10 Creative and Cheap Ways to Celebrate Your Anniversary This Year!

In a world characterized by division, two lives uniting is truly a wonder to behold.

Even though a decade has since past, I still recall the moment I was struck by this. 

Standing in front of the grand bridal mirror in our church, I remember looking at the refection of a young woman I hardly recognize today. Finally dressed for her groom, the reality and grandeur of what was getting ready to happen filled her eyes with tears and took her breath away…

“And the two shall become one…”

A beautiful union created in the mind of God, not simply for the purpose of our enjoyment and pleasure, but for providing a living picture of the greatest love–the love of Christ. Marriage carries with it the privilege and honor of being a testament of the greatness news ever told–the gospel.

In the book of Ephesians, Paul helps us understand this beautiful connection a little more deeply.

"Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord...just as the church is subject to Christ... Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her...For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church...For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.'  This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.  Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her own husband." 
Ephesians 5:22, 25, 29, 31-33, NKJV

Despite the awe we might have felt on our wedding day at the beauty of marriage, anniversaries of that moment often garner less attention than they deserve. 

Believe me, I know.

It’s sometimes all too easy to let our anniversary pass by with little more than a quick “Happy Anniversary” in the morning before work and dinner out at the end of the day.

But as Jonathan and I celebrate 10 years of marriage this month, the Lord has helped me to see His great faithfulness and that marriage is truly a gift worth celebrating!

So, that is the purpose of this article–to refocus and rejoice on your special day this year.

Just a note: As you’re reading this post, please keep in mind that it was originally written over a year ago during the shutdown as I was pondering on how we’d celebrate our 9th anniversary with everything closed (all ideas were and are COVID-approved!).

Since I never published it then, I decided to add a 10th way to celebrate-and towards the end of the article I’ll share how we ended up celebrating both nine and ten years of marriage (complete with photos!).

Now I present to you:

We normally keep things simple and just go out to eat at a nice restaurant.  Well, with the mandate, to-go is our only option this year.

So I thought, it’s time to get creative!

It’s time to think outside the box—the to-go box that is…

#1 Relive your Wedding.

I don’t think any other idea will take you back to that moment when two became one like this will.

Get dressed for the occasion.

Who says you only have to wear your wedding attire once?

If you have your bridal gown and it still fits–say yes to the dress and put it on!

If not, wear another dress (preferably white if you have one) and don yourself anew with those treasured adornments that have quietly been collecting dust since your wedding night: your veil, jewelry, tiara, shoes, etc.  

Bring back that blushing bride, the one who so eagerly anticipated the arrival of her beloved and remind your husband, and yourself, of what a beautiful lady you were and still are!

Share with one another your favorite moments from that day and the many reasons you chose to say “I do.”

In the midst of everyday life, it’s good and necessary to slow down and remember your love for one another.

Spend some time thanking God for each other. Ask for His help and guidance to maintain your marriage united.

#2 Fix Some of the Foods that were Served at your Reception.

Chances are you didn’t get to eat much then so now is the time to make up for it!

If you and your husband enjoy being in the kitchen, this could be a great way to stir up, not just some recipes, but memories and a little romance as well!

However, if cooking is not your forte–you can always order similar foods from restaurants and have them delivered.

Either way, relax and have a delicious time with your hubby relishing those treats specially chosen for your reception.

As you’re enjoying those tasty trifles, reflect on the goodness and faithfulness of the Lord for providing you with this moment and opportunity to celebrate that the 2 are still 1!

Taste and see that the Lord is good; 
Blessed is the man who trusts in Him.
Psalm 34:8

#3 Take a Stroll Down Memory Lane—Literally!

Road trip time!

Take a tour of the first, only and/or most memorable spots in your relationship-the first place you met, the first restaurant you ate at together, the spot he proposed, the store where you bought your bridal gown, where your ceremony was conducted, etc….And you don’t have to stop at the wedding day, any place that is dear to your and your husband’s journey together throughout the years-mark it on the map!

Pack a picnic, fill the tank with gas and make a day of it!

If your children will be with you, this is a great way for their parents’ love story to come a little more alive.

Praise God for His goodness in having, not just the memories, but your spouse next to you still.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, 
with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
James 1:17, NKJV

#4 Buy a Wedding Cake for 2.

Decorate it in your wedding colors and ask the store to put your names or a photo of your reception on it.

Cut a big slice out just as you did on that day-both hands working as one–a reminder that you are called to work together in both the big and small things in life because “two are better than one.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)

If you’re not a fan of cake, no worries! The sky’s the limit when it comes to sweets!  Any pastry, cheesecake, donut, etc. will do! What matters is that you both enjoy the moment together as a couple.

Thank God for each and every sweet moment you and your husband have experienced together throughout the years.

#5 A Formal Affair.

Who says fine dining has to happen only outside the home?

Just because the dine-in restaurants are closed, that doesn’t mean we have to celebrate in sweats or pajamas.

Create a beautiful tablescape complete with fine china and cloth napkins then dress to the nines as if you were going to an elegant restaurant.

Order take out or delivery and enjoy a quiet night at home.

Or cook up a quick, yet elegant dinner with a Strawberry-Citrus Spinach side salad & AIP Shrimp Sauté with Lemon-Thyme & Leeks.

For couples who have children, if they are old enough, they can play the role of the waiters/waitresses of the evening.  This is a wonderful opportunity for them to, as the Lord commands, honor their father and mother.

#6 Make a Playlist of your Wedding Songs.

If you danced at your reception, move the furniture out of the way and share a waltz (or tango) again!

Just have fun and take advantage of lighthearted times as husband and wife.  If you have kids invite them to dance along with you!

Praise the God of all joy for the relaxing times that He allows you to have as a couple.  Ask for His help to simply have fun together.  Life gets very serious and can even become chaotic at times, it’s good to take a breather.  Life is short.  Enjoy your husband while you can.

#7 Get out the DVD or VHS and go Back in Time!

Personally this isn’t an option for us, but I think it’d be fun for those that have their special day captured on film.

Cuddle up on the couch with a blanket and some homemade Cinnamon Ginger Tea.

Or outside on the patio under the stars.

Light some candles (your unity candle if you still have it) to set the ambience, then press PLAY.

Give thanks to the Lord that by His grace you are still united together in matrimony.  Ask for His help and protection over your marriage from all of the tactics the enemy uses to try and separate families today.

#8 Make a Photo Journey of your Love Story.

Unpack all the old photos that you own, whether from when you were children, dating, engaged or married.  Lay them out in order, from beginning to current day, connecting the dots between the different stages of your lives and seeing God’s providential hand in bringing you together.

You can also arrange them in a photo album or scrapbook to have as a visual testimony of your lives together.

If they’re on a cd or in the computer, make a “movie” of your love story.  Just upload the photos into a free video editing app and there you have it!

Praise God that from the moment we place our faith in Jesus Christ, we never have to walk the journey of life or marriage alone.  At any moment we can run to Him and He is there waiting to guide us to the next chapter.

#9 Renew Your Vows.

The sky is the limit with this idea as well.

It can be as simple as repeating your vows seated together in the living room or writing new ones and decorating the house or backyard to commemorate.

What matters is to remember the covenant that you made to one another and renew the commitment between you, your husband and the Lord.

And He [Jesus] answered and said to them, "Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning 'made them male and female' and said, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'?  So then, they are no longer two but one flesh.  Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.
Matthew 19:4-6, NKJV (emphasis added)

#10 Stay Overnight in the Hotel where you spent Your Honeymoon.

This is not necessarily a cheap idea, but it is creative and inspired by our 10th.

Jonathan and I are so thankful for the gift of having been able to celebrate our 10 years of marriage in this way.

It’s amazing that although we were in the same hotel, we enjoyed it in a whole new way-I guess because we are such different people than when we first married.

We prayed and gave thanks to the Lord acknowledging that, by His grace, He has preserved our marriage for more than a decade and deepened our love with each passing day. He alone is worthy of praise for such a blessing.

However you decide to celebrate this year make the goal to multiply the love in your marriage! For ongoing growth in loving your husband more, check out my 52-week Multiplying Love in Your Marriage Challenge

And for more ideas on spending time with your hubby I’ve made a list of 25 Free and Covid-Approved Dates for you and your Husband.

So how many years will you and your husband be married this year? Share below in the comment section!

And I’d love to know what you did for your anniversary during all the COVID limitations! Share with us your most memorable celebrations and your creative ideas for celebrating two becoming one!

If you enjoyed this article, please give it a like!

And as always, Be Kind. Be Encouraging. Be a Multiplier!

Blessings!