Planning a wedding anniversary celebration is always exciting, and one of the classic ways to add a special touch to each milestone is by incorporating traditional anniversary colors. These colors have been associated with specific anniversary years for many decades, and knowing the significance of each color can help you create a meaningful and personalized celebration. In this article, we will explore the traditional wedding anniversary colors by year, from the first to the 50th anniversary.
The Significance of Traditional Wedding Anniversary Colors
Anniversaries are a time to celebrate the love and commitment between two individuals. The tradition of assigning specific colors to each anniversary year dates back to the early 20th century. These colors are meant to symbolize the emotions, virtues, and milestones associated with each year of marriage.
By incorporating the designated color into the anniversary celebration, couples can create a cohesive theme and evoke the essence of their journey together. From decorating the venue to choosing outfits and gifts, traditional anniversary colors offer a meaningful and personal touch to the celebration.
Without further ado, let’s delve into the traditional wedding anniversary colors by year.
First Anniversary: Paper (Color: Gold)
The first anniversary is a significant milestone, as it marks the completion of the first year of marriage. Paper is the traditional symbol for the first anniversary, symbolizing the blank canvas of a new beginning. The color associated with this year is gold, which represents the preciousness and value of the bond formed in the first year.
When planning a first anniversary celebration, consider incorporating golden accents into the decorations and choosing gifts wrapped in gold paper. This symbolizes the hope and optimism that accompany the early years of marriage.
Second Anniversary: Cotton (Color: Red)
The second anniversary is represented by cotton, symbolizing the comfort and warmth that two individuals find in one another. The color associated with this anniversary is red, signifying the deepening love and passion between the couple.
To celebrate the second anniversary, consider decorating the venue with red blooms or opting for red accessories. As for gifts, items made of cotton, such as soft linens or cozy pajamas, make for thoughtful and fitting presents.
Third Anniversary: Leather (Color: White)
Leather is the traditional symbol for the third anniversary, signifying the durability and flexibility of a successful marriage. The color associated with this year is white, representing purity and the commitment to nurture the relationship.
To honor the third anniversary, consider incorporating white leather elements into the celebration. For gifts, leather accessories or personalized leather items can make a lasting and meaningful impression.
Fourth Anniversary: Linen or Silk (Color: Blue)
The fourth anniversary is represented by linen or silk, symbolizing the comfort and luxury that the couple has built together. The color associated with the fourth anniversary is blue, representing stability and tranquility.
To celebrate the fourth anniversary, consider incorporating blue hues in the décor and attire. Gifts made of linen or silk, such as elegant scarves or luxurious bedding, can be great choices for this occasion.
Fifth Anniversary: Wood (Color: Turquoise)
The fifth anniversary is a significant milestone and is symbolized by wood, representing the strength and solidity of the relationship. The color associated with this anniversary year is turquoise, signifying growth and harmony.
To celebrate the fifth anniversary, consider incorporating turquoise accents into the décor and choosing wooden gifts. From personalized wooden plaques to handcrafted furniture pieces, the options are endless when it comes to honoring the fifth year together.
Sixth Anniversary: Iron (Color: Purple)
The sixth anniversary is represented by iron, symbolizing the strength and resilience of the marriage. The color associated with this year is purple, representing creativity and wisdom.
When celebrating the sixth anniversary, consider incorporating purple elements into the celebration. You could use purple flowers or incorporate purple table settings. As for gifts, items made of iron or purple-themed presents can be thoughtful and fitting.
Seventh Anniversary: Wool or Copper (Color: Off-White)
The seventh anniversary is symbolized by wool or copper, representing the warmth and comfort that a couple finds in each other’s presence. The color associated with this year is off-white, signifying purity and serenity.
To celebrate the seventh anniversary, consider decorating with off-white elements and incorporating wool or copper accessories. For gifts, cozy woolen blankets or copper kitchenware can be wonderful choices to commemorate this milestone.
Eighth Anniversary: Bronze or Pottery (Color: Tourmaline)
Bronze or pottery represents the strength and durability of a relationship in the eighth year of marriage. The color associated with this anniversary is tourmaline, symbolizing healing and protection.
To celebrate the eighth anniversary, consider incorporating tourmaline accents into the celebration. Gifts made of bronze or pottery, such as sculptures or decorative vases, can also make meaningful and cherished presents.
Ninth Anniversary: Pottery or Willow (Color: Terracotta)
The ninth anniversary is symbolized by pottery or willow, representing the flexibility and resilience of a successful marriage. The color associated with this year is terracotta, signifying earthiness and warmth.
When celebrating the ninth anniversary, consider incorporating terracotta elements into the décor. Gifts made of pottery or items inspired by willow, such as woven baskets or willow sculptures, can be perfect choices to honor this milestone.
Tenth Anniversary: Tin or Aluminum (Color: Silver or Blue)
The tenth anniversary is a significant milestone and is symbolized by tin or aluminum, representing the strength and flexibility of a successful marriage. The colors associated with this anniversary are silver and blue, signifying elegance and loyalty respectively.
To celebrate the tenth anniversary, consider incorporating silver and blue elements into the décor and attire. Gifts made of tin or aluminum, such as customized jewelry or engraved photo frames, can be wonderful choices to commemorate this milestone.
Eleventh Anniversary: Steel (Color: Turquoise)
The eleventh anniversary is represented by steel, symbolizing the strength and endurance of the relationship. The color associated with this year is turquoise, representing growth and protection.
To honor the eleventh anniversary, consider incorporating turquoise accents into the celebration. Gifts made of steel or turquoise-themed presents can also be thoughtful ways to commemorate this milestone.
Twelfth Anniversary: Silk or Linen (Color: Oyster White)
The twelfth anniversary is symbolized by silk or linen, representing the comfort and luxury that couples find in their life together. The color associated with this anniversary is oyster white, signifying peace and prosperity.
When celebrating the twelfth anniversary, consider incorporating oyster white elements into the décor and attire. Gifts made of silk or linen, such as elegant garments or personalized bedding, can be excellent choices to commemorate this milestone.
Thirteenth Anniversary: Lace (Color: White)
The thirteenth anniversary is represented by lace, symbolizing the intricate beauty and delicate nature of a successful marriage. The color associated with this year is white, representing purity and innocence.
To celebrate the thirteenth anniversary, consider incorporating white lace elements into the decorations and attire. Gifts made of lace or white-themed presents can be thoughtful and fitting choices for this milestone.
Fourteenth Anniversary: Ivory (Color: Ivory)
The fourteenth anniversary is symbolized by ivory, representing the unique bond and enduring love between the couple. The color associated with this year is, fittingly, ivory itself, signifying grace and purity.
To honor the fourteenth anniversary, consider incorporating ivory accents into the celebration. While it is important to note the ethical concerns surrounding real ivory, there are plenty of alternative materials and faux ivory options available. Personalized gifts or ivory-themed home decor can also be great choices for this milestone.
Fifteenth Anniversary: Crystal (Color: Ruby Red)
The fifteenth anniversary is a momentous occasion and is symbolized by crystal, representing the clarity and transparency in a successful marriage. The color associated with this anniversary is ruby red, signifying passion and deep love.
To celebrate the fifteenth anniversary, consider incorporating ruby red accents into the decorations and attire. Gifts made of crystal or ruby-themed presents, such as jewelry or elegant glassware, can be perfect choices to commemorate this milestone.
Sixteenth Anniversary: Silver Holloware (Color: Silver)
The sixteenth anniversary is represented by silver holloware, symbolizing the everyday usefulness and elegance of a successful marriage. The color associated with this year is silver, representing grace and sophistication.
To honor the sixteenth anniversary, consider incorporating silver elements into the celebration. Gifts made of silver or silver-themed presents, such as silverware sets or personalized jewelry, can be thoughtful and fitting choices for this milestone.
Seventeenth Anniversary: Furniture (Color: Yellow)
The seventeenth anniversary is symbolized by furniture, representing stability and comfort in a marriage. The color associated with this year is yellow, signifying joy and happiness.
When celebrating the seventeenth anniversary, consider incorporating yellow elements into the decorations and attire. Gifts related to furniture or yellow-themed presents can also be thoughtful and fitting choices to commemorate this milestone.
Eighteenth Anniversary: Porcelain (Color: Blue)
The eighteenth anniversary is represented by porcelain, symbolizing the delicate and beautiful aspects of a long-lasting relationship. The color associated with this anniversary is blue, representing trust and loyalty.
To celebrate the eighteenth anniversary, consider incorporating blue or porcelain elements into the celebration. Gifts made of porcelain or blue-themed presents, such as decorative vases or delicate china, can be wonderful choices for this milestone.
Nineteenth Anniversary: Bronze (Color: Bronze)
The nineteenth anniversary is symbolized by bronze, representing the strength and resilience of a long-lasting marriage. The color associated with this year is, fittingly, bronze itself, signifying endurance and protection.
When commemorating the nineteenth anniversary, consider incorporating bronze accents into the celebration. Gifts made of bronze or bronze-themed presents, such as sculptures or commemorative plaques, can also be thoughtful and fitting choices to honor this milestone.
Twentieth Anniversary: China (Color: Emerald Green)
The twentieth anniversary is a remarkable milestone and is symbolized by china, representing the beauty and delicacy of a long-lasting marriage. The color associated with this anniversary is emerald green, signifying renewal and growth.
To celebrate the twentieth anniversary, consider incorporating emerald green accents into the decorations and attire. Gifts made of china or emerald-themed presents, such as jewelry or elegant dinnerware, can be perfect choices to commemorate this milestone.
Twenty-Fifth Anniversary: Silver (Color: Silver)
The twenty-fifth anniversary, also known as the Silver anniversary, is a significant milestone in any couple’s journey. Silver represents the brilliance and radiance of a lasting union. The color associated with this anniversary is, of course, silver itself, signifying elegance and beauty.
To celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary, consider incorporating silver accents into the decorations and attire. Gifts made of silver or silver-themed presents, such as personalized silver jewelry or engraved silverware, can be perfect choices to commemorate this milestone.
Thirtieth Anniversary: Pearl (Color: Green)
The thirtieth anniversary is symbolized by pearls, representing the beauty and wisdom acquired through a long-lasting marriage. The color associated with this year is green, signifying renewal and harmony.
When celebrating the thirtieth anniversary, consider incorporating green elements into the decorations and attire. Gifts made of pearls or green-themed presents, such as pearl jewelry or nature-inspired items, can be thoughtful and fitting choices to honor this milestone.
Thirty-Fifth Anniversary: Coral (Color: Coral)
The thirty-fifth anniversary is represented by coral, symbolizing the beauty, strength, and resilience of a long-lasting relationship. The color associated with this anniversary is, fittingly, coral itself, signifying warmth and vibrancy.
To honor the thirty-fifth anniversary, consider incorporating coral accents into the celebration. Gifts made of coral or coral-themed presents, such as unique coral jewelry or decorative coral sculptures, can also be thoughtful and fitting choices to commemorate this milestone.
Fortieth Anniversary: Ruby (Color: Ruby Red)
The fortieth anniversary, also known as the Ruby anniversary, is a momentous occasion that symbolizes an enduring and passionate love. The color associated with this anniversary is ruby red, representing deep and lasting love.
When celebrating the fortieth anniversary, consider incorporating ruby red accents into the decorations and attire. Gifts made of ruby or ruby-themed presents, such as jewelry or personalized keepsakes, can be perfect choices to commemorate this milestone.
Forty-Fifth Anniversary: Sapphire (Color: Sapphire Blue)
The forty-fifth anniversary is symbolized by sapphire, representing the strength and wisdom gained through a long-lasting marriage. The color associated with this year is sapphire blue, signifying truth and loyalty.
To celebrate the forty-fifth anniversary, consider incorporating sapphire blue elements into the celebration. Gifts made of sapphire or sapphire-themed presents, such as jewelry or decorative items, can be thoughtful and fitting choices to honor this milestone.
Fiftieth Anniversary: Gold (Color: Gold)
The fiftieth anniversary, also known as the Golden anniversary, is the pinnacle of marital milestones and represents a half-century of love, commitment, and devotion. Gold symbolizes the preciousness and enduring nature of a long-lasting marriage.
To celebrate the fiftieth anniversary, consider incorporating golden accents into the decorations and attire. Gifts made of gold or gold-themed presents, such as gold jewelry or customized gold items, can be perfect choices to commemorate this significant milestone.
Conclusion
Understanding the traditional wedding anniversary colors by year adds a unique layer of depth and sentiment to any celebration. By incorporating these colors into your anniversary festivities and gift-giving, you can create a personalized and meaningful experience that truly honors the journey you and your partner have shared.
Remember, while the traditional anniversary colors provide guidance, they are not mandatory. The most important aspect of any anniversary celebration is to celebrate the love and commitment you both share.
Whether you choose to follow the traditional colors or opt for a different theme altogether, the most important thing is to create an experience that reflects your unique relationship and brings joy to both you and your partner. Cheers to many more years of love, happiness, and memorable anniversaries!
