One of the most exciting parts of wedding planning is choosing your cake. You may already have a clear vision in your head of what you want your cake to look like, or you may be totally in the dark. You might like the thought of a towering multi-tiered cake with intricate patterns and a show-stopping cake topper, or you might fancy something a little bit different – or even a lot bit different.
It’s becoming increasingly common for couples to ditch wedding cake traditions and offer their guests something different. This could be for a variety of reasons, from wanting to be unique to being conscious of guests with a gluten intolerance. Whatever the reason, you can have a lot of fun coming up with a wedding cake alternative that helps you stand out and have a celebration to remember.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about wedding cake alternatives and offer you 60 quirky and modern ideas.
Why should you consider a wedding cake alternative?
You might be a stickler for wedding traditions and want to do everything by the book, from the ceremony to the cake. Or, you might want to do something totally different from every other wedding you’ve been to. There are plenty of reasons why you might want a wedding cake alternative. Here are just a few:
Personal choice: Traditions aren’t for everyone. Yo simply want an alternative to a wedding cake so you can stamp your personality on your big day.
Cultural or religious beliefs: A wedding cake may not align with your cultural or religious customs, or may not full capture them. Choosing an alternative lets you respect those traditions while still having a celebratory treat for your big day.
Tie it into the wedding theme: If you have a wedding theme, a traditional cake might not fit the vibe. Wedding cake alternatives can be easier to tie into the theme of your big day, especially if it’s something original and unique.
Dietary requirements: If you or some of your guests can’t eat gluten, dairy, eggs or other common cake ingredients, an alternative can be a brilliant way to make sure you still have something big and grandiose.
Variety: Wedding cakes usually have one or two flavours, but a wedding cake alternative gives your almost unlimited options, including sweet and savoury.
Are alternatives cheaper than wedding cakes?
Depending on what you choose, wedding cake alternatives can be a cheaper option. Here are some of the ways an alternative can be more cost-effective than a traditional wedding cake (created by a professional):
Lower ingredient costs or fewer number of ingredients.
Less highly-skilled/intricate decorating.
Less need for customisations.
Simple serving and portioning.
Less waste.
Greater selection of vendors.
More DIY options/flexibility.
What are the benefits of choosing an alternative?
Choosing a multi-tiered cake over a more traditional design has plenty of benefits. Here are some of the advantages of thinking a little outside the box:
Provides those with dietary requirements with more options.
Creates a memorable and unique centrepiece.
Gives you the opportunity to provide more flavours and textures.
Can be a more budget-friendly option.
Makes portioning and serving simpler on the big day.
Can make for an interactive and fun show-stopper.
Gives you a chance to be creative with the presentation.
Of course, there’s nothing stopping you having a gorgeous show-stopping wedding cake plus one or two interesting wedding cake alternatives.
Can a wedding cake alternative still feel traditional and elegant?
Of course! A wedding cake alternative can definitely be an elegant and beautiful talking point that wows your guests in the same way as a traditional cake. It all depends on what sort of alternative you choose, because while some can be just as elegant as a cake, others can be big and bold.
Here are 5 ways to choose an alternative wedding cake option while still making sure it retains that feeling of tradition and elegance:
Choose more elegant alternatives, like mini cakes, macaroons, pastries or fruit.
Pay close attention to presentation, because even more rustic alternatives can look elegant if presented in a beautiful way.
Have a cohesive theme and include floral touches, whether edible or not.
Keep some traditional elements, like a cake topper and the cake-cutting ritual.
Incorporate typical wedding cake flavours, such as vanilla, chocolate and lemon.
If you’re not quite sure how to balance choosing an alternative with keeping some of that elegance, speak to a wedding cake maker or wedding caterer and talk to them about your ideas and how they can help you bring them to life.
Can you incorporate cultural and religious beliefs into a wedding cake alternative?
If you’re keen on a traditional or religious wedding, you may be leaning towards a more traditional cake. But, it’s equally possible to choose a cake alternative that incorporates cultural or religious elements, while also adding an even greater level of personalisation and celebration in some cases.
For a cultural wedding, instead of a cake, you could offer a selection of mini-desserts that represent your heritage. This might include kulfi and ladoos for an Indian wedding, baklava and kourabiedes for a Greek wedding and ma’amoul and knafeh for a Middle Eastern wedding. You may also want to include symbolic ingredients in your wedding cake alternative, like dates, which are a sign of fertility in some Middle Eastern countries, for some wedding-centric significance.
Similarly, with a religious ceremony, you can incorporate religious symbols and dishes into your wedding cake alternative. This might include displaying cupcakes in the shape of a cross at a Christian wedding, serving challah bread at a Jewish wedding or offering lotus-shaped cookies at a Hindu wedding. So long as what you create honours and respects your beliefs, you are free to incorporate it however you and your partner like.
Another way to honour culture and religion is by using traditional colours. This could be red and gold for a Chinese wedding, rich purples and greens for an Indian wedding or white for a Christian wedding.
60 ideas for wedding cake alternatives
When it comes to wedding cake alternatives, the only limitation is your imagination. Whether you’re looking for something big or small, elegant or rustic, or sweet or savoury, the possibilities are practically endless. If you love the thought of a wedding cake alternative but you’re not quite sure where to start, here are some ideas to help you get started.
10 elegant and traditional sweet wedding cake alternatives
Cupcake tower: Customisable flavours with tiered presentation.
Macaron tower: Colourful, chic and great for sophisticated weddings.
Mini cheesecakes: Individual-sized desserts with a variety of toppings.
Croquembouche: A French cream puff tower with caramelised sugar.
Tarts: Individual fruit or custard tarts for a fresh and elegant touch.
Cake pops: Bite-sized treats on a stick for easy serving.
Eclairs: Decorated with icing and filled with cream, perfect for a modern vibe.
Truffle tower: Decadent and bite-sized for guests to enjoy.
Panna cotta display: mini custard desserts served in ramekins or jars.
Petit fours: Mini layered cakes with intricate decorations.
Are you planning your own wedding? Here at Bridebook, we have loads of tools, tips, ideas and inspiration to help you plan your big day.
Are you excited to pick your cake or discuss your thoughts for an ambitious wedding cake alternative? We work closely with a huge number of wedding cake makers and wedding caterers who are waiting to make your dream cake a reality. And when you book through Bridebook, you get access to offers and discounts that you won’t find anywhere else, so make sure you check them out.
Your wedding cake plays a huge role in your wedding. It’s more than just a dessert: it’s everything from a talking point to a centrepiece, and makes for one of the most iconic photo opportunities of your entire day.
The great thing about wedding cakes is that there are so many different types available. What you have can be a brilliant representation of you and your wedding day. You might go for something big and grandiose, or something small and delicate. Or you might go for something else entirely and have a cheese and crackers cake instead – it’s really all up to you.
But, because there are so many options out there, you might be stuck for inspiration. Do you choose something traditional, or do you go for something a little more outside the box that will stick in your guests’ minds for years to come?
In this article, we’ll explore everything to think about when it comes to choosing the perfect wedding cake, and offer you 70 ideas to help you make your decision.
What makes a great wedding cake?
The answer to what makes a great wedding cake is actually pretty complicated, because there are so many different possible answers. When you think about a wedding cake, the image that you conjure up in your mind may well be of an elegant three-tiered cake with intricate icing and designs. But, this is just one of the possibilities. At the end of the day, it’s completely subjective and depends on what you want. That being said, there are characteristics that go into a great wedding cake that you might want to consider:
Visual appeal
It’s important that your wedding cake looks great, because not only do you want a cake to be proud of, but everyone will clamber to get a photograph of it – especially when you and your partner come to cut it. There are loads of different designs and styles out there (basically, the only limits are your imagination), but you might want to make sure it has a strong design, some personalisation and high-quality decorations.
Fits the theme of your wedding
You’ll want to make sure your cake is in keeping with the overall theme of your wedding, so it complements your day nicely. For example, if you’re having an elegant and traditional wedding, something rustic and rough might not fit in – or it might if you’re a fan of juxtaposition! But, the design of your cake can go a long way towards establishing the theme of your big day.
Flavour considerations
In the UK, wedding cakes are traditionally fruit cakes and have a lot of similarities to Christmas cake. However, modern couples are far more likely to choose a cake flavour more appealing to modern tastebuds, like chocolate, lemon drizzle, vanilla or red velvet. Basically, something you think the majority of your guests would enjoy eating and/or taking home. If you’re going for a multi-layered cake, you could even throw in some different flavours to mix things up – including a fruit cake if you’d like to lean into the traditions.
Size
It’s common for couples to choose a big cake, but the size totally depends on your overall wedding. While you might ideally want an elaborate multi-tiered cake, a single or two-tiered cake might make more sense. At the same time, if you’re inviting lots of guests, then we recommend opting for a generous three- or four-tiered cake, to guarantee that everyone can get a slice.
Expertise
Many couples hire a professional wedding cake maker to design, bake and decorate their wedding cakes to make sure it’s as polished and perfect as possible, and to make the whole process run smoothly and stress-free. Of course, this all depends on your budget, but it’s totally possible to still get a fabulous cake either off the shelf or baked by a friend or family member. You might even want a go at it yourself! Just make sure you have the time and skill to help it stand out, and are aware of the potential risks and pressure involved.
How to choose the right wedding cake for you
Choosing the right wedding cake is a major decision. When you start planning your wedding, it’s likely to be one of the first things you think about, as it plays such a central role in your celebrations. So, you may already have a good idea about the sort of cake you might want – or, you might be completely at a loss! When the time comes to decide on your cake, there are a few things to think about so you can be confident about your decision:
1. Work out your budget
Work out your budget to see how much money you have to dedicate towards different parts of your wedding – including your cake. To make things easier, use our handy wedding budgeting tool so you can keep on top of everything. Once you know your budget, you’ll know just how big and fancy your cake can be. If you’re keen on an extravagant cake but not sure your budget can stretch to it, consider cutting the dessert from your wedding breakfast menu and serving your guests a slice of cake in its place.
2. Think about the theme
Before choosing your cake, it’s important to think about your wedding theme. This is because you’ll want to fit your cake around the theme of your wedding, not the other way around. You can match the style of your cake with your overall theme, as well as coordinate the colours.
3. Choose the style of your cake
Once you know the theme, you can think about the style of cake you might want to go for. This could be traditional or non-traditional, the number of tiers you want, the size of your cake and the shape. Some of this will also depend on the size of your wedding, as you’ll probably want to make sure everyone can have a slice.
4. Choose the flavour of your cake
Whether you go for a traditional fruit cake, something crowd-pleasing like vanilla or chocolate, or something unique and personal to you and your partner, think about what sort of flavour or flavours you’d like. It’s important to choose something you’d love to eat yourselves, while also being mindful of any allergies or dietary restrictions among your guests.
5. Consider personalisations
Your wedding cake is a great opportunity to inject some of your personalities into your wedding. This could be in the unique shape or design of your cake, or it could include a cake topper that features the two of you made out of sugar. A little personalisation can make even a basic design really stand out.
6. Talk to a professional
If you have a specific vision for your cake, speak to a professional cake maker and ask them what they think. They’ll be able to give you some feedback on how easy your idea might be to pull off and how much it’ll cost. Browse our huge selection of fabulous cake makers and reach out to some in your area to discuss your ideas.
7. Consider the practicalities of your vision
Before choosing your cake, you should also think about the practicalities and logistics. Can your big vision be delivered on time and within budget? If your cake is being set up in a specific venue, or even outdoors, will it hold up in those conditions? If you want a tall cake, how will it be transported? Who will set it up, and where? How will your cake be preserved? Think about things carefully and make sure your cake fits in around your day as a whole.
There are loads of different flavours to consider for your wedding cake. Whether you want something traditional, something guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s faces or something a little more unique, it’s a big decision.
Here are just a few flavours to consider:
Classic flavours
Fruit cake: The traditional flavour with spices and dried fruits.
Vanilla: Light, fluffy and often paired with cream and fresh fruit.
Chocolate: Deep, rich and deliciously indulgent.
Red velvet: Chocolatey and tangy with a cream cheese icing.
Lemon: Fresh, zesty and summery.
Modern flavours
Salted caramel: Rich, sweet and a touch salty.
Champagne: Light and delicate with an elegant flavour and a fruity filling.
Matcha: A little earthy and aromatic with its Japanese influence.
Earl Grey: Floral and sweet, often accompanied by buttercream.
Funfetti: With sprinkles baked into it, it’s a fun and sweet choice.
Remember, these are just a few of the practically endless flavours out there. There are plenty more to think about, from fruity flavours like pineapple and coconut, to indulgent choices like praline and black forest. Whatever you choose, your guests are bound to enjoy tucking into a slice after watching you make that memorable first cut.
What is the most common wedding cake flavour?
Today, many couples choose to go for a fairly uncomplicated flavour that they know is likely to be a big hit with most of their guests: vanilla. Vanilla is simple but delicious and is super versatile, meaning you can use for practically any type of wedding cake. You can also pair vanilla with other flavours and a huge selection of fillings, from fruit to frosting.
If you’d prefer something traditional, you might choose to go for a fruit cake. While they’re not as popular as they once were, fruit cakes were the number one choice from the 17th century until around the mid-20th century. They may not be the number one choice for couples today, but if you have a multi-tiered cake and love the thought of keeping some of the traditions in your wedding, you can always choose to have fruit cake as one of the tiers.
How big should a wedding cake be?
Ideally, the size of your cake will be determined by the number of guests you plan to have at your wedding. So, if you’ve invited 80 guests, you’ll need a cake that’s big enough to be cut into 80 slices (and maybe a few more so you can give some to any evening guests, those who might want a sneaky second helping and a couple of slices to take home and enjoy during the post-wedding come-down).
But, if you plan on having a selection of desserts, you can probably get away with a slightly smaller cake than you might otherwise need, as not all of your guests will choose to have a slice of cake. Alternatively, if you do have a lot of guests coming to your wedding and you don’t want a large cake, just cut slices that are slightly smaller so it goes a little further.
How many tiers should a wedding cake be?
The number of tiers depends on the size of the cake you need to satisfy all your guests. Traditionally, a wedding cake is three tiers, but it really can be as many tiers as you like. The world record number of tiersis currently set at 30!
As a rule of thumb, you can generally use the below as a guide to the number of tiers you might need depending on the number of guests you’ve invited:
20 – 50 guests: 1 or 2 tiers
50 – 100 guests: 2 or 3 tiers
100 – 200 guests: 3 or 4 tiers
200+ guests: 4 tiers plus additional desserts or cupcakes
Of course, this all depends on your budget too. Naturally, the bigger the cake you go for, the more expensive it’s likely to be
What is a dummy wedding cake?
A dummy wedding cake is a multi-tiered wedding cake that often has one or more fake layers to give it a bigger and more grandiose appearance. Instead of the layers being made with cake, it’s often replaced by something like styrofoam and then decorated to look like actual cake. Of course, it can’t be eaten, but it helps make the presentation more impressive and can sometimes cut down the costs and make the cake easier to transport.
What are the best wedding cake decorations?
The type of decorations you might choose will depend on the style of cake you’re after, but there are lots to potentially choose from. When speaking to cake makers, let them know your vision and they’ll help bring it to life using the various methods and materials at their disposal. Here are just some of the best wedding cake decorations you can consider.
Sugar flowers
Fresh and edible flowers
Personalised cake toppers
Gold and silver leaf
Ribbons and lace
Piped icing and buttercream
Drip details
Fresh fruit
Edible pearls and gems
Hand-painted designs
Themed elements
70 ideas for a wedding cake
Now that you know a little more about what sort of cake to look for – so you can make a real statement at your wedding – where do you begin with a little inspiration? Here are 70 wedding cake ideas so you can have a showstopper that your guests won’t forget any time soon. We’ll also give you an idea for cake makers up for the challenge!
Traditional wedding cakes
Classic white fondant with piped lace designs.
Tiered cake with cascading sugar roses.
Vanilla sponge with royal icing and edible pearls.
Fruit cake wrapped in marzipan and smooth fondant.
Monogrammed cake with piped initials in gold.
Pillar-supported tiers with floral accents.
Victorian-style cake with intricate royal icing details.
For a brilliant traditional wedding cake, check out Penn Wedding Cakes and let them know what sort of cake you’re after for an elegant and traditional wedding.
Here at Bridebook, we’ve helped millions of couples tie the knot and throw the wedding of their dreams with all our tools, tips, advice and inspiration.
As part of that, we have loads of wedding cake makers who are ready and waiting to help you create a delicious, original and showstopping cake that will truly wow your guests. And if you book through Bridebook, you can secure exclusive discounts – so check them out and bring your ideas to reality!
One of the biggest parts of your entire wedding day is the food. Yes, of course, the main focus of your wedding day is to get married to your best friend and the love of your life, and while food isn’t quite that important, it’s up there! The food you serve your guests will be one of the things they remember the most, and it gives you the opportunity to have a lot of fun and use your creative side.
Whether you’re having a luxurious wedding with a four-course menu or a relaxed wedding with a unique theme, the food you serve plays a big role in establishing the style and vibe you’re going for.
Choosing the food is one of the most exciting parts of the entire wedding planning process. You get the chance to browse menus, try some delicious food and choose the dishes you’re offering to your guests on the big day.
But, with so many different types of dining options to choose from, where are you supposed to start? If you’re not quite sure where to look first, we’ve put together our list of some of the best wedding menu ideas to help give you some inspiration (and hopefully not give you too much food envy!).
Because your food plays such an important part of your wedding day, you might consider it a pretty major decision. And with an almost limitless number of cuisines, styles and ingredients to pick from, how are you supposed to whittle it down to a menu that includes just a small handful of dishes?
Here’s everything you should think about when choosing the perfect menu for your wedding:
Your guests: You need to consider the dietary requirements of everyone who’s likely to come to your wedding, so you’re not leaving anyone out. It’s also important to think about their preferences, which means if you plan on inviting a lot of people who can’t handle spices, having ghost pepper wings on the menu might not be a great idea.
Stick with the overall theme of your wedding: The food goes a long way towards setting the tone and feel of your wedding, so the food should reflect the style you’ve gone for. That means, if you’re going for an elegant and luxurious vibe, a build-your-own-burrito bar might not be the best choice (though it would probably still go down a treat with your guests!).
Consider seasonality: Think about the time of year you’re getting married and what sort of ingredients are likely to be a great combination of affordable, high-quality and fresh. For example, with an autumn wedding, you could lean on root vegetables, while with a spring wedding, you could include strawberries and asparagus.
Offer choice: You might have your sights set on something in particular, but variety is the spice of life, after all. Offering guests several dishes to choose from means they’re likely to find at least one dish they’ll enjoy. Dishes that are too similar to each other might cause a few problems.
Speak to the experts: You might have a few ideas, but it’s always best to speak to a professional. At Bridebook, we’ve partnered with a fabulous selection ofwedding caterers, so reach out to some and see what they can suggest to help your vision come to life. You should also reach out to your wedding venue, as they’ll have lots of expertise plus either required or recommended caterer lists.
There are so many different wedding menu styles available to choose from that there really is no surprise that couples struggle to narrow things down. Here are some of the most common styles of wedding menus and a few suggestions for what sort of dishes you might want to include:
Classic wedding menu
A traditional type of dining experience served by a team of wait staff. It’s generally the sort of thing you picture when you think ‘wedding breakfast’.
Common dishes served as part of a classic wedding menu include:
Starters: Prawn cocktail, bruschetta, soup.
Main courses: Roast chicken, beef Wellington, salmon filet.
Desserts: Traditional wedding cake, vanilla cheesecake, fruit tarts.
Unique wedding menu
Bold and one-of-a-kind choices that are super creative and reflect your personalities. It may be international dishes or dishes using unusual ingredients.
Dishes to consider if you fancy a unique wedding menu include:
Starters: Sushi, sliders, mac ‘n’ cheese bites.
Main courses: Lobster risotto, duck confit, Korean BBQ.
Desserts: Mini doughnuts, ice cream sandwiches, lava cake.
Formal wedding menu
An elegant and luxurious menu filled with premium dishes and experiences that you might find in a high-end restaurant.
Dishes you might see on a formal wedding menu include:
Starters: Bisque, smoked salmon mousse, caviar.
Main courses: Wagyu beef, veal, lobster tail.
Desserts: Soufflé, petit fours, filled chocolate cylinder.
Casual wedding menu
A relaxed and laid-back dining experience with fun, attention-grabbing dishes and comfort food. It ensures a more informal atmosphere where things can be a little bit messier.
There are loads of dishes you might expect to see on a casual wedding menu, such as:
Starters: Sliders, charcuterie board, spring rolls.
Main courses: Hog roast, pasta, grilled chicken.
Desserts: Cupcakes, cookies, brownies.
Simple wedding menu
A minimalist, no-frills approach to good food with fresh flavours that is easy and affordable to cook for a large guest list.
There are plenty of simple dishes you could include on a simple wedding menu, like:
Main courses: Baked salmon, lasagna, chicken stew.
Desserts: Wedding cake, fruit salad, ice cream and sorbet.
Elaborate wedding menu
A conversation-starting menu filled with incredible luxuries that your guests likely don’t eat on a regular basis, using exciting ingredients and dishes that make a big statement.
You can be super creative with an elaborate wedding menu if you have the budget, and include dishes like:
Starters: Oysters on the half shell, smoked salmon, steak tartare.
Main courses: Prime rib, half lobster, lamb rack.
Desserts: Macarons, chocolate fountain, grand dessert buffet.
Modern wedding menu
A contemporary approach to traditional and classic wedding dishes with twists on flavours and presentation.
Let your creativity run wild with a modern wedding menu, and include food such as:
Once you’ve chosen the type of food you’d like to offer your guests at your wedding, you’ll then want to think about the different types of service. This is something else that will depend on several factors:
Your budget
The type of service offered by your preferred caterer
The setup of your venue
The formality of your wedding
Your own personal preference
Here are four of the most popular types of service to have at a wedding:
1. Table service
This is the most common format for a wedding breakfast, where a team of wait staff will serve you and your guests in a similar way to a restaurant. The main difference is that your guests will have likely made their choices ahead of the wedding, so the wait staff will serve food based on that by looking at your name and what you’ve ordered on a list.
A table service wedding breakfast is elegant and formal, and is the traditional way to enjoy a wedding breakfast. You’ll know exactly what your guests will get, with an experienced team who can deliver dozens of plates of food seamlessly. Because there’s a big team involved, it can be an expensive option, but it creates that formal atmosphere many want during this part of the day.
2. Buffet
Buffets allow your guests to help themselves to a range of hot and cold dishes, which are arranged at tables or stations. It’s typically an informal way of serving food that is often used to make sure everyone is well fed at the evening reception. However, it’s also becoming common for couples to choose a buffet for the wedding breakfast, especially for those who have decided on a twilight wedding.
Buffets are big crowd-pleasers and can be more affordable. They also give your guests a lot of food to choose from, and you’ll get to take home and freeze any leftovers – result! However, buffets are also less formal, which is great if you’re dreaming of a more casual wedding, but less so if you want a more formal vibe.
3. Family style
Family style is a term that originates from the USA to describe a type of dining where large plates and platters of food are placed in the middle of a table and guests are encouraged to pass them around and serve themselves. It means guests get to eat as much of their favourites as they like and encourages an interactive and shared experience.
It’s not as elegant or sophisticated as table service dining, but it’s fun and gets everyone talking. Just be aware that it does require a lot of space on tables, so might not be suitable if you have limited room.
4. Food trucks
Food trucks offer a fun, informal and modern way to serve food at a wedding. You can offer as many different types of food as you like, from wood-fired pizza to loaded fries. It’s great if you’re having an outdoor wedding or your venue doesn’t have an in-house catering team.
Food trucks are super flexible and casual, but the bill can add up. They’re also a bit of a risk in case the heavens open, which is always a possibility in the UK! Plus, some venues may not allow food trucks or outside vendors, so if you’d like the option of food trucks, make sure you check with your venue before you book.
Here at Bridebook, we’ve helped more than two million couples tie the knot and plan their dream wedding thanks to our huge range of tools, tips and ideas.
To help choose your perfect wedding menu, browse our wedding caterers – you’ll also receive exclusive discounts when you book your caterer through Bridebook.
One of the most exciting parts of a wedding for many is undoubtedly the wedding breakfast. It’s the time when you and your brand new spouse sit down together to have your first meal as a married couple while surrounded by your excited family and friends.
But what is a wedding breakfast? Why is it even called a breakfast when you don’t start eating until at least 2pm? And what sort of food do you have at a wedding breakfast anyway?
If you’re planning your wedding, you probably have a lot of questions about this part of your big day. It’s also one of the most expensive parts of your wedding, with the food alone costing between £30 and £40 per head. For that reason, you’ll definitely want to get everything right so you have a wedding breakfast to remember.
In this article, we’ll answer the most common questions surrounding wedding breakfasts, so you can make sure you have all the information you need to throw the wedding of your dreams and dine in style.
A wedding breakfast is the term used in the UK for the first meal you sit down to after your wedding ceremony. Traditionally, the happy couple sits at a top table with members of the wedding party, while the rest of their guests accompany them sat at tables nearby. Often, with a wedding ceremony that starts around lunchtime, you may find that you won’t sit down to the breakfast until two or three o’clock.
Many couples like to arrange a three- or four-course meal as their wedding breakfast, which is served by a team of waiting staff. However, it’s also becoming more common for couples to choose an alternative, such as going straight into a buffet or using a food truck or two.
With a three-course meal, the menu is usually shared with invited guests beforehand and they’re asked to choose what they’d like to eat from a menu of two or three options. This keeps things simple for the catering team, who may have to make 80 (or more, depending on the size of your wedding!) portions of each dish. For a four-course dinner, that’s 320 plates of food!
The term ‘wedding breakfast’ can be a little misleading, as it’s usually not until the early- or mid-afternoon that you sit down to finally eat. However, the term wedding breakfast actually comes from the historical tradition where couples and guests wouldn’t eat on the day of the wedding until after the ceremony. This is known as a fast, and the couple and their guests would then break that fast after Holy Communion.
While many modern couples don’t choose to have a religious service, the tradition of having a wedding breakfast has remained. It’s often confused with the breakfast you might have while getting ready for the ceremony – something like smoked salmon and eggs with a cheeky Buck’s Fizz. But, this isn’t the case. And if you do have breakfast on the morning of your wedding (which we recommend you do, because it’s a super long day and you probably won’t eat until much later than you normally would anyway), then you of course still get to call it your wedding breakfast.
The time you get to eat your wedding breakfast depends on the time of your wedding. At a traditional wedding, it’s common for the couple and their guests to sit down to eat the wedding breakfast around two to three hours after the ceremony begins – but this can be longer if you have adventurous plans with your photographer or you have a longer religious ceremony.
This applies whether your ceremony takes place around lunchtime or you have a twilight wedding. Here’s an approximation as to when you may start the wedding breakfast depending on when you begin your wedding ceremony:
Lunchtime weddings: If your ceremony starts between 11am and midday, the breakfast will usually be between 1pm and 3pm.
Afternoon weddings: If your ceremony starts between 2pm and 3pm, your breakfast might start between 4pm and 6pm
Twilight weddings: If you have an evening ceremony, at around 5pm or 6pm, you might have your wedding breakfast at around 7pm to 9pm.
Remember, these times aren’t set in stone and depend on your plans, budget, menu and style of wedding breakfast.
The wedding breakfast usually takes place at your chosen reception venue, which is laid out to suit the style of dining you’ve gone for. For example, a traditional waiter-service breakfast will have tables arranged in a large dining room, often with a top table. So, in theory, you can have your breakfast almost anywhere, so long as it meets your requirements.
Some of the most common venues to host a wedding breakfast include:
Your wedding breakfast can be anything you want it to be, so long as it fits within your budget and the vision for your big day. That being said, there is a traditional structure to a wedding breakfast that many couples like to follow, so it’s up to you if you want to stick to this or pick and choose the parts that stand out.
Here’s the structure many couples choose to follow for their wedding breakfast:
Guests are encouraged to take their seats, which is typically pre-determined by the couple, with the seating plan being displayed at the venue.
The couple enters the dining hall, often accompanied by a wedding entrance song (or something more low-key, if they don’t fancy that much attention).
The meal is served and accompanied by drinks.
After dessert, bubbles are served, which indicates that the speeches will soon follow.
The cake is cut as a symbolic gesture that represents the couple sharing their first task together. However, many couples choose to cut the cake during the evening reception. If the couple does cut the cake during the breakfast, this can then be served alongside tea and coffee or in place of another type of dessert.
The breakfast is wrapped up with guests invited to leave the dining hall so the space can be transitioned to the evening reception and buffet.
The length of time a wedding breakfast takes depends on several factors, such as the number of guests and the style of dining you’ve chosen, But, if you’ve chosen to go with a traditional style of wedding breakfast, it will usually last between two and three hours, which can be broken down like this:
The meal: A three-course meal will take between 90 minutes and two hours. However, this might be a little longer if you have an especially large guest list.
Speeches: A wedding speech should be no longer than five minutes, though there can be some leeway with this, especially if you’re giving out gifts to the wedding party. You also don’t want everyone in your family to give a speech, so ideally, the speeches will last between 20 and 30 minutes all together.
Cake cutting: This only takes a few minutes – just remember to pose for the photos!
These are, of course, approximations, and small delays are to be expected when organising a party as big and grandiose as a wedding. So, don’t be surprised if things take a little longer than you initially anticipated. It’s your wedding, after all, so try not to let any little setbacks worry you too much.
What’s the difference between a wedding breakfast and a reception?
The wedding breakfast and reception are two distinct parts of a wedding celebration, with the breakfast taking place before the reception. However, there is still a fair bit of overlap between the two.
The wedding breakfast is the sit-down meal that takes place immediately after the ceremony (and photographs). It includes many famous wedding formalities, such as the speeches and cutting of the cake, and is usually reserved for the VIP wedding guests. The food is often formal and served by a dedicated team of wait staff who will make sure you’re well looked after. Some great wedding breakfast caterers include Philip Small, Amuse Bouche Catering and High Dining.
The wedding reception is the larger, far less formal celebration that takes place after the breakfast. There’s often music, dancing, buffet food and a wider guest list, which could include neighbours, colleagues, aquaintences and plus ones. Some brilliant reception caterers include SAM’s Caribbean Kitchen, Norma Farrelly Catering and Natterjack Catering.
Both the breakfast and the reception come together to create the overall feel, mood and style of your wedding day and should aim to complement each other.
The guests invited to the wedding ceremony are also typically invited to the wedding breakfast. This includes:
The wedding party
Immediate family
Close friends
Close relatives
VIP guests
Anyone else you’d like to involve in your celebrations, such as colleagues and plus ones of friends, could be invited to the evening reception instead. This all depends on factors such as your budget and the size of your venue – as well as your own wants, of course. It’s your wedding, after all!
When it comes to who traditionally pays for what at a wedding, it can be difficult to work out who should pay for the wedding breakfast. But, because all the food falls under the wider wedding umbrella of the reception, that means traditionally it would be the bride’s family who would pay for this.
However, we’re in the 21st century, and not all couples choose to do things the traditional way anymore. So, there’s no right or wrong answer to this question. It all depends on your budget and the budget of your nearest and dearest.
Today, modern couples may choose to pay for the wedding breakfast themselves and ask family to pay for specific smaller aspects of the wedding, rather than rely on them to pick up some of the meatier (pun intended) wedding costs.
The top table at a wedding breakfast is reserved for the happy couple and their closest family and friends – typically, those who are part of the wedding party. It might look a little something like this (with the bride and groom in the middle).
Parent of the bride
Parent of the bride
Best man
Groom
Bride
Maid of honour
Bride’s parent
Bride’s parent
While this is traditional, you can be as creative as you like with it. Alternatives might include a couple’s only table, a round top table or completely mixed tables – it’s up to you! Discover more inspiration for top table arrangements in our dedicated article.
In theory, any type of cuisine is suitable for a wedding breakfast. However, many couples choose a refined menu which is three or four courses and served by a team of wait staff. But, if that’s not your vibe, and you’d prefer a line of street food trucks instead, then nothing should stop you.
It’s worth checking with your chosen venue about what food is and isn’t allowed, and if they require you to choose a specific caterer from a list of partnered vendors. So, if you have your heart set on your favourite wedding caterer, make sure they’re allowed before signing on the dotted line.
If you’re looking to go down the more traditional route for your wedding breakfast and offer your guests a selection of elegant dishes to choose from, there are several popular choices you might want to consider.
Canapés
Vol-au-vents
Spring rolls
Belinis
Starters
Soup
Salad
Pâté or terrine
Main courses
Roast meat and seasonal vegetables
A fish dish
A vegetarian or vegan option
Pasta
A children’s option
Desserts
Cheesecake
Sorbet or ice cream
Chocolate mousse
Wedding cake
For more suggestions about what food to offer your guests at your wedding breakfast, read our article featuring the X best wedding breakfast ideas.
It’s very common for couples to provide their guests with a limited range of alcoholic drinks to enjoy with the breakfast, such as a bottle of red and white wine for each table (or even rosé – why not?), as well as water, juice and soft drinks. You’ll also likely want to provide everyone with a glass of Prosecco or Champagne so they can raise their glass as the toasts are given.
Depending on your chosen venue, there may also be a bar available so your guests can go and get their own drinks, whether that’s a pint of bitter, a vodka and coke or a fruity mocktail. It’s entirely your choice if you offer guests an open bar at your wedding breakfast and reception, but be warned, this can get rather pricey!
At Bridebook, more than two million couples have used our app and our wide range of tools, tips and ideas to plan their perfect wedding and save money.
To make sure you have a wonderful wedding and serve your guests delicious food at the breakfast, browse our enormous range of wedding caterers today – you’ll also receive exclusive discounts when you book through Bridebook.
There are loads of songs that play throughout your wedding day, from the tunes that welcome your guests before the ceremony to the absolute bangers that play throughout the night at your reception. Music helps set the scene, builds romance and excitement, and complements what is already an absolutely beautiful day.
When you think of wedding music, one of the first songs you might think of is the one you walk down the aisle to. And for good reason. It’s the song playing when the two of you meet eyes from each end of the aisle as your guests watch on. It’s a song you’ll both remember forever and will always hold a special place in your hearts.
Needless to say, it’s a pretty big decision. There are so many wonderful pieces of music out there, that you might not know where to start. Or, you might not have a clue about the sort of songs you can walk down the aisle to at all.
So, we’ve created this list of the best songs to accompany you down the aisle to help you make this crucial decision. We’ve included everything from the classics through to alternative contemporary hits, so you can walk down the aisle to a song that perfectly fits with you and your theme for the big day.
The song you walk down the aisle to is so much more than just background music. It sets the scene for one of the biggest moments of your life and helps establish the tone for the entire day. It’s usually one of the standout moments of any wedding, so you’re probably incredibly keen to make the right decision about which song you should have during your big moment.
In all honesty, there’s no right song to walk down the aisle to – only the song that’s right for you. But, what that means can vary from couple to couple. To help narrow it down for you, think about the following points and see how certain songs might fit into that.
How does the song reflect your love story? It might be the lyrics, the notes, the tune or something else.
How does the song fit with the tone of the ceremony? You might be going for traditional, joyful, religious, or have a specific theme.
Does the song have a strong emotional connection? Many songs you walk down the aisle to are about love, but it doesn’t necessarily need to be about love for it to work.
Does rhe song reflect your personality? Choosing a song is a great opportunity to have it express who you are.
The length of the song you walk down the aisle to doesn’t need to be too long, but the minimum length will depend on the size of your venue.
Most songs are around three to four minutes long, which is usually long enough. But, if you have a large wedding and therefore a large venue, think about how long this walk might take and if your chosen song will be long enough.
You may also choose to have a separate song playing for the bridal party. If not, this time should also be considered when making your choice.
If you’re keen to use a shorter song, there’s no harm in making edits to make sure it’s more than long enough. Or, if there’s a particular section of a song you like, you could edit it down so your favourite part definitely features.
Can you walk down the aisle to a song with lyrics?
Yes, it’s becoming more common for couples to choose a song with lyrics. So, if this is something you’d like to do, then you should definitely go for it! Traditionally, instrumental songs are used, but songs with lyrics can have a fantastic emotional connection and can ensure a memorable impact.
If you are going with a song with lyrics, make sure you fully understand the message behind them before making your choice. You ideally want something with a romantic or positive meaning, which reflects the joy of your big moment. For that reasons, you might not want to pick something that has a darker meaning or has swearing or something controversial in there. You want the focus of the moment to be on you, not on the music per se, after all!
Should you have live or prerecorded music to walk down the aisle to?
Both live and prerecorded music can contribute to a beautiful and memorable wedding ceremony. There are advantages to both, of course.
Advantages of live music to walk down the aisle to:
Unique and memorable
Creates an intimate and personal atmosphere
Authentic and beautiful
Flexible and adaptable
Advantages of pre-recorded music to walk down the aisle to:
Consistent and reliable
A wide variety of songs of any style and genre
Affordable
Less setup and coordination
Whichever you choose, it’s important to remember that there isn’t a right or wrong decision. It totally depends on your preferences, the venue and your budget, and which is most in keeping with your vision for the day.
Are you keen to start hunting for the perfect song to walk down the aisle to at your wedding? Here are 155 of the best songs to choose from across several different genres, which should give you a great place to start.
Key lyrics: ‘Come away with me / And I will write you a song.’
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Your wedding day is full of amazing music. From the song you walk down the aisle to, right through to the last song played at the disco at the end of a fun-filled night, there are so many songs that play throughout your special day.
But, there’s perhaps no song more important than the one that plays during your first dance. Your first dance is hugely symbolic and represents the two of you coming together as one. It’s also usually one of the first dances of the entire wedding reception, and is a sign that it’s time for everyone to get up and join you (after watching you and taking pictures while crying, of course).
But, what makes for a good first dance song? Should it be romantic and lovey-dovey, or can it be something upbeat and fun?
In this guide, we’ll run through everything that goes into the perfect wedding first dance song. We’ll also offer you 200 suggestions for the best first dance song, to help you make the all-important decision as to what you should choose for this massive moment in your big day.
The perfect first dance song can be many things. But, the most important thing is that it’s special to the two of you. If you’re not quite sure what that looks like for you, here are a few things to think about:
Emotional significance: Does the song resonate with you? Was it perhaps something you both listened to while you were dating and as your romance blossomed?
Lyrics: Are the lyrics special and do they represent your relationship? Songs with lyrics about love are the most common type of first dance song.
Tempo and rhythm: The most common choice of first dance song is something slower and more romantic (but some couples have been known to have fun by dancing to something upbeat).
Danceability: Whether you’re an experienced dancer or not, does the song lend itself well to your dancing ability?
Timelessness or trendiness: Is the song something that’s timeless, or will it be forgotten about over time?
Length: Make sure the song isn’t too long, because you might get tired of dancing by the 34th verse of an epic ballad.
Yes, an upbeat song can 100% work as a great first dance song, and they have grown in popularity in recent years. It’s a brilliant way to add a little energy and uniqueness to your first dance, especially if you’re not a fan of slower romantic songs.
There are no rules that say your first dance has to be a slow one. The only thing to bear in mind is, do you have the dancing prowess needed to dance to a high-tempo song with your significant other? You don’t exactly have to be a couple who are set for the next series of Strictly, but you should be at least semi-confident to throw some solid moves while all your guests watch on. It’s also the perfect way to kick off the party and get everyone excited to start throwing some shapes of their own once you’ve had your special moment together.
What is the most popular first dance wedding song?
The most popular first dance wedding song changes regularly, depending on what artists are topping the charts at the time and whether any older songs have come back into fashion.
In recent years, songs like ‘All of Me’ by John Legend, ‘You Are the Best Thing’ by Ray LaMontagne, ‘At Last’ by Etta James and ‘Thinking Out Loud’ by Ed Sheeran have all been consistently popular.
Excited to choose the song you and your other half will dance to for the first time at your wedding? Here are 200 suggestions for romantic and meaningful songs, so the tune you have your first dance to can be something truly special.
After the nerves and jitters of your ceremony and the formalities of your wedding breakfast, once it’s time for your wedding reception to start, you can finally let your hair down. Your wedding reception is an evening filled with fun, spending time with your newly enlarged family, eating and – of course – dancing.
And the best way to get your guests to join you on the dancefloor is with a banging playlist filled with classics, romantic hits, chart toppers and even a few cheesy numbers thrown in for good measure. And while it’s important to have a mix of songs playing at your wedding reception, you probably won’t want to just hit ‘random’. That’s why a carefully chosen playlist can ensure you throw a party no one will soon forget.
In this article, we’ll run through 175 of the best wedding reception songs to consider including in your playlist, from high-energy anthems to those so-bad-they’re-great crowd-pleasers.
There’s way more to your wedding reception than a disco, with a whole range of different types of songs playing, depending on the size and style you’ve gone for. Here are the most common types of songs you might expect to hear at a wedding reception:
Entrance song: A usually upbeat song that plays when the happy couple enters the reception venue for the first time.
First dance song: A romantic and slow-tempo song that the couple will have their first official dance to.
Parents’ dance: A slower song that plays as the couple dances with their parents, such as a father-daughter and mother-son dance.
Cultural songs: It may be appropriate to play songs that honour the families’ cultures and beliefs.
Party songs: When the disco starts, it’s time to throw some shapes to popular crowd-pleasers!
Closing song: Usually a funny or relevant song that lets your guests know the night has come to an end.
A good wedding reception song helps to capture the feeling of love and celebration that fits with the tone of your overall wedding. You can choose from a mix of genres, eras, styles and artists, to make sure you have tunes that suit everyone’s tastes.
Here are a few characteristics that make for a great wedding reception song:
High energy: Make sure you have songs that everyone wants to dance to
Timeless: Songs that everyone instantly recognises and no doubt already loves.
Emotional: Songs focused on love and happiness will always go down well.
Relevance: Try to choose some songs with heartfelt and celebratory lyrics, or lyrics that you have a personal connection to.
Danceability: Of course, the songs have to have a beat everyone can dance to!
Variety: Choose different songs that will appeal to a wide variety of age groups. Yes, you might love hard rock, but can your 97-year-old grandma dance to it all night long?
Cultural significance: If you have songs that relate to your background or culture, it’s great to honour them by including some.
What genres of music you choose to include at your wedding reception is really down to you, your tastes and the tone you’re going for. The important thing is to choose a wide variety of songs from lots of different genres. But, you also want to make sure the songs flow nicely from one to the next – though that’s for your DJ (if you have one) to worry about.
A well-rounded wedding reception playlist will include songs from genres like:
Pop
Classic rock
R&B
Disco
Indie
Motown
Dance
Country
Hip-hop
This list is far from exhaustive. Whatever your musical tastes, there are absolutely ways to include them in your reception playlist. Have a chat with whoever is in charge of your music and let them know the sort of songs you’d like.
How many songs do you need at your wedding reception?
The number of songs that will play at your wedding reception depends entirely on the length of your evening.
As a rough guide, most songs are between three and four minutes in length, which means approximately 15 to 20 songs will play per hour. So, if your reception lasts two hours, up to 40 songs will play. If it’s four hours, up to 80 songs will play.
But, it’s always best to choose more than you need if you want to make sure your playlist is only full of your favourite tunes.
175 of the best songs to include in your wedding reception
Choosing your wedding reception playlist can be a lot of fun, but with an almost endless number of songs out there, where on Earth do you start? To help you whittle things down, we’ve put together 175 of the best wedding reception songs, so you can throw the party of the century.
Key Lyrics: ‘If the sky that we look upon should tumble and fall / Or the mountain should crumble to the sea / I won’t cry, I won’t cry, no, I won’t shed a tear.’
Music plays a huge role in your wedding. From the moment your day begins to the moment everyone stumbles home at the end of a long night celebrating, there aren’t many parts of your wedding when music isn’t playing in some capacity.
And this goes for your wedding ceremony, too. Of course, one of the most important pieces of music at your wedding is the music you walk down the aisle to. But, there are plenty of other songs that will play during the ceremony itself.
But, exactly what songs play at a wedding ceremony and what songs should you pick to feature in your big day? There’s almost an endless choice out there, so narrowing it down can be a pretty tricky decision.
In this article, we’re going to run through the 200 best wedding ceremony songs, to make sure your ceremony is memorable, romantic and full of your personalities.
When are songs played during your wedding ceremony?
Songs play at various points throughout your wedding ceremony. They’ll play to welcome your guests into the venue while they find their seats and they’ll play as you and your new spouse leave alongside the applause of your elated guests. Music plays a big part in your celebrations and is woven into some of the most important moments.
Here are when songs are usually played during a wedding ceremony:
Prelude: Usually between 15 and 30 minutes before the ceremony begins as guests begin to enter and take their seats.
Processional: As the members of the wedding party enter. A separate song may then play as the bride walks down the aisle.
Hymns/religious songs: In a religious ceremony, hymns and songs may be performed at certain points.
Interludes: Music will often play as the couple signs the wedding register to provide background sound and entertain guests.
Recessional: Once the couple is declared married and they leave the ceremony, an upbeat song will usually accompany them.
Postlude: Music will often play as guests leave the ceremony venue.
How many songs do you need to choose for your wedding ceremony?
The number of songs you need to choose depends on the length of your ceremony and at what points you would like music to play.
During the prelude, there will often be between 6 and 12 songs, depending on the length and how soon before the start of the ceremony you’d like the music to begin.
During the processional, there will be a maximum of two songs, including the song you walk down the aisle to.
If you have a religious ceremony, there are usually approximately two songs or hymns.
During an interlude, such as when you’re signing the register, there will be time for one or two songs.
During the recessional, one song will play.
During the postlude, one or two songs will play, as this is usually enough time for your guests to leave the ceremony venue after you.
In total, there are usually between 10 and 15 songs that will play during your wedding ceremony.
Choosing the perfect wedding ceremony songs will depend on your taste and the style, formality and format of your wedding. Here are some things to think about to make sure you choose the best songs for your ceremony:
Think about the key moments in your ceremony when music will help add romance, emotion and entertainment for your guests.
Try to match your musical choices with the overall theme and style of your wedding. For example, with a movie-centric theme, you’ll likely want to choose music used in your favourite movies.
Think about the acoustics of your venue and how different genres of music will sound.
Try to choose music that reflects both your personalities and holds special meaning for you as a couple.
Ensure there’s variation when it comes to tempo and tone. Try and tell a story with a beginning, middle and end.
Consider your guests and what sort of songs they might like to listen to as well.
Test your choices together and make sure they complement each other.
200 of the best songs to include in your wedding ceremony
When it comes to your wedding ceremony, you call the shots. And when it comes to the music at your ceremony, there are so many options available to you that it can be a rather daunting task to whittle your choices down to just a handful.
That’s where we come in. Below, we’ve run down our picks for 200 of the best wedding ceremony songs to help ensure you have a memorable ceremony.
50 best guest arrival songs
Before the ceremony begins, music will play as your guests enter the venue and take their seats. The music that plays helps set the scene for what’s to come, so here are our picks for 50 of the best guest arrival songs.
Key lyrics: ‘Seems that all I really was doing was waiting for love.’
25 best wedding processional songs
Set the mood and let your guests know that your special moment is about to begin with a processional song that hits home as your nearest and dearest walk down the aisle. But what sort of vibes should you go for? Here are 25 of the best wedding processional songs for you to consider.
The song you walk down the aisle to is probably the one song you’ll think about the most throughout your wedding planning process. It’s likely to be a song that you and your partner never ever forget and will always be something that raises a smile whenever you hear it.
Because this is such a big decision, it’s hard to narrow it down. Below are 50 songs you may want to walk down the aisle to, but for even more inspiration, read our complete guide to the best songs to walk down the aisle to.
If you’re having a religious ceremony, you may want to include some hymns or songs and encourage your guests to sing along. Here are 25 of the best hymns to include at a church wedding.
Key lyrics: ‘Blest be the tie that binds / Our hearts in Christian love.’
25 best songs while you sign the wedding register
While you and your partner sign the wedding register to make things official, you might like to play a song or two to keep your guests entertained. This can continue with the theme of romance, or could be a way to inject something a little more upbeat into your ceremony. Here are 25 of the best songs to play while you sign the wedding register.
Key lyrics: ‘And you can tell everybody this is your song / It may be quite simple, but now that it’s done.’
25 best wedding recessional songs
Once you and your other half have tied the knot, it’s time to let out a sigh of relief and switch things into party mode. So, while you and your new spouse leave the ceremony venue, you might want to switch things up with something upbeat and joyful. Here are 25 suggestions for the best wedding recessional songs.
Whether or not you decide to have live music at your wedding is entirely up to you, your preferences and your budget. Couples spend an average of £1,800 on their wedding music, which can be a large cost on top of everything else.
That being said, if you can and want to have live music at your wedding, it can certainly make things special and memorable. There’s nothing quite like a live harpist playing while you walk down the aisle, or having a live singer entertain your guests while you sign the register.
But, it all comes down to your budget, the logistics and the sort of music you’d like to include.
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If you’re looking for awedding band or DJ to help make your wedding extra special, sign up today to find the perfect soundtrack to your big day.
So, the nerve-racking part is over. You and your brand new spouse have walked down the aisle, said ‘I do,’ and enjoyed taking part in your wedding photoshoot. Now, you’re about to enjoy an afternoon and evening of being wined and dined, listening to and delivering some speeches (okay, so maybe not all the nerve-racking stuff is over) and dancing the night away.
But, when the two of you arrive at your wedding breakfast or reception, what song will you choose to play as you make your official introduction as a married couple? In many ways, it’s just as important as the song you walk down the aisle to and the song you have your first dance to. It sets the tone for the entire evening and makes sure you enter with style and personality.
In this article, we’re going to give you 150 suggestions for the best wedding entrance songs, which could be anything from slow and romantic ballads to full-on dance numbers that get everyone clapping and cheering as they welcome you in.
When you arrive at your wedding breakfast or reception, it’s the first time you and your other half are being introduced as an officially married couple. That means you deserve to make a big entrance when all eyes are firmly on you. To do this, loads of couples choose a specific song to accompany them. This could be something that gets everyone in the party mood, something with lyrics that are special to you or something a little bit different. It can even be silly or funny; it’s really up to you.
It’s a great way to set the tone for the rest of your wedding day and get across you and your partner’s personalities. You may well be planning a fairly formal wedding ceremony, and the reception is when you can loosen up and start to have fun. And there’s no better way to do that than with a great song to kick things off!
A wedding entrance song will typically play for around a minute, while you and your other half enter the venue and take your seats. That being said, if you’re having a larger wedding and therefore have a sizeable venue, it might be necessary for the song to play for a little longer than this. If so, make sure you don’t choose a song that’s too short. It might make things a little awkward if the DJ has to start the song again or scramble to find something to fill the silence!
If there’s something specific in a song that you love, you might want to start the song part way through or ask the DJ to play it a little ahead of when you want to make your entrance. That way, it’ll be perfectly timed for you to make your appearance during your favourite part.
It’s not just your chosen song that goes towards making your wedding entrance memorable. There are plenty of ways to make sure your official entrance goes down with a bang and is entertaining, engaging and memorable.
Here are a few ways to make sure your wedding entrance is one that your guests won’t soon forget:
Plan a surprise element: This could be a choreographed dance routine, some unexpected guests or effects or something funny thrown in for good measure.
Incorporate lighting effects: Don’t just coordinate with your DJ on the music – see what they can do from a lighting perspective too.
Make things personal: Can you combine your entrance with your hobby? For example, if you’re known as a pair of movie geeks, you could walk in accompanied by your favourite film score.
Engage your guests: Don’t just walk or dance to your seats, find a way to engage your guests and make sure everyone is included.
Ready to make the ultimate entrance at your wedding breakfast or reception? Here are our top 150 picks for the best wedding entrance songs to help you start your celebrations in style. We’ve also included some of the most famous lyrics from each song to help you make your selection.
50 classic choices for wedding entrance songs
For a vibe that’s catchy and quintessential with lyrics that truly hit home, here are 50 suggestions for classic wedding entrance songs.
Key lyrics: ‘Don’t know much about history, but I do know that I love you.’
50 modern and upbeat choices for wedding entrance songs
Something with a classical feel always makes for a great choice, but why not go for something with a more modern vibe? Here are 50 suggestions for something a little more contemporary.
Key lyrics: ‘Treasure, that is what you are, honey, you’re my golden star.’
15 funny choices for wedding entrance songs
If you’d like to give your guests a giggle as you and your other half walk in, there are lots of ways to do that too. Here are 15 funny wedding entrance songs to inject a little humour into your big entrance.
Key lyrics: ‘Okay, so you’re Brad Pitt / That don’t impress me much.’
15 alternative choices for wedding entrance songs
If romantic, classic, modern or funny doesn’t quite fit with the feeling you’d like to convey when strutting your stuff in front of your guests, you could think a little further out of the box. Here are 15 suggestions for alternative choices for wedding entrance songs to be a little (or a lot) bit different.
10 instrumental choices for wedding entrance songs
If lyrics it’s more about the emotions and feelings the music conjures up than the lyrics, you could go for an instrumental piece of music, which is often romantic and calming. Here are 10 ideas to give you some inspiration.
If you’d prefer something with a little retro flair, there are some great crowd-pleasers for you to consider. Here are 10 brilliant retro choices for wedding entrance songs.
Key lyric: ‘Always and forever, each moment with you is like a dream to me.’
How far in advance should you choose your wedding entrance song?
There are several important songs you’ll choose for inclusion in your wedding, including the song you walk down the aisle to and the song you have your first dance to. But, the song you enter your breakfast or reception to is also important, so should be given plenty of consideration.
For that reason, it’s not something you’ll want to leave to the last minute. Think about it at least six months ahead of the wedding and make your final decision at least two months before the big day. And, if you’re planning something special, you might even want to give it a little longer than that to make sure you have everything in place. Make sure you loop in your wedding band or DJ (and your wedding planner, if you have one), so they can help you plan your big moment.
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At Bridebook, we’ve helped more than two million couples tie the knot with our huge collection of tools, tips, advice and inspiration.
And if you’re looking for a wedding band or DJ, then look no further! Whatever your music taste and budget, you’re sure to find something you like.
Very few couples get to celebrate their 90th anniversary. It’s a milestone that’s almost beyond comprehension for many of us, yet it’s always going to be the goal from the moment we say, ‘I do!’
Yes, if you’re reading this during the lead-up to your 90th wedding anniversary, you’re in a very exclusive club. In fact, it’s so exclusive that only a handful of couples get the privilege of doing so. Yet here you are, about to do exactly that. How utterly amazing and deepest congratulations to you both!
Just like with every single one of your previous anniversary milestones, your 90th anniversary is also associated with a themed gift. Depending on whom you ask, that theme can vary between granite and diamond – two very different types of gift! But, both are packed with meaning and are totally appropriate to give to your other half when celebrating this immense milestone.
But, what kind of gift should you give for a 90th anniversary? Should you stick to the theme? And what sort of gift can you give that’s granite aside from a new kitchen worktop? In this article, we’re going to let you know all about the 90th anniversary traditions and give you some ideas to help you choose something perfect for your partner.
What are traditional and modern gifts for a 90th wedding anniversary?
The traditional and modern 90th wedding anniversary gifts
90 years of marriage is an achievement which you and your partner should be screaming about from the rooftops. No doubt the two of you have plans to celebrate with family and friends, but what about a gift? Do you know what the traditional and modern gifts are when celebrating 90 years? They’re filled with extra special meaning, which can elevate your gift to be even more amazing than it will already be. The themes also lend themselves well to creativity, so you can choose something your partner will love.
Traditional 90th anniversary gift – Granite or diamond
The traditional 90th anniversary gift changes depending on whom you ask, but it’s often considered that there are two: granite or diamond. So, go for whichever one you like the sound of most – or even both, if you fancy!
Granite is a great theme because it’s the first time in 90 years it’s been a traditional gift. It’s also lovely because it represents strength and durability, which you absolutely have by the bucket load since you’ve made it to your 90th anniversary with your love.
Diamond is also a brilliant theme because, well, it’s diamond! Diamond has made an appearance at previous milestones by being themes at your 10th, 60th and 75th anniversaries. It represents beauty, strength and durability, so has a very similar meaning to granite… only diamonds look way nicer when set in a ring.
Modern 90th anniversary gift – Granite or diamond
The modern 90th anniversary gift is also granite or diamond. Granite is an unusual theme to associate with a romantic occasion, but you can still have fun with it. And, of course, you can never go wrong with a beautiful diamond.
90th anniversary gemstone – Diamond
The traditional gemstone when celebrating your 90th anniversary is diamond, because only the most incredible gemstone could possibly be good enough for this mammoth milestone. Diamond is one of the four precious gemstones (along with ruby, sapphire and emerald), which means it can be expensive. But, it’s also hugely popular, so there are loads of choices out there. Diamond jewellery is always going to be a brilliant gift to give, no matter the occasion.
90th anniversary flower – There isn’t one
As with many of your recent big milestone anniversaries, there isn’t a traditional flower associated with your 90th anniversary. This might be a little disappointing, but if you love to give your other half flowers, you shouldn’t let it put you off. Flowers are a fantastically romantic gift, so just because they’re not traditional, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give them if you want to. There are also ways to tie flowers into the theme to give your floral gift a little more meaning.
How do you choose a gift for a 90th wedding anniversary?
Because your 90th anniversary is one of the most incredible out there, you might think you need to give an amazing gift to reflect the magnitude of the occasion. It probably feels like a big decision, because it’s the rarest of all the anniversaries. And with two great themes to choose from (as well as everything else out there), it can be tricky to choose. Before you make your decision, think about the following considerations:
Have you and your partner always given each other gifts linked to the traditional or modern themes? If so, then you might be keen to continue with that tradition and give something associated with diamond or granite.
Have you agreed on a specific budget? Granite and diamond are two very different gifts which suit a range of budgets, so this might sway your decision.
Do you want to give your partner a personalised gift? Both are a little tough to personalise, but there are ways around it. But it’s not as easy as with previous anniversary themes.
Has your partner asked you for something specific? If so, linking what they’re hoping for to one of the themes might make your decision harder.
Is a couple in your life about to celebrate the magical milestone of 90 years of marriage? It could be your parents, your grandparents, your great grandparents, or even your great great grandparents! Whoever it is, you no doubt want to treat them to a little something, and you might even wonder whether or not you can give them something associated with granite or diamond. Well, the simple answer is, yes! You’re more than welcome to join in on the fun. And the couple will no doubt appreciate the extra meaning behind your special gift.
25 ideas for a 90th wedding anniversary gift
With your anniversary on the horizon, you might be on the hunt for the perfect gift so you can show your partner what 90 years of marriage means to you. But, where do you start? Both granite and diamond are interesting themes, but what sort of gift might you want to give for such a special occasion? To help give you a little inspiration, we’ve listed 25 ideas for 90th anniversary gifts below.
10 traditional and modern gifts for a 90th wedding anniversary
The traditional and modern gifts when celebrating 90 years of marriage are granite or diamond. These are two very contrasting themes, but have the very similar meanings of strength and durability. If you’d like to give your partner something related to one of these themes, here are 10 suggestions to get you started.
1. A couple on stone heart sculpture
For a beautiful way to mark your special anniversary, a couple on stone heart sculpture really encapsulates the feeling of being together for so long. It’s not made from granite, but it has that stone-like appearance and would look lovely displayed somewhere in your home.
2. A granite garden ornament
A brilliant choice for a 90th anniversary gift is a granite garden ornament, which can sit outside and act as a constant reminder of your big day. And the best thing is, there are different ornament designs available, so you shouldn’t have much trouble finding something your partner loves.
3. A granite bowl
A granite bowl is full of character and is totally unique, and can be used anywhere in your home from a fruit bowl to a serving dish.
4. A Japanese granite garden bench
Another lovely choice of gift that will sit in your garden, a Japanese granite garden bench offers you and your other half a spot to sit and enjoy each other’s company and think about the incredible life you’ve built together over 90 years.
5. Granite whisky stones
If your partner loves the odd glass of whisky, then granite whisky stones make for the perfect gift. They keep their whisky cold while not watering it down, so you partner gets to enjoy their drink exactly how they like it.
6. A set of diamond Royal Scot Crystal wine glasses
A truly luxurious way to spoil your partner on your anniversary is by giving them a diamond watch. They’re often very pricey, but you can get some that are more reasonable and suit three-figure budgets.
8. A diamond ballpoint pen
The ultimate high-end gift, a diamond ballpoint pen is classy, comfortable and writes like a dream.
9. A crushed diamond photo frame
For an affordable on-theme gift, print out your favourite photo and frame it in a crushed diamond photo frame. It makes for a fantastic gesture that doesn’t cost the Earth.
10. A diamond vase
Another brilliant way to spend a small amount but still give something in keeping with the theme, a diamond vase ticks two boxes – because it also gives you a chance to fill it with your other half’s favourite flowers!
5 personalised gifts for a 90th wedding anniversary
Many people like to give their partners a personalised gift on their 90th anniversary. Customising something to include their name, a message or a picture can take an ordinary gift and make it extraordinary. But when it comes to the themes of diamond and granite, where are you supposed to start? They might not be the easiest themes to work with, but they’re not impossible. So, here are five ideas for personalised 90th anniversary gifts.
1. A personalised granite plaque
A personalised granite plaque can include any kind of engraving you like, such as a message and even a picture. It makes for a great piece to display at home and remind you of your incredible achievement.
2. A personalised granite coaster
A brilliant low-cost and on-theme personalised gift for your 90th anniversary is a personalised granite coaster. It’s also something your partner can use every single day.
3. A personalised diamond paperweight
A personalised diamond paperweight is a great way to give your partner an affordable and customised diamond, which is both practical and looks brilliant.
4. A personalised 3D diamond crystal cube
Immortalise the two of you in a totally unique way with a personalised 3D diamond crystal cube, which you can elevate even further with a light base.
5. Personalised diamond jewellery
You don’t get many opportunities to give personalised diamond jewellery, so if it’s something your partner would love, then take the opportunity when you find it. Personalised diamond jewellery is always going to be special, and is a surefire way to put a smile on your partner’s face.
5 90th anniversary jewellery gifts that contain diamond
When diamond is one of the traditional themes of an anniversary, it can open you up to a rather obvious choice: diamond jewellery. Diamonds are absolutely gorgeous and are incredibly popular, so they usually go down exceptionally well. The only thing is, they can be rather expensive, so it completely depends on your budget as to whether or not you want to give one. That being said, not all diamond jewellery has to cost loads; it just depends on the type of jewellery and the size and clarity of the diamond. If you’re thinking of giving your other half a piece set with diamonds, here are five ideas to consider.
1. A diamond eternity ring
A diamond eternity ring is an anniversary classic. And the thing is, because you’ve spent 90 years together, it’s just about as long as any couple has spent married, so an eternity ring would be a pretty ideal choice!
2. A diamond necklace
There’s something very special about a diamond necklace, and with so many different designs and styles to choose from, you shouldn’t have a hard time finding something suitable for your partner.
3. A diamond bracelet
Diamond bracelets are a class act, and are often great for being compatible with varying budgets. They’re also subtle and something that your partner can wear no matter the occasion.
4. A pair of diamond earrings
For something brilliantly attention-grabbing, a pair of diamond earrings is always going to go down well.
5. Diamond cufflinks
To add a touch of sparkle and class to your other half’s suit, a pair of diamond cufflinks is smart and sophisticated, and a subtle way to call back to your 90th anniversary.
Because diamond is one of the most popular gemstones there is, you can walk into practically any jeweller and browse a huge range of pieces, from rings to brooches. Not only that, but you should also not have any trouble finding diamonds set in your partner’s favourite precious metal. Take a trip to your local high street or independent jewellers to see what they have to offer. Or, take a look at our fabulous range of jewellers right here on Bridebook, many of which have their own amazing selections of diamond jewellery.
5 floral-inspired gifts for a 90th wedding anniversary
Flowers are an anniversary classic. Even though there might not be a traditional 90th anniversary flower, that shouldn’t stop you from giving your partner a brilliant bouquet or a romantic rose. Or, you could even get creative and incorporate one of the themes into your floral gift to give it even more special meaning. Here are five ideas to help you make that happen.
1. A white floral arrangement
Treat your partner to a bouquet that has the clarity and sparkle of a beautiful diamond with a white floral arrangement.
2. A granite flower
For a touching gift taken straight from a fairytale, a granite flower is a lovely little gift which you can keep in your garden and is guaranteed to never wilt.
3. A Swarovski crystal rose
How can you make a rose even more stunning? By choosing a Swarovski crystal rose, of course! It’s delicate and striking and would look amazing displayed somewhere at home.
4. A floral diamond ring
Combine your love for giving flowers with one of the traditional themes and spoil your partner with a floral diamond ring. It’s a touching gesture with double the meaning, and looks absolutely amazing.
5. A bouquet of beautiful white roses
Roses are a well-known symbol of love, but when combined with the purity and symbolism of diamond, they take on a whole new and deeper meaning. A bouquet of white roses is a twist on an anniversary staple.
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85 years of marriage is a milestone that most of us can’t quite comprehend. But, if you’re about to mark this incredible anniversary, it will undoubtedly be one of the most special celebrations of both your lives.
Getting to spend 85 years and counting with the love of your life is a fabulous achievement. No doubt you and your loved ones will get together to honour the pair of you and enjoy some food, have some drinks and party – after all, you definitely deserve it.
Like with many of your major anniversary milestones in recent decades, there’s an overarching theme associated with your 85th. Depending on whom you ask, this is either wine or moonstone – but both can play a part in your celebrations if you like.
To mark such a brilliant anniversary, you might be on the lookout for a gift to give your other half. This might be something in line with one of the themes, something inspired by them or something else entirely. You don’t have to stick to the themes, but these gifts have extra special meaning and can let your other half know how you feel.
In this guide, we’re going to explore everything to do with 85th anniversary gifts and offer you 25 suggestions to help you find that perfect present. That way, you can make sure your 85th anniversary is one that’s truly memorable.
The traditional and modern 85th wedding anniversary gifts
An 85th anniversary is one of the most unbelievable milestones there is. To mark such an occasion, you may well be planning to give your partner a gift you consider worthy enough This might be one of the traditional gifts, or something else entirely. A traditional gift will be packed with even more significant meaning than anything else, which not only helps you say how you feel, but also makes your gift extra special. The themes also lend themselves to creativity, so you can have a lot of fun and give your partner something they’ll love.
Traditional 85th anniversary gift – Wine
The traditional 85th wedding anniversary gift is wine. This is the first time wine has made an appearance as an anniversary theme, so it’s a great opportunity to give something wine-related to your partner along with having extra meaning. In the context of your anniversary, wine represents love, commitment and time, which are incredibly appropriate after 85 magical years together.
Modern 85th anniversary gift – Wine
The modern 85th anniversary gift is also wine. This could be red, white, rosé or sparkling – whatever your partner loves. Or, if they don’t like a glass of wine, it could be something related to wine’s delicious colour. Wine is also great for a variety of different budgets, making it a great choice.
85th anniversary gemstone – Moonstone
The traditional 85th anniversary gemstone is moonstone, a beautiful iridescent stone that represents hope, healing and protection. Moonstone isn’t often used in jewellery in the UK, but generally, it can be fairly affordable. So, if moonstone fits with your partner’s taste and style, you’ll likely find it for a reasonable price.
85th anniversary flower – There isn’t one
Just like with many of your other recent milestone anniversaries, there isn’t a traditional flower associated with your 85th. But, if your partner loves to receive flowers and you love to give them, you shouldn’t let the traditions put you off. Flowers always go down well on an anniversary, as well as look beautiful and often represent love and romance.
How do you choose a gift for an 85th wedding anniversary?
Your 85th anniversary is a once-in-a-lifetime event, so it’s likely to be a time when you want to spoil your other half. To do this, high on your list of priorities could be to make sure you give them a gift they’ll love and is fitting for such a fantastic milestone. But, before you make your decision on what to buy, there are a few things to think about:
Have you and your partner given each other traditional or modern anniversary gifts in the past? If so, you probably want to continue with the trend. If not, it might not be something you want to focus on this time around either.
Have you and your other half agreed on a set budget? Because wine and moonstone are two gifts you can buy without the need for a big budget, they’re both more accessible themes than they perhaps were with previous anniversaries.
Do you want to give your partner something which is personalised? Wine and moonstone aren’t the easiest gifts to personalise, but there are ways to give a gift that’s customisable in some way.
Has your partner asked for something specific? If so, linking it back to one of the traditional themes might be a bit tricky, as they are rather specific.
Is a couple in your life about to celebrate their 85th anniversary? If so, you might be looking for a gift for them to let them know just how amazingly brilliant their upcoming milestone is. To do this, you might also wonder whether you can give them a gift linked to one of the themes. Well, you absolutely can – they’re not exclusive to the couple themselves. So, if you have an idea in mind, you should go for it. And if your gift is linked to one of the themes, they’ll no doubt love the extra meaning behind it!
25 ideas for an 85th wedding anniversary gift
Knowing what to give your other half to mark 85 years of marriage can be a bit of a challenge. Where on Earth do you start on your quest to find the perfect gift? Well, if you’re not quite sure, we’re here to give you a helping hand. So, below, we’ll give you 25 ideas for 85th anniversary gifts to help you make sure your anniversary is every bit as memorable as it deserves to be.
10 traditional and modern gifts for an 85th wedding anniversary
If you want to give your partner something traditional on your 85th anniversary, you’ll want to give them something related to the theme of wine. Of course, an obvious choice of gift would be their favourite tipple, but there’s a lot more you can do with the theme, too. Here are 10 suggestions to give you a little inspiration.
1. A red wine hamper
If your partner loves a glass of red wine, then you could treat them to a red wine hamper, filled with biscuits, sweets, nuts and, of course, red wine!
2. A white wine hamper
For something a little more fresh and crisp, a white wine hamper is a brilliant treat, and is packed with things a little bit sweet, a little bit salty and a whole lot tasty!
3. A rosé hamper
If your partner prefers a glass of rosé, a rosé hamper features a delicious bottle of fruity rosé as well as crispy cheese biscuits and luxurious assorted chocolates.
4. A sparkling wine hamper
You can really spoil your other half with a sparkling wine hamper, which is chock full of so many treats that you’ll be picking at it for weeks later… well, maybe. It’s all incredibly delicious stuff, after all.
5. A wine-tasting experience
For an evening of being spoilt, a wine-tasting experience lets you experience a variety of flavours from around the world, and enjoy a touch of real indulgence.
6. A vineyard tour
Take a trip to see how wine is made with a vineyard tour, which is a great way to spend a couple of hours with your other half – and enjoy tasting some of the wine while you’re there, of course.
7. A crystal wine glasses set
Royal Scot Crystal is renowned for making wonderful, high-quality and delicate crystal. Give your partner a real treat with a set of crystal wine glasses from this legendary brand.
8. A wine and chocolate gift set
What could possibly make the gift of wine even better? Well, chocolate, of course! A wine and chocolate gift set is a great way to share something a little bit naughty on your anniversary.
9. Wine-inspired artwork
Why not think outside the (wine) box a little, and instead of something your partner can drink, give them something that can spruce up your home a little. Wine-inspired artwork comes in loads of different forms, so take a look and see if you can find something your partner will love.
10. Moonstone white wine
Combine the traditional gift with the traditional gemstone, and give your partner a bottle of Moonstone white wine. We’re not sure there could be a more appropriate 85th anniversary gift, which has delicious lemon and floral notes.
5 personalised gifts for an 85th wedding anniversary
Personalised gifts are always a sure-fire winner on your anniversary. It helps take a gift and makes it even more special – especially if you can link it back to one of the themes. The 85th anniversary themes aren’t the easiest to customise, but there are still options out there. Here are five suggestions for you to consider.
1. A personalised bottle of wine
You can give your partner any bottle of wine and it will be in perfect keeping with the overall theme of your 85th anniversary. But, you can make a bottle of wine truly one of a kind by including a customised label. A personalised bottle of wine is the ideal 85th anniversary gift, which is so nice that your partner might not even want to open it!
2. A personalised wine glass
Give your partner a gift that will remind them of your 85th anniversary every time they sit down to enjoy a glass of wine with a personalised wine glass. It can be etched with the message of your choosing, so you can tell them how much they mean to you.
3. A personalised wine stopper
For a gift that’s funny, unique and jam-packed with personality, a personalised wine stopper can be made in the spitting image of your partner, so they can stake their claim over their favourite tipple!
4. An engraved wine decanter
Class things up every time you share a bottle of wine with your other half by gifting them an engraved wine decanter. There are plenty of sizes and designs available, too.
5. A personalised wine cooler
Help keep your partner’s bottle of wine perfectly chilled with a personalised wine cooler, which is handmade in Nottingham using terracotta.
5 85th anniversary jewellery gifts that contain moonstone
The traditional 85th anniversary gemstone is moonstone, an alluring iridescent stone similar in appearance to a pearl. It’s a unique stone that’s often super affordable, but not always the easiest to get hold of in the UK. If you can find a store that has a range of moonstone jewellery, you’re bound to find something your partner loves with that wonderful meaning behind it. Here are five suggestions for moonstone jewellery if you’re not quite sure where to start.
1. A moonstone necklace
For something dainty and subtle, a moonstone necklace is a great choice. It may be delicate, but it’s definitely beautiful.
2. A moonstone bracelet
A moonstone bracelet is elegant and graceful and includes a chunk of rainbow moonstone that reflects a blue glow when light hits it.
3. Moonstone earrings
For something small, on theme and incredibly affordable, a pair of moonstone earrings ticks all the right boxes on your 85th anniversary, and makes for a lovely token gift.
4. A raw moonstone ring
If your partner loves their jewellery to have that raw and rustic appearance, a raw moonstone ring is likely to suit them to a tee.
5. A moonstone pendant
Give your partner a truly unique and eye-catching gift with this moonstone pendant, which includes three different-sized moonstones set in sterling silver.
Because moonstone is rarely used in jewellery in the UK, it can be quite tricky to find in many high-street jewellers. Even so, some independent retailers and speciality jewellers can have a range of moonstone jewellery. Similarly, some of the jewellers we work with have moonstone jewellery available, so make sure you check them out to see if there’s something perfect for your partner.
5 floral-inspired gifts for an 85th wedding anniversary
While there isn’t a traditional 85th anniversary flower, that doesn’t mean you can’t give your partner a brilliant bouquet on your big day. None of these rules are set in stone, so you’re of course totally free to give your other half something that doesn’t fit with the theme. But, there are ways you can tie a floral gift into one of the traditional themes, just to give it that little touch of extra meaning. Here are five ideas if you’re keen to give your partner something floral to mark 85 years of marriage.
1. A roses and wine set
What’s the one thing that can make a bouquet of roses even more delicious? A bottle of wine, obviously! A roses and wine set always makes for a great gift, and is even more special when gifted on your 85th anniversary.
2. Red wine-coloured roses
Red roses are known to symbolise love, but on your 85th anniversary, red wine-coloured roses are even more appropriate and can last more than a year.
3. Floral wine glasses
Combine wine and flowers and give your partner a set of floral wine glasses, which have a vintage design and twisted stems.
4. Moonstone flower stud earrings
Moonstone is a really lovely gemstone, and when cut into the shape of a rose, it’s a match made in heaven. Moonstone flower stud earrings are absolutely gorgeous, and great even if you don’t have a large budget.
5. A moonstone bouquet
For a showstopping floral arrangement on your 85th anniversary, there’s nothing more appropriate than a moonstone bouquet, which is available in a variety of sizes to fit a variety of budgets.
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Not many couples have the privilege of celebrating 80 years of marriage. If you’re about to do just that, then it’s an absolutely jaw-dropping achievement that deserves to be celebrated. It means you and your partner have an unbreakable bond forged over eight decades of love and commitment, which is something so beautiful and rare that you’re about to enter an exclusive club with just a small amount of couples.
Even though not many get to celebrate their 80th anniversary, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a traditional gift associated with it. Much like every other significant milestone throughout your marriage, there are special gifts linked to your 80th anniversary that have a deep layer of significance and symbolism behind them. That means you can give your other half a gift that has oodles of sentiment when celebrating this once-in-a-blue-moon occasion.
Your 80th anniversary is also known as your oak anniversary, so there’s no real surprise that oak plays a big role. It’s also a unique gift that hasn’t featured as a traditional or modern gift for any of your previous milestones, so it makes for a wonderful choice to mark 80 years.
In this guide, we’re going to take a look at everything you need to know about 80th anniversary gifts and give you 25 suggestions for gifts that fit with the theme. That way, you can make sure your other half has a wonderful anniversary that’s as fitting as the milestone deserves.
What are traditional and modern gifts for an 80th wedding anniversary?
The traditional and modern 80th wedding anniversary gifts
Your 80th anniversary is a mind-blowing milestone to reach and one that only a handful of couples will have the luck and blessing to celebrate. For that reason, it’s only appropriate that you give your partner a gift that’s filled with extra special love and meaning. But, unlike with a lot of your other recent big milestone anniversaries, the theme isn’t centred around a precious gemstone. No, this time, the overall theme of your anniversary is oak, which is why your 80th is also known as your oak anniversary. This might be an unusual theme, but it’s one you can have a lot of fun and creativity with when it comes to giving your other half a gift.
Traditional 80th anniversary gift – Oak
The traditional 80th anniversary gift is oak, a strong wood that comes from – as you likely already know – oak trees. This is the first and only anniversary you’ve celebrated where oak makes an appearance, which makes it an extra special and unique gift to choose from.
Oak represents strength and stamina and how things can grow even more beautiful as they age. So, could there really be a more appropriate theme when celebrating 80 incredible years of marriage?
Modern 80th anniversary gift – Oak
Because there’s no point messing with a theme that’s already so perfect, the modern 80th anniversary theme is also oak. It’s not exactly a glamorous or precious gift, but the meaning behind it is beautifully poignant, which makes it such a wonderful choice. Oak is also a hugely versatile theme that lets you have a lot of creativity, so you’re in a great position to give your partner something they’ll love while ensuring your gift is packed with romance and meaning.
80th anniversary gemstone – Ruby
If you’re not sure about oak, you could give your partner a gift linked to the traditional 80th anniversary gemstone, which is ruby. Rubies are a stunning deep red gemstone and are one of the four precious gemstones (along with diamond, sapphire and emerald). They represent passion, wealth and protection, and are a great addition to loads of different types of jewellery.
80th anniversary flower – There isn’t one
Just like with your last few major milestones, there unfortunately isn’t a traditional flower associated with your 80th anniversary. But, not to worry – that means you’re free to be as creative as you like! Plenty of flowers are worthy of your 80th anniversary, from the classic rose to the bold and beautiful tulip. If you choose to give your other half flowers on your anniversary, whatever you choose is bound to go down well.
How do you choose a gift for an 80th wedding anniversary?
So few couples have celebrated their 80th anniversary that it can be tricky to work out exactly what sort of gift is right for such a once-in-a-lifetime occasion. While the traditional theme might be oak, there’s nothing written in stone (or wood, as the case may be) to say you have to stick to that theme. But, before you decide on what sort of gift to give your other half, here are a few points to consider that might help:
Have you and your other half agreed to give each other a traditional gift, or have you given each other traditional gifts in the past? If you have, then it might be important for the two of you to stick to the theme of oak.
Have you agreed to stick to a certain budget? Oak is a lot more affordable than the traditional themes from other recent anniversary milestones, which makes giving a gift associated with the 80th anniversary theme more manageable if you have a smaller budget.
Are you looking to give your partner a personalised gift? Oak is a great gift to personalise, which means you can give your partner something hugely sentimental.
Has your partner asked for something specifically? If they have, it might be a little tricky to give them something to do with oak, unless you get especially lucky.
Is a couple you love about to celebrate their 80th wedding anniversary? It could be your parents, grandparents or even your great-grandparents! Whoever it is, you might be on the hunt for a gift that shows them how special they are, and you might wonder whether you can join in with the theme and give them a gift related to oak. Well, the rules aren’t exclusive to the couple themselves, so you’re more than welcome to give them something that fits in with the theme. They’re bound to love whatever you give them, but something made from oak has that extra meaning which they’ll definitely appreciate.
25 ideas for an 80th wedding anniversary gift
If you know you want to give your partner a gift filled with love and meaning, but you’re not quite sure where to start, don’t worry. Oak is a great theme, and because it’s so versatile, it gives you plenty of ways to give your partner something they’ll love. Whether you have a small or larger budget, there’s a wide variety out there, so you can tell them exactly how you feel.
Here are 25 ideas for 80th anniversary gifts to make sure you have a truly special anniversary.
10 traditional and modern gifts for an 80th wedding anniversary
If you’re excited to give your other half a gift linked to the traditional theme of oak, you might initially scratch your head. What sort of gift can you give that’s romantic and filled with love? Well, it’s actually a brilliant theme, which has almost endless possibilities. So if you’re not quite sure where to start, here are 10 ideas to give you some inspiration.
1. An oak bowl
For something small, full of character and perfectly in keeping with the theme, this oak bowl makes for a fantastic gift that can be used however your partner likes.
2. Framed oak song lyrics
There’s no doubt a song that means the world to you and your other half. It could be a song one of you wrote, the song you had your first dance to, or something else that has special meaning. Immortalise what it stands for with framed oak song lyrics, which can be displayed somewhere at home.
3. An oak picture frame
For a gift your partner is sure to adore, take your favourite photograph and frame it in an oak picture frame, a small but hugely loving gesture to mark 80 years of marriage.
4. Oak artwork
Oak trees are beautiful and strong, so are often used as inspiration for art. The Oak is a lovely piece that honours this legendary tree and would be a stunning addition to any room.
5. Antique oak
Oak is a material which has been used to make things for thousands of years. Give your partner a piece of history with antique oak, which could be anything from an Elizabethan table to a Saxon figurine.
6. An item of oak furniture
Because oak is so strong and durable, it’s regularly used to make high-quality furniture. An item of oak furniture makes for a lovely gift, with a huge variety to choose from that could fit in any sort of room alongside a wide range of decor.
7. A bonsai oak tree
Some oak trees have stood for millenia, and are proud giants standing on the horizon. If you don’t have room for one at home, why not give your partner a bonsai oak tree? It has all the character and meaning of a mighty oak while not taking up loads of space in your garden.
8. An oak leaf and acorn pendant
For a subtle and touching nod to the theme, treat your partner to an oak leaf and acorn pendant, made from sterling silver and rose gold and embellished with white topaz. It’s a nice reminder of your milestone that your partner can wear to any occasion.
9. An oak egg and soldiers platter
With an oak egg and soliders platter, your other half can be reminded of your anniversary every single morning when they tuck into their dippy eggs. Delicious!
10. An oak garden bench
For a big and bold way to honour your oak anniversary, an oak garden bench can sit in your garden and act as a constant reminder of your major milestone.
5 personalised gifts for an 80th wedding anniversary
Giving a personalised gift on your anniversary is a brilliant way to give something unique, which acts as a great keepsake to honour reaching such an impressive milestone. Personalisation can include your names, a message, a photograph or something else that means a lot to the pair of you. Thankfully, oak is a great theme that lends itself well to personalisation. Here are five ideas for personalised gifts you can give on your 80th anniversary.
1. Personalised oak tealight holder
Tealights help you create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, which you can pair with a personalised oak tealight holder that includes your and your other half’s initials.
2. A hand-carved oak heart
For a small, personalised and incredibly thoughtful keepsake, a hand-carved oak heart lets your partner know just how much you love them even after eight whole decades together.
3. A personalised oak key rack
A personalised oak key rack can be hung beside your front door and is one of the first things you’ll see when you get home. It can be personalised with your names or a message that declares your love for your partner in crime.
4. A set of custom oak coasters
With a set of custom oak coasters, you can choose any design your partner loves, including a photo or personalised message. Perfect no matter what your partner’s favourite tipple is!
5. A personalised Scottish oak pen
There’s nothing quite as stylish as a personalised Scottish oak pen, which has 24 carat gold fittings and can include a laser engraved message on the case.
5 80th anniversary jewellery gifts that contain ruby
The traditional 80th anniversary gemstone is ruby, a stunning precious stone with a beautiful meaning, which makes it a great choice of gift on your anniversary. Rubies are the perfect addition to almost every type of jewellery, and are lovely whether set in silver, gold or platinum. If you’re thinking of getting your partner something that contains rubies, here are five suggestions to help you make your gift one your partner will adore.
1. A pair of ruby earrings
Rubies really make jewellery pop, so a pair of ruby earrings make a real statement. They’re also not as common as diamond earrings, which makes them a unique choice to mark 80 years.
2. A ruby bracelet
For a real showstopper, spoil your other half with a ruby bracelet. There’s a wide variety available suitable for different budgets, so you’re bound to find something that suits your partner’s tastes.
3. A ruby necklace
Because rubies are so intoxicating, they deserve to be the star of the show when it comes to jewellery. That’s why a ruby necklace is a winning choice, as it highlights the utter beauty of these dark red stones.
4. A ruby brooch
A lovely addition to any outfit, this ruby brooch is made from sterling silver and contains three wine-coloured rubies. It absolutely screams of class and sophistication.
5. A ruby and oak ring
Combine the traditional gift with the traditional gemstone with this ruby and oak ring, which contains incredible detail and is available in white, rose or yellow gold and platinum.
Ruby really is a great choice when it comes to jewellery, and because they’re so popular you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding ruby jewellery that suits your partner’s style and taste. Almost every high-street and independent jeweller will have a great range available for you to browse. At Bridebook, we’ve partnered with a huge selection of jewellers, so make sure you check them out too, as they all have their own ruby jewellery for you to consider.
5 floral-inspired gifts for an 80th wedding anniversary
While there isn’t a traditional flower associated with your 80th wedding anniversary, that shouldn’t stop you from giving your partner flowers if you know they love them. Flowers are a great way to let your other half know how much they mean to you! But, there are a few ways to get creative with flowers and tie them into the traditional 80th anniversary theme. Here are five suggestions so you can ramp up your floral gifts for your big milestone.
1. Ruby red roses
Roses are a well-known symbol of love, especially red ones! That’s why ruby red roses make for the ideal floral arrangement and complement the theme of ruby.
2. Sanguisorba ruby reds
Sanguisorba ruby reds is an eye-catching perennial which is reminiscent of lavender, but instead of purple, it’s a deep shade of red. A great addition to any garden.
3. An oak flower bouquet
For a floral arrangement that will never wilt, an oak flower bouquet is a great gift that can always sit on a shelf as a reminder of your anniversary. It can also be personalised to include a message so you can let your partner know what they mean to you.
4. Floral ruby earrings
Combine rubies and flowers with a pair of floral ruby earrings, which your partner can wear no matter the occasion.
5. A ruby flower necklace
A ruby flower necklace is bold and beautiful, and makes for a great choice if your partner loves rubies and flowers!
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If you’re about to celebrate 75 years of marriage, then first, let us offer you a massive congratulations! The fact that you’ve spent 75 years married to the love of your life is incredible, and something you and your loved ones should celebrate in style. Very few couples make it to this enormous milestone, so you’re in an exclusive club with just a few other super special couples.
Because you’ve made it to three-quarters of a century with your love, you might be on the hunt for a gift you can give that’s worthy of such a milestone. As with many of your other big milestone anniversaries, like your golden anniversary and sapphire anniversary, your 75th anniversary also has a historical theme, and is called your diamond anniversary.
You might remember your 60th anniversary was also known as your diamond anniversary. This is widely celebrated today, but the 75th anniversary was actually the original diamond anniversary. The 60th theme was introduced once Queen Victoria celebrated her diamond jubilee. But, there can never be too many celebrations where you’re encouraged to give your partner diamonds, right?
So, what sort of gift should you give your partner to mark this momentous milestone? Diamond jewellery is an obvious choice, but what if that doesn’t suit your budget or your other half isn’t into diamonds? And did you know there’s also a traditional 75th anniversary gemstone, which isn’t actually diamond? That’s right, there are a lot of unofficial rules when it comes to celebrating 75 years of marriage! Not that you have to stick to them, of course, but giving a gift linked to one of the themes can make your anniversary extra special.
In this guide, we’re going to explore everything to do with the 75th anniversary gift-giving traditions. We’ll also give you 25 gift ideas to help you as you search for the perfect present for your partner in crime.
To find out everything to do with all the traditional and modern themes linked to every different anniversary milestone, all the way through to 90 years, read our complete year-by-year wedding anniversary gift guide.
What are traditional and modern gifts for a 75th wedding anniversary?
The traditional and modern 75th wedding anniversary gifts
75 years of marriage is amazing, and any couple who reaches it should share their secrets with the world, because it’s truly a massive achievement. To mark 75 years of marriage, precious gemstones play a huge role – specifically diamonds, as it is your diamond anniversary, after all. A lot of your recent big milestones have been linked to gemstones, so you may struggle for inspiration on what to give your partner. Thankfully, you can get creative with the themes so you can give a gift that’s thoughtful and unique.
Traditional 75th anniversary gift – Diamond
The traditional 75th anniversary gift is diamond. Diamond has played a major role in several of your anniversaries, including one of the most famous, such as your 60th. But, the 75th is the original diamond anniversary, and could there really be anything else that could represent such an incredible achievement?
Diamonds represent longevity, strength and love. These are three qualities you and your other half clearly have by the bucket load. After all, how would you reach 75 years of marriage without them? So, it makes for a thoughtful and loving gift to mark your big day.
Modern 75th anniversary gift – Diamond
The modern 75th anniversary gift is also diamond, because why mess with such a luxurious and perfect gift? Diamond is actually a versatile theme, because not only is it one of the most popular gemstones, but it’s also a shape. That means you can get really creative with your gift if you’re not looking to give your partner jewellery.
75th anniversary gemstone – Sapphire
Believe it or not, despite also being called your 75th anniversary, the traditional 75th anniversary gemstone isn’t diamond – it’s sapphire. Like diamond, sapphires are one of the four precious gemstones (along with ruby and emerald), and they’re actually the perfect partner. There’s nothing quite like diamond and sapphire jewellery.
Sapphire represents fortune, faithfulness and wisdom, which is a beautiful sentiment on top of looking absolutely stunning.
75th anniversary flower – There isn’t one
For the past several major milestones, there hasn’t been a traditional anniversary flower. And unfortunately, your 75th anniversary is no different. But just because there isn’t a traditional flower, don’t let it put you off if you’re keen to gift your partner a blooming bouquet. Lots of flowers represent love and devotion, and you could always gift flowers that evoke the colours of diamond and sapphire to give them even more meaning.
How do you choose a gift for a 75th wedding anniversary?
Your 75th anniversary is a biggie, so you might feel a little bit of pressure to make sure you give your other half a gift that’s worthy of such an occasion. Of course, you don’t have to give something linked to the themes of diamond or sapphire, but it can show your partner just how much they mean to you. Before you decide, there are a few things to consider:
Do you and your partner have a history of giving each other the traditional or modern anniversary gifts? If so, then you might want to focus your search on something that’s closely tied to the themes of diamond and sapphire.
Do you have a specific budget in mind? If you have a maximum budget, you’ll need to think about how jewellery might fit into that, as both diamond and sapphire can be expensive gemstones.
Are you interested in giving your partner a personalised gift? It’s common for couples to give each other a gift that features a message or image, which can be fairly tricky if you also want to give your partner luxury jewellery.
Has your partner asked or hinted at something in particular? If they have, then how might that affect your decision?
Is a special couple in your life about to celebrate 75 incredible years together? It could be parents, grandparents, great grandparents or good friends. Whoever it is, you might want to mark the occasion by giving the couple a gift – but what could it be? You may wonder whether you can tie your gift into the traditional themes, which has a simple answer – yes you can! These rules aren’t exclusive to the couple, so if you’ve thought of a sapphire- or diamond-related gift that would be perfect, then you should absolutely go for it. They’ll definitely love whatever you give them, and appreciate the extra meaning behind it if you do.
25 ideas for a 75th wedding anniversary gift
So, you know that you want to give your other half a special gift to commemorate your original diamond anniversary. But what should you give? Your initial thought might be to give your partner some jewellery set with diamonds or sapphire – or both! But, there’s a lot more fun you can have with the theme if you have a smaller budget or your partner isn’t big on jewellery. Whatever you plan on giving will no doubt be loved, but we’re here to give you a helping hand if you’re not quite sure.
Here are 25 ideas for 75th anniversary gifts so you and your other half can have an anniversary to remember.
10 traditional and modern gifts for a 75th wedding anniversary
First up, we want to run through some gifts that are linked to the traditional and modern theme of diamond, but don’t necessarily rely too heavily on jewellery. Yes, this is the theme (and a beautifully perfect one at that), but with a little creativity, you can give your partner something they won’t see coming. So, here are 10 ideas to give you a little inspiration.
1. A Royal Scott crystal vase with Swarovski diamantes
Flowers are always going to go down well on your anniversary. But, to tie them into the 75th anniversary theme, you could give your partner some flowers in a Royal Scott crystal vase with Swarovski diamantes. A beautiful vase your partner can use whenever they get flowers in the future.
2. A Lismore diamond decorative tray
For a showstopping decorative centrepiece, you might consider giving your partner a Lismore diamond decorative tray. It also makes for a lovely little spot that your partner can keep valuables in.
3. An item of antique diamond jewellery
As the title of the classic James Bond adventure suggests, diamonds are indeed forever. And many pieces of antique diamond jewellery throughout history are still as beautiful today as they were the day they were made. An item of antique diamond jewellery makes for a fabulous gift, which is full of meaning and amazing history.
4. Vitra diamond clock
Add a contemporary touch to any room with a Vitra diamond clock. As well as being modern, it has a retro 50s look, and was designed by legendary designer George Nelson.
5. Diamond champagne flutes
There’s every chance you and your partner will share a glass of fizz (or five) during your anniversary celebrations. Toast the occasion in style with a set of diamond champagne flutes, which are unique and quirky, and totally fitting for the occasion.
6. A night in the Diamond Inn
Treat your other half to a night at the Diamond Inn, a lovely little hotel located in Northumbria. It’s rated super highly by couples looking to spend a romantic night together, so is the perfect spot to spend some time enjoying a little escape.
7. A crushed diamond photo frame
Over the last 75 years, you and your love have no doubt created plenty of wonderful memories. Why not print out one of your favourite photos and frame it in a crushed diamond photo frame, so you can continue to look back on those wonderful times?
8. A diamond rug
Diamonds are timeless, so they always lend themselves well to furnishings. That’s why a diamond rug is a lovely addition to your home, and your partner will love the sentiment behind it.
9. A diamond dining experience
Your anniversary gives the two of you the perfect excuse to get dressed up and head out to eat somewhere fancy. With a diamond dining experience, you can enjoy champagne, eight fabulous courses, wine and more, over the course of an incredible evening.
10. A crushed diamond fruit bowl
A great and affordable choice of gift is a crushed diamond fruit bowl, which is a practical gift that is super eye-catching. It’s something your partner can use every day, and a constant reminder of your amazing milestone.
5 personalised gifts for a 75th wedding anniversary
Your anniversary is a great time to give your partner something that’s totally unlike anything else. A brilliant way to do that is by giving a personalised gift, which includes a message or photograph or another type of customisation that means a lot to them. The themes of diamond and sapphire can make finding something personalised tricky – but not impossible. Here are five suggestions for 75th anniversary gifts that can be personalised.
1. A personalised diamond locket
A locket is always going to be a touching and thoughtful gift. A personalised diamond locket isn’t just a lovely way to give a gift associated with the traditional theme, but you also can include photos of whatever your partner loves. That way, they can keep what they treasure the most close to their heart.
2. A personalised diamond watch
A diamond watch is the height of luxury, but what can make such an amazing gift even more special? Well, a personalised diamond watch is sparkly, on-theme and gives you the ideal way to say ‘I love you!’
3. A custom diamond bracelet
There’s nothing quite like a custom diamond bracelet, which is dainty and delicate and can be worn on any occasion. It can also include up to seven diamond letters, which could be anything from your initials to ‘LOVE YOU’.
4. An engraved bottle of Bombay Sapphire gin
Bombay Sapphire makes delicious gin that can be enjoyed at any time. But, an extra special way to enjoy it is with an engraved bottle of Bombay Sapphire gin, which can include the photograph and message of your choice.
5. A personalised blue diamond paperweight
For something small, sweet, personalised and affordable, this personalised blue diamond paperweight is a lovely little token gift that can sit on a desk or shelf.
5 75th anniversary jewellery gifts that contain sapphire and diamond
With diamond and sapphire playing a major role in the traditional 75th anniversary gifts, there’s no way we couldn’t suggest a few items of jewellery. With such important and historical meaning behind them, if your partner loves jewellery and you have the budget for something, it’s always going to be a fabulous choice. And because there’s so much to choose from, regardless of your partner’s tastes, you’re bound to find something for them. Whether they love white gold, platinum, rose gold or anything in between, diamond and sapphire go with everything. Here are just five suggestions if you’re sure you want to give your other half some jewellery to mark 75 years together.
1. A diamond and sapphire eternity ring
An eternity ring is a wonderful gesture of love and lets your partner know just how special they are to you. A diamond and sapphire eternity ring is a popular design, with loads of different styles and options available, too. It makes for a lovely choice that perfectly encapsulates your feelings.
2. A diamond and sapphire necklace
Because diamond and sapphire pair so well together, they totally deserve to be shown off at any opportunity. And there’s no better way to do that than with a diamond and sapphire necklace.
3. A diamond and sapphire bracelet
For the ultimate accessory, a diamond and sapphire bracelet is absolutely fabulous. It’s beautifully on theme and your partner can wear it wherever they go.
4. Diamond and sapphire earrings
Make sure your partner turns some heads with a pair of diamond and sapphire earrings. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and fit different budgets too. You can also pick some that feature unique pink sapphires.
5. A diamond and sapphire brooch
When the two of you head out to celebrate your anniversary, a diamond and sapphire brooch is a fabulous accessory that your other half can wear to add a little sparkle and class to their outfit.
Sapphire and diamond are a match made in heaven. If you can think of a type of jewellery, then it no doubt exists set with these two fantastic precious gemstones. If you walk into any high-street or independent jeweller, you should find a huge selection of sapphire and diamond jewellery. At Bridebook, we’ve also partnered with loads of different jewellers, who each have their own enormous range – so make sure you check them out to see if they have something your partner would love to receive on your anniversary.
5 floral-inspired gifts for a 75th wedding anniversary
If all else fails, you can always give your partner flowers on your anniversary. After all, they’re a famous symbol of love and there’s a massive amount of choice out there. Your partner likely even has a favourite flower which you know you can depend on. But, there are even ways to combine flowers with the themes of diamond and sapphire to make your gesture even more magical. Here are five ideas for floral gifts you might want to give on your 75th anniversary.
1. A blue sapphire plant
A blue sapphire plant is a lovely addition to your home. Featuring clusters of tiny blue and purple flowers throughout the spring and summer, it’s a fantastic way to have a constant reminder of your 75th anniversary right there in your garden.
2. A Swarovski crystal sapphire flower
Swarovski is a name known for producing exceptionally delicate and beautiful crystal products. And there’s nothing quite as appropriate to give on your 75th anniversary than a Swarovski crystal sapphire flower.
3. A sapphire and diamond flower ring
For a flower your partner can always keep close by, this sapphire and diamond flower ring is a bold and beautiful way to treat your other half on your big day.
4. A diamond flower arrangement
It’s so easy to say, ‘I love you!’ with a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers. And the best type of floral arrangement to give to your other half on your 75th anniversary is a diamond bouquet, with sizes ranging from small to extra large.
5. Sapphire-blue preserved roses
Roses are probably the most famously romantic flower there is. The trouble is, they usually wilt after a week or so. But, sapphire-blue preserved roses have all the romantic meaning but last much, much longer. They’re also sapphire-coloured so have that extra meaning!
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If you’re about to celebrate 70 years of marriage, you and your partner are about to achieve something that most couples can only dream about. Seven whole decades with the love of your life is an absolutely incredible milestone.
For the past 25 years, your major anniversary milestones have had an overarching theme, and your 70th anniversary is no different. Your 70th anniversary is also known as your platinum anniversary, and this luxurious precious metal is a major theme as part of your celebrations.
Because there’s only one gift theme for your 70th anniversary, it does lessen the amount of choice you have. But, 70 years of marriage is one of the most incredible anniversaries there is, so only the most prestigious theme is good enough. That’s not to say you should feel obliged to give your partner a platinum gift. While it’s a brilliant theme, it might not be for everyone, especially if you’re not looking to spend too much money on a gift.
But, if you and your partner have given each other a traditional or modern anniversary gift in the past, there’s a lot of fun to be had here. It’s a theme that’s definitely befitting of such an incredible time.
In this article, we’re going to explore everything to do with 70th anniversary gifts. We’ll also give you 25 gift suggestions, to help spark a few ideas so you can make your platinum anniversary one you and your other half will never forget.
What are traditional and modern gifts for a 70th wedding anniversary?
The traditional and modern 70th wedding anniversary gifts
Your 70th anniversary is an utterly outstanding achievement, which not many couples get to celebrate. For that reason, this massive milestone is also known as your platinum anniversary, which means it has the broad theme of platinum. It might only have the one gift theme (unlike many of your previous anniversaries through the years), but there are still lots of ways you can be creative with it.
Traditional 70th anniversary gift – Platinum
The traditional 70th anniversary gift is platinum. Platinum is a magnificent precious metal, which is valued even more highly than gold and has a silvery appearance. It’s often used to make jewellery, which could be set with any sort of gemstone you like, but looks just as amazing without it.
Platinum represents love, purity and strength, three honourable qualities which you and your partner no doubt have. After all, there’s no way the two of you would last 70 years together without them.
Modern 70th anniversary gift – Platinum
The modern 70th anniversary gift is also platinum, echoing the traditional theme, which was itself created more than 100 years ago. But platinum is also a colour, so if you’re not sure about getting your partner something made from it, you can at least consider getting them something inspired by it.
70th anniversary gemstone – Platinum
The traditional 70th anniversary gemstone is also platinum. Okay, so platinum technically isn’t a gemstone; it’s a precious metal (like gold). But because your 70th is known as your platinum anniversary, why complicate things? Platinum is luxurious, so it’s the perfect gift to give to mark the occasion. Plus, you can get creative with the theme if you like the idea of a gift associated with it, but aren’t sure the metal itself fits your budget or is something you partner would like.
70th anniversary flower – There isn’t one
Just like with other notable milestones, there unfortunately isn’t a traditional flower linked to your 70th anniversary. But, if you’re keen to give your partner flowers, there are still ways you can link it to the theme of platinum. Or, you could simply give your partner a floral arrangement as big, full and colourful as the love you feel for them. It’s really up to you.
How do you choose a gift for a 70th wedding anniversary?
Because there’s only one theme associated with your 70th anniversary, the sort of gift you give your partner might seem like an obvious choice. Platinum is a wonderful gift to give and has a deep historical meaning that provides you with plenty of options. But, there are also reasons why it might not be right for your other half. Here are a few things to think about before you decide what to get.
Are you and your partner committed to giving each other the traditional gift? If you are, then that might well decide things for you. You really can’t go wrong with a platinum gift, which is practically guaranteed to be beautiful.
Have you thought about how much you want to spend? Platinum is a great choice of gift, but it can be very expensive depending on the sort of thing your partner loves. This might sway your decision if you have a limited budget.
Are you excited to give your partner something personalised? It’s common for couples to give each other gifts that are personalised on their anniversaries, but it might be more difficult to find platinum gifts that you can add a personal touch to.
Has your partner hinted at or asked for something specific? If they’re after something platinum-related, then you may want to go with that. Or, they could have asked for something completely different.
Is a special couple you know about to celebrate 70 incredible years together? If so, you might be searching for a gift to give them that lets them know how loved they are. As part of that, you can definitely give them something linked to the traditional theme of platinum – it’s not only something restricted to the couple themselves. If you have an idea for something to give them, then you should definitely go for it. And if it’s linked to platinum, they’ll definitely appreciate the extra thought and meaning that’s gone into your gift.
25 ideas for a 70th wedding anniversary gift
Your 70th wedding anniversary is a magical milestone. It’s one that you deserve to celebrate, because it’s something so few couples get the chance to commemorate. As part of your celebrations, you might want to buy your partner a gift – but what should you give them? Platinum is a lovely theme, and it can be interpreted in loads of different ways, so you don’t have to simply default to jewellery – although that would be a brilliant choice!
Here are 25 ideas for 70th anniversary gifts to give you some inspiration, so you can spoil the love of your life and mark your big milestone.
10 traditional and modern gifts for a 70th wedding anniversary
Your 70th anniversary is also called your platinum anniversary, so it’s no surprise that both the traditional and modern gift themes are platinum. While that means there are a ton of jewellery gifts out there, you’re not just limited to it – there’s plenty of other picks available. Here are 10 suggestions for 70th anniversary gifts to help you on your search.
1. A platinum centrepiece bowl by L’Objet
A platinum centrepiece bowl by L’Objet is the epitome of luxury. It has a unique platinum speckled surface that’s inspired by the Italian town of Venice, and can be used as a bold centrepiece or to serve up food on special occasions.
2. A set of three vases with platinum stripe
For something associated with platinum that’s totally affordable but no less beautiful, this set of three vases with platinum stripe is perfect for showing off floral arrangements, and it brings everything together nicely.
3. A platinum trinket tray
If your partner has jewellery or smaller keepsakes they need to keep safe, this platinum trinket tray is a fabulously opulent gift, which is just as beautiful as the trinkets your partner can put inside.
4. A platinum photo frame
Over the last 70 years, you and your partner have no doubt made lots of memories together. It could be from your adventures, or the family the two of you have helped to grow. Whatever memories you hold dear, you could print off one of your favourite photographs and present it in a platinum photo frame.
5. A platinum family photoshoot
A lovely way to commemorate your 70th anniversary is to gather your nearest and dearest together to take part in a platinum family photoshoot. This might include your children, your grandchildren, your great-grandchildren… maybe even the family dog!
6. An item of antique platinum jewellery
Platinum has been used to make jewellery for thousands of years, so there are some real treasures out there just waiting to be found. Why not treat your partner to an item of antique platinum jewellery, so you can give them a real piece of history?
7. A platinum animal experience
If your partner’s an animal lover, then they’ll definitely love to take part in a platinum animal experience at Yorkshire Wildlife Park. They’ll get the chance to get hands-on with some incredible carnivores and even feed them a bite to eat.
8. A platinum anniversary commemorative coin
For a small and affordable, but still very thoughtful, way to honour your 70th anniversary, this platinum anniversary commemorative coin is a sweet keepsake that your partner can hold onto forever.
9. A platinum B&B experience
Your anniversary is a great excuse to get away and enjoy being looked after, and there’s no better way to do it while celebrating your 70th year of marriage than with a platinum B&B experience.
10. A Platinum Merlin Annual Pass
If you and your partner enjoy heading out to make memories with your grandkids, you can do that for a whole year with a Platinum Merlin Annual Pass. You can visit aquariums, zoos, theme parks, fun experiences and more up and down the UK.
5 personalised gifts for a 70th wedding anniversary
It can be a lot of fun to personalise something as part of your partner’s anniversary gift. It shows just how much effort you’ve put into your gesture and makes it completely one-of-a-kind. It also means you’ll have a lasting memory of your special milestone. There are also ways to make sure you tie your personalised gift into the platinum theme. Here are five ideas for personalised 70th anniversary gifts.
1. A personalised hanging decoration
A lovely way to mark the occasion is with a personalised hanging decoration. Not only does it include your names, but it’s also something that can be displayed anywhere in your house. It’s also small and affordable, so it’s great if you only have a set budget.
2. A platinum locations love story map
Over the years, you’ll no doubt have many places that mean a great deal to you. It could be where the two of you first met, where you got engaged, where you got married or something else entirely. Bring these places to life with a platinum locations love story map, which your partner will definitely love and appreciate.
3. A personalised LSA platinum-necked whisky decanter
For the whisky lover in your life, this personalised LSA platinum-necked whisky decanter is absolutely brilliant. It has a distinctive shape and can hold 0.35 litres of your partner’s favourite tipple, which can be personalised so everyone else knows it’s not for sharing!
4. A personalised platinum anniversary pillow
A really lovely way to honour your 70th year of married life is with a personalised platinum anniversary pillow. It includes your names and the years you got married and celebrated your anniversary, so you can get snuggly with this touching gift.
5. A personalised platinum record
You and your partner might have a song which you consider to be your song. It might be something that played during your first date, something you like to sing together or the song you first danced to on your wedding day. Whatever it is, it can be immortalised in a personalised platinum record, which can be displayed proudly on the wall for all to see.
5 70th anniversary jewellery gifts that contain platinum
Since it’s a precious metal, the fact that platinum is the traditional gemstone (although not actually a gemstone) when celebrating 70 years of marriage makes jewellery a brilliant choice of gift. It’s luxurious and super-premium, and there are always tons of platinum jewellery pieces to consider. Here are five suggestions for jewellery you might want to give your other half as a gift on your 70th wedding anniversary.
1. A pair of platinum earrings
Not all platinum jewellery has to cost a fortune. You can pick up a pair of platinum earrings (set with diamonds, no less) for less than £150. If you have a bigger budget, you can always spend more, but it’s great that you can pick up jewellery made from platinum without the eye-wateringly high price tag.
2. A platinum eternity ring
An eternity ring is always an A+ gift to give when it comes to your anniversary. So, on your platinum anniversary, a platinum eternity ring makes for a loving gesture like no other. It lets your partner know just how much they mean to you.
3. A platinum watch
A gold watch is often seen as a hugely luxurious accessory, but there’s a way to go one better – with a platinum watch. You can choose from different watch faces to find something your partner loves.
4. A platinum necklace
A platinum necklace is always going to be a fabulous choice when it comes to your 70th anniversary. They’re available in loads of different styles and suit a wide range of budgets.
5. A pair of platinum cufflinks
If your partner often looks dapper in a suit, then a pair of platinum cufflinks might just be the gift for them. There are plenty to choose from, too, so don’t worry about not finding something that suits your partner’s tastes.
There’s no question about it: platinum makes for a perfect gift, especially on your 70th anniversary. Because it’s such a popular choice, you should find that every high-street and independent jeweller has a massive selection of platinum for you to choose from. Here at Bridebook, we work with a huge number of jewellers, who each have their own range, so make sure you check them out too.
5 floral-inspired gifts for a 70th wedding anniversary
Flowers are the classic anniversary gift, which is always going to get a big smile out of your other half. Even though there isn’t a traditional flower associated with your 70th anniversary, that shouldn’t stop you if you love to give flowers and your partner loves to receive them. Loads of flowers symbolise love, and you can tie your gift into the platinum theme to give it more meaning. Here are five ideas for floral 70th anniversary gifts to make your big day one to remember.
1. A platinum-dipped rose
The humble rose is probably the most famous of all flowers associated with love. So, when a real rose is dipped in platinum, it’s one of the best gifts you can give on your platinum anniversary. A platinum-dipped rose has wonderful meaning and is something your partner can always hold onto.
2. A platinum flower subscription
Give the gift that keeps on giving on your anniversary with a platinum flower subscription. Choose to give your other half a beautiful floral arrangement every week, fortnight or month, so they always know how much they’re loved.
3. A platinum-coloured floral arrangement
Filled with the silvery colours associated with platinum, this artificial platinum-coloured floral arrangement is guaranteed to always look fresh and never needs to be watered!
4. A platinum paper flowers necklace
The delicacy of flowers means they lend themselves well to jewellery. This platinum paper flowers necklace is absolutely exquisite and includes a round brilliant diamond that really sparkles.
5. A box of platinum-coloured roses
Make a real statement on your anniversary by giving your other half a box of platinum-coloured roses. They come in a heart-shaped box, and you can choose whichever colour you like to help your roses really stand out.
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65 years of marriage is an achievement that not many couples have the fortune of celebrating. It’s proof that you and your partner have oodles of love and dedication. It’s a wonderful time and one that your family and friends are no doubt excited to honour alongside you.
Like with previous milestone anniversaries, your 65th anniversary has an overarching theme that encompasses the whole thing. That theme is blue sapphire, a truly stunning precious gemstone that has a lot of versatility.
If you’ve given your partner traditional or modern anniversary gifts in the past, you might remember that sapphire was also the theme of your 45th anniversary. So, this theme is incredibly similar, only now the theme is specifically blue sapphire.
You shouldn’t feel like you have to give your partner something related to blue sapphire when celebrating your anniversary. It’s not a theme that suits everyone’s tastes, but it does have a lovely meaning behind it. Thankfully, because of the versatility, there’s plenty of room for creativity. So, even if your partner isn’t into sapphire, there are still ways to have fun with the theme.
In this guide, we’re going to tell you all about 65th wedding anniversary gifts. We’ll also give you 25 ideas to help you as you search for the perfect present for your other half to mark your special day.
What are traditional and modern gifts for a 65th wedding anniversary?
The traditional and modern 65th wedding anniversary gifts
Your 65th wedding anniversary is also known as your blue sapphire anniversary, so you won’t be surprised to learn that blue sapphire is the only theme associated with it. This is similar to your other recent milestones, such as your 60th, which was your diamond anniversary.
But just because there’s only one theme for this anniversary, it doesn’t mean you can’t be creative with it!
Traditional 65th anniversary gift – Sapphire
The traditional 65th anniversary gift is sapphire, or specifically, blue sapphire. Sapphire is an absolutely brilliant precious stone that always makes for a special gift. Only now, it has extra special historical meaning. Sapphire represents fortune, faithfulness and wisdom, which are three things you’re more than likely familiar with after 65 years of marriage.
Modern 65th anniversary gift – Sapphire
The modern 65th wedding anniversary gift is also blue sapphire. Because why complicate this already-special milestone by adding another type of gift? But as the theme is specifically blue sapphire, the theme is open to interpretation. This means you have a wide range of gifts to choose from, not just jewellery.
65th anniversary gemstone – Sapphire
Unsurprisingly, the traditional 65th anniversary gemstone is also sapphire. Sapphire is one of the four precious gemstones (along with diamond, ruby and emerald), so is an incredibly popular stone used in jewellery and accessories. It can also be quite pricey, but if you spend a little time looking, you can also find sapphire jewellery that’s relatively reasonable. But because sapphire is so popular, you’ll always have a huge selection to choose from.
65th anniversary flower – There isn’t one
Similar to your other recent milestones, there isn’t a traditional flower associated with your 65th anniversary. That means if you want to give your other half flowers, you’re free to give them whatever you – and they – love. You could even give them flowers the same colour as a blue sapphire, like roses, tulips or hyacinths.
How do you choose a gift for a 65th wedding anniversary?
Choosing the perfect give to give the love of your life on your 65th anniversary may seem like an obvious choice at first. Sapphire is a beautiful gemstone, and there are so many different pieces of jewellery that contain it. But, you don’t have to default to simply buying jewellery (as much as your partner might love it). So, before you head out and buy a big, blue sapphire, here are a few things to consider.
Are you set on giving your partner the traditional 65th anniversary gift? You’ve hit a major milestone, so giving a gift associated with sapphire might be a priority for you.
Do you have a specific budget in mind? Although not all of them are, sapphires can be pretty expensive. So, if you only have a small budget, you might struggle a little.
Do you want to give your partner a personalised gift? Because it’s often so pricey, you generally won’t find many places that personalise sapphire jewellery, but there are still other ways to do it if you think outside the box.
Is your partner expecting something specific? This could be some sapphire jewellery, or they may have asked you for something else entirely.
65 years is an amazing milestone. If a couple in your life is about to celebrate 65 happy years together, you might be on the hunt for a gift to show them just how much they mean to you. As part of that, you also might want to know whether or not you can join in with the traditional gift-giving fun with a gift related to the theme of sapphire. Well, the great news is, of course you can! Any gift will no doubt be hugely appreciated, but if you can find something that can also link back to the traditional theme, they’ll see just how much thought and effort went into your generous gift.
25 ideas for a 65th wedding anniversary gift
Your 65th wedding anniversary is an incredible step in your lives, and you might want to mark the occasion by spoiling your partner with a gift. The first thing that comes to mind is, of course, sapphire jewellery, but there are many other options out there if you don’t want to be quite as obvious. Below, we’ll list our choices for great 65th anniversary gift suggestions to help give you a little inspiration.
10 traditional and modern gifts for a 65th wedding anniversary
If you’re excited to give your partner a gift on your 65th anniversary, there are plenty of ways to do that while incorporating the traditional and modern themes of sapphire. There are lots of choices when it comes to jewellery (more on this below), but you can also give sapphire-related gifts that are a little bit different. Here are 10 65th anniversary gift ideas to get you started.
1. A Dartington crystal sapphire unity bowl
For a beautiful gift that can be displayed proudly as a table centrepiece or be saved for a special occasion, this Dartington crystal sapphire unity bowl is a wonderful choice. It has a paperweight-style orb with swirling blue patterns and can be used however your partner likes, from a fruit bowl to a serving bowl.
2. A Bombay Sapphire gift set
If your partner is partial to a cheeky G&T, then they’ll absolutely love this Bombay Sapphire gift set. It contains three different gins, including one special edition. Just make sure not to forget the tonic!
3. A blue sapphire pebble art picture
You and your partner have stood side by side for more than six decades. This blue sapphire pebble art picture sums up the closeness between you and is a romantic and thoughtful gesture that can be displayed somewhere at home.
4. Raw blue sapphire crystals
Before it’s cut and polished, sapphire has a much more raw and rustic appearance – but is still just as striking and beautiful. A gift box of blue sapphire crystals is a lovely token gift. It’s also thought that they help relieve tension and lighten your mood.
5. An item of antique sapphire jewellery
Jewellery makers have been using sapphires for hundreds of years, and there are plenty of treasures out there waiting to be found. An item of antique sapphire jewellery makes a bold statement and you might just find a rare item your partner will adore.
6. A 65th anniversary commemorative coin
A sweet token gift to give your partner if you’re not looking to spend too much is a 65th anniversary commemorative coin. It’s a great way to stick to the theme if your partner isn’t much of a fan of this precious stone.
7. A lucky blue butterfly
Delight your partner with this lucky blue butterfly, which is an absolutely beautiful ornament, hand-made by expert glassmakers. While it’s not made of sapphire, it has that incredibly luxurious blue sapphire feel.
8. A blue sapphire family tree decoration
If you have a growing family with kids and grandkids, a blue sapphire family tree decoration lets you honour the entire gang. It’s a lovely little display item protected by a glass dome and can include up to 12 family members.
9. A sapphire photo frame
It’s been 65 years since the two of you got married. You might have changed a bit since then, but you clearly still have bucket loads of love for each other. Print out your favourite photo together, or even one that includes your whole family, and frame it in a sapphire photo frame.
10. Blue Sapphire abstract oil painting
To add a real contemporary feel to a room, this Blue Sapphire abstract oil painting is the perfect choice for your 65th anniversary. It might not fit everyone’s decor, but it would really hit the mark if your partner loves abstract art.
5 personalised gifts for a 65th wedding anniversary
Many couples love to surprise their partners by giving them a personalised gift to mark their anniversary. It adds an extra level of thought and consideration to a gift, as well as just being downright cute. You might not be able to customise many items of sapphire jewellery, but you can give something linked to the theme that has your own personal touch. Here are five ideas for personalised gifts for your 65th anniversary.
1. A personalised blue crystal heart
A thoughtful way to always remember your special milestone is with a personalised blue crystal heart. It includes your names and the date you got married, and is adorned with delicate blue flowers.
2. A personalised 65th anniversary wall clock
For a big, bold and bright way to honour your anniversary, this personalised 65th anniversary wall clock can be hung on a wall as a constant reminder of what you’ve achieved together.
3. A personalised sapphire necklace
Help your partner keep their memories close to their heart with this personalised sapphire necklace. It’s made from sterling silver and can be engraved with the names of your choosing, and also includes a real sapphire.
4. A personalised 65th anniversary gift platter
A personalised 65th anniversary gift platter is perfect if your other half loves to entertain. You can choose the size and what you’d like to include on the platter, which is decorated with lovely blue flowers and includes a delightfully meaningful message.
5. A personalised bottle of Bombay Sapphire gin
What’s the one way you could make a bottle of gin even better when celebrating your 65th anniversary? Well, how about a personalised bottle of Bombay Sapphire gin? The perfect tipple to enjoy on the big day.
5 65th anniversary jewellery gifts that contain sapphire
Sapphires are sensational gemstones and are included in practically every different type of jewellery you could think of. They’re also massively popular and sought after, which can make a lot of sapphire jewellery expensive. But, if you have a smaller budget, don’t worry – you can often find something more affordable if you keep a lookout. Here are five suggestions for 65th wedding anniversary jewellery that contains sapphire.
1. A sapphire bracelet
It’s almost like sapphires were made to be set in a bracelet, they’re just that good. A sapphire bracelet makes for a great choice. With so many different styles and designs available, it shouldn’t take you long to find something your partner will love.
2. A sapphire eternity ring
Sapphires pair with diamonds beautifully, so a sapphire eternity ring is a surefire way to light up your partner’s face on your anniversary. There are also loads of different choices out there, which can be big and bold or small and dainty.
3. A gold, diamond and sapphire brooch
A great gift to make your other half’s outfit pop, this gold, diamond and sapphire brooch is full to the brim with class and sophistication. It’s definitely something they’ll want to wear every time you head out to celebrate something special.
4. A pair of sapphire cufflinks
If your partner often wears a suit, they’ll love to receive a pair of sapphire cufflinks. And you’re absolutely spoiled for choice. Because there are so many to pick from, the hardest thing will be narrowing it down to just one.
5. A sapphire necklace
Whether your partner would love a huge sapphire or something more delicate, you can find something perfect for them with a sapphire necklace. You might even find something reminiscent of the Heart of the Ocean, like in the movie Titanic!
Sapphires are truly gorgeous, and you could do a lot worse than choosing to give one to your partner to commemorate 65 years. Because of their popularity, you should be able to walk into any high street or independent jeweller and find a massive amount of choice. At Bridebook, we’ve partnered with a range of jewellers who each have some lovely sapphire jewellery too, so make sure you check them out while you’re browsing.
5 floral-inspired gifts for a 65th wedding anniversary
Flowers are always a winning gift to give on your anniversary. Flowers are known for the loving message they send, so while there isn’t a traditional 65th anniversary flower, they still have a brilliant meaning. But, there are still ways you can tie flowers into the theme of sapphire, which makes them even more special. Here are five floral gifts for a 65th wedding anniversary.
1. A blue sapphire rose bush
Roses are known as a major symbol of love, so a blue sapphire rose bush might just be the most perfect floral gift you can give your partner to honour 65 years together.
2. A crystal blue sapphire bouquet
For a floral arrangement guaranteed never to wilt, this crystal blue sapphire bouquet is as unique as it is eye-catching. It would look great on a shelf as a constant reminder of your 65th anniversary.
3. A royal blue individual long-stem rose
One of the most romantic gestures you could do for your partner on your sapphire anniversary is to surprise them with a royal blue individual long-stem rose. It’s a real rose that’s guaranteed to last at least a year and never needs to be watered.
4. A sapphire iris
Fill your back garden with extra romantic meaning with a sapphire iris. Plant in the ground or in a pot in the autumn and it should be one of the first to flower the following spring. It’s a lovely delicate flower that represents trust and wisdom.
5. A pair of sapphire flower stud earrings
You could combine flowers with the traditional 65th anniversary gift and treat your other half to a pair of sapphire flower stud earrings. They’re small but make a big impact, and are available in gold, white gold or rose gold.
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Your 60th anniversary is arguably the single most special milestone you and your partner will celebrate. It’s the one milestone all couples strive to reach on the day they say I do – and here you are. You’re about to celebrate 60 incredible years with the love of your life, which is proof of just how much you love and care for each other.
The reason your 60th wedding anniversary is such a massive occasion is that it’s also known as your diamond anniversary. This is because diamond plays a major role when it comes to the traditional and modern gifts. Similar to other recent major milestones, like your golden and emerald anniversaries, there’s only one theme of gift, which is, unsurprisingly, diamond.
Diamond is probably the most luxurious gemstone there is, and is known the world over as a status symbol that defines wealth and opulence. It also has fantastic historical meaning, which makes it such a wonderful symbol of love and commitment.
That’s not to say you should feel obliged to give your partner a diamond to mark your 60th anniversary. There are plenty of reasons not to, and traditions aren’t for everyone. But, if it’s something you would like to do, it can make your diamond anniversary one the two of you will treasure forever.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at everything to do with 60th wedding anniversary gifts, to help you find the perfect way to spoil your partner on the big day. We’ll also give you 25 ideas so you have some inspiration beyond diamond jewellery.
What are traditional and modern gifts for a 60th wedding anniversary?
The traditional and modern 60th wedding anniversary gifts
Because your 60th anniversary is also known as your diamond wedding anniversary, diamonds of course play a huge part. For many of your previous milestones, there were several different themes to choose from. But with your 60th anniversary, diamonds are… well, forever. But, because it’s such a momentous occasion, it’s only fitting that something as magnificent as diamond should represent it.
Traditional 60th anniversary gift – Diamond
The traditional 60th anniversary gift is diamond. Diamonds are an incredibly popular and expensive gemstone, and are one of the most common stones used in jewellery. It’s usually a great choice of gift, so you can’t go wrong if it fits in your budget.
Diamonds represent longevity, strength and love, which are three things you clearly have plenty of as you near your 60th wedding anniversary.
Modern 60th anniversary gift – Diamond
The modern 60th wedding anniversary gift is also diamond. After all, it’s already known as your diamond anniversary, so why complicate things? But you can also be creative with the theme, as diamond is also a shape and you can substitute diamond for non-precious crystals which still have that amazing sparkle.
60th anniversary gemstone – Diamond
The traditional 60th anniversary gemstone is diamond – because of course it is! Diamond is one of the four precious gemstones (along with sapphire, emerald and ruby), and is the quintessential addition to almost every type of jewellery you can think of. So, whether your partner loves earrings or necklaces, there’s always an endless selection for you to choose from.
60th anniversary flower – There isn’t one
Unfortunately, there isn’t a 60th anniversary flower, just like there hasn’t been for your last few significant milestones. But, you’re still more than welcome to give your partner flowers, and there are even ways you can do that by tying them into the diamond theme. That way, your partner gets the best of both worlds.
How do you choose a gift for a 60th wedding anniversary?
The diamond anniversary is possibly the most famous of all the anniversary milestones. Because of this, you might feel like you have to give your other half something related to this sparkly little stone. But, you don’t have to. The great thing about an anniversary is that it’s all about the two of you, which means you can do whatever you like. So, before you head out and look for a diamond-related gift, there are a few things to think about.
Do you want to mark the occasion with the traditional gift? It’s a major anniversary theme, so honouring it might be important to you.
Have you decided on a certain budget? It’s no secret that diamonds are expensive. So, if you have a tight budget, it might be a little tricky to find jewellery that suits your partner’s taste.
Are you keen to give your partner a gift that’s personalised? Personalised gifts are a winning choice when it comes to your anniversary, but it can be rather tough to find diamonds that can be personalised.
Has your partner asked you for a specific kind of gift? If so, it could be hard to link it to the theme of diamond – unless they’ve asked you for some jewellery, of course.
A 60th anniversary is something everyone can celebrate. If someone you love is about to celebrate 60 amazing years, you might be looking for the perfect gift to give that lets them know just how special they are. You might be wondering if you can give them something related to diamonds, or if this is just something the couple can give to each other. The good news is, you’re more than allowed to have fun with the theme too! The couple is bound to love whatever you give them, and will love the thought and meaning behind an on-theme gift.
25 ideas for a 60th wedding anniversary gift
Your diamond anniversary is one that deserves to be celebrated. As part of your celebrations, you might be on the lookout for a gift to give your partner. This might be an actual diamond, or something that has a little fun with the theme. Whatever you choose to do, there are plenty of options out there if you think outside the box. Here are 25 ideas for 60th wedding anniversary gifts.
10 traditional and modern gifts for a 60th wedding anniversary
The first thing that might pop into your head when it comes to diamond gifts is jewellery. Your partner might love to receive an actual diamond, but they also might not. Or you might want to give them something not quite so obvious. To give you some inspiration, here are 10 ideas for gifts related to diamond.
1. A crushed diamond photo frame
Over the past 60 years, you and your other half have surely amassed plenty of memories. From your wedding day to other significant life moments, you have a lot to look back on. Print off some photos related to your favourite memories and frame them in a crushed diamond photo frame, which can be displayed proudly for all to see.
2. A diamond whiskey decanter set
If your partner loves to end the evening with a glass of whiskey, then this diamond whiskey decanter set could be just the gift for them. It adds an extra level of sophistication when enjoying a well-earned glass of whiskey.
3. A crushed diamond vase
A crushed diamond vase is a great all-round 60th anniversary gift. Not only is it linked to diamonds, but you can even give your partner their favourite flowers already inside. Then, every time they pick up a new floral arrangement, they can use their new vase that holds special meaning.
4. A diamond anniversary overnight stay
Your anniversary provides you and your partner with the perfect excuse to escape for a little while and explore somewhere new. And a memorable way to do that is with a diamond wedding anniversary overnight stay, which also includes a romantic dinner.
5. A diamond anniversary photoshoot
It’s been 60 years since you took part in your wedding photoshoot, and you’ve probably changed a little since then. With a diamond anniversary photoshoot, you can either include just the two of you or rope in the whole family for a truly touching way to remember your big anniversary.
6. A diamond anniversary sundial
Treat your partner to a diamond anniversary sundial, which can sit proudly in your garden and act as a constant reminder of the amazing achievement the two of you have reached together.
7. An antique diamond
60 years is a long time, and one way you can honour six whole decades of marriage is with an antique diamond. Some antique diamonds can be hundreds of years old and hold plenty of amazing stories. Why not include you and your partner as part of its journey?
8. A diamond bowl
For a subtle way to mark the occasion, this diamond bowl is diamond by name only. It’s white with a gold trim and has an iconic geometric design. It can be a great multi-use bowl to always keep around the house.
9. A diamond table lamp
Give your partner a lamp which is guaranteed to not be like any other lamp you already have at home. This striking diamond table lamp has a contemporary design and makes a real statement in any room.
10. A cruise on the Diamond Princess
If you and your other half love having adventures together, there’s no adventure more appropriate for your 60th anniversary than setting sail on the Diamond Princess. This luxury cruise ship often sets sail around Europe and beyond, and gives you the opportunity to celebrate in style.
5 personalised gifts for a 60th wedding anniversary
Lots of couples love to give each other personalised gifts to mark their anniversaries. Personalisation can elevate a gift and make it even more meaningful, showing your other half just how much effort has gone into your gesture. There are also ways you can do so and still link your gift to the traditional diamond theme. Here are five ideas for personalised 60th anniversary gifts.
1. Engraved Swarovski crystal champagne flutes
You have a lot to celebrate with your upcoming 60th anniversary, and you’re definitely going to raise a glass (or nine) as you come together with family and friends. There’s no better way to clink glasses than with a pair of engraved Swarovski crystal champagne flutes, which can include a message of your choosing.
2. A 60th anniversary collage
From the past six decades, you’ll have tons of amazing memories. Get some of your favourite photos together and create a 60th anniversary collage, which is framed to make for the perfect way to remember 60 wonderful years together.
3. An engraved glass diamond
To really show how much your other half means to you, this engraved glass diamond is a wonderful token gesture. It’s big and bold and can be displayed somewhere proudly so you always remember your special day.
4. A personalised laser cut corner diamond
If you have a photo of you and your partner that you really adore, have it immortalised in a personalised laser-cut corner diamond. It’s a unique way to display one of your favourite memories, which can be enhanced further with lights.
5. A custom diamond painting
Another brilliant way to use the theme creatively with a photograph is with a custom diamond painting. Send them your favourite photo and they’ll send you everything you need back so you can create your very own unique work of art. You can do this as a surprise or as a way to spend time together.
5 60th anniversary jewellery gifts that contain diamond
Diamond jewellery is probably the most sought-after jewellery type in the world. Diamonds contain incredible brilliance, fire and sparkle which means even the smallest piece of jewellery can produce an entire fireworks display worth of colour. We could suggest hundreds of different items of diamond jewellery, but because we know you have an important decision to make, we’ll limit this list to just five suggestions.
1. A diamond bracelet
There’s something very special about a diamond bracelet. You might choose silver, white gold, yellow gold, rose gold… they all work so well with beautiful diamonds. There are also loads to choose from, so you should find something perfect for your partner in no time.
2. A diamond locket
A diamond locket makes for the ultimate gift on your 60th anniversary. Not only does it come set with diamonds, but your partner can also include some of their most precious memories inside, so they’re always close to their heart.
3. Diamond cufflinks
If your partner often looks dapper wearing a suit, then a set of diamond cufflinks might be just what they’re after. They’re a subtle way to keep a reminder of your 60th anniversary close by.
4. A pair of diamond earrings
The great thing about diamond earrings is just how many different styles and designs there are. They can be big and bold or small and dainty. They’re also great for varied budgets, as prices can range from anywhere between £50 and £50,000.
5. A diamond ring
A diamond ring is quite possibly the single most quintessential piece of diamond jewellery. And it might have been some time since you last treated your partner to a diamond ring, so there’s no better time than now to do it again!
There’s probably not a person on Earth who doesn’t know about the luxurious meaning of diamond. For that reason, they’re incredibly popular, so there won’t be a jeweller out there that doesn’t have a selection of diamond jewellery. Pop into any high street or independent store and you’ll find a huge range to choose from. Or, check out the collection of jewellers we’ve partnered with here at Bridebook to see if they have something that suits your partner’s tastes and your budget.
5 floral-inspired gifts for a 60th wedding anniversary
Flowers are an anniversary staple. So, if you’re in the mood to treat your partner to something floral, even though there isn’t a traditional 60th anniversary flower, you should definitely do just that. There are also ways you can combine flowers with the traditional theme and give a gift that has double the meaning. Here are five suggestions for ways to make that happen.
1. A diamond flower arrangement
While not made from diamond, a diamond flower arrangement has delightfully bold and adorably dainty blooms that will fill a room (and your partner’s face) with happiness.
2. Diamond mosaic vase and flowers
For a shimmering floral gift that evokes the shine of diamonds and is guaranteed to never wilt, a diamond mosaic vase and flowers is the perfect floral gift to mark 60 years of love.
3. A diamond flower pendant
A diamond flower pendant is a fabulous piece of jewellery that not only has all the romance of flowers behind it, but also contains diamonds. It’s the ultimate gesture on your 60th wedding anniversary.
4. A Swarovski crystal rose
Containing all the beauty of a real rose and fusing it with the magic of crystal, a Swarovski crystal rose is a stunning display piece that will look incredible on any shelf or sideboard.
5. Diamond flower cluster earrings
For a small but impactful way to give both a floral and diamond gift, this pair of diamond flower cluster earrings is hand-crafted and contains 14 diamonds set in 9ct white gold.
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Your 55th wedding anniversary is an absolutely mind-blowing milestone to reach. You and your partner have been together through thick and thin for more than half a century, which is a real testament to your love and commitment to each other.
Five years ago, you celebrated a major milestone with your golden anniversary. Now, you’re about to hit another major anniversary, which is just as special – if not more.
Your 55th anniversary is also known as your emerald wedding anniversary. Because of this, you definitely shouldn’t be too surprised to hear that emeralds play a big part when it comes to the traditional and modern gifts. In fact, emerald is the only traditional gift, much like gold was the only gift associated with your 50th.
You shouldn’t feel obliged to give your partner a gift linked to emerald on your emerald anniversary. But, you’ll never celebrate this milestone again, so it can be a fun way to mark this extra special occasion. There’s a ton of meaning behind it, and couples have given each other emerald-related gifts on their 55th anniversary for more than 100 years.
In this article, we’ll explore what emerald represents and offer your 25 suggestions for gifts, including plenty of ideas that don’t simply rely on jewellery. That way, if you choose to, you can give your partner a gift that will make your anniversary one that the two of you will never forget.
What are traditional and modern gifts for a 55th wedding anniversary?
The traditional and modern 55th wedding anniversary gifts
With previous anniversary milestones, you’ll have had as many as five different gift themes to choose from, including those that are traditional and modern. But with your 55th, there’s only one theme that encompasses the entire anniversary – emerald. There might not be a range of gift themes to choose from, but this extra special time requires an extra special gift.
Traditional 55th anniversary gift – Emerald
The traditional gift to give your partner on your 55th wedding anniversary is emerald. Emerald is a gorgeously green gemstone, and is actually one of the four precious gemstones along with diamond, sapphire and ruby. It’s incredibly popular and versatile, and is an utterly luxurious choice.
Emerald represents loyalty, security and peace, which we know you’ll have in abundance after spending 55 years with the love of your life. That makes emerald a fabulous choice of gift for your upcoming celebrations.
Modern 55th anniversary gift – Emerald
The modern 55th anniversary gift is also emerald. While other anniversaries have had a different modern gift, your 55th is a spectacular occasion and deserves its dedicated theme. Don’t forget that emerald also lends itself well to a colour, and is a vibrant shade of green. So, even if your partner isn’t into jewellery, you can still get them a thoughtful and meaningful gift.
55th anniversary gemstone – Emerald
You won’t be surprised to discover that the traditional 55th anniversary gemstone is also emerald. Emerald is a glorious stone that works in just about any type of jewellery you can think of, so if your partner loves to get a new pair of earrings or a watch, then finding the perfect gift shouldn’t be too much work.
55th anniversary flower – There isn’t one
Just like with your last two milestone anniversaries, for your 55th anniversary, there isn’t a traditional flower. However, if you’re a big fan of giving your partner flowers to mark the big day, you can definitely still do that. You can even get flowers in an enchanting shade of emerald green if you want to tie it into the historic theme.
How do you choose a gift for a 55th wedding anniversary?
Because there’s only one choice of traditional and modern theme when it comes to your 55th anniversary, you might be a little stumped about what sort of gift to buy. Emeralds are, of course beautiful, but there’s every chance that jewellery isn’t your partner’s thing or you might not want to give them something quite so… obvious. Here are a few things to think about when deciding what sort of gift to give your partner to mark 55 years.
Is it important for you to stick to the traditional anniversary theme? If so, then something emerald-related is likely a no-brainer.
Have you got a limited or set budget? Because emeralds are a precious gemstone, they can be quite expensive, which may limit your options if you’d like to give your partner some jewellery.
Do you want to give your partner something personalised? Many couples love personalised gifts on their anniversary. If this applies to you then it can be a little more difficult to find something that can be personalised and contains emerald.
Has your partner asked for something in particular? If so, it might be difficult to link what they’ve asked for back to the theme of emerald.
Is a couple close to you about to celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary? It could be your parents, your grandparents or someone else in your life. If so, you might be looking for a gift for them, and you could be wondering about whether you can join in with the theme of emerald. Well, of course you can! If you give a celebrating couple a gift related to emerald, not only are they sure to love it, but they’ll definitely appreciate the extra thought behind it too.
25 ideas for a 55th wedding anniversary gift
Your 55th anniversary is one that you deserve to shout about from the rooftops. Or, if you’re not keen on the thought of climbing up to the roof, you could simply give your partner a meaningful gift. Emerald is a fantastic theme that you can have a lot of fun with, and you’re not just limited to the actual gemstone, either. So, here are 25 ideas for gifts you can give to mark 55 years together.
10 traditional and modern gifts for a 55th wedding anniversary
The traditional and modern gift when celebrating your 55th anniversary is emerald, one of the most luxurious gemstones there is. Of course, jewellery is always a great choice of gift, but there’s a lot of creativity to be had if you prefer to think outside the box. So, here are 10 ideas for gifts related to the theme of emerald.
1. An emerald wine glass set
To provide the ultimate toast on your anniversary, you might want to give your other half an emerald wine glass set, which you can always use to raise a glass in honour of your extra special milestone.
2. A crystal emerald vase
For a subtle way to commemorate your 55th anniversary, this crystal emerald vase is as beautiful as the flowers that can go in it. And you can get extra brownie points if you give your partner this gift with flowers already inside it!
3. ‘Emerald Dreams’ woodland artwork
For a bold and striking way to mark your anniversary, treat your partner to the ‘Emerald Dreams’ woodland artwork. It’s unique and atmospheric and looks great either hung up or placed on a shelf or sideboard.
4. A box of emerald macarons
For a touch of sweetness on your anniversary, a box of emerald macarons offers you and your partner the chance to enjoy a little treat that includes a special anniversary message.
5. An antique emerald
You and your partner have achieved something that many couples only dream about. Honour this incredible accomplishment with an antique emerald, which is one of the few things you could give that is older than your actual relationship!
6. A bottle of Emerald Isle whiskey
If your partner enjoys a nice glass of whiskey, then a fantastic choice of gift to celebrate 55 years is a bottle of Emerald Isle whiskey. With notes of honey, vanilla and fruit, it’s a delicious tipple that goes down very well.
7. An emerald-themed anniversary card
You might plan on giving your partner a card on your anniversary, so one way to have fun with the theme is by giving an emerald-themed anniversary card. It’s also an affordable way to incorporate the theme into your day if you don’t have a huge budget.
8. A natural raw emerald
Not all emeralds are expensive and dainty – some are big and bold. A natural raw emerald makes for a great display piece and isn’t as expensive as one that’s been cut and polished.
9. A weekend at The Emerald in Cornwall
A great gift on your anniversary is whisking your partner away somewhere special. And there’s no better place to go on your 55th anniversary than a weekend at The Emerald in Cornwall. It offers luxury eco stays in the middle of the countryside and has spa facilities so you can enjoy being pampered.
10. An Emerald Elegance figurine
Filled with 1920s art deco character, an Emerald Elegance figurine is classy and sophisticated, and makes for a wonderful item to display. There are also several to choose from, so take a look and see if there’s one your partner would love.
5 personalised gifts for a 55th wedding anniversary
Personalised gifts always make for a wonderful choice on your anniversary. It adds a special touch to a gift and can add even more meaning, turning an ordinary gift into an extraordinary one. Here are five suggestions for personalised gifts you might want to consider on your 55th anniversary.
1. A personalised emerald-green paperweight
A lovely display item that can also have practical use on a desk, a personalised emerald-green paperweight ticks a lot of boxes. It has that signature deep green look and can feature a message of your choosing.
2. A personalised emerald button anniversary frame
A brilliant gift that your partner can display for all to see is this personalised emerald button anniversary frame. It features a green heart made from buttons and a customised message that lets them know how you feel.
3. Personalised emerald cufflinks
If your partner likes to wear a suit, then they’ll love to receive a pair of personalised emerald cufflinks, which include a tiny green stone and three lines of personalisation. They’re part of a set that also comes with a tie bar, complete with its own emerald-green stone.
4. Personalised emerald mugs
Whenever it’s time for your morning cuppa, you could remind your other half of your 55th anniversary with a pair of personalised emerald mugs. They feature a bold green design and can be personalised with the date the two of you tied the knot.
5. A personalised emerald anniversary cushion
A personalised emerald anniversary cushion is a fantastic way to honour some of the milestones in your life, from the day the two of you got married to some of the other memories you’ve made over the past 55 years.
5 55th anniversary jewellery gifts that contain emerald
There’s no way we could create this list of gift suggestions and not include at least a small handful of jewellery. Emerald is a stunning precious gemstone, and the perfect addition to almost every type of jewellery you could think of, from silver to platinum. While this list could easily contain 50 suggestions, we’ve managed to whittle it down to just five items of emerald jewellery you might want to consider.
1. A pair of emerald earrings
If your partner loves earrings that stand out, then a pair of emerald earrings will do just the trick. Whether they like studs, hoops, danglies or anything else, you’re spoilt for choice.
2. An emerald ring
There’s nothing quite as luxurious and opulent as an emerald ring. There are so many different styles and designs available, so it doesn’t matter if your partner loves smaller stones or one big attention-grabbing stone, as you’re bound to find something they’ll love.
3. An emerald necklace
One way to tie an outfit together is with an emerald necklace. Emeralds always make for a truly intoxicating addition to a necklace, which your partner can wear no matter the occasion.
4. An emerald watch
For a less obvious item of emerald jewellery, an emerald watch has a lusciously green face and is a stark callback to the roaring 20s.
5. An emerald bracelet
The best thing about an emerald bracelet is just how many different styles and designs there are to choose from. There are tennis bracelets, bangles, links, chains, cuffs and more. The hardest thing will be deciding which one to go for, as they’re all so beautiful.
Emerald is a massively popular precious gemstone, so you can walk into almost any high street or independent jeweller and no doubt find a huge range of emerald jewellery. Emerald is usually fairly pricey, but if you have a smaller budget you can find more affordable pieces with a little perseverance. Here at Bridebook, we work with loads of jewellers, most of which have a huge selection of emerald jewellery of their own, so make sure you check them out.
5 floral-inspired gifts for a 55th wedding anniversary
Flowers never fail to raise a smile. They’re the perfect romantic gift, so are always a great option when it comes to your anniversary. While there isn’t a traditional flower to give for your 55th anniversary (like there has been for so many of your previous milestones), you shouldn’t let that stop you. If you want to give your other half flowers, there are still plenty of ways you can. Here are five ideas to give you a little floral inspiration.
1. An emerald floral arrangement
Many floral arrangements already have a lot of lush green foliage. But, green flowers can be beautiful and look just as wonderful as any other colour. An emerald floral arrangement is the perfect flowery gift.
2. An Always Emerald Forever Rose
Nothing makes a statement on your 55th anniversary quite like an Always Emerald Forever Rose. The traditional gift meets the symbol of love to make a thoughtful, loving and symbolic gesture.
3. An emerald flower pendant
Flowers make for great inspiration when it comes to jewellery. This emerald flower pendant has lovely meaning on your 55th anniversary, and is actually fairly budget-friendly considering it’s set with six emeralds and a central diamond.
4. An emerald-green eternity rose
Filled with amazing meaning and guaranteed to never wilt, this emerald-green eternity rose is made with 24ct gold. Giving it will serve as proof that you’re still in touch with your romantic side.
5. An emerald clover pin
Combine a lucky four-leaf clover with a beautiful emerald with this fantastic emerald clover pin. A brilliant good luck charm your partner can wear on any occasion.
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If you’re about to celebrate your 50th wedding anniversary, absolutely massive congratulations are in order! Celebrating half a century of love and life with your partner is wonderful, and you’ve achieved what so few other couples do.
Your 50th wedding anniversary is also known as your golden anniversary. It’s a milestone all couples strive to reach on their wedding day – and here you are, about to do just that! It’s an extra special time when the two of you get to celebrate in style in whatever way you like.
Because your 50th anniversary is also known as your golden anniversary, you won’t be surprised to hear that gold features prominently as a theme. For most of your previous milestones, there have been different traditional and modern gifts – sometimes as many as five different themes to choose from. But, with your golden anniversary, the main theme is – unsurprisingly – gold.
So, if you and your other half love to use the themes as part of your gifts, you don’t have as many themes to choose from this time around. But, luckily, gold is an exceptional theme for an exceptional anniversary. That means, there’s loads of fun to be had with it.
In this article, we’ll cover all the 50th anniversary gifts and what they mean. We’ll also give you 50 ideas to give you some inspiration, so you can make this most incredible milestone one the two of you will always remember.
What are traditional and modern gifts for a 50th wedding anniversary?
The traditional and modern 50th wedding anniversary gifts
Your 50th anniversary is also known as your golden anniversary, so gold plays a huge part when it comes to the traditional and modern themes. With most of your previous anniversaries, you’ll have had different gifts related to each of these gifts, which means there was a greater range of things to choose from. This time, you don’t have as many themes, but it’s still hugely versatile with plenty of meaning behind it.
Traditional 50th anniversary gift – Gold
The traditional gift when celebrating your 50th anniversary theme is gold. Gold represents wisdom, prosperity and strength, so after 50 years of marriage, is there really a better way to honour that time together?
Modern 50th anniversary gift – Gold
The modern 50th anniversary gift is also gold. Because your 50th anniversary is also known as your golden anniversary, when the modern gifts were created, they knew there was no point in trying to overshadow its brilliantly symbolic meaning. It’s a really lovely theme and you can get fantastically creative with it.
50th anniversary gemstone – Gold
Even though it’s not a gemstone (it’s a precious metal), the traditional gemstone when celebrating 50 years of marriage is gold. Gold is a beautiful and super versatile precious metal that can be white, rose and yellow – it’s also a colour. So, if your partner isn’t necessarily into jewellery or you don’t have a large budget, you can still give them a gift linked to this historic and symbolic theme.
50th anniversary flower – There isn’t one
Just like with your sapphire anniversary five years ago, for your 50th anniversary, there isn’t a traditional anniversary flower. But, if you love giving your partner something floral on your anniversary, there’s absolutely nothing to stop you from doing that. You could get them a brilliant bouquet, a romantic rose or perhaps even a gold flower to tie it to the theme of gold. The possibilities are endless!
How do you choose a gift for a 50th wedding anniversary?
Choosing what to give your partner to mark your 50th wedding anniversary can be a little tricky. Of course, the overarching theme is gold, but exactly what to give your partner isn’t always an easy decision. You might not even want to give them anything to do with gold at all, and it depends on you, your circumstances and your partner. Here are a few things to think about before you start your hunt for the perfect golden gift.
Are you excited to buy your partner something linked to gold? Your golden anniversary is an extra special milestone, so you might be particularly keen to give your other half something gold as a way to honour the occasion.
Have you got a certain budget in mind? Being a luxury metal, gold can be expensive. But thankfully, gold is also a versatile theme, which means you’re not limited to spending a lot if you don’t want to.
Do you want to give your partner a personalised gift? Because gold is a theme that can be interpreted in lots of different ways, it does open you up to giving different kinds of personalised gifts. But, you might be limited on what sort of gold jewellery can be personalised.
Has your partner hinted at a specific kind of gift? Knowing that your golden anniversary is coming up, has your partner asked for something in particular? That could make your decision easier (or even more difficult!).
Is a special couple close to you about to celebrate 50 incredible years together? Whether it’s your friends, your parents or someone else in your life, you might be thinking about what you could give them to mark the occasion. The theme of gold is open to everyone, not just the couple themselves, so if you’ve got some thoughts in mind for a great golden gift to give them, then you should absolutely go for it. Not only will they love your gift, they’ll also appreciate the extra thought and meaning that went into it.
50 ideas for a 50th wedding anniversary gift
With your 50th anniversary being a milestone that most couples can only dream of reaching, you might feel a little extra pressure to give your partner something that’s fitting for such an occasion. Gold is a brilliant theme, but maybe you want to give a gift that isn’t simply an item of jewellery (though jewellery is, of course, a fabulous gift). To help you find the perfect gift, here are 50 (it couldn’t not be that number!) 50th anniversary gift suggestions to inspire you.
20 traditional and modern gifts for a 50th wedding anniversary
As the name suggests, the traditional and modern theme when celebrating your 50th wedding anniversary is gold. Gold is a popular and luxurious precious metal and colour that can be used for almost every type of gift you could think of. But, if you’re still struggling to come up with a few ideas, here are 20 to help get you started.
1. Gold leaf twisted vase
Flowers are always a solid choice of gift for an anniversary. But, on your golden anniversary, you could give your other half a gold leaf twisted vase, which is adorned with delicate and beautiful gold leaves. You might get even more brownie points if you give it to your partner with a floral arrangement already inside!
2. A gold chocolate box
Chocolates are another popular gift choice, which you can tie into the theme of your 50th anniversary with this gorgeous gold chocolate box filled with luxurious and moreish Belgian Godiva chocolates.
3. An item of antique gold
You and your partner have been through thick and thin together over the past half-century. In fact, you’ve likely made a lot of history together. One great gift to consider is an item of antique gold, so you can mark your own incredible history with a little piece of history!
4. A bottle of sparkling Gold Cuvee
Toast your anniversary in the most deliciously on-theme way possible with a bottle of sparkling Gold Cuvee, a crisp dry wine made extra special thanks to it containing real gold flakes.
5. Gold toasting flutes
If you don’t fancy drinking gold, you could drink from gold. These Vera Wang gold toasting flutes are stylish and romantic, and the perfect way to clink glasses on your magnificent milestone.
6. A gold photo frame
Your wedding day may have been 50 years ago, but we bet you still look back at it with a huge smile. Your partner is no doubt exactly the same, so one way to make sure you always have this great memory close by is by printing off your favourite wedding snap and putting it in a gold photo frame.
7. A gold watch
There’s nothing quite as luxurious and extravagant as a gold watch. Plus, they come in loads of different styles and designs and can suit a variety of budgets. So, if your partner wears a watch, it’s usually a pretty timely (pun intended!) choice.
8. A personalised gold clock
If your partner doesn’t wear a watch but you love the sentiment, you could give them a personalised gold clock. It’s a lovely way to give your partner a super useful gift that can be customised with the message of your choosing.
9. Gold tone Bang & Olufsen headphones
If your partner loves to unwind by listening to their favourite music or an audiobook, these gold tone Bang & Olufsen headphones are a fantastic, high-quality and premium gift.
10. Gold wine glasses
If you’re a couple who loves to share a glass of wine together, every bottle you crack open from now on could remind you of your golden anniversary if you give your partner these gold wine glasses.
11. A personalised gold disc
You and your partner may have that special song. It could be one you listened to on your first date, something with lyrics that really hit home, or the song the two of you shared your first dance to. Immortalise the words in any song you like with a personalised gold disc.
12. A gold animal sculpture
If your partner is an animal lover, you could treat them to a gold animal sculpture. These sculptures are next-level luxurious and a stunning way to give a unique gift on your 50th anniversary.
13. A gold personalised locket
A gold personalised locket is a gift that works on so many levels. It’s made of gold; it allows your partner to keep their memories close to their heart; and it includes a personal and loving customised message.
14. A gold table lamp
Add a touch of grandeur to any room with a gold table lamp, which is available in plenty of different sizes and styles. You’re bound to find one that will fit a spot in your home.
15. A personalised gold glass plate
Make a brilliant statement with a personalised gold glass plate. This is a hugely customisable gift that includes a touching personalised message and can be displayed at home as a constant reminder of your 50th anniversary.
16. A gold ballpoint pen
There’s nothing quite as extravagant as a gold pen, and this gold ballpoint pen comes in either yellow or rose gold and is just about as high-quality as a pen can be.
17. Gold paint spill ornament
Give your partner a gift that will command anyone’s attention with a gold paint spill ornament. It’s full of personality, perfectly on theme and guaranteed to be totally unlike any other ornament in your house.
18. A small gold dish
Help your partner keep their trinkets and jewellery safe and together with a small gold dish. That way, the dish can be just as special as the jewellery inside it.
19. Swiss gold vodka
For the vodka or Switzerland lover in your life, this Swiss gold vodka is a must. Not only is it a deliciously smooth, high-quality vodka, but the underside of the bottle is also shaped like the legendary Matterhorn mountain. Plus, the vodka contains gold glitter, so it fits well with the golden anniversary theme.
20. Tom Ford Black Orchid Gold eau de parfum
Treat your partner to a spicy and sensual fragrance, with top notes of white truffle and plum, with the Tom Ford Black Orchid Gold eau de parfum. An amazing scent in a shimmering gold bottle.
5 affordable gifts for a 50th wedding anniversary
It’s hardly a huge secret that gold can be expensive. It’s a symbol of wealth and luxury the world over, after all. But, not all gold gifts have to be worth thousands, or even hundreds… and in some cases, you can get a great gold gift for around £10. How much you spend totally depends on your budget and what sort of gift your other half might like to receive. If you’re not looking to spend too much but are keen to stick to the traditional theme, there are ways to do that. Here are five ideas for affordable 50th wedding anniversary gifts.
1. Chocolates topped with edible gold
Chocolates are an anniversary classic, but you can make them even more opulent by giving your partner chocolates topped with edible gold. You can choose the flavour and number of chocolates, so can fit it to even a limited budget.
2. A gold gift box
If you already have a gift in mind for your partner but still want to tie it back to the theme of gold, there’s a simple and affordable way to do that. Just give your other half their gift in a gold gift box – perfect!
3. A gold candle
Set the mood on the evening of your anniversary with a gold candle, which your partner might choose to burn then and there to create a cosy, romantic ambience, or rather simply want to keep as a beautiful display item.
4. Gold wall art
Add life and a touch of glorious 50th anniversary gold to any room with a piece of gold wall art. There are so many different pieces of art to choose from that you’ll not have to look for too long to find something your partner will adore.
5. Edible gold dust
If you plan on getting a cake or special sweet treat for your partner to mark your anniversary, you could link it to the theme of gold with a sprinkling of edible gold dust.
5 DIY gifts for a 50th wedding anniversary
Many couples like to add an extra level of personalisation to their anniversary gifts by making each other something. This might be something like a thoughtful home-cooked meal, or something related to the traditional theme. You might think that making something out of gold is tough if you don’t have professional jewellery-making experience or equipment, but it’s actually not as hard as you might think if you use a little creativity. Here are five ways you can make your partner a golden gift for your 50th anniversary.
1. DIY gold wire bracelet
With a little gold wire and a steady hand, you can make your partner a unique DIY gold wire bracelet which is full of charm and character. Watch a video tutorial for more information on what you need.
2. DIY gold wire sculpture
You can use gold wire to make an absolutely wonderful and one-of-a-kind wire statue, which can be anything you can think of. It could be you and your partner, their favourite animal or an expression of how they make you feel. Check out the steps you need to follow by watching a video tutorial.
3. DIY gold wire bouquet
You can also make flowers out of gold wire, and a gold wire bouquet is unlike any other type of floral arrangement you could ever give. It also doesn’t take too much skill or experience – watch a video tutorial for more information.
4. A DIY gold wire ring
If you’re feeling brave, you could have a go at making a gold wire ring using your partner’s favourite raw gemstone. It’s fiddly and a little tricky, but the results can be stunning. See what you think by watching a video tutorial.
5. A DIY bracelet kit with gold charms
Grab yourself a DIY bracelet kit with gold charms and follow the instructions to have a go at making your partner a unique piece of jewellery.
5 experience or activity gifts for a 50th wedding anniversary
A wonderful way to spend time with your partner on your 50th anniversary is by taking part in an activity or experience. That way, you can make memories and have fun while enjoying an adventure together. There are also ways you can do something related to the golden theme. Here are five suggestions for experiences and activities you can do on your 50th wedding anniversary.
1. A Kintsugi pottery class
For a unique and meaningful experience, why not take a Kintsugi pottery class together? Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken ceramics with gold, beautifully symbolises the idea of embracing imperfections – just like in a long-lasting marriage. This two-hour taster session in the heart of Stoke Newington will teach you the fundamentals of this ancient craft, allowing you and your partner to mend a broken piece and turn it into a beautiful keepsake.
2. A gold VIP animal tour at Longleat
If your other half is an animal lover, then a gold VIP animal tour at Longleat allows them to create some golden memories as they meet and have a go at feeding some of their favourite species. They’ll enjoy a big cat experience, a jungle experience, an African village experience and more!
3. A gold Merlin Annual Pass
If your other half is something of a thrill seeker or you both love visiting new places with the kids or grandkids, you can have a whole year of adventures together with a gold Merlin Annual Pass. That way, you can visit places like Alton Towers, Sea Life and Madame Tussauds whenever you like.
4. A visit to the Dolaucothi gold mines
Take a trip to southwest Wales and visit Dolaucothi gold mines, which is the only known Roman gold mine in Britain. You’ll get incredible insight into how the Romans mined gold around the area 2,000 years ago!
5. Dinner at Gold in Notting Hill
Head down to London’s trendy Notting Hill and book a table for a delicious dinner at Gold. This perfectly named restaurant serves incredible traditional and contemporary dishes as part of a small but refined menu, in a relaxed atmosphere. Remember to tell the staff you’re celebrating so they look after you!
10 50th anniversary jewellery gifts that contain gold
Of course, there’s no way we could overlook the fact that gold is one of the most popular precious metals when it comes to jewellery. There’s white gold, yellow gold and rose gold, each as luxurious as the others. There’s also the option to go for gold-plated jewellery, which isn’t quite as prestigious but is often a lot more affordable, so is great if you have a specific budget. Either way, each one makes for a brilliant choice when it comes to jewellery. No matter what sort of jewellery your other half likes to wear, you should without doubt find it made from gold. Here are 10 you might want to consider as a 50th anniversary gift:
Earrings
A ring
A necklace
A bracelet
A broach
A locket
A watch
An anklet
A hairpin
Cufflinks
Because of its popularity, there’s unlikely to be a jeweller out there that doesn’t have a large collection of gold jewellery. The great thing about gold is that it can also be suitable for lots of different budgets, so even if you don’t have a huge amount to spend, you shouldn’t necessarily rule it out. See what your local high-street jewellers and independent retailers have to offer and if anything would suit your partner’s tastes. At Bridebook, we’re partnered with loads of different jewellers, so it’s also worth browsing their collections too.
5 floral-inspired gifts for a 50th wedding anniversary
Flowers always make for a winning gift, especially on your anniversary. The only thing is, when it comes to your 50th anniversary, there isn’t a traditional flower to rely on. Even so, that’s not to say you can’t still get your partner a lovely floral arrangement. There are also ways you can tie flowers to the traditional theme of gold. So, here are five gold-related flowery ideas for you.
1. Gloriously Golden dried floral arrangement
A Gloriously Golden dried floral bouquet is every bit as stunning as you might expect, and features roses and preserved foliage. There’s a range of sizes and you can even include a personalised ribbon.
2. A box of gold roses
While roses aren’t naturally gold, a box of gold roses adds a glittery shimmer to this already beautiful flower, which your partner can hold onto forever.
3. Camellia Golden
The aptly named ‘Camellia Golden‘ is the ideal 50th anniversary flower, an evergreen shrub with big blooms that flower every year.
4. A single gold rose
What could possibly be more romantic than a single rose? Well, how about a single gold rose? This gorgeous 24k gold rose is presented in a box and is the ultimate golden anniversary keepsake.
5. A gold flower necklace
For a lovely and subtle nod to your 50th anniversary, your partner will definitely fall in love with this gold flower necklace, which they can wear to any occasion.
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If you’re about to celebrate your 45th wedding anniversary, huge congratulations to you! Spending 45 years with the love of your life is just fabulous and you’re one of the few lucky couples to make it to this amazing milestone.
Your 45th wedding anniversary is also known as your sapphire anniversary. So, we bet you can guess what the traditional theme is for those looking to give a gift to mark this extra special occasion!
That’s right, on your 45th anniversary, sapphire plays a huge role. But, that’s not to say you have to give your partner something related to this amazing blue gemstone. But it’s something many couples have chosen to give to their other half for more than 100 years. It has wonderful symbolic meaning on top of being one of the most luxurious and fashionable gemstones out there.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at everything to do with 45th wedding anniversary gifts, including why sapphire plays such a big part in the day. We’ll also offer you 50 suggestions for gifts, because it’s a theme you can have a lot of fun with and doesn’t just involve jewellery.
What are traditional and modern gifts for a 45th wedding anniversary?
The traditional and modern 45th wedding anniversary gifts
Because your 45th anniversary is also known as your sapphire anniversary, you can expect sapphire to feature prominently. But, did you know that, unlike every single one of your previous anniversaries, your 45th is the only one which only has a single theme? That’s right, if you and your other half are super into giving each other one of the traditional or modern gifts, this time you only have one to choose from. And it is, of course, sapphire!
Traditional 45th anniversary gift – Sapphire
The traditional 45th wedding anniversary gift is sapphire. Sapphire is a blindingly blue gemstone, and is actually one of the four precious gemstones (along with diamond, ruby and emerald). Sapphire represents fortune, faithfulness and wisdom, which you definitely have by the bucket full after making it to 45 years of marriage.
Modern 45th anniversary gift – Sapphire
The modern 45th anniversary gift is also sapphire. After all, because it’s known as your sapphire anniversary, why complicate things by introducing something else? Sapphires are incredibly beautiful and popular gemstones. Sapphire is often considered a colour, so if you’re not quite sure about giving your partner the gemstone, you can still have a lot of fun with the theme.
45th anniversary gemstone – Sapphire
Of course, the traditional 45th anniversary gemstone is also sapphire. How could it be anything else? That means sapphire is a triple-hitter when it comes to choosing something to give your partner to mark 45 years, and is an extra special and thoughtful gift to go for.
45th anniversary flower – There isn’t one
For the first time ever in our wedding anniversary gift guide, there isn’t a traditional flower to accompany the traditional and modern gifts for your anniversary milestone. But don’t worry, if you’re a big fan of giving your partner flowers to mark your anniversary, there are still ways you can get creative. Like, why not give your partner blue flowers that evoke the symbolic meaning of sapphire? Or, of course, there’s the rose – the ultimate symbol of love.
How do you choose a gift for a 45th wedding anniversary?
It can be rather tricky deciding what to give your partner as a 45th anniversary gift. Because there’s only one theme, you might feel obliged to stick to it because of its huge significance. But, you really shouldn’t feel like you have to. Yes, it’s a traditional theme, but it’s not a hard and fast rule. At the end of the day, it’s your anniversary, so do what’s right for you. Here are a few points to consider before you feel compelled to head to your nearest jeweller and pick out a sapphire.
Do you want to stick to the theme of sapphire? You’ve hit a major milestone in your marriage, so giving your partner something linked to sapphire might be important to you.
Have you got a set budget? If so, and you have a limited budget, an expensive sapphire might not be an option, but there are ways to have fun with the theme too.
Are you keen to give your partner a personalised gift? Not many pieces of sapphire jewellery can be personalised, which may limit what you can go for if you love the thought of customising something.
Has your partner asked something in particular? They might have asked for something sapphire-related, or for something completely different – this could sway your decision either way.
Is a couple close to you about to celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary? If so, you might wonder whether you can or should stick to the theme of sapphire for your gift. Well, while you might not want to give them jewellery (unless you’ve found something you know would be perfect), you can absolutely give them something on theme. We’re sure that if you do give them a sapphire gift, they’ll not only love it, but also appreciate the extra thought that went into it.
50 ideas for a 45th wedding anniversary gift
Excited to treat your partner to an amazing gift to mark 45 incredible years together? If you know you’d like to give your partner something to do with sapphire but you’re not quite sure what, here are 50 suggestions to get you thinking and help you make your anniversary one to remember.
20 traditional and modern gifts for a 45th wedding anniversary
When it comes to a 45th anniversary gift, yes, jewellery is a safe option (and will no doubt be very well received). But is it too obvious? If it is, or your partner just isn’t super into jewellery, there are still plenty of ways you can get creative with the theme and give them a gift filled with love and meaning. So, here are 20 suggestions for 45th wedding anniversary gifts that aren’t jewellery!
1. A crystal sapphire bowl
For a gift that looks modern and stylish and can be put to great use, this crystal sapphire bowl is a great centrepiece to a table or even makes for a unique fruit bowl.
2. A sapphire lighthouse ornament
A gift that’s truly unique and contains a genuine Swarovski crystal, this sapphire lighthouse ornament is a fantastic decorative item that’s guaranteed to be unlike anything else your partner has.
3. A preserved sapphire rose
Combine a preserved rose, an incredible symbol of love and romance, with the stunning shade of sapphire blue. This preserved sapphire rose is an incredible gift to display and will always remind your other half of your 45th anniversary.
4. A Bombay Sapphire gin and historic newspaper set
A super thoughtful choice is a Bombay Sapphire gin and historic newspaper set. It ticks off the sapphire theme nicely but has the icing on the cake of letting you choose a newspaper specific to the date the two of you got married.
5. A sapphire Japanese knife set
If your partner loves to cook, then they’ll no doubt absolutely adore this sapphire Japanese knife set, which is striking and amazingly high-quality. There’s no other knife set quite like this one.
6. A 45th anniversary paperweight
A great little token gift that can sit on your partner’s desk or on a shelf is a 45th anniversary paperweight, which has a touching message of love etched onto the surface.
7. A Sapphire Box Gifts
Whether your partner loves smellies, treats, collectables, pamper kits or something else, there’s a wide range available to choose from at Sapphire Box Gifts, which are bang on the sapphire theme thanks to the name!
8. A sapphire wine glass set
Your anniversary offers you a great opportunity to share a bottle of wine, and why not do so after giving your other half a sapphire wine glass set? It has a contemporary and eye-catching design and is something you can both get a lot of use out of.
9. ‘Sapphire Landscape’ wall art
Treat your partner to the gorgeous Sapphire Landscape wall art, a fantastic canvas that will look great wherever your partner decides to display it. A beautiful and subtle way to always have a reminder of your 45th anniversary.
10. A sapphire mini heart bowl
This adorable sapphire mini heart bowl is a lovely little gift that your partner can use to keep jewellery or trinkets in, or simply as a piece to display on a shelf or in a cabinet. The fact that it’s also heart-shaped just adds more meaning to this already hugely symbolic gift.
11. Crystal sapphire whisky glasses
If your partner loves to settle down into a comfy chair and enjoy a glass of whisky, then they’ll definitely love to use a crystal sapphire whisky glass, which is luxurious thanks to the Royal Scot name.
12. Congratulations Sapphire
Made from delicate bone china, Congratulations Sapphire is a stunning figurine with intricate detail and decoration, designed and decorated by world-famous talent.
13. A sapphire candle
Create a romantic atmosphere on your anniversary with a sapphire candle, which burns for up to 40 hours with the delicate scents of mandarin, bergamot and royal oud.
14. A sapphire mosaic vase
Give your partner a vase that’s just as beautiful as the flowers that go inside, with a sapphire mosaic vase.
Forget-me-nots are dainty and delicate flowers, but when they’re made from Swarovski crystal and contain 876 facets, they’re truly a sight to behold. A sapphire-coloured Swarovski Florere Forget-me-not is shiny, shimmering and stunning.
16. A sapphire mother of pearl frame
Print off your partner’s favourite photo and frame it in this sapphire mother of pearl frame, which is available in three different sizes.
17. Pokemon Sapphire on Gameboy Advance
Does your partner enjoy playing video games? Give them a slice of retro video game gold with a Gameboy Advance and a copy of Pokemon Sapphire, so they can have fun trying to catch ‘em all while out on their travels.
18. A sapphire sundial
Give your partner the gift of time with a sapphire sundial, a really lovely display piece which can sit proudly in your garden and features the years the two of you got married and when you celebrated your 45th anniversary.
19. A hand-carved blue sapphire Buddha
For a gift that’s small, unique and filled with incredible meaning, a hand-carved blue sapphire Buddha is a magical and positive gift that your partner will no doubt adore.
20. A sapphire-frame mirror
Add a touch of 45th anniversary colour to your bathroom with a sapphire-frame mirror. It has a minimal but bold design and is a great way to always remember your anniversary.
5 affordable gifts for a 45th wedding anniversary
Sapphires are utterly intoxicating, but because they’re a precious gemstone, they can be pretty expensive. That means, if you have a smaller budget, it might be a little tricky finding your partner a gift they love that’s also kind to your wallet. Well, don’t worry – the theme isn’t restricted to just gemstones! There are ways to give a gift linked to the theme that don’t cost the earth. So, here are five ideas for affordable 45th wedding anniversary gifts.
1. A sapphire anniversary commemorative coin
The ultimate token gift when celebrating your 45th anniversary is a sapphire anniversary commemorative coin, which features a brilliant blue stone that your partner can hold onto forever.
2. A sapphire velvet jewellery box
If your partner has a collection of jewellery, they’ll love this sapphire velvet jewellery box, which is small and handy, with the added benefit of being hugely affordable.
3. A blue enamel flower brooch
With this blue enamel flower brooch, your partner can add a touch of colour and life to any outfit. It’s also nice and affordable but still a brilliant gift.
4. A Bombay Sapphire gin glass
For those warm summer evenings enjoying a refreshing G&T in the garden, your partner will get great use out of this Bombay Sapphire gin glass.
5. Raw sapphire
A lot of sapphires are expensive, but a raw sapphire still has that hypnotic dark-blue colour without the eye-watering price. There’s also a lot you can do with a raw sapphire, which we’ll help you with below!
5 DIY gifts for a 45th wedding anniversary
A lot of couples have a long-standing tradition of making each other gifts for their anniversary. It’s a touching way of putting the effort in to show just how much they love and care for each other. The only thing is, when it comes to your 45th anniversary, making something that ties into sapphire isn’t the easiest thing in the world. But don’t throw out the idea just yet – raw sapphires are a great starting point for making something. Here are five ideas for DIY 45th wedding anniversary gifts if you love to get creative with your gift-giving.
1. DIY wrapped raw sapphire necklace
With some wire and a raw sapphire, you can make a wonderful necklace that’s unique, full of character and full of loving meaning. Read this tutorial on how to make a wrapped raw sapphire necklace for your other half.
2. DIY raw sapphire earrings
It doesn’t take experience or skill to make DIY raw sapphire earrings, just a few simple tools and a creative spark. Check out some instructions for DIY raw stone earrings and make your other half some jewellery that’s truly one of a kind.
3. DIY raw sapphire wire bracelet
If your partner loves to wear bracelets, then a DIY raw sapphire wire bracelet might just be the best thing you could make for them. It needs a little patience and some basic tools, but they don’t half look brilliant. Watch a video tutorial for all the information you might need on getting started.
4. DIY raw sapphire pendant
Take a raw sapphire, some wire and a few tools, and have a go at creating a big and bold DIY pendant that’s both unique and attention-grabbing. There are plenty of video tutorials available that walk you through the process.
5. DIY raw sapphire ring
If you have steady hands, your other half will definitely be impressed if you make them a DIY raw sapphire ring, featuring a dark blue raw sapphire. It’s not necessarily for beginners, but it’s worth a go!–See what you think by watching a video tutorial.
5 experience or activity gifts for a 45th wedding anniversary
Your 45th anniversary is a hugely special time, and one when you and your partner are likely to want to spend a lot of time together. And there’s no better way to spend time than by taking part in an activity or experience. It might be learning something new, relaxing or going on an adventure. There are also some brilliant ways to tie what you get up to into the theme of sapphire. Here are five suggestions for things to do on your 45th anniversary.
1. Browse the minerals gallery at the Natural History Museum
Take a trip to the capital and browse the enormous minerals gallery at the Natural History Museum. This incredible collection is still displayed in the original 19th century oak display cabinets – including some gorgeous sapphires.
2. Bombay Sapphire distillery experience
Do you and your other half love a cheeky gin or two? You might enjoy drinking it, but it’s something of a science making sure gin is distilled to give it that unique flavour. Discover how this iconic spirit is made with a Bombay Sapphire distillery experience. And, of course, enjoy tasting it along the way!
3. A trip to The Sapphire Shop in London
Are you keen to give your partner a sapphire but want to make it an extra special occasion? You could visit The Sapphire Shop in London’s Hatton Garden, a store which is (unsurprisingly) dedicated to the sensational sapphire and brimming with luxury jewels. There, your partner can take their pick!
4. A cruise on the Sapphire Princess
Spend time seeing new places, relaxing and enjoying some incredible food and drink aboard the iconic Sapphire Princess. This wonderful ship regularly tours the US and Europe, so why not set sail and make your 45th anniversary one to remember?
5. A stay at the Grand Sapphire Hotel
Your anniversary is the perfect excuse to get away and have a little escape, and there’s no better place to stay on your 45th anniversary than at the Grand Sapphire Hotel. It offers a luxurious stay and is in a great location in South London.
10 45th anniversary jewellery gifts that contain sapphire
Sapphire is one of the most stunning and luxurious gemstones there is, and it’s a hugely popular addition to all types of jewellery and accessories. Its deep blue colour means it goes well with other gemstones, too, and is regularly paired with diamonds. Sapphire is also lovely set in jewellery made from all types of precious metal, from platinum to gold to silver, so you shouldn’t have to look too far to find something that suits your partner’s tastes. Here are 10 ideas for pieces to consider as a gift for your partner on your 45th anniversary:
Earrings
A ring
A necklace
A bracelet
A broach
A locket
A watch
An anklet
A hairpin
Cufflinks
Many sapphires can be expensive, which can mean you often need a modest to larger budget to play with. But, if you shop around, you might just find something your partner would love that also suits your budget. High-street jewellers and independent retailers usually have plenty of sapphire pieces to choose from, so pay a visit to your local town centre and have a browse. At Bridebook, we’ve also partnered with a wide range of jewellers who each have their own sapphire jewellery, so be sure to check them out too.
5 floral-inspired gifts for a 45th wedding anniversary
Flowers always make for a super choice when it comes to an anniversary gift. The only thing is, with your 45th anniversary, there isn’t a traditional flower like there was on your previous milestones. But, if you love the idea of giving your partner flowers, there are still ways to link your gift to the traditional theme to make your gesture extra meaningful. Here are five floral suggestions for you.
1. A sapphire medley bouquet
Blue truly makes for a gorgeous colour in flowers, and a sapphire medley has wonderful meaning on top of being utterly stunning.
2. A blue rose
The floral symbol of love combined with the historic meaning of sapphire results in a deep blue rose that’s totally intoxicating.
3. A sapphire and diamond flower pendant
Give your partner a floral-themed gift that will shine on forever and make a massive statement on your 45th anniversary, in the form of a sapphire and diamond flower pendant. An exquisite piece of jewellery that your other half can wear whatever the occasion.
4. Blue preserved roses
The thing with flowers is that they often wilt and die within a couple of weeks. Keep your loving floral gesture alive much longer with blue preserved roses, which last up to two years and are a striking shade of sapphire blue.
5. Floral sapphire earrings
Treat your partner to a pair of floral sapphire earrings, which are small and subtle, and can be worn every single day.
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Spending 40 years married to the love of your life is incredible! You must be over the moon that you’re about to celebrate four whole decades together and everything you’ve achieved along the way.
But, what are you supposed to give your other half to mark such a massive milestone? You may have heard your 40th anniversary be referred to as your ruby anniversary, which is because ruby plays such a huge part in the celebrations. All your major anniversaries have had similar themes in the past, and your 40th is no different. It gives you the chance to give your partner a gift filled with extra special meaning and let them know you love them just as much as (if not more than) you did on the day you got married.
In this article, we’re going to explore all the 40th anniversary gift-giving traditions and what they mean so you can decide what to give your other half and make sure your big day is one the pair of you will remember forever.
What are traditional and modern gifts for a 40th wedding anniversary?
The traditional and modern 40th wedding anniversary gifts
As you might expect from the name, your ruby wedding anniversary has a very distinct theme – and it isn’t chocolate (Or is it? Read on!). That means, if you love giving your partner one of the traditional or modern anniversary gifts, there isn’t quite as much choice when it comes to a variety of themes. But, thankfully, there are still ways to have a lot of fun on this epic milestone.
Traditional 40th anniversary gift – Ruby
The traditional 40th anniversary gift is ruby, an eye-poppingly beautiful precious stone that’s famous for its deep red colour. Rubies represent passion and loyalty, so could there really be a better gift to give when celebrating 40 years
Historically, rubies have also been a symbol of wealth. Because they’re one of the four precious gemstones (along with diamond, emerald and sapphire), they can often be rather pricey. But don’t worry, even if you don’t have a large budget to play with, there are still options out there to let your partner know how you feel.
Modern 40th anniversary gift – Ruby
The modern 40th anniversary gift is also ruby. After all, with your 40th being known as your ruby anniversary, why complicate things by introducing something else? Ruby is an exceptionally special stone, and isn’t likely to be something you give your partner very often, so if you can and want to, it’s perfect for marking 40 years of marriage.
40th anniversary gemstone – Ruby
Because it’s the traditional and modern gift, ruby is also the traditional gemstone associated with 40 years of marriage. Rubies are a triple hitter because they’re beautiful, have wonderful meaning and are highly desirable. They’re not necessarily for everyone, but ruby is also a colour, so there’s still a lot of fun to be had with the theme if your partner isn’t into jewels.
Depending on who you ask, there can be two traditional 40th anniversary flowers: nasturtium and gladiolus.
Nasturtiums are small, delicate flowers that can grow in the ground or pots. They’re super hardy flowers but only flower once. They’re also edible and make for a great addition to salads for a delicate floral hit. They represent victory and patriotism, so are lovely little flowers to treat your partner to, but they’re not quite right for using in bouquets.
Gladiolus are very tall and very colourful flowers, which are sometimes referred to as sword lilies because of how tall and slender they are. They represent honour and remembrance, and their big open blooms make them a fabulous addition to floral arrangements.
How do you choose a gift for a 40th wedding anniversary?
Deciding what to give your partner for your 40th anniversary can be a tricky decision. Yes, it’s known as your ruby anniversary, but that doesn’t necessarily make choosing a gift any easier. With previous anniversaries, you might have had four or even five different themes to choose from. With your 40th anniversary, you only have a couple, so there are a few things to think about when deciding what to buy.
Is sticking to the theme important to you? If you and your other half have made a point of sticking to the themes for past anniversaries, you might feel like you want to do the same when celebrating your 40th.
Have you agreed on a particular budget? Rubies can be a little pricey, so if you have a small budget it can make finding something on theme that little bit harder.
Do you want to give a personalised gift? Not many ruby-related gifts can be personalised, so have a think about whether you want to do this or not.
Does your partner want a specific type of gift? With there only being a couple of themes for your upcoming anniversary, you might not be able to fit them with what your partner might have asked for.
If a couple in your life is about to celebrate 40 incredible years together, you might be on the lookout for a gift. Can you give them a gift related to rubies, or is that just for the couple themselves? These rules are free to be followed (or not followed) by everyone, so if you have an idea for the perfect gift, then you should absolutely go for it. The special couple will no doubt love whatever you give them and appreciate the extra meaning behind it if you decide to stick to the theme!
50 ideas for a 40th wedding anniversary gift
40 years of marriage is something not many couples get to celebrate, so it’s an extra special milestone which deserves to be yelled about from the rooftops. You might also want to spoil your partner with a gift, but aren’t quite sure where to start. So, here are 50 40th wedding anniversary gift ideas to inspire you to find something your other half will love and make this milestone one to remember.
20 traditional and modern gifts for a 40th wedding anniversary
Both the traditional and modern gift for celebrating 40 years is ruby, a gorgeous precious stone that symbolises love. Of course, rubies are a beautiful addition to loads of different jewellery and accessories (more on this below), but can also be a great theme to have fun with when it comes to other types of gifts. Here are 20 suggestions for gifts related to rubies.
1. A ruby candle collection
Help create the ultimate romantic atmosphere with a ruby candle collection. With six different scents that each burn for up to 15 hours, it’s a lovely gift which is sure to be a treat for the senses.
2. A personalised ruby heart paperweight
Centred around a ruby heart, this personalised ruby paperweight features whatever message you like so you can tell your partner exactly how you feel.
3. A ruby sundial
For something truly unique that looks great either inside or outside, a ruby sundial features the year the two of you got married and is a striking way to always remember your 40th year after saying, ‘I do!’
4. Ruby-red Saint Valentine doves ornament
Filled with glorious meaning, this crystal ruby-red Saint Valentine doves ornament tells your partner how much you love them and will look amazing sitting on a shelf or sideboard.
5. A bottle of ruby port
If your partner loves the sweet taste of port, then a bottle of ruby port is a fantastic on-theme gift that they’ll get to enjoy for a little while (or not, if you decide to crack it open on your anniversary to drink together!).
6. Fortnum and Mason ruby chocolates
Ruby chocolate is growing in popularity, and is easy to spot thanks to its being pink or purple in colour. And there’s no better way to enjoy it than with a box of Fortnum and Mason ruby chocolates.
7. A ruby watch
Treat your partner to a stunning ruby watch, with a showstopping red face surrounded by crystals. A luxurious way to tell the time!
8. Some ruby-red roses
While roses aren’t the traditional flower of your 40th anniversary, they are one of the most famous romantic flowers out there. So, why not spoil your partner with some ruby-red roses that just scream, ‘I LOVE YOU!’?
9. A bottle of Michael Kors Sexy Ruby Eau De Parfum
Treating your partner to a new scent is always a great gift choice, and you can do so on your ruby anniversary with an on-theme bottle of Michael Kors Sexy Ruby Eau De Parfum. It’s a delicious scent with notes of sweet fruits and floral hints.
10. A ruby fountain pen
If your partner enjoys writing, they’ll get great use out of a ruby fountain pen, which has a gold-plated nib and lets them write beautifully.
11. A bottle of Ruby Tiger gin
Whether your partner loves concocting cocktails or sipping a cheeky G&T on a warm summer’s day, a bottle of Ruby Tiger gin has a tangy rhubarb flavour and is deliciously sweet.
12. An engraved ruby leaf vase
If your partner loves to receive flowers, then this engraved ruby leaf vase might be just the gift for them. It’s decorated with delicate red leaves and can be personalised to include the message of your choice.
13. A ruby Build-a-Bear
Give your partner a gift that’s equal parts adorable and meaningful with a ruby Build-a-Bear. It has a cute ruby bow around its neck and ruby crystals on its paws and ears. It’s a bear-necessity on your 40th anniversary!
14. An exploding ruby card box
Give your partner an explosive surprise on your 40th anniversary with an exploding ruby card box. It’s filled with fantastic memories and personalised to show your partner how much you’ve adored the last 40 years.
15. Ruby anniversary figurine
This ruby anniversary figurine may be small but it’s packed with incredible meaning. It features a couple embracing and wearing red, and can serve as a symbol of how you no doubt feel.
16. A pair of ruby-red crystal wine glasses
Are you looking forward to sharing a glass (or three) of wine with your partner on your anniversary? Then this pair of ruby-red crystal wine glasses provides the best way for you to do so.
17. A box of personalised ruby macarons
For a wonderful sweet treat on your anniversary, a box of personalised ruby macarons are delicate and delicious and the perfect pudding to enjoy together.
Give your partner a gift with even more meaning with a ruby-red jade tree of life. It has all the symbolism associated with rubies as well as the luck and protection that comes with a tree of life.
20. A ruby family tree
If you and your partner have built a family together, a ruby family tree is small and sweet and a touching way to honour what you’ve achieved over the last 40 years.
5 affordable gifts for a 40th wedding anniversary
Because rubies are one of the four precious gemstones, they can often be quite pricey – especially when set in jewellery and accessories. But ruby is also a colour, so it’s still possible to give your partner a gift related to the traditional theme while making sure you don’t spend too much money. This can also help if your partner isn’t a big fan of rubies but you still want to do something on theme. So, here are five ideas for affordable gifts to consider for your 40th anniversary.
1. A natural ruby
Instead of giving your partner a cut and polished ruby, you might want to give them a natural ruby, which has a much more rustic and raw appearance but still has all the deep symbolic meaning that comes with this beautiful stone.
2. Bed of roses petals
Your anniversary night is all about the romance, and a bed of roses petalsmakes for a thoughtful, sensual and on-theme gift.
3. A ruby-themed anniversary card
If you’re going to give your partner a card on your anniversary, why not tie it back to the theme with a ruby-themed anniversary card? It’s a simple and affordable way to honour the theme even if your partner isn’t a big fan of rubies.
4. A ruby red fused glass heart
For a gift that’s small and sweet, and is a token your partner can hold on to for many years to come, you could give them a ruby red fused glass heart. They’re handmade, so every single one is completely unique – just like your other half!
5. A ruby cubic zirconia pendant
If you’d love to give your partner an affordable item of jewellery that carries all the meaning of this amazing gemstone but without the price tag, this ruby cubic zirconia pendant is big, bold and wonderfully eye-catching.
5 DIY gifts for a 40th wedding anniversary
Many couples love the tradition of making gifts for each other to mark their anniversaries. But when it comes to your 40th anniversary, what can you make that’s ruby-related but doesn’t require years of jewellery-making experience? Well, with a little creative thinking, you can have a lot of fun with the theme and make your other half a gift that’s thoughtful, on theme and relatively simple. Here are five ideas for gifts you can make to celebrate your 40th anniversary.
1. A DIY 40th anniversary frame
With a box frame, some red crystals and confetti, you can make a DIY 40th anniversary frame, which you can design any way you like as a sweet and thoughtful way to mark your amazing milestone. Oh, and don’t forget the glue! Check out the tutorial for everything you need to give it a go.
2. Homemade ruby chocolates
It’s actually quite simple to make your own ruby chocolates. With a mould, your partner’s favourite toppings and some ruby chocolate, you can create some sweet treats that are homemade and on theme. Watch a video tutorial for all the steps.
3. DIY synthetic rubies
This one isn’t for everyone, but it’s totally possible to make DIY synthetic rubies at home. You need some special equipment and a little know-how, but they look great and are the ultimate DIY gift to give to mark 40 years. Watch a video tutorial to see if it’s something you could do yourself.
4. DIY ruby jewellery
With some basic jewellery-making tools and some materials, it’s actually not too tricky to make DIY ruby jewellery. Watch a video tutorial for more information on what you need to make something for your other half.
5. A DIY ruby necklace
If you’ve made jewellery before, then a DIY rub necklace might be something you fancy making. It’s a little fiddly, though, so it’s not for newbies – unless you’re brave! Watch a video tutorial to make your own ruby-beaded necklace.
5 experience or activity gifts for a 40th wedding anniversary
Spending time with your other half on your 40th anniversary taking part in an experience or activity is a great way to make memories together. Of course, there are plenty of options out there, from a spa trip to a romantic meal. But, there are ways to tie what you get up to into the traditional ruby anniversary theme. Here are five suggestions for experiences you can do when celebrating 40 years.
1. A trip to Ruby Bay in Scotland
On the east coast of Scotland is Elie Ruby Bay, where a unique red gemstone known as Elie Rubies is often found, a product of the nearby volcanic rock. Imagine taking a stroll along the beach and finding one of these incredible stones – the perfect anniversary fairytale in the making.
2. A ruby photography experience
It’s been 40 years since you and your other half had your wedding photos shot, and if you haven’t had a photoshoot since that day, then a ruby photography experience is the perfect way to right that wrong.
3. A jewellery-making course
Spend your 40th anniversary learning a new skill together by taking part in a jewellery-making course. Being newbies, you won’t use real rubies, but you can still make beautiful jewellery with shimmering red stones.
4. Tickets to see the Kaiser Chiefs
One of the Kaiser Chief’s most famous songs is called Ruby, so it’s the perfect band to go and see when celebrating your ruby anniversary. Check out the Kaiser Chiefs website for information on when they’re playing their next gig near you.
5. A night at the Ruby Lucy Hotel
Right around the corner from London Waterloo, on the South Bank, is the boutique-design Ruby Lucy Hotel, the ideal place to stay to spend time seeing the sites, eating a romantic meal and catching a show in the capital.
10 40th anniversary jewellery gifts that contain ruby
The traditional gemstone when celebrating your 40th anniversary is, of course, ruby. Rubies are stunning. They’re like little drops of glorious fire that irradiate from any type of jewellery. They make for the perfect addition to pieces whether set in gold, silver, rose gold, platinum or anything else your partner might love. Here are 10 suggestions for jewellery set with radiant rubies:
Earrings
A ring
A necklace
A bracelet
A broach
A locket
A watch
An anklet
A hairpin
Cufflinks
Because it’s a precious gemstone, a lot of ruby jewellery can be expensive. A lot, but not all. So, if you have a smaller budget but still want to give our partner jewellery that contains rubies, you should still be able to find plenty of amazing pieces at high-street and independent jewellers. Here at Bridebook, we also work with loads of different jewellers who each have a great selection. So make sure you check them out on your hunt for the perfect gift.
5 floral-inspired gifts for a 40th wedding anniversary
The traditional flower when celebrating your 40th anniversary is nasturtium (although some say it’s actually gladiolus). There isn’t really a right answer, but thankfully both flowers are beautiful and wonderful choices if you want to give your partner something traditional but don’t want to rely on rubies. So, here are five floral gifts you might want to consider for this special anniversary.
1. Nasturtium plant
Nasturtiums are small, delicate and even delicious, and are a fantastic addition to your garden. They’re also not too expensive and are quite hardy, so a great gift if your partner doesn’t have particularly green fingers.
2. Gladiolus bouquet
Gladiolus are stunningly big and bold blooms, so if your partner is a big floral fan, then a gladiolus bouquet is a fantastic choice of gift.
3. A gladiolus necklace
Make sure your partner turns more than a few heads with a gladiolus necklace, which is bright and colourful and makes a real impact.
4. A nasturtium sun catcher
Brighten up any room with a nasturtium sun catcher made from stained glass, which is every bit as beautiful as the real thing, if not more so.
5. A nasturtium pendant
Beautifully gorgeous and delicate, this nasturtium pendant is full of life and is a great piece of jewellery that complements any type of outfit.
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