Wedding anniversaries are a wonderful way to celebrate love and commitment. Each anniversary has a special theme and tradition associated with it. In the UK, the first wedding anniversary is known as the paper anniversary. This tradition dates back to the Victorian era, and it is still celebrated today with enthusiasm.
Origins of the Paper Anniversary
The origins of the paper anniversary date back to the 19th century in the UK, where people exchanged handmade gifts as a sign of love and affection. During this era, the first anniversary was marked with a gift made of paper as it was considered to be a fragile and delicate material that symbolised the early stages of a marriage. It was also believed that paper represented the blank slate of a new beginning, allowing couples to write the next chapter of their lives together.
Ideas for Paper Anniversary Gifts
The paper anniversary is a great opportunity to give a thoughtful and sentimental gift that represents the love and commitment shared between two people. Here are some creative and unique ideas to inspire your paper anniversary gift:
1. Tickets - Plan a surprise date night or a weekend getaway to a place you both love. Tickets to a concert, comedy night or theatre show will make a memorable gift that you can both enjoy together.
2. Personalised Map - A customised map of a special location such as your honeymoon destination or the place you got married is a great way to celebrate your love and the memories you’ve created together.
3. Art Prints - Find a beautiful photo and get it turned into art that captures your love story and display it in your home. You can also get it customised with your names and wedding date, making it a perfect paper anniversary gift. Why not have a look at Turned Art’s watercolour effect portraits which are really popular as wedding anniversary presents.
4. Books - If your partner loves to read, consider gifting them a book from their favourite author or a collection of poems that they’ll love.
5. Personalised Stationery - A set of personalised stationery or a journal can be a perfect gift for your loved one. You can get it engraved with your wedding date or a romantic quote, making it a unique and personal gift. (see our personalised notebooks here)
The paper anniversary is a special tradition that celebrates the first year of marriage. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the past year and look forward to the years ahead. By giving a thoughtful paper anniversary gift, you can show your love and appreciation for your partner and create lasting memories that you’ll both cherish forever. So, whether it’s a personalised journal or a romantic weekend theatre getaway, the key is to choose a gift that reflects your love and commitment to each other.
