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Wedding Anniversary Years

This page contains information on the history and New Zealand statistic for wedding anniversaries along with the meaning and names for each wedding anniversary year from 1-20 years.

Use the quick links below to navigate to a specific topic or scroll down to read more.

Wedding Anniversary History
Wedding Anniversary Years
Wedding Anniversary Gifts
Wedding Anniversary Statistics NZ
Wedding Anniversary Renewal Vows

Wedding Anniversary History

The tradition of celebrating wedding anniversaries dates back to the Middle Ages. It is believed that the custom originated in Germany, where husbands presented their wives with a silver wreath on their 25th anniversary and a gold wreath on their 50th. In the United States, the tradition of giving gifts for each anniversary year began in the 19th century. The list of traditional anniversary gifts was first published in the early 20th century. The list has since been updated to include modern gifts for each year being celebrated.

The longest wedding anniversary recorded is that of Karam and Kartari Chand, who celebrated their 86th wedding anniversary in India in 2012. The couple had been married since 1926 and had eight children, 25 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.

Wedding Anniversary Years, Names & Meanings

Each wedding anniversary has a specific meaning and name and can also point you the right direction for choosing a special anniversary gift for couples or your partner either here in New Zealand or anywhere around the world.

Below we have listed all the years along with their tradition, modern meanings and what they symbolise.

Wedding Anniversary Years & Meanings

To find the meaning for a specific wedding anniversary year please click one of the links below and this will take you to the relevant information for the selected anniversary year.

1st Wedding Anniversary
2nd Wedding Anniversary
3rd Wedding Anniversary
4th Wedding Anniversary
5th Wedding Anniversary
6th Wedding Anniversary
7th Wedding Anniversary
8th Wedding Anniversary
9th Wedding Anniversary
10th Wedding Anniversary
11th Wedding Anniversary
12th Wedding Anniversary
13th Wedding Anniversary
14th Wedding Anniversary
15th Wedding Anniversary
16th Wedding Anniversary
17th Wedding Anniversary
18th Wedding Anniversary
19th Wedding Anniversary
20th Wedding Anniversary
21st Wedding Anniversary
22nd Wedding Anniversary
23rd Wedding Anniversary
24th Wedding Anniversary
25th Wedding Anniversary

1st Wedding Anniversary

Paper - symbolizing the strength and fragility of the relationship:
The traditional gift for a first wedding anniversary is paper. You could give your spouse a special card, a framed photo, or a book of love poems. Other ideas include a journal, a scrapbook, or a personalized calendar. You could also give a gift certificate for a special experience, such as a spa day or a romantic dinner.

The modern gift for a 1st wedding anniversary is a clock. Clocks are a traditional symbol of time and the passing of it, making them a meaningful and thoughtful gift for a couple celebrating their first year of marriage. Other modern gifts for a 1st wedding anniversary include paper, a canvas print, or a personalized item.

2nd Wedding Anniversary

Cotton - symbolizing the comfort and durability of the relationship:
The traditional gift for a 2nd wedding anniversary is cotton. Cotton symbolizes the strength and comfort of a marriage. You could give your spouse a cotton item such as a robe, a quilt, or a set of sheets. Other modern gifts include china, appliances, and jewellery.

The modern theme for a couples 2nd anniversary in china, gift ideas include a china tea set, personalised porcelain mugs, personalised photo frames, jewellery and more.

3rd Wedding Anniversary

Leather - symbolizing the protection and flexibility of the relationship:
The traditional gift for a 3rd wedding anniversary is leather. Leather is a symbol of protection, strength, and durability, which are all qualities that are important in a marriage. Gift ideas for your 3rd wedding anniversary include leather items, such as a leather wallet, personalised hip flasks, purse, or briefcase.

Modern 3rd wedding anniversary gifts include crystal or glass items, such as a flower vase, crystal wine, Champagne & cocktail glasses, crystal ornaments and more.

4th Wedding Anniversary

Fruit & Flowers (US) / Linen & Silk (UK) - symbolizing the beauty and growth of the relationship:
The fourth wedding anniversary is traditionally celebrated with gifts of fruit or flowers. It is a time to reflect on the past four years of marriage and to look forward to the future. The fourth anniversary is a time to celebrate the strength of the relationship and the commitment to each other. It is also a time to show appreciation for the love and support that has been shared over the years.

Some great gift ideas for a 4th wedding anniversary include a bouquet of fresh flowers, a fruit basket, a new kitchen appliance, a set of matching wine glasses, a romantic dinner for two, a weekend getaway, or a spa day.

Modern 4th wedding anniversary gift ideas include appliances, home décor, and technology. Appliances such as a new coffee maker, a blender, or a toaster oven are all great options. Home décor items like a luxury chopping board, cheese boards, a piece of wall art, photo frames, or a decorative vase are also great choices. Technology gifts like a tablet, a smart speaker, or a new laptop are also great options.

5th Wedding Anniversary

Wood - symbolizing the stability and endurance of the relationship:
The fifth wedding anniversary is traditionally known as the "wood" anniversary. This is because wood is a symbol of strength and stability, which is a reflection of the couple's relationship. The traditional gift for a fifth wedding anniversary is something made of wood, such as a wooden carving, a wooden jewellery box, a wooden photo frame, wood chopping boards and cheese board sets and more.

The modern gift idea for a 5th wedding anniversary is silverware. This can include, silver cutlery sets, table settings, jewellery and more.

6th Wedding Anniversary

Iron (US) / Candy (UK) - symbolizing the sweetness and strength:
The traditional 6th wedding anniversary gift is candy or iron, and the modern gift is wood. The meaning behind the 6th wedding anniversary is that it marks the beginning of a new stage in the couple's relationship. This stage is often referred to as the "honeymoon period" and is a time of renewed commitment and love. The 6th anniversary is a time to celebrate the strength of the couple's bond and to look forward to the future.

7th Wedding Anniversary

Copper (US) / Wool (UK) -symbolizes the strength and durability of the marriage:
The traditional gift for a 7th wedding anniversary is copper. Copper is a symbol of luck, love, and prosperity. Copper gifts could include jewelry, home decor, or kitchenware. Other modern gifts for a 7th wedding anniversary include wool, desk sets, and brass.

8th Wedding Anniversary

Bronze & Pottery (US) / Salt (UK) - symbolizes the strength and longevity of a marriage:
The 8th wedding anniversary is traditionally known as the Bronze Anniversary. This is because bronze is a strong and durable metal that symbolizes the strength and longevity of a marriage. The 8th anniversary is also a time to celebrate the couple's commitment to each other and to their relationship.

9th Wedding Anniversary

Willow & Pottery (US) / Copper (UK) - symbolizes the strength and longevity of a marriage:
The traditional 9th wedding anniversary gift is pottery or willow. Pottery symbolizes the strength and durability of the marriage, while willow symbolizes flexibility and adaptability. Both materials are meant to represent the couple's ability to weather the storms of life together.

10th Wedding Anniversary

Aluminium (US) / Tin (UK) - symbolizes the strength and durability of the marriage:
The 10th wedding anniversary is traditionally known as the Tin or Aluminium Anniversary. This is a special milestone in a couple's marriage, as it marks a decade of commitment and love. The traditional gift for this anniversary is tin or aluminium, which symbolizes the strength and durability of the marriage. Other modern gifts include diamond jewellery, which symbolizes the sparkle and brilliance of the relationship.

11th Wedding Anniversary

Steel - symbolizes the strength and beauty of the relationship:
The traditional gift for the 11th wedding anniversary is steel. Steel symbolizes strength and durability, which is a great way to celebrate 11 years of marriage. Modern gifts for the 11th wedding anniversary include fashion jewellery, accessories, and home decor items made from steel.

12th Wedding Anniversary

Silk - symbolizes the strength and beauty of the relationship:
The 12th wedding anniversary is traditionally known as the Silk Anniversary. This is because silk is a luxurious and elegant material that symbolizes the strength and beauty of the relationship. It is also a reminder of the couple's commitment to each other and the love that has been shared over the years.

13th Wedding Anniversary

Lace - symbolizes the strength and beauty of the relationship:
The 13th wedding anniversary is traditionally known as the lace anniversary. This is because lace is a delicate and intricate fabric that symbolizes the intricate and delicate bond between two people in a marriage. It is also a reminder of the beauty and delicacy of the relationship that has been built over the years.

14th Wedding Anniversary

Lace - symbolizes the strength and durability of the relationship:
The 14th wedding anniversary is traditionally known as the Ivory Anniversary. This is because ivory is a symbol of strength and durability, which is a fitting representation of a marriage that has lasted 14 years. The modern gift for this anniversary is gold jewellery, which is also a symbol of strength and durability.

15th Wedding Anniversary

Crystal - symbolizes the clarity and strength of the relationship:
The 15th wedding anniversary is traditionally known as the Crystal Anniversary. This is because crystal is said to represent the clarity and strength of the relationship. It is also said to symbolize the couple's commitment to each other and the love that has been shared over the years. Gifts ideas included crystal wine, Champagne & cocktail glasses and gift sets, crystal jewellery and more.

The modern gift for a 15th wedding anniversary is watches and time pieces.

16th Wedding Anniversary

Silverware - symbolizes the strength and durability of the couple’s relationship:
The 16th wedding anniversary is known as the Silverware anniversary. This anniversary is traditionally celebrated with gifts of silverware, such as silver platters, bowls, and trays. This anniversary is a reminder of the strength and durability of the couple’s relationship, and the importance of continuing to nurture and care for it.

17th Wedding Anniversary

Furniture - symbolizes the strength and stability of the marriage:
The 17th wedding anniversary is traditionally celebrated with furniture, which symbolizes the strength and stability of the marriage. The modern gift for the 17th anniversary is a watch, which symbolizes the passing of time and the commitment of the couple to each other.

18th Wedding Anniversary

Porcelain - symbolizes strength and resilience:
The 18th wedding anniversary is traditionally known as the Porcelain Anniversary. Porcelain is a symbol of strength and resilience, which is a fitting representation of the couple's relationship. This anniversary is a time to celebrate the couple's commitment to each other and to reflect on the years of love and companionship they have shared. Gift ideas included personalised porcelain mugs, tableware, jewellery and more.

19th Wedding Anniversary

Bronze - symbolizes the strength and longevity of a couple's relationship:
The 19th wedding anniversary is traditionally known as the Bronze Anniversary. This is a special milestone that celebrates the strength and longevity of a couple's relationship. The traditional gift for this anniversary is bronze, which symbolizes the strength and durability of the couple's bond. Other gift ideas include bronze jewellery, a bronze sculpture, or a bronze-plated item.

20th Wedding Anniversary

China (Traditional) Platinum ( Modern) - symbolizes the strength and longevity of a couple's relationship:
The 20th wedding anniversary is known as the China Anniversary. This is because it is traditionally celebrated with a gift of china, such as a vase, plate, or figurine. This anniversary is also known as the Porcelain Anniversary, as porcelain is a type of china. The 20th anniversary is a time to reflect on the past two decades of marriage and to celebrate the love and commitment that has been shared.

21st Wedding Anniversary

Brass & Nickle - symbolizes the strength and longevity of a marriage:
The 21st wedding anniversary is known as the Brass Anniversary. This is because brass is a strong and durable metal that symbolizes the strength and longevity of a marriage. It is also a reminder of the commitment and dedication that couples have for each other.

22nd Wedding Anniversary

Copper - symbolizes the strength and durability of the couple's relationship:
The 22nd wedding anniversary is traditionally known as the Copper Anniversary. Copper is a strong and durable metal, symbolizing the strength and durability of the couple's relationship. It is also said to represent the warmth and love that the couple has for each other.

Gift ideas for a 22nd wedding anniversary include copper jewellry, tableware and more.

23rd Wedding Anniversary

Silver Plate - symbolizes the strength and durability of the couple's relationship:
The 23rd wedding anniversary is traditionally known as the Silver Plate Anniversary. This is a special milestone in a couple's marriage, as it marks the time when the couple has been together for two decades and three years. The silver plate is a symbol of the strength and durability of the couple's relationship, and it is a reminder of the commitment and love that they have for each other.

24th Wedding Anniversary

Opal - represent faithfulness and loyalty:
The 24th wedding anniversary is known as the “Opal Anniversary” and is associated with the gemstone opal. The opal is said to represent faithfulness and loyalty, which are two important qualities in a successful marriage. The opal is also said to bring luck and good fortune to the couple.

The modern gift alternative for a couple's 24th wedding annivery is a musical instrument.

25th Wedding Anniversary

Silver - symbolizes the strength and durability of the couple's relationship:
25th wedding anniversary is traditionally known as the Silver Anniversary. It is a milestone that marks 25 years of marriage and is a time to celebrate the love and commitment between two people. The traditional gift for a 25th wedding anniversary is silver, which symbolizes the strength and durability of the couple's relationship. Other gifts may include a special trip, a piece of silver jewelry, or a special silver service dinner.

Wedding Anniversary Gifts

If you're looking for wedding anniversary gifts and gift idea then this section will help you find the perfect gift for couples and partners whether they're in New Zealand, the UK, USA or anywhere else in the world.

Wedding Anniversary Gifts in New Zealand

As one of New Zealand's leading gift businesses and the largest personalised gifts website in New Zealand we have a range of unique and special gifts for any anniversary and something to suit all budgets and requirements.

Click on one of the links below to find the perfect wedding anniversary gift in New Zealand:

Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Couples
Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Him
Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Her

Wedding Anniversary Gifts in the UK

If you're looking for wedding anniversary gift ideas in the UK then below we have listed our top 5 online shops for wedding anniversary gifts in the UK:
Argos
Next
Not on the High Street
Marks & Spencer
Selfridges

Wedding Anniversary Gifts in the USA

If you're looking for wedding anniversary gift ideas in the USA then below we have listed our top 5 online shops for wedding anniversary gifts in the USA:
Bed Bath & Beyond
Amazon
Hallmark
Etsy
Ferns & Petals

Wedding Anniversary Statistics for New Zealand

For statistics on wedding anniversaries, Marriages & Civil Unions in New Zealand our recommend source is www.stats.govt.nz

For more information on wedding anniversaries and there origins you can also take a look at this Wikipedia Link.

Wedding Anniversary Renewal Vows

Below we have some examples of beautiful wedding anniversary renewal vows, feel free to use and edit and add to these as required.

My dearest [Name],
Today marks our [number] wedding anniversary, and I am so grateful for the years we have spent together. You have been my rock, my confidant, and my best friend. I am so blessed to have you in my life.
On this special day, I want to renew my commitment to you. I vow to always be honest and open with you, to always listen to you and to be there for you in times of need.

Today marks another year of our beautiful marriage. I am so grateful for the love and joy that you bring to my life. You are my best friend, my confidant, and my partner in life.
I remember the day we said our vows to each other. I promised to love you, honor you, and cherish you for the rest of my life. I renew that promise today. I will always be here for you, no matter what life throws at us.

My dearest wife,
Today marks another year of our marriage, and I am so grateful for the love and joy you have brought into my life. You have been my rock, my confidant, and my best friend. I am so blessed to have you in my life.
I vow to continue to love you, honor you, and cherish you for all the days of our lives. I will always strive to be the best husband I can be, and to love and support you unconditionally.

My dearest husband,
Today marks a special day in our lives, as we celebrate our anniversary and renew our vows to each other. I am so grateful for the years we have shared together, and for the love and support you have given me.
You have been my rock, my confidant, and my best friend. You have been there for me through the good times and the bad, and I am so thankful for that. You have shown me what true love and happiness and I look forward to spending the rest of my life with you and our beautiful children.

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