How to Celebrate a First Marriage Anniversary
- 1). Celebrate the "paper" anniversary with paper, but only as a warm up to better things. If a poet lurks within you, write a short, heartfelt poem, sonnet or lyrics to a homemade song that you can sing. If you lack the talent or nerve, transcribe a romantic poem written by someone else onto a card. If this is too mushy for you, create a coupon booklet for your spouse, with each coupon representing a chore, favor or treat that she can redeem upon presenting it.
- 2). Take an unexpected trip if you can afford it. Even an overnight getaway can be exactly the right romantic gift. If you can't afford the money or time to go far, select someplace nice near your home, preferably somewhere your spouse has never stayed. Bed and Breakfasts are romantic by nature. And don't forget the obligatory roses and Champagne.
- 3). Have a romantic evening at home. This is an affordable alternative to a trip. If you have a fireplace, use it; whether you do or not, be sure you have plenty of candles to create the right ambiance. If you can cook, prepare a special dinner ahead of time so that you need only to reheat it, allowing more time for cuddling and reminiscing. Once again, roses and Champagne are not optional.
- 4). Plan a surprise day trip. Prepare a picnic basket with her favorite treats, bring along a large blanket and spend part of the afternoon relaxing under the shade of a big tree in the most secluded place you can find. After that, take her to a favorite shopping area and buy her whatever she fancies, within reason. Outdoor malls and plazas lend a romantic air to this. If you live near an ocean or lake, take an afternoon walk beside the water before treating her out to a special dinner. Make it special by taking her to the restaurant where you spent your first date, unless it was a fast food joint.
- 5). Make his fantasy a reality. At least a month before the big day --- preferably a lot longer, in the hopes that he may forget --- ask him in a roundabout way about one thing he hasn't done before that he's always wanted to try. Make plans accordingly, whether the wish is skydiving, horseback riding, flying lessons, bungee jumping or something as simple as going to a special garden or museum. Just be sure that his wish is something you can enjoy with him; if he wants to bungee jump and you're terrified of heights, ask for his second biggest wish and make that come true.
