A Simple Guide to Celebrating an Anniversary

Despite the age-old belief that half of all marriages end in divorce, many people move on to celebrate their 25th and 50th wedding anniversaries every day. After being together that long, it can be difficult to decide on what to do.

The first milestone is easy. You share the cake that you froze over after the wedding and call it a night. Every time after that is a bit more complicated.

We’ve got a guide that will make celebrating an anniversary a lot easier. Check out this guide for a few ideas that your partner will be sure to love.

Renew Your Vows

Renewing your vows isn’t the best anniversary idea if you’re celebrating your first one. If you’ve reached a marriage milestone, however, it can be a great way to reconnect with the person you love.

If you and your spouse had kids after you got married, you can celebrate the family you built together by including your children in the vow renewal.

If you couldn’t afford a huge wedding with all the bells and whistles the first time (and you’re a bit wealthier than before), now is your chance to go all out on a huge celebration.

Provide Your Spouse With Breakfast in Bed

You’re allowed to have a lazy day in bed now and again. What better time to waste the day away than your anniversary? Cuddle up with the person you love most with breakfast in bed.

The biggest hurdle you’ll have to jump over for this special occasion is not spilling the food on your comforter. You can buy a special tray, or grab a lap desk.

Once you have your “table,” it’s time to decide what to cook. Eggs and toast are a classic combo that you can never go wrong with. Provide your loved one with a side of butter, or if they have a sweet tooth, bring their favorite jam into the equation.

If you would like to go a little fancier with planning an anniversary, make homemade waffles or pancakes. There are tons of delicious recipe ideas online that you can try. Serve up your waffles with a side of bacon or sausage.

Eat Your Wedding Cake

Tradition dictates that you freeze the top layer of your wedding cake and eat it a year later. Some couples are a little hesitant to take part in this tradition because they worry for their safety.

Rest assured that as long as you take proper precautions, you won’t get sick. Seal the top layer of your cake in an airtight container or plastic bag.

If the power goes out and happens to ruin your cake, don’t worry. You can always contact the bakery you got the cake from and ask them to make you a tiny version.

Since it’s your first anniversary, choose a romantic venue to eat your cake. Sit on the beach or go to the place where you first met.

Plan a Vacation

Did you and your spouse have to skip out on your honeymoon? Go on one now. There’s a destination for everyone.

If you and your significant other are the active types, you can go skiing in Colorado. When you’re done hitting the slopes, wind down with a romantic couple’s massage.

Mexico has gorgeous beaches and luxurious resorts. If you’re looking for something to do outside of your hotel room, consider snorkeling in Cancun.

California has all you need for a romantic getaway. You can sip wine and enjoy an anniversary dinner. This destination has a variety of food options to choose from.

Exchange Anniversary Gifts

Buying your loved one an anniversary gift is always a nerve-wracking experience. Some people are just difficult to shop for.

You can send flowers for your anniversary. It might be a cliche, but it’s a good go-to that can be meaningful.

If you’re going to use the breakfast-in-bed idea, invest in a nice set of cotton sheets. Like flowers, jewelry is a bit of a cliche, but it’s not a bad one.

Have a Night Out on the Town

When was the last time you got dressed up and went out on the town? If it’s been a while, book an appointment with your hairdresser, do your nails, put on your best clothes, and get out there.

Book a reservation at a 5-star restaurant or buy tickets for a play. The sky is the limit.

Have a Night In

If you and your spouse are homebodies that don’t like to go out, there’s nothing wrong with that. Plan the perfect night in instead.

You can order food from a fancy restaurant or spend some time cooking a luxurious meal together.

Try Out a New Activity

If there’s something that you and your spouse have been wanting to try for a while, your anniversary is a great time to do it. Go skydiving or take a painting class.

Eat at that restaurant you’ve been eying for a while, or go on a hike. Don’t be afraid to try out something new in the bedroom or go wine tasting.

Celebrating an Anniversary the Right Way

Celebrating an anniversary doesn’t have to be difficult. There are a million and one things that you and your spouse can do.

Treat the person you love to breakfast in bed or take them out for a night on the town. Have a night in, plan a vacation, eat your wedding cake, maybe renew your vows, and don’t forget to exchange gifts.

For more ways to spoil your spouse on the anniversary of your special day, visit the Wedding section of our blog.