The first year of marriage is behind you. It was certainly a time filled with love, joy and getting to know each other. Now your first wedding anniversary is waiting for you, which is a really special moment that will be remembered for a long time in your memory. So how do we celebrate this beautiful time, what gifts to buy and why do we call this wedding anniversary paper?

Moments spent together in marriage are one of the most beautiful values. These moments cannot be compared to anything else. Mutual respect, understanding, love, sharing moments of joy and sorrow. Getting married and being loved by a loved one is one of the most beautiful experiences in life. Celebrating anniversaries is therefore a symbol of durability and underlining how important common values ​​are to you. Most importantly, not only golden weddings must be celebrated with a pump. The first wedding anniversary is an equally important event in the life of the newlyweds. Therefore, it is worth preparing for it in the right way.

Wedding anniversary names – history

Names of wedding anniversaries, also known as weddings, have had their names for over a century! It would seem that their history dates back to 1992, when the first eight names were invented by the American writer Emily Post. All names were quickly adopted not only in America, but also in other parts of the world. More names began to appear after 15 years thanks to the American Jewelers Association.

a man kisses his beloved on the cheek

The truth is, however, that wedding anniversary names were not invented by the modern era, but were invented already during the Roman Empire. Even before our era, the Romans celebrated the anniversaries of their relationships – husbands crowned their wives with a silver or gold wreath for the decade and 50 years of the relationship.

Wedding anniversaries – what are they called?

Each wedding anniversary is unique. Their names symbolically reflect the relationship and relationships that are being built. It has been assumed that each of them has its own name until the 15th anniversary, then the names are given every five years. Each name carries an extremely rich meaning that is worth knowing.

people couple in love in the autumn park

First wedding anniversary – paper

The first anniversary is called a paper one, because paper is an extremely delicate material that needs to be cared for, but also gives you the chance to write your life story.

The second wedding anniversary – cotton

The first wedding anniversary is a paper wedding second anniversary and it is called cotton. Cotton is a soft and pleasant material. It is an allegory of two years of marriage spent talking, cuddling and caring for one another.

Third wedding anniversary – leather

The second wedding anniversary is cotton, the third wedding anniversary is called leather, because it is much more durable material than paper and cotton. By that time you have learned about your strengths and weaknesses, and now it’s time to nurture your relationship.

Fourth wedding anniversary – floral

The third wedding anniversary is a leather fourth wedding anniversary is called a floral one, because after such an experience of marriage, you have already had your first quarrels, which are soothed with flowers.

The fifth wedding anniversary – wooden

Half a decade behind you! It is a real success. You already have very good and solid foundations to look ahead and build your relationship. 

Sixth wedding anniversary – sugar

The fifth wedding anniversary is a wooden sixth wedding anniversary is sugar, which means that another wonderful year is behind you, and many sweet years of marriage ahead. 

Seventh wedding anniversary – woolen

The sixth wedding anniversary is the sugar seventh wedding anniversary is called woolen. The wool is warm and cozy. This is also what your relationship becomes after seven years of marriage. You don’t have any secrets anymore. 

Eighth wedding anniversary – bronze

The eighth wedding anniversary, or bronze. Burn is a sign of a beautiful, long and lasting relationship.

Ninth wedding anniversary – clay

The ninth wedding anniversary, or clay, represents the durability of a relationship and also shows that marriage, like clay, is a beautiful work of art.

Tenth wedding anniversary – tin

A decade is behind you! Tin is a reference to the strength and strong foundations of your relationship. Such an anniversary is really worth celebrating!

Eleventh wedding anniversary – steel

The eleventh wedding anniversary, i.e. the steel one. Steel is a really durable material and it’s hard to crush it. This should also be your relationship entering the new decade.

The twelfth wedding anniversary – linen

The eleventh wedding anniversary is the steel twelfth wedding anniversary, called the linen one, and refers to the tightly woven threads of your shared history. 

Thirteenth wedding anniversary – lace

The thirteenth wedding anniversary is like a lace of beauty and worth admiring. The lace weave is also very intricate, as is your story and relationship.

The fourteenth wedding anniversary – ivory

The thirteenth wedding anniversary is a lace fourteenth wedding anniversary is called ivory. Ivory is rare and beautiful. This is also your relationship after fourteen years of marriage. May you see its value and strength. 

The fifteenth wedding anniversary – crystal

Crystal – beautiful and transparent. Just like your relationship fifteen years after your wedding. May he be admired by others as long as possible. 

Twentieth wedding anniversary – porcelain

The porcelain is beautiful, but very fragile at the same time. It reminds you that your relationship should be nurtured all the time, no matter what time has passed. 

Twenty-fifth wedding anniversary – silver

The name was given already during the Roman Empire, when the spouses presented their chosen ones with a silver wreath.

Thirtieth wedding anniversary – pearl

The twenty-fifth wedding anniversary is a silver thirtieth wedding anniversary is a pearl. Pearls. Incredibly beautiful jewels. Rare and flawless, just like your relationship. Your love is still captivatingly beautiful and filled with wonderful memories. 

Thirty-fifth wedding anniversary – coral , fortieth wedding anniversary – ruby , forty-fifth wedding anniversary – sapphire , fiftieth wedding anniversary – golden (golden wedding) , fifty-fifth wedding anniversary – emerald , sixtieth wedding anniversary – diamond , sixty-fifth wedding anniversary seventieth wedding anniversary – stone , seventy-fifth wedding anniversary – brilliant , eightieth wedding anniversary – oak.

What do wedding anniversary names mean?

It is clearly noticeable that the names of marriage anniversaries are related to some material, metal, or building material. This is to show that each anniversary carries certain values ​​and varied symbolism. As the years go by, the material grows stronger, as does the marriage bond.

the man is carrying a laughing woman on his back

Why is the first wedding anniversary called paper?

We call the first wedding anniversary a paper one, because the first year of marriage is still fragile, delicate and very easy to destroy, just like paper.  The bond between the spouses is not as permanent and strong as in the case of married couples with more seniority. The name of the first wedding anniversary may also refer to the paper on which the marriage certificate is drawn up.

first wedding anniversary - happy couple on a walk in the park

First wedding anniversary – how to spend?

On the occasion of your first wedding anniversary, you will surely come up with various ideas on how to celebrate this special day. The paper anniversary is unique. Of course, the next anniversaries are equally important, but it is the celebration of the first year of marriage that will remain in your memory for a long time.

first wedding anniversary - couple in love on the terrace

Stay close to each other

You can organize a romantic dinner at home. The very preparation of it will be a pleasant experience for you. After all, nothing comes close like delicious food. You can use candles or turn on romantic music to create a unique atmosphere. After dinner, you can even arrange a small dance floor in your room and rock to your favorite note, and afterwards, cuddle up and see photos or a movie together.

Go crazy a little

If you are not the home-grown type, go out into the city! Maybe you will be tempted by the place of your first date? Or the first kiss? You can always choose to celebrate your anniversary all day long and organize a picnic in the park or forest, and then go for a long walk or bike trip.  In the evening, you can go out for a delicious dinner in some atmospheric place. For those more thirsty for exercise, you can even go to some dances or buy a lesson at a dance school. It is definitely an interesting alternative to an evening at home.

Go away for the weekend

Weekend out of town? Why not! Who says you can only celebrate your wedding anniversary for one day? Choose the place you always wanted to go to. Mountains, Masuria, or maybe Pomerania? Travel agencies also offer weekend trips abroad. How about romantic Paris or hot Barcelona?  Such a solution will definitely be a great idea that you should consider. Certainly, such a celebration of a paper anniversary will be unforgettable.

First wedding anniversary – gift ideas

According to tradition, paper gifts are given on the first wedding anniversary.  Hence, among other things, it owes its name. Of course, you do not have to comply with this and you can give yourself any gifts you want. Nevertheless, below we have prepared a list of ideas for special paper gifts for you.

first wedding anniversary - a woman and a man are holding paper hearts

Letters

Could there be anything more romantic than giving yourself a personal letter in which you would like to emphasize what this year of marriage was for you and what else you want to say to your loved one? You can romantically hide such a letter in a bottle or hide it under your spouse’s pillow. Putting your feelings on paper and honestly writing what is in your heart as a game will be a unique souvenir for many years to which you can come back for a very long time and watch how you change. You can use the original stationery to create the letter.

Cards

Of course, you can design such a card yourself and fill it with beautiful wishes. The point here is absolutely not to create a work of art pampered down to every detail, but to give something from the heart that will show the strength of affection and love that you have for another person. On the web you will also find a large number of tutorials on how to prepare such a unique hand-made card, which of course you can follow.

Photo album

A wonderful souvenir! During this year, you have certainly collected a lot of joint photos, which are the capture of wonderful memories and moments. So let’s prepare your own album, which you can also decorate beautifully. Inside, paste the most important photos that you think best reflect the past year and show how your relationship has flourished.

world map

You can even go to the end of the world with your loved one! Maybe it is worth showing it and designing or buying a world map, on which you will put pins, where else you would like to go with your spouse. It will certainly be a beautiful gift that you can hang, for example in the bedroom above the bed, to remind you of your goals for the future and your joint plans.

A basket full of souvenirs

Ah! For sure during this year you have accumulated a whole lot of items that remind you of wonderful moments, not only paper ones. On the occasion of your wedding anniversary, prepare a basket that you can decorate and put in it All the things that are related to your spouse or remind you of your relationship and all the moments that you have lived together during this year. Such a gift will be a souvenir for many years and you will certainly be able to return to it often with a smile on your face.

Best wishes for your first wedding anniversary

If you wish to wish a young couple with a year’s service, below is a list of suggestions that you can use. If you do not want to use ready-made wishes, you can always try a beautiful quote about love or feeling, which sometimes means more than a thousand words.

first wedding anniversary - a couple in love show a heart symbol with their hands

Sending congratulations on the beautiful 1st Wedding Anniversary, we wish you to continue your life, holding hands tight – always smiling, always together, always confident in your feelings.

Dear Jubilarians! On such a beautiful day, which is the first anniversary of your wedding, we wish you all the best, consolation of the children and good health and abundance of Golden Wedding. 

On the occasion of the 1st wedding anniversary, we send our best wishes: love more and more mature every year, understanding each other without words, many mountains to conquer in common, many dreams come true and that your wonderful toddlers, when they grow up, tell you that they want their marriages to be the same as yours.

So recently – the Bride and Groom! And today this couple is celebrating a paper anniversary, so I wish with all my heart: let the relationship last in love, and in it always the joy of guests.

In a happy marriage there is certainty and contentment that do not change. May the coming years bring you even closer together. May they bring you a lot of joy, health and inner peace. All the best on your 1st Wedding Anniversary.

“Every love is a journey.” That is why, beloved, we wish you a happy journey to the next jubilees, unending love, consent and joy for the days together, everything that is most beautiful on the occasion of the 1st wedding anniversary! It is your first anniversary.

It can be a special occasion to pause and look back at what you have achieved in your marriage. It is a time reserved for memories of joyful moments and solved problems. It is time to thank Boguz for the development of your love and the permanence of your marriage.

Summary

  • Why is the first wedding anniversary called paper?

    Paper is a very delicate and brittle material that can easily be damaged. The bond of spouses after the first year is not yet so constant and strong, so they should cultivate and care for it. Hence the name of the paper. The second reason may be a reference to a signed paper marriage certificate. 

  • How can you spend your first wedding anniversary?

    It all depends on you and what you like to do. There are many possibilities. If you choose a romantic atmosphere, choose a dinner at home combined with a movie night . For all those who like to spend time actively, we recommend a long walk or a bicycle trip , which you can finish with a picnic, and in the evening go out to the city for an atmospheric dinner or dancing. Alternatively, if you want a longer rest, you can always go on a weekend trip outside the city, e.g. to Paris or Barcelona. 

  • What gift to buy for the first wedding anniversary?

    According to the tradition, paper gifts are given on the first wedding anniversary. This does not mean, however, that they must be devoid of romance. Go for an honest and emotional letter in a bottle or a hand-decorated card with beautiful wishes. You can also think of a photo album or a world map where you can mark places where you would like to go with your spouse.

  • What wishes should I make on my first wedding anniversary?

    On the web you can find a lot of different wishes for your first wedding anniversary that you can use. However, if you want to be original, you can always choose just a beautiful quote about love or marriage that sometimes means more than a thousand words.

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