32 Romantic Ideas To Celebrate Your First Wedding Anniversary

First anniversaries are arguably the most exciting occasion for a couple. This first milestone in married life offers an opportunity for the partners to reflect on their journey as a couple. You need the best first anniversary ideas to celebrate this day with the pomp and show that it deserves. You can surprise your partner on this day or organize a grand soirée that will be remembered for years to come. While the first wedding anniversary has a different charm, planning it may appear to be hard! But, fret not. We got your back. In this article, we have listed many innovative, unique, amazing, and quirky first wedding anniversary ideas to celebrate your first wedding anniversary. This exhaustive list covers everything from décor to food and more. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dig into it.

32 Romantic And Unique Things To Do On Your First Wedding Anniversary

In this article, we’ve categorized first wedding anniversary ideas into three broad categories: location-based, budget-based, and theme-based. This is to ensure that every couple, regardless of their style, preferences, or budget, finds an idea that resonates with them. Each idea has been carefully curated to cater to your unique needs and help you celebrate your first milestone in a way that’s perfect for you. If you have not been able to zero in on your plan for a romantic anniversary, check out the following romantic anniversary ideas you can use:

Location-Based First Wedding Anniversary Ideas

There are several ways to spend the day with your partner and make it wholly unique. If you as a couple enjoy spending time in outdoor settings and are always on the lookout to explore new places, then pick an activity from outdoor wedding anniversary ideas. If you like more intimate and creative ideas, then choosing something from the list of indoor first-wedding anniversary ideas could help you make the most of your celebration.

Indoors First Wedding Anniversary Ideas

These ideas are ideal for couples who like to keep things quiet and intimate. If you are looking to spend one-on-one time together, then these ideas could certainly interest you, fostering a deeper connection and understanding between you and your partner.

1.Savor Your Wedding Cake

It is a tradition to save (and freeze) the top tier of the wedding cake for the first anniversary. This tradition came from Great Britain and symbolized good luck and prosperity. If you have preserved the top tier of your wedding cake, nothing is as romantic as cutting it again on your first anniversary. Choose a romantic spot that has some lovely memories associated with you both and indulge!

2. A Luxurious Night-In

If you think dressing up and painting the town red with your partner is not your thing, how about spending a luxurious night at home? At-home spa therapy with homemade scrubs, essential oils, some beautifully scented candles, sexy lingerie, peaceful music, and tasty food is the perfect romantic idea for celebrating the first anniversary.

3. A First-Anniversary Puzzle

If you and your partner love indoor games and puzzles, how about gifting them a wedding day puzzle? There are plenty of options to customize your puzzle, which will also make for a frame-worthy picture later.

4. Luxurious Bed Breakfast

Begin your day by treating your partner to a luxurious breakfast in bed. Pancakes, waffles, French toast, fresh juice, and a piping hot cup of coffee– the perfect way to begin your first wedding anniversary celebrations. Want to make it more special? Follow it up with some action in bed!

5. Be A Plant Parent

If you and your partner love plants but are still looking for the perfect plants to bring home, take that step today! Surprise your partner by bringing home some wonderful indoor plants to spruce up your home. Fern and succulent terrariums, the lucky jade plant, bonsai, and other air-purifying plants are beautiful and are a great way to commemorate your first wedding anniversary.

6. Take A Romantic Bath Together

There is something very romantic and sensual about bathing with your spouse. Set up some candles, dim the lights, prepare a bubble bath, and prepare your favorite drink to spend a wonderful time with your spouse in the bath! This is one of the most romantic things to do for the anniversary. It is relaxing and rejuvenating and helps you have some beautiful conversations with your better half on this memorable day.

7. Make A Personalized Star Map

If you and your partner love the night and enjoy star gazing, a personalized star map can be a lovely memoir for your first wedding anniversary. A star map shows the alignment of stars at a particular date, time, and place, so you can order a star map of the time you first met or when you made the proposal, exchanged rings, or took your vows. It is a different and unique way to memorialize your special moments.

Outdoors First Wedding Anniversary Ideas

If you like adventures and believe in celebrating your anniversary by making unforgettable memories, then these experience-filled celebrations are the perfect way to mark the milestone. They will help you to come closer and are just an opportunity to step out of the ordinary.

8. Time Travel

Take a walk down memory lane. From your dating or courting days to your wedding day – you have had a memorable journey together. Reminiscing old memories, be it reading love letters or notes you must have written to each other or revisiting the places that hold value to you both, helps you realize how much you have grown in all these years.

How about booking a room or planning a date at the hotel you got married in? Or have dinner at the restaurant where you had your first date? This is a great way to treasure those precious memories one more time and spend a romantic first anniversary.

9. Plan Your Second Honeymoon

Who said honeymoons are only for newlyweds? While you may take many trips with your spouse, plan a second honeymoon to make your first wedding anniversary special. It does not have to be the same place or as grand as your honeymoon, but making some lovely memories to kickstart your second year of marriage with a romantic trip is good.

10. Go Camping!

If you and your partner are outdoorsy, your first wedding anniversary is a great time to plan a camping trip! Right from hiring a trailer, booking a cabin in the woods, or a luxurious campsite, there are so many options to make your first anniversary a romantic yet adventurous!

11. Set Sail

There is something uber-romantic about sailing. If you are looking to surprise or treat your partner to a romantic first-anniversary date, book a small boat and set up a wonderful evening date with your loved ones.

12. Plan A Staycation

If you feel that a mini vacation is too mainstream, how about surprising your partner with a staycation, a perfect weekend getaway? Book a luxury room in the chicest hotel in town, indulge in your favorite foods and drinks, and enjoy your privacy and the company of your spouse to make your first anniversary a sweet and memorable one.

13. Comedy Club

If you and your partner love to hit the dance floor, how about planning a dancing date night at the most popular dance floors in your city, followed by a romantic dinner in your favorite restaurant is a peppy and fun way to celebrate your first wedding anniversary. A very special date night indeed!

14. Take A Hot Air Balloon Ride

Love will literally be in the air with a red hot air balloon ride with your loved one. On the occasion of your first anniversary, make it a magical moment so you can get to creating memories as you glide over trees and under the great blue sky. Set the table and exchange gifts and cake during this amazing couple’s time, leaving all your worries below.

Budget-Based First Wedding Anniversary Ideas

Whether you like simple gestures or have grand celebration ideas, you will surely find an idea that aligns with your budget to celebrate your first wedding anniversary in an impressive manner. 

Low-Budget First Wedding Anniversary Ideas

If you want to make your anniversary memorable without spending a bomb, here are some interesting and creative low-budget ideas to ensure you have an amazing time with your partner.

15. Gift An Anniversary Journal

This is your first wedding anniversary, and there is a lifetime of them to come. Get your partner an anniversary journal as a keepsake gift to capture all your anniversary moments. This gift will capture the essence of your whole life together and keep your emotional connection strong. You can make the journal even more special by adding personalized notes or writing anniversary poems for your partner. Paste your photos from the past years and include mementos from shared memories to make the journal even more special for your partner.

16. Plan An Al-Fresco Dinner

Sleeping under the stars and talking with your partner is just textbook romance, is it not? How about you take this a step further and plan an Al-Fresco dinner for your loved one? Arrange for all your favorite foods, bring them out to dine under the beautiful starry sky, and make your first wedding anniversary magical.

17. Romantic Movie Night

If you and your spouse enjoy movies, keep your first wedding anniversary as simple as a movie night with your favorite food and a relaxing atmosphere. There is no better way to enjoy a memorable day like your wedding anniversary together at home doing what you both love!

Moderate-Budget First Wedding Anniversary Ideas

If you have a moderate budget, a pragmatic approach to life, and are looking for some sweet and sentimental first wedding anniversary ideas, then check out the list below.

18. Get Couple Tattoos

If you and your partner have been looking to get a couple of tattoos for a long time, your first wedding anniversary may be a great time to do this! You can also surprise your partner and set up an appointment to get your couple’s tattoos to make this day and your love eternal.

19. Adopt A Pet

If you and your partner are ready to take the next step in your relationship, adopting a pet on your first wedding anniversary is the best way to do so! Being a pet parent comes with great responsibility and is a big step for any couple. But there is no cuter way to bring home a new member of the family!

High-Budget First Wedding Anniversary Ideas

If you believe in celebrating your first wedding anniversary in a big way, then take a look at the ideas below.

20. Take A Cooking Class Together

If you and your partner like to learn and do things together, your first wedding anniversary may be a great time to take a cooking class together.

Sign up, elevate your cooking skills, and get set to don the chef’s hat at home– together!

21. Treat Yourselves

Wedding expenses can be heavy on your pocket, but your first wedding anniversary is equally deserving. Couples can treat themselves by buying an expensive gadget, their first car, or home to mark their first wedding anniversary.

22. Anniversary Shoot

Photographs help us relive our most wonderful moments in life. Your first wedding anniversary is a special day that must be captured for posterity. Gift your partner a first-anniversary photoshoot. Take them to all the places around town, recreate many past dates, and capture the moments to store in your photo album. Romantic, right?

23. Name A Star After Your Partner

Show your partner they mean not just the world but the universe to you by naming a star after them as a gift on your first wedding anniversary. All you need to do is sign up on one of the many portals offering this service, get a star named after your partner, and get the certificate framed to gift your partner.

Theme-Based First Wedding Anniversary Ideas

These ideas are great for couples who want to create a one-of-a-kind experience. They can ensure you have a memorable experience on completing the first year of marriage.

Sentimental First Wedding Anniversary Ideas

If you are a couple who enjoys intimate and heartfelt celebrations, then these ideas could be perfect for you.

24. Romantic Treasure Hunt

Set up a romantic treasure hunt for your partner using paper clues. All the clues can lead to a romantic location where you and your partner can enjoy a wonderful date. This is one of the many fun anniversary ideas you can choose to make your first anniversary memorable.

25. Recreate Your First Date

Now that you are married and looking forward to your first wedding anniversary, do you remember the butterflies you had in your tummy when you went on your first date? Special moments, right? How about surprising your partner by recreating your first date as part of your anniversary celebrations and reliving those tender, loving moments again?

26. Relive Your Wedding Night

This will certainly make your wedding night memorable for a lifetime. Book the same room in the same hotel you spent your wedding night at and surprise your partner with the keys to the room after your romantic dinner reservation.

Quick Tip

Alternatively, you might re-enact your wedding ceremony on a smaller scale. But, again, it’s a win-win situation because the bride gets to wear her wedding gown once again during this celebration.

Fun First Wedding Anniversary Ideas

If you think you guys make for a fun couple and are looking for some widely enjoyable ideas, then these ideas are great for unleashing your fun side.

27. Organize A Party

If you believe in celebrating your anniversary with loved ones, organizing and hosting a surprise party is sure to tick a few boxes for you. It is a great occasion to bring out the sass and have some cocktails. Theme parties work well for such occasions, as all your loved ones can gather and have fun.

Rashmi Kanti, a food blogger, shared how she celebrated her first anniversary at a restaurant in her personal blog. She gathered her family and in-laws into a group of 22 people for an enjoyable feast together. She recounts, “The day ended up to be one of the most memorable days. . but I’m looking forward to the years ahead filled with smiles, happy memories, good times, and learning, which have been lying ahead of us (i).” Interestingly,  a study done by Kearns and Leonard highlighted how social networks such as friends and family positively influence marriage quality by the first anniversary. It signifies that couples who have interconnected social circles can lead to increased happiness during the early years of marriage (1).

28. Dancing Night

If you and your partner love to hit the dance floor, how about planning a dancing date night at the most popular dance floors in your city, followed by a romantic dinner in your favorite restaurant is a peppy and fun way to celebrate your first wedding anniversary.

29. Find That ’Wow-ing’ Gift

If you want to make your first wedding anniversary romantic and a special one, gifting is an integral part of the plan. Here are some memorable gifts to give your loved one on the occasion of your first wedding anniversary:

• A Message In A Bottle: To keep up with the tradition of gifting your spouse a paper-based gift for your first anniversary, write down the sweetest message for them and roll it up in a bottle. This is a romantic, sweet, and personalized keepsake gift that will make your anniversary a memorable one.
• Favorite Place Clock: Every couple has a special place where they frequent or wish to go on holiday. Make this place a memorable one by getting a photo of it customized on a wall clock!
• A Fancy Piece Of Jewelry: If your partner loves jewelry, splurging on getting them a show-stopper piece to commemorate your first wedding anniversary is a wonderful way to show how important they are to you. You can also engrave the name of your beloved in the jewelry to add a unique touch.
• Smartwatch: A smartwatch with advanced technological specifications, such as health apps, fitness trackers, and Bluetooth connectivity, is a great gift for a fitness enthusiast partner and makes an apt first-anniversary wedding gift.
• Cufflinks: If your partner likes to suit up often, gift them fancy cufflinks just right for their work meetings or a formal dinner. Want to add more? Well, match the cufflinks with a stylish watch!
• Wedding Venue Illustration: Your wedding venue will always have a special place in your heart. An illustrated and framed wedding venue makes for a sentimental surprise gift for your partner on your first wedding anniversary.
• Get Your Naughty Game On: Do you and your partner like to play naughty games? Gift them a series of naughty games on your wedding anniversary, and enjoy playing them together!
• A Crate Full Of Love: Unable to choose what to gift your partner for your first wedding anniversary? How about a customized crate full of all that they love? Well, keep this a surprise and see their eyes light up when you gift them.
• Personalized Bar Set: If you and your partner love bar accessories and are always collecting them when you travel, getting them a personalized bar set and accessories. This is a great way to commemorate your first wedding anniversary.

Relaxing First Wedding Anniversary Ideas

If you want to enjoy a stress-free celebration and take a break from your routine, these first wedding anniversary ideas might appeal to you.

30. Plan A Road Trip

If you and your partner love road trips, take one on your first wedding anniversary. It could be spontaneous, where you just hit the road and follow where it takes you, or planned, where you can have different experiences.

Quick Tip

Consider visiting DisneyLand or Disney World. Most individuals will find this a delightful way to commemorate their first wedding anniversary, especially if they are both Disney enthusiasts. These parks have luxurious amenities, and they’re not just for kids—you’d be astonished!

31. Book A Spa Date

Our daily routines consume us, and quite often, we spend more time working than spending with our spouses. In many cases, it is not the amount of time you spend with your partner but its quality. So, sharing nice experiences that facilitate intimacy and communication is important. Make your first wedding anniversary memorable by booking a couples spa date. Unwind, rejuvenate, and reconnect your souls while you enjoy some relaxing massages and spa treatments. This is one of the best ways to get away from work and pamper yourself, feeling refreshed and invigorated. It can be followed by a long drive or a romantic dinner!

32. Plan A Wine Tasting Tour

Are you and your partner wine lovers? If so, plan a trip to a wine county or vineyards like Napa Valley. Enjoy a romantic time with your spouse surrounded by beautiful, mesmerizing vineyards sipping on wine–a drink that has often been associated with love and luxury.

Key Takeaways

• The first anniversary of your wedding is a momentous occasion that you will cherish for years.
• Understanding what your partner wants to do on this special day can help you make it more memorable.
• Organize a romantic movie night or an elaborate treasure hunt to celebrate your anniversary with the pomp and splendor it deserves.

Infographic: 10 Lovely First Anniversary Celebration Ideas

Completing a year as a married couple is a milestone and deserves celebration. You can do anything that will make your partner feel special and appreciated. While we have already listed a number of ideas above, they can get overwhelming. But fret not – we have made things even easier. We have picked 10 of the best from the lot and listed them in the infographic below. Check them out.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some unique ways to celebrate a wedding anniversary without spending a lot?

There are budget-friendly ways to celebrate your first wedding anniversary. Instead of grand gifts, try focusing on creating special memories. You can arrange an outdoor picnic or enjoy a projector movie night at home with homemade snacks. To make it fun, arrange an indoor game night and play your favorite games.

What do you get your husband for the 1st anniversary?

It is best to give your husband a unique and personalized romantic gift on your first anniversary. It shows that you went above and beyond to celebrate this special occasion. Here are a few ideas for anniversary presents for your husband:
• An anniversary ring.
• An engraved love stone.
• A painted wedding portrait.

What’s the color for a first anniversary?

Gold or yellow is said to be a first anniversary color as it is bright and happy and symbolizes new beginnings.

Is it important to celebrate the first wedding anniversary?

Yes, it is important to commemorate your first wedding anniversary and celebrate all the memories you’ve made over the past year.

Is a 1 year anniversary a milestone?

Yes, it is a milestone as you both have learnt more about each other and made more intimate memories together.

How do you celebrate your 1st anniversary at home?

You can celebrate your 1st anniversary at home by throwing a party, inviting your friends and family. Or you can opt for something a bit more intimate like a candlelight dinner with only your partner.

Illustration: Romantic First Wedding Anniversary Ideas

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Celebrate your first wedding anniversary in style with these 15 unique ideas! From romantic getaways to special dinners, find the perfect way to mark the occasion from the video below.

Was this article helpful?

Reviewer Author Editor

Rodolfo ParlatiProfessional Life Coach

       

After having graduated in Business Administration, Rodolfo decided to follow his passion for supporting others by becoming a professional coach. Today, his mission is to help people be happy and successful by discovering their potential and finding together the right way to fully exploit it.

Read full bio of Rodolfo Parlati

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Sneha holds a master’s degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad and a professional Relationship Coach diploma. With over four years of experience in writing, she specializes in crafting insightful articles on relationships and lifestyle.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete

Shatabdi BhattacharyaAssociate Editor

Shatabdi is an associate editor and an alumnus of Lady Brabourne College, Kolkata, where she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of the world of literature and expression. She has worked with various organizations and websites operating in different industries, ranging from education to lifestyle, showing her adaptability and drive to learn.

Read full bio of Shatabdi Bhattacharya