Silver wedding anniversary ideas

Twenty-five years is the first anniversary most couples properly celebrate. It is old enough to feel like an achievement and young enough that everyone involved still fancies a party.

Silver is the traditional material, but the best silver anniversary gifts are usually about the twenty-five years rather than the metal.

Gift ideas that land

• A reprint of their wedding photo, properly framed - usually the one that gets the reaction.
• Twenty-five of something: photos, memories written by guests, bottles, letters from friends.
• A night or weekend away somewhere they went early on.
• Silver jewellery for one, and something they will do together for both.
• A memory book collected quietly from friends and family over a couple of months.

Party ideas

• A vow renewal with twenty guests and a meal afterwards - cheaper and warmer than a big function room.
• A garden party with the wedding playlist and the original cake flavour.
• A meal out with the wedding party, whoever is still around.
• A surprise gathering at home, with the wedding video playing quietly in the corner.

What to write in a silver anniversary card

• Happy silver anniversary. Twenty-five years and still the best team we know.
• 25 years today. Congratulations to two people who clearly got it right.
• Happy 25th, Mum and Dad. Thank you for showing us what it looks like when it works.
• Twenty-five years of putting up with each other, brilliantly. Congratulations.

What people spend in the UK

• Card and flowers from a friend: 10 to 30 pounds.
• A gift from close family: typically 30 to 80 pounds.
• Children clubbing together for parents: often 100 to 300 pounds for a trip or a big keepsake.
• A party for 40 at a hall with a buffet: roughly 600 to 1,200 pounds depending on drinks.

Shop anniversary cards

How to write it so it lands

• Ask for the wedding photo early if you are framing one; it is often in a loft.
• Put both dates on the card, the wedding year and this one.

Where to shop next

• Anniversary card messages
• First birthday party ideas
• First birthday card messages
• Wedding anniversary years and gifts
• Ruby wedding anniversary ideas
• Hen party decorations
• How to make a balloon arch
• Photo booth prop ideas
• Party bag ideas for adults
• How much helium do you need for balloons?
• All guides

Frequently asked questions

What is the traditional 25th anniversary gift?

Silver. Silver jewellery, a silver photo frame or anything engraved with the two dates is the usual route.

Do you throw a party for a silver wedding anniversary?

Many couples do, and it is often smaller than the wedding - twenty to forty people, a buffet and the original playlist.