Ten Ways to Celebrate Ten Years
Marriage is incredible. It is one of the most fulfilling and joyful things we get to participate in as humans. Your spouse is your best friend, lover, shoulder to cry on, the one person who unequivocally believes in you and inspires you to be the best version of yourself.
But, let’s be honest: it’s not always perfect. It is challenging. Learning to share your life with another, and build a new one together, is hard. So when you approach your ten year wedding anniversary, it’s time to break out the fireworks and blow horns. Celebrate this milestone! It’s a big deal and it deserves to be honored. Let’s take a look at ten ways, from extravagant gifts and trips to inexpensive and sentimental activities, to celebrate your ten year wedding anniversary.
1. Whisk her away: Take a trip! Most of us have unused vacation days just begging to be used. Set aside a week around your anniversary and plan a romantic getaway. Tropical islands speak to my heart, but there are other beautiful options: a ski trip for a snow-lover or a tour through Napa Valley for the oenophile. Another great possibility is to relive the romance of your honeymoon – go to the same location, the same hotel, etc. The point of the trip is to spend that time with your spouse, reconnecting and reigniting your passion for each other.
2. Photo shoot: There are a lot of pictures of my husband and me. What’s interesting is that they get better with time. Sure, there are more wrinkles and a couple of grays that I try in vain to color over, but I just look at it this way: wrinkles spread from the corners of my eyes because my husband makes me laugh, and I have a few more gray hairs because I spend my days filled with the worries of a contented mother. The idea of immortalizing this stage of my life is a really beautiful thought. Hire a good photographer and create some new memories.
3. Put a pen to your love: Some people can express themselves masterfully through the written word. If you are one of those people, take your ten year anniversary as a chance to write your spouse a love letter. Mail it to them. There is a charm and an old-fashioned romance about a real love letter, written by hand.
4. Renew vows: After ten years of building a life together, wedding vows take on new levels of meaning and depth. To celebrate your anniversary, renew your wedding vows. If you want to indulge your starry-eyed nostalgia, consider using your original vows. Or commit to writing new personal ones to honor the growth of your marriage.
5. Something that sparkles: Jewelry used to be reserved for the 25-year mark and beyond, but like we discussed, the rules regarding anniversary gifts have evolved to include gifts of jewelry at any year. But ten years is special. Diamonds and sapphires are very popular stone choices. They can be incorporated in so many types of jewelry: anniversary bands, eternity bands, engravings, etc. I have a great love for rose gold, so the Sabine Ring would be the perfect choice for me (ahem, honey). For ladies who prefer a more simple elegance, Natalie is a great call. Or, for those who want to honor your wife’s dedication to your marriage in a deeply personal and unique way, call Timeless Wedding Bands and speak with our jewelers to have her wedding set redesigned or upgrade her center diamond. We are happy to help you choose just the right option.
6. Relive your first date: On our first date, my husband took me to see a romantic comedy. I loved it. Him…not so much. I’m not exactly known for having impeccable cinematic taste, so imagine what it would say to me if he created a revivial of our first date. We could have a movie night at home, complete with his not-so-favorite romantic comedy, a tub of popcorn (with extra butter, of course), and my best guy by my side. You might have to get creative with how you recreate your first date (movies from a decade ago aren’t likely to be at your local theater, for example), but it’s more about the feeling and the atmosphere.
7. Make your wedding dinner together: Your reception is the first meal you share as a married couple. Of all the meals you have shared over the years, this is the one that started it all. Many couples are so busy during their reception that they might not be able to eat a full meal. For your ten-year anniversary, cook that meal together. Marriage has taught you more about teamwork and working as one than anything else. Prepare that chicken florentine together and spend the evening reminiscing and looking forward to the next ten years.
8. Do something adventurous: I admire the couples who get out in the world and search after adventures. For the couple who finds joy and growth in new experiences, do something bold and courageous. You could try skydiving, white water rafting, hiking, or a long bicycle ride.
9. Focus on each other: Ten years after getting married, many couples cherish the little things. With kids, careers, religious commitments, and hobbies, sometimes the most romantic anniversary celebration is one where all those facets of your life are wiped away for one evening and you can focus on what makes the core of your marriage: just you and your spouse. Hire a babysitter, pack a picnic basket, and go for a long, lazy walk.
10. Go out and play: One of the most fun games from childhood is the scavenger hunt. To celebrate your anniversary, create a scavenger hunt that takes your spouse on a route that highlights the most significant events/places/people in your ten years of marriage.
The most important part of celebrating ten years of marriage is keeping the focus on you as a couple. Whether you whisk your spouse away, shower her with things that sparkle, or literally lay your heart out on paper, the most important thing to remember is that your anniversary is a celebration of the life you’ve built. And you know how to best live your life. Happy anniversary!
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