How are You Celebrating Your 25th Anniversary?

The day before our 25th anniversary, my husband sent me two-dozen gorgeous roses, and I thought that was lovely. When I awoke the morning of our anniversary, I found a single rose - the 25th - beautifully arranged with baby’s breath and ferns in a single vase on the kitchen counter. It was one of the most romantic gestures he had made in 25 years, and I loved his creativity!

If your 25th anniversary is approaching and you’re looking for ways to celebrate, I have ten intriguing ideas for you. You may have thought of a couple of these already, but others might be new and interesting enough to float your boat.

- Renew Your Vows and Party! Vow renewal is, and has always been, a popular way to celebrate a milestone anniversary. Invite family and friends, old and new, re-create your ceremony and then party the night away. There are certain guidelines for vow renewal that you might want to research before making your plans.

- Take a Harvestmoon. Instead of calling it a second honeymoon, I’ve decided to call it a Harvestmoon. The word honeymoon dates back to the 16th century, when couples would take a "bridal tour" to visit family and friends who were unable to attend the wedding, and the word came from the idea that the first month of marriage is the sweetest. Why harvestmoon? After 25 years, you’re reaping the rewards of your commitment and the love you sowed a quarter-century ago.

- Enjoy a Cruise. Just the two of you. Alone. Go someplace you’ve always wanted to see but never took the time.

- Enjoy a Cruise. Bring along the kids and the grandkids to help celebrate the wonderful family you’ve created. My brother and sister-in-law took their family on an anniversary cruise and had an amazing time!

- Spend the Entire Day Together. Go for a walk. Take in a movie. Have dinner at a romantic restaurant. Spend the evening in the honeymoon suite of a posh hotel. Order room service, including champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries. After that, you’re on your own…

- Buy New Wedding Bands. Not that there’s anything wrong with the ones you chose 25 years ago. Updating is always nice, whether it’s your look, your home - or your jewelry.

- Do Something Exciting You’ve Never Done Together Before. Roller skating. Ballroom dancing lessons. Skydiving. If you want something closer to the ground, how about a whitewater rafting trip? If your marriage has gotten a bit stale and predictable, this is a fantastic way to shake things up!

- Have a Formal 25th Anniversary Photo or Portrait Made. You can hang it next to your wedding photo or portrait to show how great you both still look after 25 happy years!

- Write Love Letters to Each Other. So romantic! How long has it been since you two exchanged love letters, if ever? It’s the perfect time to tell one another what the last 25 years has meant to you. Details are important. Let him know how much you appreciate his warmth and affection, his wonderful skills as a parent, his willingness to listen and being there for you in good times and bad. Let her know how much you value her support, her caring nature, her understanding and waking up to her beautiful smile every day.

- Plan Your Next 25 Years. Your first 25 years were spent getting to know each other and raising a family. Now it’s time to look ahead to retirement, the trips you’ll take, and the special events you’ll attend (Summer Olympics? A Flock of Seagulls reunion concert?) Maybe you’ll remodel part of your home, buy a boat or an RV to travel the country.

With the divorce rate approximately a whopping 50% in the US, your successful, 25-year marriage is quite an accomplishment and definitely something to celebrate. Congratulations! And here’s to your next 25!

25th Wedding Anniversary Party Favors
If you having a party to celebrate, these favors will add an extra touch to your tables while saying thanks to all your guests.