Happy Anniversary! 

Whether it's your first anniversary or your fiftieth,

your Wedding Anniversary is certainly a special event.

Generally, if an anniversary party is thrown in the earlier years of a marriage, it is hosted by the couple themselves;

asking for gifts for such an occasion would be in poor taste.

Parties to celebrate the later anniversaries, such as the 25th,

are often hosted by the couple's adult children.  

For these parties, guests should bring gifts unless "no gifts, please" is specified on the invitation. 

If such a request has been made, it should be honored by everyone to avoid embarrassment.  Close friends or relatives who do wish, nonetheless, to provide a memento of the occasion should deliver the the gift before the party in private.

In some cases, if the host knows of a big-ticket item - such as a holiday trip or a piece of furniture - that the couple could really use or enjoy, guests could make cash donations toward it. The host would take care of purchasing the gift, collecting the money,

and having everyone sign the card at the party.

The opening of the presents should be done after everyone has arrived; after dinner, during coffee, is a good time.

For couples who do not wish to receive personal gifts,

one alternative for guests is to make donations to the

couple's favorite charity in honor of the occasion. 

There may be some circumstances in which gifts of cash

are most appropriate.  The host could send a note to guests explaining that a money tree or basket will be set up. 

Cash or checks should be enclosed in cards and envelopes.

However you celebrate, have fun and cherish the memories!!  Celebrating your anniversary, whether publicly or privately, is an annual renewal of your commitment to each other.  It's the one day each year when you take time out for just the two of you. 

It's a day to rediscover why you fell in love in the first place!

It's easy, in our rushed society, to forget important days such as birthdays and anniversaries.  Don't let your anniversary pass unnoticed!  If you cannot celebrate on the exact date, make a point of celebrating near it.  Your wedding day celebrated the beginning of your marriage; your anniversary celebrates it continuation!