October 2024 - Bridebook

80th Wedding Anniversary Gifts: 25 Anniversary Gift Ideas

Not many couples have the privilege of celebrating 80 years of marriage. If you’re about to do just that, then it’s an absolutely jaw-dropping achievement that deserves to be celebrated. It means you and your partner have an unbreakable bond forged over eight decades of love and commitment, which is something so beautiful and rare that you’re about to enter an exclusive club with just a small amount of couples.

Even though not many get to celebrate their 80th anniversary, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a traditional gift associated with it. Much like every other significant milestone throughout your marriage, there are special gifts linked to your 80th anniversary that have a deep layer of significance and symbolism behind them. That means you can give your other half a gift that has oodles of sentiment when celebrating this once-in-a-blue-moon occasion.

Your 80th anniversary is also known as your oak anniversary, so there’s no real surprise that oak plays a big role. It’s also a unique gift that hasn’t featured as a traditional or modern gift for any of your previous milestones, so it makes for a wonderful choice to mark 80 years.

In this guide, we’re going to take a look at everything you need to know about 80th anniversary gifts and give you 25 suggestions for gifts that fit with the theme. That way, you can make sure your other half has a wonderful anniversary that’s as fitting as the milestone deserves.

If you’d like to learn more about all the other traditional and modern anniversary gifts throughout the years, read our complete year-by-year wedding anniversary gift guide.

What are traditional and modern gifts for an 80th wedding anniversary?

The traditional and modern 80th wedding anniversary gifts

Your 80th anniversary is a mind-blowing milestone to reach and one that only a handful of couples will have the luck and blessing to celebrate. For that reason, it’s only appropriate that you give your partner a gift that’s filled with extra special love and meaning. But, unlike with a lot of your other recent big milestone anniversaries, the theme isn’t centred around a precious gemstone. No, this time, the overall theme of your anniversary is oak, which is why your 80th is also known as your oak anniversary. This might be an unusual theme, but it’s one you can have a lot of fun and creativity with when it comes to giving your other half a gift.

Traditional 80th anniversary gift – Oak

The traditional 80th anniversary gift is oak, a strong wood that comes from – as you likely already know – oak trees. This is the first and only anniversary you’ve celebrated where oak makes an appearance, which makes it an extra special and unique gift to choose from.

Oak represents strength and stamina and how things can grow even more beautiful as they age. So, could there really be a more appropriate theme when celebrating 80 incredible years of marriage?

Modern 80th anniversary gift – Oak

Because there’s no point messing with a theme that’s already so perfect, the modern 80th anniversary theme is also oak. It’s not exactly a glamorous or precious gift, but the meaning behind it is beautifully poignant, which makes it such a wonderful choice. Oak is also a hugely versatile theme that lets you have a lot of creativity, so you’re in a great position to give your partner something they’ll love while ensuring your gift is packed with romance and meaning.

80th anniversary gemstone – Ruby

If you’re not sure about oak, you could give your partner a gift linked to the traditional 80th anniversary gemstone, which is ruby. Rubies are a stunning deep red gemstone and are one of the four precious gemstones (along with diamond, sapphire and emerald). They represent passion, wealth and protection, and are a great addition to loads of different types of jewellery.

80th anniversary flower – There isn’t one

Just like with your last few major milestones, there unfortunately isn’t a traditional flower associated with your 80th anniversary. But, not to worry – that means you’re free to be as creative as you like! Plenty of flowers are worthy of your 80th anniversary, from the classic rose to the bold and beautiful tulip. If you choose to give your other half flowers on your anniversary, whatever you choose is bound to go down well.

How do you choose a gift for an 80th wedding anniversary?

So few couples have celebrated their 80th anniversary that it can be tricky to work out exactly what sort of gift is right for such a once-in-a-lifetime occasion. While the traditional theme might be oak, there’s nothing written in stone (or wood, as the case may be) to say you have to stick to that theme. But, before you decide on what sort of gift to give your other half, here are a few points to consider that might help:

Have you and your other half agreed to give each other a traditional gift, or have you given each other traditional gifts in the past? If you have, then it might be important for the two of you to stick to the theme of oak.
Have you agreed to stick to a certain budget? Oak is a lot more affordable than the traditional themes from other recent anniversary milestones, which makes giving a gift associated with the 80th anniversary theme more manageable if you have a smaller budget.
Are you looking to give your partner a personalised gift? Oak is a great gift to personalise, which means you can give your partner something hugely sentimental.
Has your partner asked for something specifically? If they have, it might be a little tricky to give them something to do with oak, unless you get especially lucky.

Is a couple you love about to celebrate their 80th wedding anniversary? It could be your parents, grandparents or even your great-grandparents! Whoever it is, you might be on the hunt for a gift that shows them how special they are, and you might wonder whether you can join in with the theme and give them a gift related to oak. Well, the rules aren’t exclusive to the couple themselves, so you’re more than welcome to give them something that fits in with the theme. They’re bound to love whatever you give them, but something made from oak has that extra meaning which they’ll definitely appreciate.

25 ideas for an 80th wedding anniversary gift

If you know you want to give your partner a gift filled with love and meaning, but you’re not quite sure where to start, don’t worry. Oak is a great theme, and because it’s so versatile, it gives you plenty of ways to give your partner something they’ll love. Whether you have a small or larger budget, there’s a wide variety out there, so you can tell them exactly how you feel.

Here are 25 ideas for 80th anniversary gifts to make sure you have a truly special anniversary.

10 traditional and modern gifts for an 80th wedding anniversary

If you’re excited to give your other half a gift linked to the traditional theme of oak, you might initially scratch your head. What sort of gift can you give that’s romantic and filled with love? Well, it’s actually a brilliant theme, which has almost endless possibilities. So if you’re not quite sure where to start, here are 10 ideas to give you some inspiration.

1. An oak bowl

For something small, full of character and perfectly in keeping with the theme, this oak bowl makes for a fantastic gift that can be used however your partner likes.

2. Framed oak song lyrics

There’s no doubt a song that means the world to you and your other half. It could be a song one of you wrote, the song you had your first dance to, or something else that has special meaning. Immortalise what it stands for with framed oak song lyrics, which can be displayed somewhere at home.

3. An oak picture frame

For a gift your partner is sure to adore, take your favourite photograph and frame it in an oak picture frame, a small but hugely loving gesture to mark 80 years of marriage.

4. Oak artwork

Oak trees are beautiful and strong, so are often used as inspiration for art. The Oak is a lovely piece that honours this legendary tree and would be a stunning addition to any room.

5. Antique oak

Oak is a material which has been used to make things for thousands of years. Give your partner a piece of history with antique oak, which could be anything from an Elizabethan table to a Saxon figurine.

6. An item of oak furniture

Because oak is so strong and durable, it’s regularly used to make high-quality furniture. An item of oak furniture makes for a lovely gift, with a huge variety to choose from that could fit in any sort of room alongside a wide range of decor.

7. A bonsai oak tree

Some oak trees have stood for millenia, and are proud giants standing on the horizon. If you don’t have room for one at home, why not give your partner a bonsai oak tree? It has all the character and meaning of a mighty oak while not taking up loads of space in your garden.

8. An oak leaf and acorn pendant

For a subtle and touching nod to the theme, treat your partner to an oak leaf and acorn pendant, made from sterling silver and rose gold and embellished with white topaz. It’s a nice reminder of your milestone that your partner can wear to any occasion.

9. An oak egg and soldiers platter

With an oak egg and soliders platter, your other half can be reminded of your anniversary every single morning when they tuck into their dippy eggs. Delicious!

10. An oak garden bench

For a big and bold way to honour your oak anniversary, an oak garden bench can sit in your garden and act as a constant reminder of your major milestone.

5 personalised gifts for an 80th wedding anniversary

Giving a personalised gift on your anniversary is a brilliant way to give something unique, which acts as a great keepsake to honour reaching such an impressive milestone. Personalisation can include your names, a message, a photograph or something else that means a lot to the pair of you. Thankfully, oak is a great theme that lends itself well to personalisation. Here are five ideas for personalised gifts you can give on your 80th anniversary.

1. Personalised oak tealight holder

Tealights help you create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, which you can pair with a personalised oak tealight holder that includes your and your other half’s initials.

2. A hand-carved oak heart

For a small, personalised and incredibly thoughtful keepsake, a hand-carved oak heart lets your partner know just how much you love them even after eight whole decades together.

3. A personalised oak key rack

A personalised oak key rack can be hung beside your front door and is one of the first things you’ll see when you get home. It can be personalised with your names or a message that declares your love for your partner in crime.

4. A set of custom oak coasters

With a set of custom oak coasters, you can choose any design your partner loves, including a photo or personalised message. Perfect no matter what your partner’s favourite tipple is!

5. A personalised Scottish oak pen

There’s nothing quite as stylish as a personalised Scottish oak pen, which has 24 carat gold fittings and can include a laser engraved message on the case.

5 80th anniversary jewellery gifts that contain ruby

The traditional 80th anniversary gemstone is ruby, a stunning precious stone with a beautiful meaning, which makes it a great choice of gift on your anniversary. Rubies are the perfect addition to almost every type of jewellery, and are lovely whether set in silver, gold or platinum. If you’re thinking of getting your partner something that contains rubies, here are five suggestions to help you make your gift one your partner will adore.

1. A pair of ruby earrings

Rubies really make jewellery pop, so a pair of ruby earrings make a real statement. They’re also not as common as diamond earrings, which makes them a unique choice to mark 80 years.

2. A ruby bracelet

For a real showstopper, spoil your other half with a ruby bracelet. There’s a wide variety available suitable for different budgets, so you’re bound to find something that suits your partner’s tastes.

3. A ruby necklace

Because rubies are so intoxicating, they deserve to be the star of the show when it comes to jewellery. That’s why a ruby necklace is a winning choice, as it highlights the utter beauty of these dark red stones.

4. A ruby brooch

A lovely addition to any outfit, this ruby brooch is made from sterling silver and contains three wine-coloured rubies. It absolutely screams of class and sophistication.

5. A ruby and oak ring

Combine the traditional gift with the traditional gemstone with this ruby and oak ring, which contains incredible detail and is available in white, rose or yellow gold and platinum.

Ruby really is a great choice when it comes to jewellery, and because they’re so popular you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding ruby jewellery that suits your partner’s style and taste. Almost every high-street and independent jeweller will have a great range available for you to browse. At Bridebook, we’ve partnered with a huge selection of jewellers, so make sure you check them out too, as they all have their own ruby jewellery for you to consider.

5 floral-inspired gifts for an 80th wedding anniversary

While there isn’t a traditional flower associated with your 80th wedding anniversary, that shouldn’t stop you from giving your partner flowers if you know they love them. Flowers are a great way to let your other half know how much they mean to you! But, there are a few ways to get creative with flowers and tie them into the traditional 80th anniversary theme. Here are five suggestions so you can ramp up your floral gifts for your big milestone.

1. Ruby red roses

Roses are a well-known symbol of love, especially red ones! That’s why ruby red roses make for the ideal floral arrangement and complement the theme of ruby.

2. Sanguisorba ruby reds

Sanguisorba ruby reds is an eye-catching perennial which is reminiscent of lavender, but instead of purple, it’s a deep shade of red. A great addition to any garden.

3. An oak flower bouquet

For a floral arrangement that will never wilt, an oak flower bouquet is a great gift that can always sit on a shelf as a reminder of your anniversary. It can also be personalised to include a message so you can let your partner know what they mean to you.

4. Floral ruby earrings

Combine rubies and flowers with a pair of floral ruby earrings, which your partner can wear no matter the occasion.

5. A ruby flower necklace

A ruby flower necklace is bold and beautiful, and makes for a great choice if your partner loves rubies and flowers!

Plan your dream wedding with Bridebook

Here at Bridebook, more than two million couples have used our app to plan the wedding of their dreams.

Browse other similar articles…

Happy Planning!

What to Wear to a Summer Wedding

Summer is here, and with it comes long evenings, ice cold drinks, and a whole host of weddings. Whether you’re a nearlywed, a guest, or part of the wedding party, you’ll want to look your best while keeping cool in the summer sun.

But, it’s not always that easy. We know the Great British weather doesn’t always play ball. How do you find the balance between cool and covered up, ensuring you can show off your lovely tan while not catching a sunburn? Read on to learn all about summer wedding guest outfits, plus what to wear as a bride or groom. Whether you’re looking for outfit inspo or a guide for how to choose what to wear, you’ll find everything you need below.

What is a summer wedding?

A summer wedding can either be a wedding with a summer theme or a wedding thrown in the height of summer. Weddings thrown between May and early September are generally considered to be summer weddings. However, if you plan on throwing a wedding abroad, you can have a summer wedding all year round!

Summer is a beautiful time to have your big day. The days will be long, the temperature will be toasty, and the sun will (probably) be shining. Having your wedding in the summer generally removes a lot of the logistical challenges of a spring, autumn, or winter wedding. But, it’s still important to be prepared, and your attire is one of the main things to consider. After all, you never know what the Great British weather will throw at you!

How to pick what to wear in 5 easy steps

If you’re concerned about summer showers or an unseasonable chill, try following these 5 easy steps to plan the perfect outfit.

1. Think about the weather

First things first — what’s the forecast saying? The weather will be the most important element (pun not intended) to consider when picking your summer wedding guest outfit.

The weather is generally at its warmest in late July or August, and while it’s important not to overheat, we recommend bringing light layers so you can stay out of the sun if you’d like to. A wide brimmed hat, light shawl, or even a light jacket can help shield you from the sun if things get a little too hot.

If you check the weather forecast and it’s promising rain, consider bringing a small umbrella that matches your outfit, or even a chic, waterproof jacket that won’t clash with your look. It’s all about staying prepared for whatever the day throws at you without sacrificing style.

Oh, and don’t forget your sun cream. No matter the weather, it’s always a good idea to protect your skin.

2. Think about the material

Although you may not pay much attention to it generally, strategically picking the material of your outfits is a game changer in the summer. Look out for cotton, linen, or lightweight silk fabrics. They’re breathable, cool, and perfect for staying comfortable in the heat. These materials allow air to flow through, preventing you from feeling sticky or sweaty, especially during those long summer events.

Avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester, or anything heavy like wool or velvet, as they tend to trap heat and moisture, making things less pleasant as the day goes on.

3. Consider the dress code

Make sure you’ve double-checked the dress code before committing to an outfit. Weddings can range from formal black-tie to casual beach affairs, so knowing the vibe is crucial. If you’re not sure, don’t hesitate to ask the host. It’s always better to feel confident that you’re dressed just right for the occasion.

4. Think about the theme

Not all weddings have themes. However, if this one does, you’ll want to be sure you’re dressing to match it. Whether it’s low-key rustic, a boho beach theme, or even an overt underwater theme, matching your outfit to the theme helps you fit right in and adds to the overall experience.

Think about the colours, patterns, and style that best complement the setting. For a beach wedding, for example, light, flowy fabrics and earthy tones might work beautifully. For a more formal, black-tie event, you might opt for something sleek and elegant.

The key is to have fun with it! Just make sure you’re comfortable and confident while staying in line with the overall theme of the event. After all, weddings are all about celebrating and having a great time, so the more you blend in with the vibe, the more enjoyable your experience will be.

5. Try going second hand

Sustainability is very en vogue, and wearing something you already have or purchasing second hand is the modern way.

It’s best not to have a solid idea of what you want to wear if you’re going second-hand shopping, because you’re unlikely to find the ‘perfect’ outfit. Instead, try to go with an idea, a theme, a colour, or a general vibe you’re trying to achieve. This way, you’ll be more open to the unique pieces you come across. Plus, shopping second hand is all about the thrill of the hunt!

Alternatively, try second-hand shopping from the comfort of your own home with handy apps like Vinted, Depop, or eBay. They have a range of second-hand clothes (sometimes new, with tags!) in great condition for a fraction of the price. You can easily search by size, colour, or even brand, making it a little easier to find something that fits your vibe. And let’s be honest — there’s something super satisfying about snagging a bargain while doing your bit for the planet.

9 Summer Wedding Outfit Ideas

Check out our top 9 outfit ideas for summer wedding guests and spouses. Whether you need a full ‘fit or just some accessories, we’ve got you covered.

For brides

1. Grecian-inspired gown

Stunning and regal, lean into that effortless goddess vibe with flowy fabrics and draped details. Perfect for an outdoor ceremony, opt for a dress made of soft white fabric, pinned or tied at your waist with a gold belt. Wear gold arm cuffs, gold earrings, and style your hair in a romantic half-up, half-down look. You’ll feel like a queen!

2. Wrist and ankle corsages

Skip the traditional flower crown and go for floral wrist and ankle corsages instead. They’re perfect for a carefree beach wedding and give off a fresh, boho vibe while keeping things simple and elegant.

Have your corsages made from the same flowers as your boutonniere and bouquet for a cohesive look. Opt for tropical flowers like calla lilies, birds of paradise, or beautiful sunflowers. Oh, and ditch the shoes! They’ll take away from the beauty of your tropical summery look.

3. Backless dress with a statement bow

Bows are a huge trend for 2024, popping up everywhere from cake toppers to earrings to wedding dresses. Show off your summer tan with a stunning backless dress tied with a statement bow.

The beauty of a backless dress is all in the drama — it’s elegant yet romantic, and perfect for a warm, sun-kissed day. Whether you go for sleek satin or a dramatic, oversized organza bow, you’ll look picture perfect from every angle.

For grooms

4. Tropical tie, pocket square, and waistcoat

Mix up a classic suit with a little Club Tropicana flair by incorporating a tropical tie, pocket square, or waistcoat. Hey, you could even go for all three if you’re feeling funky!

This is the perfect way to bring a fun, summery twist to your wedding look without losing that polished vibe. Think palm prints, bright florals, or even a splash of bold colour that complements the theme of the wedding.

5. Monochrome suit

You can’t go wrong with a classic monochrome look.

But, don’t make the mistake of thinking monochrome means you need to wear a drab colour. Monochrome can mean crisp white, soft cream, or even a bold teal or hot pink. Whatever your preference, matching your outfit colours from top to toe is a sure fire way to look put together on your big day.

Remember, the key is consistency. Matching your shirt, tie, and accessories to your suit colour creates a polished, put-together vibe that’s hard to beat. Having said this, don’t be afraid to mix up texture if you want to add some dimension to your outfit. Try pairing a satin tie against a matte suit, or mix subtle patterns, like stripes or checks in the same colour family for a unique but cohesive look.

6. Vest and rolled up sleeves

Keep it casual with this laid-back but dapper look by rocking a vest with rolled-up sleeves. This is perfect for a summer wedding where you want to look sharp but keep things cool and comfortable. Ditching the jacket gives you a relaxed vibe while still keeping you looking stylish. A fitted vest paired with a crisp button-down shirt (sleeves rolled up, obviously) hits the sweet spot between formal and casual.

You can even add a bit of flair with a patterned or colourful vest, or keep it classic with a neutral shade. Throw in some suspenders for a vintage touch, or go with a bold tie or pocket square for a little pop of colour.

For guests

7. Pastel co-ord

Poppy and trendy, a pastel co-ord is a safe and beautiful choice for a summer wedding. The delicate pastel colour fits in with any colour scheme, and keeps you looking effortlessly chic.

The beauty of a co-ord is that you can choose any pieces that fit your personal style. Whether it’s a skirt and fitted blouse, a shirt and cruisers, or even a dress and a blazer, there’s so much room to mix and match. Go for a matching set if you want a polished, coordinated vibe, or mix different textures and cuts to add a bit of edge.

8. Tailored pants and a flowy shirt

It’s a classic for a reason, and you can’t go wrong with the timeless combo. The structure of the tailored pants with the natural flow of the shirt creates a perfect balance of style and comfort. It’s an outfit that works for just about any type of wedding, whether it’s a formal indoor affair or a laid-back garden ceremony.

The beauty of this simple outfit is that you can wear pretty neutral colours and then add pops of fun and colour with interesting accessories. Think a fun clutch, statement earrings or even a bold pair of shoes to really make the outfit pop. You can keep the base of your outfit understated and let your accessories do the talking, adding that personal touch to stand out in the crowd.

9. Ombre maxi dress

Say hello to summer in the most relaxed and stylish way with a beautiful ombre maxi dress. Whether it’s cream to pink, green to teal, or yellow to orange, the colour fade gives off a fun, summery vibe without feeling too over-the-top. Plus, the flowy design is super comfy for a long day of celebrating.

You can keep it simple with some cute sandals or wedges, and since the dress does most of the work, you don’t need to go OTT with accessories. A delicate necklace or a few bangles will do the trick.

Plan your sunny summer wedding with Bridebook

Bright and beautiful, summer weddings are all about good weather, good company, and good vibes. Although sunshine is likely, it isn’t guaranteed and you should plan your outfit with this in mind.

So, check the forecast, consider the dress code, and , if possible, try to buy second hand. Don’t forget to have a backup plan for those unexpected weather surprises, and layer up on that sun cream. Come rain or come shine, this wedding is happening, and you’re going to look amazing!