Wedding anniversaries by year: what they mean and how to celebrate them

Is your big wedding anniversary approaching and you want to know exactly what each year is called? Or are you just curious about what your specific anniversary is named? Wedding anniversaries have a long tradition in our culture of being named after materials — and each has its own symbol and story, which is great to mention in a greeting card, on a cake, or just during the celebration. Here is an overview of the most well-known ones.

Overview of wedding anniversaries by year

1 year – Cotton (paper) anniversary. The relationship is just beginning and taking shape — much like paper or cotton thread, which can be easily molded but do not yet have a firm structure.

5 years – Wood anniversary. The marriage has already put down roots and gained a firm foundation upon which to build further.

10 years – Tin (aluminum) anniversary. The first significant milestone. Tin symbolizes flexibility and adaptability — a skill that a couple inevitably acquires after ten years of life together.

15 years – Crystal anniversary. The relationship is clear and pure, but glass also serves as a reminder that even a strong bond needs to be cared for.

20 years – China anniversary. A delicate yet surprisingly durable bond — with proper care, china lasts for generations.

25 years – Silver anniversary. The first major milestone anniversary and one of the most frequently celebrated of all. Silver symbolizes value that only grows with time.

30 years – Pearl anniversary. A pearl is formed slowly and patiently, layer by layer — just like a relationship that has endured for thirty years.

40 years – Ruby anniversary. The ruby represents the passion and depth of a relationship that has stood the test of time and only grown stronger.

50 years – Golden anniversary. The most significant and festive milestone anniversary. Gold is a symbol of lasting value, fidelity, and a connection that has endured across decades.

60 years – Diamond anniversary. The diamond is the hardest natural material in existence — just like a bond that has lasted for sixty years.

How to celebrate an anniversary

The tradition for milestone anniversaries is usually clear — a gathering with family, shared memories, and above all, a cake or a celebration with decorations that clearly state which anniversary it is. A cake topper with a number, date, or the names of the couple is a simple way to celebrate the anniversary at first glance while making it personal.

For a golden (50 years) and ruby anniversary (40 years), we have ready-made, custom-dated toppers. For any other anniversary — such as silver or pearl — we can produce a custom topper with any number of years, names, or a date exactly according to your wishes.

And if you are planning a celebration with baking, check out our wedding cookie cutters — from the bride and a wedding car to a complete thematic set.