Home · Buying guides · Anniversary party planning
Buying guide

Wedding anniversary party planning: silver, ruby and golden

Milestone wedding anniversaries deserve a real celebration. Here is how to plan each one appropriately.

The scale of celebration

A silver (25th) anniversary is often celebrated with a large family gathering or dinner party. A ruby (40th) and golden (50th) warrant something grander — a hired venue, catering, live music or a string quartet, and an emphasis on the couple's story rather than a generic party format.

The couple's story

The most meaningful element of any milestone anniversary party is the story. A photo display or slideshow through the years, a handwritten book of messages from guests, readings from family members. These cost nothing but mean everything — the couple will remember them long after the food and flowers are forgotten.

Invitations and stationery

Send invitations 8-10 weeks ahead for milestone anniversaries — guests may need to travel and book accommodation. Our free silver, ruby and golden anniversary invitations are fully editable and print on quality card.

Our picks compared

PickProductBest for
Top pick Guest message and photo bookA keepsake gift Check price →
Gold decor Gold balloon garland kitGolden and ruby anniversary Check price →
Silver Silver anniversary gifts personalisedSilver anniversary Check price →
Cake Anniversary cake topper personalisedThe cake Check price →

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices shown on Amazon at time of click.

Frequently asked questions

How do you surprise the couple?
Ask a trusted family member or child of the couple to organise it. Keep the venue quiet until a few weeks before when you send invitations. The couple often suspects but rarely knows the full scale.
What are the traditional anniversary gifts?
Silver (25th), Ruby (40th), Golden (50th), Diamond (60th). See our full anniversary milestones guide.