When you make your wedding vows, you are committing to your partner for many years to come, so it's inevitable that you will celebrate some significant anniversaries together as well as in the company of friends and family.

Most of us know that a 25th wedding anniversary is silver, the 40th ruby and 50th golden, but what about the rest?

There doesn't appear to be many long-standing traditions associated with wedding anniversaries, although the practice of celebrating them is thought to have originated in medieval Germany. Wives were presented with a wreath of silver by friends to celebrate 25 years of harmonious marriage and one of gold for fifty. The materials associated with other wedding anniversaries have been elaborated on over the years.
Prior to the late 1930s, it was only the first, fifth, tenth, fifteenth, twentieth, twenty-fifth, fiftieth and seventy-fifth wedding anniversaries that had a particular material associated with them. But now there are no less than twenty four - a few more than you could possibly remember off the top of your head!

And what makes it even more confusing is that nowadays there can be two materials associated with each - one traditional and one contemporary.

So here follows a guide to most of these and ideas of what would make the perfect and appropriate wedding anniversary gift.

1 year

The first wedding anniversary is traditionally symbolised by paper, though these days, clocks are also associated with this occasion. However, if you want to stick to the paper idea, then great gift ideas include handmade paper photograph albums or frames or a tasteful painting or print.

2 years

Cotton is the traditional material associated with the second wedding anniversary. Embroidered cotton napkins or towels might be an ideal gift for a couple, who at this stage in their marriage might have purchased a new house. Alternatively, you could go with the modern gift idea and get them a piece of stylish china.

3 years

The third wedding anniversary is traditionally associated with leather, though the modern material is crystal or glass.

So if you are buying for your wife on this occasion, a nice leather handbag might be the order of the day; for your husband, you could go for a leather wallet embossed with his initials. However, if you're buying for a couple, then a set of crystal glasses might be the perfect gift idea.

4 years

Traditionally, flowers or fruit are the objects associated with the fourth wedding anniversary, but if they don't appeal as a gift idea, then appliances are the modern day alternative. Four years into their marriage, the couple might need a couple of those original wedding gifts replacing, so it might be an idea to check out what they need before you go ahead with your purchase - otherwise they might end up with five toasters or three kettles!

5 years

Five years down the line and you get to the 'wood' anniversary! A nice carved wooden box or picture frame might be a welcome gift. However, if you don't fancy the wooden option, then silverware is the modern material associated with this particular landmark date, so perhaps some stylish silver jewellery might be the order of the day.

6 years

Sugar is the material linked to the sixth wedding anniversary so you could invest in some scrumptious Belgian chocolates, whether you're buying for your wife, husband or a couple. Iron is also associated with this anniversary, so you could be literal and buy the couple a new iron, or if you don't fancy being that boring, then a piece of wrought iron garden furniture is an alternative!

7 years

The seventh wedding anniversary is symbolised by wool, so perhaps some woven cushion covers and matching throw would be appreciated.

8 years

Traditionally, bronze is associated with the eighth wedding anniversary, though the modern day materials linked to it are linen or lace. There are lots of linen or lace items you could buy, including duvet sets, table cloths with matching napkins, lace table mats or cushion covers. Otherwise, if you want to stick to tradition, then some bronze vases or bronze framed mirror would be a nice addition to any room.

9 years

Pottery is traditionally linked with the ninth wedding anniversary and again, there are a range of gifts you can buy, from vases and jugs, to house name plaques or even a course of pottery classes at a local craft centre or college.

10 years

You would think that ten years of marriage would herald at least a gemstone in the landmark anniversary stakes but unfortunately this is not the case. The traditional materials linked with this anniversary are tin and aluminium but you'll be pleased to hear that the modern present is diamond jewellery! If you are buying for your wife, this is an ideal time to purchase some diamond earrings or a ring; for your husband, maybe some diamond - studded cufflinks would do the trick.

15 years

Fifteen years is the next big landmark wedding anniversary, and crystal is the stone associated with this occasion. Swaravski crystal ornaments are a beautiful addition to any display cabinet, but if you prefer to get a more practical gift, then watches are the modern gift idea for this special occasion.

20 years

China is traditionally associated with the big two-oh years together and a set of dinnerware or tea service would make a fantastic gift for any couple.

25 years

To mark a quarter of a century of marriage together, you come to the silver wedding. There are any number of gifts you could buy. If you are buying a special gift for your husband or wife, you could invest in some personalised silver jewellery, which you could get engraved. Alternatively, silver picture frames, silver dressing table accessories or a silver cutlery set are a fabulous option.

30 years

The 30th wedding anniversary is traditionally symbolised by pearl. A pearl necklace or earrings or even a Mother of Pearl
bangle is a fine gift for a lady; for the man, a pearl tie pin. If you're buying for a couple, then a box inlaid with Mother of Pearl or a pearl-handled letter opener is ideal.

35 years

Thirty five years is traditionally associated with coral, though jade is the modern equivalent. Again, a coral necklace or jade pendant is an ideal gift for a wife and perhaps a jade green designer shirt would be a nice present for any husband.

Of course, you could really push the boat out and book a holiday for two to an exotic, coral-reefed island if you really fancied celebrating in style!

40 years

The next set of wedding anniversaries introduce some of the most precious stones and metals. The first of these is the ruby wedding anniversary, which marks forty years together. Perfect gift ideas include ruby jewellery or perhaps a vintage bottle of red wine for the couple to toast this special occasion.

45 years

Forty five years is symbolised by that most precious of blue stones, the sapphire. Again, sapphire jewellery is a good option, but for an extra special treat, why not book a holiday for two in the blue waters of the Mediterranean, the Caribbean or even on a cruise ship?

50 years

The half-century together is perhaps one of the most significant wedding anniver-saries, and it is perhaps not surprising that it is associated with gold. This anniversary in particular deserves a special gift - so why not present your husband or wife with a specially engraved gold ring or watch? If you are buying for a couple, then a gilt picture frame or gold figurine would be perfect.

55 year

Emeralds traditionally mark 55 years together, and what better way to celebrate than with a trip to the fair shores of the emerald isle of Ireland to enjoy the craic or maybe just admire the spectacular scenery.

60 years

The last of the officially named wedding anniversaries is marked by the most durable precious stone of them all, the diamond. This traditionally marks 60 years of marriage, though the 75th wedding anniversary - and any other after that - is also celebrated with gifts of diamonds and gold. A nice pair of diamond earrings or solitaire ring set in a good band might suit a lady; diamond cufflinks for a man. And for that diamond couple, why not crack open an extra special bottle of bubbly to toast a durable marriage!

So follow our guide and you won’t go far wrong, whether it's buying a gift for your loved one or an extra-special couple, you’re bound to impress and delight them!