32 Romantic Ideas To Celebrate Your First Wedding Anniversary
Celebrate 365 days of togetherness with a cozy night or an adventurous day out with your better half.
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 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.
In This Article
32 Romantic And Unique Things To Do On Your First Wedding Anniversary
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:
1. 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 that 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.
2. 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!
3. 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.
4. 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
5. Plan Your Second Honeymoon
Who said honeymoons are only for newlyweds? While you may take many trips together with your spouse, plan a second honeymoon to make your first wedding anniversary a really special one. It does not have to be the same place or as grand as your honeymoon, but it is good to make some lovely memories to kickstart your second year of marriage with a romantic trip.
6. Organize A Party
If you believe in celebrating your anniversary with loved ones, organizing and hosting a surprise party is sure going to tick a few boxes for you. It is a great occasion to bring out the sass and 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 we have lying ahead of us (i).”
7. 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– the perfect romantic idea for celebrating the first anniversary.
8. 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!
9. Get Couple Tattoos
If you and your partner have been looking to get couple tattoos for a long, your first wedding anniversary may be a great time to do this! You can also surprise your partner and fix up the appointment to get your couple tattoos to make this day and your love eternal.
10. 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, it is important to share nice experiences that facilitate intimacy and communication. Make your first wedding anniversary special 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 pampering yourself. It can be followed by a long drive or a romantic dinner!
11. 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 one!
12. 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 that also makes for a frame-worthy picture later.
13. 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.
14. Anniversary Shoot
Photographs help us relive our most wonderful moments in life. Your first wedding anniversary is one such special day that needs to be captured for posterity. Gift your partner a first-anniversary photoshoot. Take them to all the places around town, recreate many of your past dates, and capture the moments to store in your photo album. Romantic, right?
15. Plan A Road Trip
If you and your partner love road trips, take one on your first wedding anniversary. It could be a spontaneous one where you just hit the road and follow where it takes you or a planned one where you can have different experiences.
16. Plan A Wine Tasting Tour
Are you and your partner wine lovers? If yes, plan a trip to a wine county or vineyards like the 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.
17. 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.
18. Plan An Al-Fresco Dinner
Sleeping under the stars and talking with your partner is just textbook romantic, 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 and bring them out to dine under the beautiful starry sky, and make your first wedding anniversary a magical one.
19. 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!
20. 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 relive those tender loving moments again?
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. 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 in the family!
23. 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.
24. Relive Your Wedding Night
This will certainly make your wedding night a memorable one 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. This is a great way to make your wedding anniversary a memorable one.
25. 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!
26. 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!
27. 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.
28. Take A Romantic Bath Together
There is something very romantic and sensual about taking a bath with your spouse. Set up some candles, dim the lights and prepare a bubble bath, and ready 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, rejuvenating, and helps you have some beautiful conversations with your better half on this memorable day.
29. Name A Star After Your Partner
Show your partner that 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 and get a star named after your partner, and get the certificate framed to gift your partner.
30. Find That ’Wow-ing’ Gift
If you want to make your first wedding anniversary romantic and a special one, gifting is an important 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: Keeping 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 to make your anniversary a memorable one.
- Favorite Place Clock: Every couple has a special place where they frequent or wish to holiday in. 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 like health apps, fitness trackers, and Bluetooth connectivity is a great gift for a partner who is a fitness enthusiast and makes for an apt first-anniversary wedding gift.
- Cufflinks: If your partner likes to suit up often, gift them fancy cufflinks that are 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 very 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.
31. 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.
32. Make A Personalized Star Map
If you and your partner love the night and enjoy star gazing, then 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.
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.
First wedding anniversaries are special. The love is still young after having dealt with a few minor hurdles. The anniversary is also an occasion to renew what you promised one another only a year earlier. It is a moment in which you carefully listen to each other’s feelings, needs, and aspirations, and feed the desire to build much more together in the future. The fact that you are looking for wedding anniversary ideas to celebrate this day shows how great the past year has been for you and your partner. You might want to invite all your friends and family and have a grand celebration, but do remember to do a little something personal for your partner. After all, it is about you both and not the people around you. Your partner might also have plans to do something special for you, so discuss it with them beforehand. You don’t want to be ruining each other’s surprises. We hope these celebration ideas help you make the most of your day. Happy first wedding anniversary!
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
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.
Personal Experience: Source
StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. Here’s How we Celebrated Our 1st Wedding Anniversary @AB’s Noidahttps://rashmikanti.wordpress.com/2020/05/21/heres-how-we-celebrated-our-1st-wedding-anniversary-abs-noida/
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