Photo: Michelle Scott Photography
It may seem like just yesterday that you said, “I do,” but a whole year has passed — and now the time has come to celebrate your first wedding anniversary! Traditionally, your one year anniversary is the “paper” anniversary, suggesting paper based gifts. While we love this notion, we also think there’s nothing wrong with breaking with tradition a bit and getting creative. Check out these six unique ways to celebrate 365 days of wedded bliss.
Go Back In Time
Ever wish you could re-live your wedding day? (Only every day, right?) You can! Sort of. Go back in time and revisit the place where you said your vows. If you got married at a hotel, book a room for the evening — you can even ask if they have the bridal suite available if it’s a weeknight or weekend and there are no other weddings booked. If you got married at a restaurant, go back for dinner and possibly even order items served at your wedding. Indulge in dessert too, or head back home to have the top tier of your wedding cake if you’ve saved it.
Get Dolled Up
Chances are the last time you had your hair or makeup professionally done was your wedding day. (If not, we’re jealous!) So, treat yourself and glam it up for the night. Make reservations at a fancy restaurant or buy tickets for a show for the perfect excuse (not that you need one) to look your best for a night on the town. Have fun shopping for outfits together, or surprise each other separately. There’s something so special and fun about getting dressed up for an occasion dedicated to celebrating you.
Be Traditional… with a Twist
You can be unique and different while still sticking to the paper concept. Rewrite your vows together on gorgeous stationary (frame it after) and re-read them to one another, just keep the tissues handy! Or, opt for event or show tickets (hey, they’re on paper!) in the spirit of tradition and shared experience. Money is paper too, so get a bunch of singles and head to the casino, or arcade for some games of chance, since you’re lucky in love.
The Ultimate Night In
We’re not talking the usual Friday night in with popcorn and wine. Think more along the lines of a luxurious and relaxing in-home massage treatment (services like Zeel will bring the spa to you), sexy lingerie, candles, music and more. Ditch your usual takeout options and cook up your favorite meal together, or order in from your favorite upscale restaurant. Pop in your wedding DVD for some added nostalgia. You won’t need to leave the house (or the bedroom) for an anniversary to remember.
Splurge
Once your wallets have recovered from all the costs associated with wedding planning, treat yourselves to something special to help commemorate your anniversary. Whether it’s a right hand ring for you and the latest tech gadget for him, or something you can purchase together that will last forever like a piece of art, an antique, or — for the uber-adventurous — a tattoo, it just might be the first time since you got married that you treat yourselves.
Second Honeymoon
Time flies when you’re having fun. But if the rest, relaxation and bliss of your honeymoon feels oh-so far away get out of town. Literally. It doesn’t have to be as grandiose as your honeymoon (but it totally can be) it just has to be time spent together, and away, making memories as you kick off your second year of marriage, and the rest of your lives together.