It’s Your Anniversary! Traditional Wedding Anniversary Gifts

So, I was in the oh so fantastic wine aisle in Trader Joe’s the other day (I have to stock up for after the baby is born:), when I over heard the two girls next to me discussing what they were supposed to get their new husbands for their one year wedding anniversaries.  It is so hard for me not to jump in every time I hear someone asking a question about anything wedding related and answer them!  So, instead, I decided to blog about it for the many that want to know what the customary gift is to give your spouse on each anniversary!  

I will be married for seven years in October and I have to admit that I was pretty good about staying traditional in the beginning, I have fallen off the track a bit.  It was nice to be reminded that it is still important to young couples to follow our wonderful traditions weather you believe in their meanings or not.  I like to get creative with my gifts instead of just getting “cotton” for example, I like to think outside the box!  We all know that men are the hardest people to shop for especially when it comes to sentimental gifts.  So ladies, this is mostly to help you in that department but I will help the guys out a little too!  I hope this gives you a head start on ideas for when you and your fiance join your lives together!

1st Anniversary:  Paper

Photo Provided by Tricia Martin
Photo Provided by Tricia Martin

Plane tickets!  A trip out of the country or a weekend getaway is the perfect way to celebrate your 1st anniversary.  If your schedule does not allow, try getting tickets to your favorite show or concert.

2nd Anniversary:  Cotton

Photo Provided by Emily Wyatt
Photo Provided by Emily Wyatt

New bedding and sheets!  Refresh your bedroom by adding new sheets and bedding…after all, this is where all the romance happens!  I’m sure he won’t be disappointed.

3rd Anniversary:  Leather

Of The Fountain shop via Etsy
Of The Fountain shop via Etsy

 

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Custom leather luggage tags for him and who doesn’t love a new purse or bag!  This vintage purse is a perfect gift for your wife!

4th Anniversary:  Flowers/Fruit 

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Photo Provided by  Barrett Doran www.barrettdoran.com
Photo Provided by Barrett Doran www.barrettdoran.com

I skipped right over to flowers and I am totally ignoring fruit…sorry!  Even if you say you don’t like flowers, let’s face it…EVERY girl loves getting flowers!  But guys, skip the traditional red roses and go for something whimsical and beautiful that will surprise her and leave her speechless!

 

5th Anniversary:  Wood

jkvinyldesigns via Etsy
jkvinyldesigns via Etsy

Custom wood signs are a great idea for your 5th Anniversary; it has special meaning and it is a great piece to put in the home.   Other Ideas could be maybe a new bed or table that you can enjoy as a family together!

The first 5 years of a marriage are so important and memorable!  I hope these ideas help you to make these memories extra special!

Happy Anniversary!

Maid of Honor Duties

Have you been asked to be a Maid or Matron of Honor?  If you said yes, congratulations!  You have been chosen as one of the most important people in the bride’s life and she wants YOU to stand by her side on the big day.  After the excitement wears off, you may start to wonder what your responsibilities are.   There are just a few simple things to remember along the way to ensure you are the best maid of honor you can be!

Photo provided by Society Bride

 1. Accompany the bride on her quest for the perfect wedding dress.  You may visit many bridal stores before finding the perfect dress. Be patient and help the bride find the dress that fits her and her personality best.

2. Be her “rock” during the stress of planning.  Try to be available for the bride to call you with questions, advice, and concerns.  She will need a Maid of Honor with a good listening ear who can laugh and cry with her throughout this sometimes stressful process.  Also try to attend vendor appointments such as catering and cake appointments when asked to attend.

3. Help with finding the right bridesmaid dresses.  Help the other bridesmaids at the fittings and make sure they have their dresses ordered and paid for on time.

Photo provided by Rustic Wedding Chic

4.  Volunteer your time for wedding projects.  Help with assembling invitations or wedding favors.  Also, offer time to help with DIY projects.

5. Plan A Wedding Shower Throw a thoughtful shower celebrating the upcoming wedding.  Be sure to include the other bridesmaids to help with the planning!

6. Plan the Bachelorette Party Consult with the bride on what she wants for a bachelorette party before planning to ensure you have events planned to fit her comfort level.

7. Coordinate Hair and Make-up times for all bridesmaids on the day of the wedding. Make sure all of the bridesmaids are ready on time!

8. On the wedding day keep the bride calm and on-time Help the bride get ready and get in to her wedding dress.  Make sure she stays on time so she is ready for pictures to alleviate any additional stress.

Photo provided by Pure Bliss Bridals

9.  During the ceremony hold her bouquet, carry the grooms ring and take care of her train.

10. Prepare a toast during the reception.

I promise if you do all of these things you will make the bride so happy in her decision to choose you as her Maid or Matron of Honor!

Do you have any advice to add to this list?

We want to know!

5 Tips For A Perfect Wedding Toast

It’s an honor to be chosen as a Maid of Honor or Best Man but the job of giving a toast at the wedding may be a daunting task. Especially if you have never given a toast before or have a touch of stage fright.  We have compiled a list of the top five tips for writing and giving a top notch wedding toast.

Photo provided by Wed Me Pretty

1. Start and end strong.  Start off your toast by saying who are and how you know the bride or groom.  Be confident and create your speech like you would a story.  End your toast with asking guests to raise their glasses to toast the happy couple

2. Be Yourself!   If you aren’t normally a funny person don’t try to be.  Just tell a sweet story instead of a list of jokes.  As long as you are sincere guests will love it just as much as a funny toast.

Photo provided by The Wedding Shoppe

3. Keep it short and sweet.  Don’t tell long drawn out stories about when you were kids. That’s normally when guests start to tune you out. Guests love to hear personal stories just keep them current and short.

4. Practice!!  Practice really does make your toast sound better.  Don’t try to wing it on the wedding day.  A great tip is to have an outline of talking points to help you remember.  Don’t read your entire speech word for word or it won’t sound sincere.

Photo provided by Sweet Chic Events

5. Keep it Classy!  Try not to drink too much before the toast to relieve nerves.  Also, try to contain your emotions.  Don’t cry too much where guests can’t understand what you are saying or laugh at your jokes when they may not be that funny.  Make sure you don’t bring up sex or exes. When in doubt leave it out.

Do you have any advice to add to this list?

We want to hear about it!