Closeup of board with happy anniversary word isolated on pink background

What are milestone anniversaries? 11 fantastic ways to celebrate them!

Milestone anniversaries are a cause for celebration! 

A milestone anniversary marks a significant moment in your relationship and commemorates all you’ve been through together.

Celebrating your milestone anniversaries and how far you have come in your marriage.

Milestone anniversaries are a great opportunity to recommit to your relationship too.

What are milestone anniversaries?

Milestone anniversaries give a couple a chance to reflect on their marital accomplishments.

Although wedding anniversary years are significant, milestone anniversary years stand out as extra-special.

The most common milestone anniversaries are 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, 30th, 40th, and 50th.

But, many couples celebrate their 1st anniversary a year after marriage.

Once a couple reaches their 25th, 30th, 40th, or 50th-anniversary milestone, they are called jubilee years.

Each milestone anniversary has its color, gemstone, and gifts they’re associated with it.

Now, let’s discuss what each milestone anniversary year represents.

older couple celebrating anniversary at a theme park

What are the traditional and modern anniversary gifts?

Here are the anniversary themes/ gifts for each year below:

The 1st-anniversary year theme is paper.

The 5th-anniversary year theme is wood

10th-anniversary year themes are tin or aluminum.

The 15th-anniversary year theme is clear crystal.

The 20th-anniversary year theme is china.

The 25th-anniversary year theme is silver

The 30th-anniversary year theme is pearl.

The 40th-anniversary year theme is ruby.

50th anniversary year theme is gold

Many couples choose wedding anniversary gifts based on both modern and traditional themes.

What are the colors for milestone anniversaries?

The traditional colors for each milestone wedding anniversary year are listed as follows:

1st Anniversary color is usually yellow or gold.

5th Anniversary colors are blue, pink, or turquoise.

10th Anniversary colors are silver or blue.

The 15th Anniversary color is ruby red.

20th Anniversary colors are emerald green or white.

The 25th Anniversary color is silver.

The 30th Anniversary color is green.

The 40th Anniversary color is ruby red.

The 50th Anniversary color is gold.

Do you plan on throwing a party to celebrate your milestone anniversary? 

If so, read my blog post on anniversary party themes and color schemes if you need more ideas.

What are the anniversary gemstones by year?

The anniversary gemstones by year are as follows:

The 1st-anniversary gemstone is peridot.

The 5th-anniversary gemstone is sapphire or pink tourmaline.

The 10th-anniversary gemstone is a blue sapphire.

The 15th-anniversary gemstone is ruby, rhodolite garnet, or alexandrite.

The 20th-anniversary gemstone is emerald.

The 25th-anniversary gemstone is a silver jubilee, tsavorite, or green garnet.

The 30th-anniversary gemstone is pearl jubilee.

The 40th-anniversary gemstone is a ruby jubilee.

The 50th-anniversary gemstone is a golden Jubilee or Imperial/Golden Topaz

Tip: If you’re on a tight budget, buy your partner an anniversary gemstone or crystal.

Gemstones and crystals make great jewelry alternatives if you don’t want to spend money on expensive diamond pieces.

Why do we celebrate wedding milestone anniversaries?

A milestone anniversary is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate your relationship.

It’s also a time to reflect on the journey together and all you have accomplished as a couple.

How to celebrate a milestone anniversary

Are you looking for ways to celebrate your milestone anniversary?

If so, here are 11 fantastic ideas to make your milestone anniversary unforgettable!

1. Throwing an anniversary party

Throwing an anniversary party is a great way to celebrate your milestone anniversary. You can invite all your friends and family to come and help you celebrate your special occasion.

2. Book an anniversary experience

Booking an anniversary experience is a great way to celebrate your milestone anniversary. 

You can choose a romantic dinner for two, a couples massage, or a couples’ cooking class.

If you and your partner love the outdoors, you can Go on an anniversary adventure hike or camping trip.

3. Give each other anniversary gifts

Giving each other anniversary gifts is a great way to show your love and appreciation for each other.

You can exchange traditional anniversary gifts or get creative and give unique gifts.

4. Book an anniversary photoshoot

An anniversary photoshoot is a great way to capture your special occasion.

You can either do it yourselves or hire a professional photographer to do it for you.

couple taking pics for an anniversary photoshoot

5. Get anniversary tattoos

Getting anniversary tattoos is a great way to show your love and commitment to each other. 

You can get matching tattoos or get individual tattoos that represent your relationship.

If you find tattoos too risque, buy a customized matching gift.

You can buy matching mugs, watches, or t-shirts to celebrate the years you’ve been together.

6. Complete an anniversary challenge

An anniversary challenge is a great way to celebrate your milestone anniversary. 

It can be anything from learning a new skill, going on an adventure, or completing a task together.  

7. Go on an anniversary staycation

If you can’t travel far from home, consider planning an anniversary staycation.

You can go to a nearby city for the day, book a few nights at a nearby hotel, and visit local attractions.

Anniversary staycations are great if you need a change of scenery with your partner.

8. Celebrate your milestone anniversary with your kids

If you have kids, you can celebrate by doing something special with them. You can take them out for a day of fun or have a family movie night.

If you need more family anniversary ideas, check out my blog post on anniversary ideas with kids.

8. Plan an anniversary at home

If you’re looking for a more low-key way to celebrate, plan an intimate anniversary at home

You can cook a special meal together, have a romantic picnic in your backyard, or get massages.

You can also watch your wedding video together or look through your wedding album. 

Planning an anniversary celebration at home is a great way to celebrate your special day. 

Couple cooking a meal together at home

9. Play an anniversary board game

Anniversary board games night is a great way to celebrate your milestone anniversary. You can play all your favorite board games together and have lots of fun. 

Playing board games not only makes a great anniversary activity, but they’re affordable too!

Are you looking for affordable anniversary ideas? If so, check out my blog post on wedding anniversary ideas on a budget.

10. Renew your vows 

Renewing your vows is a great way to reaffirm your love for each other.

You can have a small, intimate ceremony with your immediate family. Or you can have a large and lavish ceremony with all your loved ones.

11. Go on an anniversary retreat 

An anniversary retreat is a great idea to celebrate your anniversary milestone. 

A retreat is a great way to disconnect from the world and reconnect with each other.

Anniversary retreats allow couples to learn new things about each other too!

It doesn’t matter if you go with a traditional milestone anniversary theme or come up with your own. Make sure you celebrate in style.

A milestone anniversary is a special occasion for you and your partner.

Milestone anniversaries are an opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Now that you know a little more about milestone anniversaries, how will you celebrate yours?

What anniversary ideas will you choose for your milestone anniversary this year?

Are you going to come up with a creative way to celebrate it?

Or are you going to stick to the traditional milestone anniversary ideas? 

Leave a comment below,

As always, happy anniversary!

Happy celebrating!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *