Wedding Anniversary Tradition - Year 1 - Paper

Have you ever wondered why certain wedding anniversaries are celebrated with particular gifts? There are many suggestions for the origins of these customs in the UK, but most seem to agree that the earliest known examples date back to the Germanic region of medieval Europe, when a wife was given a silver wreath on reaching her 25th year of marriage and a gold one on her 50th. Over time a number of other yearly traditions were added, especially by the Victorians, inspired perhaps by the Queen's Golden and Diamond Jubilee celebrations. But it was in 1937, that the American National Retail Jeweler Association issued a more complete list, no doubt spotting the commercial possibilities. 

Debrett's lists the UK choices as follows:
1 paper                  
2 cotton   
3 leather   
4 flowers, fruit   
5 wood   
6 sugar   
7 wool, copper
8 bronze, pottery      
9 willow, pottery                 
10 tin      
11 steel   
12 silk, linen
13 lace                     
14 ivory    
15 crystal 
20 china
25 silver
30 pearl
35 coral
40 ruby
45 sapphire
50 gold
55 emerald
60 diamond
70 platinum

 It probably seemed natural that the longer the marriage, the more valuable and durable the gifts should be, hence the choice of paper for the first year. It has also been suggested that paper is symbolic of the marriage being still fragile and easily torn, but also that it is an affordable option for struggling newlyweds. 

In the first of our series, we look at some ideas for gifts for the Paper Anniversary.

The first thought that springs to mind is of course just to send a lovely romantic card. We can do funny...

1st Anniversary Card

classic...

With Love Anniversary Card

romantic...

Red Rose Anniversary Card

or cheeky!

'Sweet Cheeks' Card

'You Make My Heart Go Boom' is a paper gift with a message; a neat little volume full of quotes, messages and musings to tell your other half that they rock your world.

You Make My Heart Go Boom Book

Here is a little novelty paper anniversary gift just for saying 'I love you'. Sitting in a red foiled heart box, it opens out like a concertina, each page with a message, beginning 'There's been something on my mind' and ending with 'I love you'.

Another popular choice is an original newspaper from the day you were married. See what other momentous events took place alongside your wedding!

Original Newspaper - Any Date

Some think that one of the reasons for choosing paper for the first wedding anniversary is the idea of documenting the marriage. So why not keep a diary especially for recording special moments, words and events of your early married life? Choose from a traditional leather five year One Line A Day diary...

One Line A Day A Five Year Memory Book

or this quirky One Tweet A Day version.

One Tweet A Day: A Five Year Memory Book

 Here is another sweet token for a paper wedding anniversary. Inside the pretty red heart foiled box is a little message that opens like a concertina, each page with a message, beginning with 
'There's been something on my mind' and ending with 'I Love You'.
 

Mini 'Three Little Words' Boxed Paper Book

A piece of Word Art could be a really appropriate choice as a paper anniversary gift. This A3 size print has a sweet message and can hang as it is or you can frame it to suit your home.

'I Love You Simply' Word Art A3 Print

These framed Word Art blocks make real statement! They are framed in the recycled antique timbers from Victorian roofs for a rustic, distressed effect. These two messages are particularly suitable to celebrate your first year.

'You Had Me At Hello' Framed Word Art

'Love Makes The Ride Worthwhile' Framed Word Art

No-one but you knows just why you chose the one you did, so why not write your own book? Inside this one are 50 prompts for you to fill in, such as 'I never get tired of your...'You have the greatest taste in...' and 'I love now you believe in...'. You can make it cheeky, romantic or a bit of both but you'll end up with a really personal, unique paper anniversary gift.

What I Love About You

Take a look here at all our gorgeous ideas for your 1st Wedding Anniversary; there is sure to be something that is just right for your new life partner.
'