RECREATE YOUR FIRST DATE
Recreating your first date together is a wonderful and nostalgic way to celebrate your wedding anniversary. Try to make it as close to the real thing as you possibly can. If the two of you were high school sweethearts, then your parents might have driven you on your first date. Rent a town car so that the two of you can be escorted by a driver, and you can sit in the back seat together. If you brought flowers on the first date, then bring the same flowers to this one. Many first dates were “dinner and a movie” dates, so go out to the same restaurant, and rent the movie that you watched that night. If the restaurant is no longer in business or if you two no longer live anywhere near it, then try to find a similar place. Call in advance to make reservations, and ask them if they could get you a somewhat private table. You could also recreate the restaurant at home. Set up the dining room so that it resembles the atmosphere at the site of your first date, and make the same dishes that you had then. You can even make a sign that says the name of the restaurant you are recreating. The two of you will be immersed in the romance of taking a trip down memory lane. Your first date was the start of something wonderful, so it is an excellent way to celebrate your anniversary.
WEDDING MEMORIES
Your wedding day was probably one of the most romantic and wonderful days of your lives, and of course it symbolized your lifetime commitment to each other. Try to recreate some of the memorable aspects of your wedding day. Order your wife a bouquet of flowers that is comprised of the same flowers that she had in her bridal bouquet. Wives, get your husband a boutonniere that is identical to what he wore on your wedding day. Prepare a meal that is the same as what you ate at your reception, and set the table elegantly. Light the room with scented candles. Scatter flower petals on the floor, and make a trail of flowers up to the bedroom and on the bed for later on… when you re-live the honeymoon too! You can also go to the baker who made your wedding cake and request a smaller version of it to be made for the occasion. After you eat, dance together to your first dance song. Reaffirm your love for each other with a sentimental toast. This scenario makes for an incredibly magical anniversary celebration.
SECOND HONEYMOON
Nothing says “I love you” like a second honeymoon. You could go back to the spot where you spent your original honeymoon, or you could visit a new destination. Tropical vacations are a blast if the two of your like the water, the beach, and frozen drinks. Check out locations in Hawaii and the Bahamas. You could also opt for a more serene trip, such as a vacation to the Adirondacks or Niagara Falls. If you are looking for some great honeymoon destinations on the east coast, look into Ocean City, Maryland, Cape Cod, and Lake George. If you want to get really exotic, look into a romantic trip overseas to such locations as Italy, Greece, or France. Just make sure that both of you agree on the location because this second honeymoon is all about celebrating your marriage and your loving relationship.
LAS VEGAS RENEWALS
If you are a wild party-loving couple, then renewing your wedding vows in Las Vegas would be a great way to celebrate your honeymoon. There are so many venues to choose from -- even drive-through wedding chapels! You could also opt for an Elvis-inspired vow renewal. Renewing your vows to each other is a very special, romantic way of reminding yourselves how much the two of you love each other, and regardless of how different this vow exchange will be from your original ceremony, you will still feel the tingle of excitement and emotion that you did on your wedding day.
ADD A LITTLE LUXURY TO LIFE
If you have some extra money to spend on your anniversary, you might consider making a luxury purchase that the two of you will be able to enjoy together. One of the most luxurious items to purchase is a hot tub. The two of you will be able to unwind together at the end of the day by taking a warm and bubbly soak in the Jacuzzi. You could also invest in a swimming pool or a romantic gazebo. You could decide to get a club membership together, like at a tennis or fitness club. Or, you could spend a relaxing day at the spa together, getting massages and skin treatments.
