Has it really been a whole year since your wedding day? First off, a huge congratulations from us. We hope the love bubble continued long after the last dance. The months leading up to your big day were likely full of anticipation, and when it finally came, chances are it went by too fast. This is why your first wedding anniversary is a great opportunity for you to reflect on the day, and raise a glass to your life together since then. A wedding might be just one day, but a marriage is a lifelong journey, so it’s important to acknowledge each milestone along the way. We have a whole other post on first wedding anniversary gift ideas, but if you’re not sure how to mark this special occasion, here we’ve come up with a few fun and romantic ideas to celebrate your first wedding anniversary together.
Photo by Olga Hogan Photography via One Fab Day
Eat the top tier of your wedding cake
Saving a bit of your wedding cake is an age-old tradition that symbolises good luck and prosperity for newlyweds. The idea is to freeze the top tier of the cake, and then eat it together on your first anniversary. And while we never say no to an extra bit of luck, we definitely never say no to cake! Not only that but the taste will bring back some of the happy memories of cutting it and eating it on the day. If you’re heading out to a romantic meal (some great restaurant suggestions here!), bring it with you, and ask the staff to serve it as part of your dessert.
Photo by Sean & Kate via One Fab Day
Watch your wedding video
One year on, your wedding day might seem like a blur. Thankfully, you can revisit those precious moments through your wedding films and photos. You’ll be so grateful that you made the decision to hire a videographer and sitting down to watch your wedding video together on your first anniversary, could be the beginning of a yearly tradition. Keep it simple by ordering your favourite takeaway and cuddling up on the couch, or make it a celebration and hold a viewing party with your wedding party as a mini reunion. You could mark the occasion by drinking the same wine or champagne you had on the day, and even sharing some of that saved wedding cake.
Photo by Renata Dapsyte via One Fab Day
Open Your Wedding Wine Box
An evening at home is the perfect opportunity to open your wedding wine box if you did a wine box ritual at your ceremony. This will mean you sealed a special bottle of wine, along with a love letter to each other in a box on your wedding day, to be enjoyed together on your first anniversary. This ritual is to serve as a reminder to keep celebrating your relationship, long after the wedding day has passed, and to remind you of the things you love about each other. There’s nothing to say you can’t create another one for next year’s anniversary.
Photo by SOSAC Photography via One Fab Day
Spend the night at your wedding venue
A great way to revisit your wedding day is to quite literally revisit it! If you got married in a venue that isn’t an exclusive hire venue, then you should be able to book in for the night to celebrate. Many hotels offer a complimentary night’s stay on your first anniversary as part of your wedding package so be sure to book in advance in case there’s another wedding on and limited availability. If you don’t want to stay overnight, or you got married in a restaurant venue, book in for dinner. Just being at the venue again will spark fond memories for you.
Photo by Treasure and Heart via One Fab Day
Put pen to paper
The first wedding anniversary is traditionally celebrated with gifts of paper and there are so many ideas for how you can incorporate this into your celebration. One idea is to write each other a letter reflecting on your first year of marriage. It might be a continuation of the letters you wrote to each other on your wedding day – and remember how that made you smile (or cry!) – or maybe you could update your vows. Include your goals or intentions for the next year, thinking of it as a kind of ‘marriage bucket list’ with things like places to visit, or even new hobbies to try together. If you’re feeling extra creative create a love note treasure hunt around the house, leading your other half to a gift at the end.
Photo by Danielle O Hora Photography via One Fab Day
Plan an anniversary photoshoot
An anniversary photoshoot is a great way to mark the occasion with a permanent memento. You could reach out to the photographer you had on your wedding day as a sense of familiarity will help you both look and feel relaxed in front of the camera. Or even think about switching up the photography style altogether to show a different side to yourselves. However, if you’re not in a position to splash out on a professional session, ask a friend who’s a whizz with a camera phone to take a few snaps of you in a place that’s special to you both. It’s a great way to document your journey as a married couple.
Photo by Danielle O Hora Photography via One Fab Day
Treat yourself to a night on the town
When was the last time you and your partner went dancing? If it’s been a while, then your wedding anniversary is the perfect excuse to get all glammed up and hit the town. Why not head to one of the bars you used to frequent while you were dating (maybe even your first date!). The nostalgia will take you back to the days when you first fell in love.
Photo by Simple Tapestry via One Fab Day
Keep it simple
When it comes to your anniversary, the most important thing is being together. There’s no rule that says you have to do something extravagant. Sometimes having no plan is the best plan. If possible, book the day off work, so you can fully focus on each other. Go for a walk or pack a picnic. Just make sure to check the weather forecast first. Although a passionate kiss in the rain might make you feel like you’re in The Notebook!
Need help choosing a present? Check out some thoughtful gift ideas for your first wedding anniversary here!
