Planning for Your Anniversary: Advice for Men

Planning something special for an anniversary doesn’t have to be complicated. What it does have to be is an expression of love. Your celebration should be something out-of-the ordinary that makes a statement about what she means to you and what you mean to each other. Big or small, there are endless romantic ways to recognize the years you have shared, and plan to share, with your wife.

Get away if you can. Maybe your wife has expressed an interest in a particular restaurant, cultural event, or vacation idea. If she has, she would be delighted to know that you were listening to her and that you are putting her desires first. Try to arrange a getaway–for an evening or a few days–but throw in a surprise in as well. Take her to that restaurant she’s been talking about the night the pianist is playing. Get first row seats to a play. Make sure your hotel room has a Jacuzzi and order room service to be brought in at a pre-determined time. This will prove to her that, not only were you listening, you were also thinking about how to make the event as special and memorable as possible.

Especially when both your lives are hectic, spending time with your spouse is the most precious gift you can give her. When possible, take the time to slow down and recognize each other as lovers and friends in an environment totally removed from the complications of your daily existence. Taking time out to reinforce romance is something done for both of you, but sometimes excusing yourselves from both of your jobs does not prove feasible. You must find another way to recognize your anniversary.

Buying a gift may seem like a no-brainer, but anniversary gifts can either sink or swim. An anniversary is not an excuse to buy something that you both need. (An ATV does not say “I love you.”) A gift purchased for an anniversary should be one from the heart, one that does not benefit you. Quality and thoughtfulness should be the standards of foundation when choosing your gift. You got it: jewelry! When going to your jeweler of choice, keep in mind your wife’s preferences and build. Does she like white gold, yellow gold, or platinum? If she’s small, it’s important to purchase something that will complement her beauty, not overwhelm it. If she likes antiques, find a reputable dealer who can help you in your search.

It is entirely possible that your wife has no desire for jewelry. In that case, you can be as imaginative as the occasion permits when it comes to gift purchasing. A day at a nearby spa is one idea. An all-expense-paid outing with a couple of her friends is another. However, you can also cleverly issue a rain-check for a romantic escape in a beautiful bouquet of flowers, wrapped up in a negligee, or in the form of tickets for two to another city.

Your anniversary plans should be as unique as your marriage. Adjust and define them according to who you are as individuals and who you are as a couple. No matter what you do, as long as you do something that shows how much you care, she’ll love you all the more for it.