The Paper Anniversary & My Favorite First Wedding Anniversary Gifts

As a stationery designer, I tend to spend my days creating gifts for my customers' most meaningful occasions - birthdays, weddings, new babies, new jobs. Last week I shipped out a stationery set for a couple celebrating their first wedding anniversary. Traditionally the first anniversary is commemorated with the gift of paper, and this customer asked after placing her order - where did this tradition start? I've always thought paper was such a great material to start celebrating anniversaries with because it can be interpreted in so many ways.

I read many different explanations for why the first anniversary is paper. Some say it's because paper is a blank slate, ready to record your story. Others say the woven paper fibers symbolize the strength of a marriage.I also read the opposite - that the fragility of paper represents the newness of your relationship. The anniversary gifts get rarer and more expensive as the years go on, and it's also possible that the first year is celebrated with paper because it's such a common and humble material. 

As far as gifts go, I personally think that stationery is an excellent way to celebrate your Paper Wedding Anniversary. The Plume Stationery Set (at the top of the page) is one my most popular designs! Here are my favorite one year paper anniversary gifts, straight from the shop:

Couples stationery. Even after a whole year of marriage I still got a kick out of my new last name, and the novelty of being Mr. and Mrs. hadn't worn off yet. I love the Unity Stationery Set (above) in particular for first anniversaries because it features the year you tied the knot.

Family Stationery. This style highlights a family's last name, and is so versatile! It can accommodate multiple or hypenated last names on the top line. Plus, two or more first names on the bottom line, in the event that a couple has added children or pets to their family. The Opera Stationery Set (above) is simple and classic, sure to be a hit!

His and hers stationery. You can go so many directions with this! The same design in the same color. Similar designs in coordinated colors. Or completely different designs if you and your significant other have really different styles. (And you get credit for an awesome gift plus your own stationery too! Double-win!) Featured above are the Founder Stationery Set and the Signature Stationery Set. 

Something cute and lighthearted. Many wedding and anniversary designs are formal and serious, but remember that these aren't wedding thank you cards. You should choose a design that reflects your style! I love the simple and sweet Smitten Stationery Set above. 

How did you celebrate your first wedding anniversary? Did you exchange paper gifts? Go out to dinner? Revisit your honeymoon destination?