Paper is the traditional gift for a first wedding anniversary, which makes the first year a natural time to put your feelings in writing. Below are paper anniversary ideas you can make yourself, a simple plan for twelve notes to open over the next year, and what to write in a first anniversary card.
Article contents
- Why Paper for the First Anniversary?
- Paper Anniversary Ideas You Can Make
- Twelve Notes for Twelve Months
- What to Write in a First Anniversary Card
- First Anniversary Messages for a Husband
- First Anniversary Messages for a Wife
- First Anniversary Wishes for a Couple
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Paper for the First Anniversary?
Most anniversary gift lists name paper as the traditional gift for year one. It is often said to stand for a blank page and a new story you are writing together. The modern list names clocks instead, but paper is easier to make personal.
Paper Anniversary Ideas You Can Make
- A love letter. Write about the wedding day, your favorite moment from the year and what you are looking forward to next.
- Twelve notes for twelve months. A note for each month of your second year, sealed and dated. See the plan below.
- Your vows, written out by hand. Frame them or tuck them into a card.
- A first year scrapbook. Ticket stubs, receipts, photos and a line or two about each.
- A jar of reasons. Small slips of paper, each with one thing you love about them.
- A map of your year. Mark the places you went together and write a memory next to each.
- A book of coupons. Breakfast in bed, a night off from chores, a movie of their choice.
- Letters from family and friends. Ask the people at your wedding to send a short note, then give them all at once.
Twelve Notes for Twelve Months
Take a box of 12 cards with envelopes. Write one note for each month of your second year, seal it, and write the month on the front. Your spouse opens one a month. A few ideas for what to put in each:
- Month 1: Your favorite memory from the wedding day.
- Month 2: A plan for a date this month.
- Month 3: Something they did this year that you never thanked them for.
- Month 4: A small promise for the year ahead.
- Month 5: The moment you knew you wanted to marry them.
- Month 6: A list of five things that make you laugh about them.
- Month 7: A place you want to go together.
- Month 8: A coupon for something they love.
- Month 9: A hard day this year and how they helped.
- Month 10: What you hope your home feels like in ten years.
- Month 11: A song that reminds you of them, and why.
- Month 12: A letter to open on your second anniversary.
A set with several different designs, like a national park set or an assorted set, makes each month feel different. See our assorted greeting cards.
What to Write in a First Anniversary Card
Keep it personal and specific. Mention one moment from your first year, say what you love about being married to them, and look ahead to the next year.
First Anniversary Messages for a Husband
- Our first year flew by. I would marry you all over again.
- This first year with you has been my favorite year. Happy anniversary.
- Thank you for making our little home feel like the best place in the world.
- I loved being your wife this year, even on the days we ate cereal for dinner.
- Happy first anniversary to the man who still makes me laugh every day.
First Anniversary Messages for a Wife
- One year married, and you still take my breath away. Happy anniversary.
- Thank you for a first year full of laughter, late talks and good coffee.
- Every day this year I was proud to call you my wife.
- Happy first anniversary. I cannot wait to see what our second year looks like.
- You made this year the best one of my life. I love you.
First Anniversary Wishes for a Couple
- Happy first anniversary! Wishing you many more years as happy as this one.
- Congratulations on your first year as a married couple. You two make it look easy.
- Happy paper anniversary! Here is to writing many more chapters together.
- One year down! Wishing you both a lifetime of love and laughter.
For more, see our anniversary wishes and Bible verses for wedding cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the traditional first anniversary gift?
Paper. The modern list names clocks, but paper is the traditional choice.
What is the second anniversary gift?
Cotton is the traditional second anniversary gift, and china is the modern one.
Is a card enough for a first anniversary?
Yes. A heartfelt card or letter fits the paper theme and is often the gift people keep the longest.
Every Twigs Paper card is blank inside and printed on 100% recycled paper, which suits a paper anniversary. See our national park cards for couples who love to travel, or browse all card sets.
