There are few occasions quite as special as your wedding anniversary – a chance to celebrate another happy year of marriage with the one you love at your side, and to look back at all the things you’ve been through that have brought you to where you are today.
It’s a date to be celebrated in style, and an opportunity to pull out all the stops to show your significant other how much they mean to you – but with each new year presenting a challenge to come up with something new, just how exactly do you do it justice?
If you’re looking to go all out this year and set up a romantic and utterly luxurious day to mark the occasion, then look no further – because we’ve rounded up ten ways you can truly make it an anniversary to remember.
1. Start the celebrations early
Start setting the mood on the eve of the anniversary by preparing a delicious breakfast to share with your significant other the next morning. To create a truly luxurious start to the day, opt for chocolate-dipped strawberries with champagne, or some indulgent pastries to be washed down with a mimosa. Be sure to set the alarm clock to wake you both up just before sunrise, so that you can enjoy a romantic moment as you eat.
2. Spend the day in bed
Fancy being truly indulgent? Then why not clear both of your diaries and spend the entire day in bed? It might not sound like much, but it will give you some uninterrupted time to enjoy each other’s company and reminisce about the wonderful times you have had together so far. Treating your husband or wife to the aforementioned breakfast in bed is another touch that is bound to be appreciated. A chance to relax for a change instead of getting up early with children or to go to work can make all the difference.
3. Go for a picnic to watch the sunset
Watching the sunset in each other’s arms is one of the most romantic things you can do on your anniversary, so pack up a sumptuous picnic, complete with wicker basket and beautiful crockery, to really help set the mood – then head to your favourite hillside spot to watch the magic unfold. Great inclusions to your picnic include oysters and champagne, smoked salmon and caviar, a cheese board and a fruit platter. Don’t forget a cooler for the bubbles!
4. Create a DIY massage room in the bedroom
All you need is a few scented candles, luxurious massage oils, dim lights, and relaxing music to set the mood. Take turns massaging each other sensually to relieve any tension for an easy, yet romantic way to show each other your love.
Not your area of expertise? Then why not treat the two of you to a relaxing day at an opulent spa instead? Find a gorgeous country hotel that offers the facilities on sight, and make a night of it.
5. Have a candlelit bath together
A little planning is needed for this to work best. Shop for some luxurious body wash and bubble bath products before the big day. Then, on the morning of your anniversary, run a warm bath and infuse the water with these products. Pour a glass of wine or champagne for each of you to sip slowly as you soak in the warm water – and get ready to relax and enjoy.
6. Have a picnic at home
This is particularly good idea if your anniversary falls in winter. While the weather may not be favourable for an outdoor picnic, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out – so go ahead and set one up at home in front of the fire instead. Meat platters and traditional foods like luxury pork pies and scotch eggs can transport you back to times gone by – but don’t forget to make sure it’s all washed down with a bottle of quality Champagne.
7. Surprise them with a romantic meal
Remember your first ever dinner date? Recreating the moment by preparing his/her favourite meal to enjoy together – or, if your memory is particularly good, the exact dishes you ate together back then – is a thoughtful way to celebrate. If it’s possible, you could even take them to the same restaurant you fell in love at, all those years ago. It is bound to win your loved one over and set the scene for a romantic evening ahead.
8. Send them a beautiful bouquet of flowers
Surprising your spouse at work with a gorgeous bouquet of flowers is romance at its best – especially when you have them delivered to their desk with a thoughtful note expressing your love and appreciation for them. Be sure to pick their favourite flowers and colours to really make them smile.
9. Spice up your sex life
Most couples have a specific position they love, but why not try some new sex positions on your anniversary night? Get some inspiration from magazines or consult the Kamasutra to help you discover new styles and ideas to bring life to the bedroom. Try slipping into something sensual like this babydoll lingerie for the occasion.
10. Peruse through your wedding photo album
Digging out your wedding album and flipping through it together over a bottle of wine is a wonderful way to spend your anniversary. Allowing you both to remember your special day and to reminisce about your favourite moments is certain to bring the romance back to life – while looking at even earlier albums from when your relationship was in its infancy is guaranteed to reignite that flame.
For extra romance points, why not book a session with a local professional photographer? An anniversary shoot will give you a whole new set of beautiful photos that you can look back on in years to come as a reminder of your love.
However you choose to spend your anniversary, putting some real thought into it is the best possible way to express your love and appreciation. It’s often the little touches that count the most – so remember to consider each detail and you’re certain to get it right.
