were cold and damp with a musty smell and often the walls were covered in a light dusting of mildew! Once my family took over from my Grandparents my mother started holding weddings here in the 80’s so I really grew up with brides and grooms on a Saturday!
I am a keen rider and can often be seen out riding with the children at the weekends when weddings are in the safe hands of our catering front of house team! We also have 25 acres of beautiful woodland garden, so gardening is quite a frequent but enjoyable hobby.
What drew you to the wedding world?
My background before I took over at Ramster was in events, having organized the BBC Good Food show and many other big profile exhibitions for 10 years, so weddings was a good path to follow… I’ve not met a bride harder to please than many of my old clients! So it seemed like a natural progression to move out of London and take over from my parents when the time was right.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to couples that are currently struggling amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
Stay calm as we collectively ride this emotional roller coaster. I understand this is causing huge amounts of concern and anxiety, to have your most important and long awaited day threatened by a situation such as this one is distressing and I am truly sympathetic.
Many businesses will suffer as well as individuals so please be considerate to those suppliers who are trying their best for you and let’s have a mutual sense of purpose that will lead us towards that long-forgotten place called “normality”. Your wedding will come, and it will be amazing…
What do you think makes Ramster Hall unique?
I think it is the family home feel and history that makes us unique, Ramster has been in my family for nearly 100 years. We are a very small team, I am completely hands on with everything from planning to cleaning and everything between! Our couples and their families are of course our priority and we will bend over backwards to make the day as they wish.
How do you get to know your couples before the big day?
I love meeting new clients and still get such a buzz from hearing how lovely they think Ramster is! After the initial meeting its always a lot of calls or emails with questions then they will often come and see us again for another look or to bring their parents around to show them – so that’s another opportunity for a good chat.
As the day gets closer the communication picks up again, advice on timings, suppliers, what works, what might not. Then seeing them on the day with all their plans taking shape is lovely and being present if they are getting married here if very special. Often our couples will come back here when the garden is open to have a walk and reminisce about their wedding day here.
What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
If it’s what the couple have strived for then it is going to be perfect. The personal touches always make it special, the naming of the tables, favors, decorations and silly ideas add an element of fun – but the ultimate aim is love, laughter, a fantastic knees up and a day to remember!
What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had at Ramster Hall?
We had two actors getting married here a few years ago! A lovely, outgoing, lively couple who had met doing a production of Midsummer Night’s Dream so this is how they themed their wedding: they decked the halls out like a woodland wonderland which was beautiful and it just looked like they had such fun from beginning to end…
A Star Wars wedding was also hilarious! All very tongue in cheek, but ushers being bossy with lightsabers, table names of Chewbacca, C-3P0 and the occasional bridesmaid brave enough to go for a Princess Leia hair.
Why should a couple book Ramster Hall?
If they like what we do, who we are and what we have here, they will book us. No hard sell, no pressure but a guarantee they will be looked after!
What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Don’t get hung up on the tiny details! No one else will even notice, so relax and enjoy the day.
How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
It’s wonderful that an absent friend or relative can join the ceremony via a video call, I think we will see more of this in the next year.
What’s the best photo spot at Ramster Hall?
The garden in the spring is stunning, we also have a lovely little bridge by the pond, which photographers always like!
What part of your business are you most proud of?
How we look after our couples and our flexibility in allowing them what they want as much as possible.
