A decade of marriage is a milestone worth celebrating in style. Research shows that commemorating important anniversaries strengthens relationships (1). So, we bring you these exciting 10 year anniversary ideas that you could incorporate and make the celebration grand.
The tenth anniversary, also known as the “tin anniversary,” is a significant milestone where you can reflect on your journey, celebrate the lovely moments you have experienced, and strengthen your bond. Whether you prefer a romantic, intimate setting or a lively, adventurous outing, these ideas will inspire you.
These ideas can help you and your partner get closer and create lasting memories. Decide whether you want a relaxing or adventurous experience to celebrate your special day, and choose the one that suits you best.
Key Pointers
- Go on a romantic getaway or candlelight dinner to celebrate ten years of your wonderful marriage.
- Let your loved ones be a part of your celebration with a fun cocktail party.
- Rent a tent or recreate your teenage romance on the roof and cuddle up under the stars.
- Plan an exciting idea like hiking, picnic, and road trip to make it memorable.
30+ Best 10-Year-Anniversary Ideas
A 10-year anniversary is the perfect opportunity to honor a decade of shared memories. Celebrations bring happiness, help reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being, thus improving relationships (2). Studies also suggest that experiential gifts—events and experiences to live through rather than material items—are great for fostering positive emotions in relationships (3). Here are some thoughtful celebration ideas that can make this milestone truly special and memorable.
1. Plan a vacation
Anniversary getaways are a wonderful excuse to travel to a distant location or stay at a nearby inn for relaxation. Relaxing on the beach or strolling through quaint villages or rolling hills covered in vineyards, skiing through snow-capped mountains, and going on a safari are all glamorous ways to commemorate your tenth wedding anniversary. After choosing a destination, decide on the itinerary. In addition to being fun, taking a vacation offers both physical and mental benefits and can improve your relationship (4).
2. Arrange a candlelight dinner
Candlelight dinners are one of the most romantic things a couple can do, especially for a wedding anniversary. As you approach your tenth wedding anniversary, romantic thoughts flood your mind, and what could be more enticing than the soft, flickering glow of a scented candle? Make a reservation for a candle-lit dinner by the pool or an exquisite restaurant with a sea view.
3. Take a nature walk
Spending quality time together by being closer to nature is one of the interesting tenth-wedding anniversary ideas. Regular nature walks can reduce stress, enhance well-being, and create a positive atmosphere for couples (5). Walk hand in hand with your partner, reminisce about the good old times, and fall in love all over again.
4. Take a boat ride
Going on a boat ride with your spouse is a beautiful ten-year anniversary idea. If you live in a city with beautiful lakes, you should rent a boat. Several boat rides include delectable seafood and beverages and the opportunity to see your city from a new perspective. In addition, you can try paddling and canoeing at a local lake if you’re looking for a unique activity. While on the boat, you can even make your partner feel extra special by giving them gifts.
5. Rent a tent
What could be more enticing than spending time with your partner in the close confines of a tent beneath the stars? Going on a date in a tent on the outskirts of town is another tenth wedding anniversary idea. Decorate the tent with lanterns to make the night more romantic. Fill the tent with cozy cushions and keep your significant other warm with a glass of red wine. Serve dinner inside the tent, with tealights to set the mood. Remember to carry a blanket for a cozy evening.
6. Go on a cruise
Sailing off into the sunset with your significant other is the epitome of romance. If you want to mark the occasion with an unforgettable vacation, consider taking a cruise that offers private rooms and romantic activities like specialty dining, sunset viewings, evening cocktail hours, and midnight buffets. This will allow you to visit various exciting destinations while relaxing and reconnecting with your partner.
7. Plan a road trip
Have you always wanted to go to a nearby small town but never got around to it? This is one of the most exciting ten-year anniversary ideas if you and your partner enjoy traveling and discovering new places together. Make a day of it by going on a road trip to see something new. Take a spur-of-the-moment road trip and see where it takes you. You can either begin with a specific plan in mind or drive and see where it leads you.
8. Host cocktail party
For your tenth wedding anniversary, throw a small dinner or cocktail party for a few of your closest friends. If you have a close circle of friends or relatives with whom you frequently celebrate special occasions, consider having fun with them on your anniversary night. You can look online for personalized cocktail party ideas over a weekend if you don’t know how to plan a party. This ten-year wedding anniversary idea will make your partner feel special and cherished.
9. Relax at a spa
You should play hard if you work hard. Taking some time to relax and recharge at a spa is a budget-friendly tenth-anniversary idea. Your partner will appreciate the stress relief, whether it’s just an expert massage or a complete spa plan (6). Enjoy some rejuvenating downtime with your partner by booking a few couple’s treatments at a nearby retreat.
10. Take a wine walk
Wine hopping is a popular couple’s activity, especially during special days such as wedding anniversaries. Look for a winery that offers a lot of wine tasting opportunities. Then go for a stroll together and enjoy each other’s company. You can do wine tasting at a vineyard or a local wine shop. The romantic beverage will make you and your loved one feel the love.
11. Hit the roof
You can take your partner to the roof of your house for an intriguing twist. A nighttime roof picnic can be romantic under the glittering stars and illuminated by the soft glow of surrounding houses. An amazing view with delicious food is always a winning combination. For the ultimate roof picnic experience, pack blankets, wine, glasses, and candles, and enjoy the view while listening to romantic music in the background. Raise a toast to one another under the stars and enjoy the evening.
12. Book a romantic hotel
A romantic lodging is a perfect way to ignite sparks on your tenth wedding anniversary. If you two are outgoing, you should head to a bustling city, but if you are laid back, choose a more secluded location for your staycation to focus on enjoying one another’s company. Inform the hotel staff that you are celebrating your tenth wedding anniversary. There’s always the chance that you’ll get some complimentary wine or other perks during your stay.
13. Plan a park picnic
The beauty of the blooms in a botanical garden makes for the perfect romantic setting. You might choose the park where you first met, or the beach where you’ve taken long walks together. Find a secluded location where you can spend some time together. Prepare a special lunch or dinner and spend the day at a favorite lake or park. Snacks, flowing beverages, and great music are more than enough to get the celebration started.
14. Go hiking
Aerobic activities like hiking can lower stress and improve mental health while giving you a chance to disconnect and spend quality time with loved ones in nature (7). It is an exciting tenth-wedding anniversary idea, especially if you pack a picnic to reward yourself when you reach the top. Take along some old photos or love letters from when you dated so that you can read them together from a nice viewpoint, or sing a love song. You can also create a photo album or frame a few pictures that capture your happy moments together as a memento, and cherish them together. You can even choose a few poems to read together on a mountain top. Remember to pack nutritious and filling foods, as hiking requires a lot of energy.
Heather O’Brien, a mother of three and a wedding stationery designer, shares how she decided to celebrate her 10-year wedding anniversary. She says, “With this being our first double-digit, I wanted to actually DO something this year to celebrate just us. It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle of life and easily let things like this slip away with just an I love you and a promise to do something later. So for the next several days, we’ll be hiking, eating, wine tasting and just enjoying each other. I think after 10 years (and 3 crazy kids!), that’s the least we deserve (i).”
15. Get adventurous
One of the tenth wedding anniversary ideas is to rediscover your relationship in a new light. While flowers and cards are always welcome, an adventurous outing adds to fun and delight. A dash of thrill, adventure, and excitement to reach new heights is what your relationship wants, as they are one way to make your tenth wedding anniversary truly memorable. Try surfing, paragliding, parachute jumping, or undersea diving if you and your partner are adrenaline junkies. You could even make it romantic by riding in a hot air balloon.
16. Go on a helicopter ride
Take an exhilarating helicopter ride to view your city’s scenic landscapes from a whole new angle. A tenth anniversary is a great time to go for this exciting adventure. Viewing mountains, long flowing river streams, and lush green patches in the city while holding your life partner’s hand is a unique experience you shouldn’t miss.
17. Make a scrapbook
Skim through all the images you have collected with your partner over the past ten years and recall the good old memories. Choose the photos you like the most and set them aside. Print the selected ones, make a scrapbook together, and decorate it the way you like. You can get ideas by looking at online videos and photos to make your scrapbook look amazing.
18. Write love letters
Writing letters is good for mental health. It can boost happiness, reduce stress, and encourage mindfulness (8). Being together for ten years means you could have shared countless experiences as a couple. And in all these years, there could be many instances where you wanted to tell your partner how much you love them or how proud they make you feel. On this anniversary, open up and express all those lovely feelings you haven’t told your partner in a sweet, romantic letter. To make the letter more special, you can start it with a 10-year anniversary quote and decorate it with stickers and personalized art.
19. Create custom-made couple jewelry
On your tenth anniversary, you could make an awesome piece of jewelry (such as a ring, a chain, or a bracelet) to mark this important milestone. The jewelry can be engraved with a meaningful message, your wedding date, or the birthdate of your children. Another cool idea is to make jewelry that fits together like a puzzle so both of you can have a part of it.
20. Attend a live concert or comedy show
Get tickets for a live concert or stand-up comedy show to celebrate your tenth anniversary on a fun note. Have a great time sharing immense laughter and joyous moments with your partner. Alternatively, you can visit a restaurant playing live music and have a cozy dinner date.
21. Take a bike ride
Rent a bike or get your own bike and ride through the scenic lanes of your city. Spend the day exploring your neighborhood like never before. Stop by local museums or bookstores and spend time talking about random topics. Without any plans in mind, just go with the flow. Who knows, this impromptu bike ride might turn out to be the best date of your life.
22. Do something new
Make your tenth anniversary remarkable by doing something new together. Maybe you could try out a cuisine you have never had or get a hair color you always wanted to experiment with. Do something that is thrilling and pushes you out of your comfort zone. Having your partner by your side, you need not hesitate to push your boundaries.
23. Do volunteer work
Volunteering can help reduce stress, connect you to people, and make you feel healthier and happier (9). Celebrating your anniversary by doing social work is a great way of giving back to society. You can volunteer your time or contribute to a charitable organization. On your special day, you may also pledge to support an important cause, such as protecting animals or nature. An unconditional act of help and care can make you feel great.
24. Go dancing
Following the same routine for years, you might have forgotten when you let your hair down and lost yourself to music. If your spouse and you enjoy dancing, grab this opportunity to dance the night away. Visit your favorite nightclub or go to a new nightclub and dance with your partner like no one is watching. You may also play your favorite music at home and dance like carefree teenagers. Dancing with your partner to good music can help build a stronger, more understanding, and supportive relationship with each other (10).
25. Go to a karaoke bar
Imagine singing your heart out to your partner with no one judging you. If you like the idea, then we have found you a place to spend your tenth marriage anniversary. At a karaoke bar, your partner and you can enjoy amazing food and drinks while singing your favorite songs, even if you don’t get all the lyrics right. Singing together can help sync your breathing and heart rate with your partner’s. When you sing in unison, it naturally brings you closer to your loved one (11).
26. Have a professional photoshoot
Hire a professional again to click pictures on your tenth anniversary, akin to your wedding. But this time, you can choose exquisite locations for taking pictures instead of the wedding venue. Rent out some fancy outfits and click candid pictures; you may also take inspiration from the web for fun couple pose ideas for your shoot.
27. Go for a yoga/meditation retreat
If you’re a couple that struggles to stick to your monthly resolutions, consider giving each other a retreat as an anniversary gift. Places like yoga or meditation centers offer packages that let you take a break from your daily routine and relax in a peaceful setting. Practicing yoga with your partner is a great way to bond and have fun together while strengthening your connection (12). These retreats also help you make healthier lifestyle choices that would benefit your physical and mental well-being.
28. Plant a tree
Try planting a tree if you want to do something good for nature on your anniversary. You can plant it in your backyard or a nearby park and nurture it over the years. After a decade, you will be amazed by its growth. Also, you may click a picture with the tree every year to mark its growth and celebrate your anniversary.
29. Join a class together
It is never too late to learn a new skill or activity. Sign up for a skill or talent class together on your tenth anniversary.The love hormone oxytocin, which helps in bonding, is released when you do fun activities with your partner (13).
Promise to complete the learning together no matter how busy you both are. You may take cooking or pottery classes or any activity encouraging you to create something new or enhance your skills.
30. Renew your wedding vows
Out of all the unique wedding anniversary ideas listed in this post, this one is likely to be the most exciting one. Celebrating your tenth anniversary by renewing your wedding vows could be just the perfect way to mark a decade of togetherness. You may have a private ceremony with your close family and friends, and this time, your children can also witness it. Write personalized vows and make a promise to each other. Be sure to capture every precious moment of the day.
31. Have a game night
If you cannot have a grand celebration for your tenth anniversary, you can still spend the night having fun together. Play games that you both enjoy, such as card games, drinking games, or online games with multiplayer. Alternatively, you may opt for classic board games such as Jenga, twister, or chess. You may also pick any game that you enjoyed playing as a kid and have fun competing with each other.
Tips To Celebrate Your 10-Year Anniversary
While there are countless ways to commemorate this special occasion, proper planning and attention to detail can make the celebration truly memorable. Here’s how to ensure your 10th-anniversary celebration goes smoothly.
- Choose activities that you genuinely enjoy rather than just following trends.
- If planning outdoor activities like hiking or picnics, always have an indoor backup plan in case of bad weather.
- For personalized gifts, such as an album or scrapbook, start collecting and organizing photos at least a month in advance.
- Book spa treatments and special dinners well in advance, especially for weekend dates.
- Check reviews and recent photos of venues or locations before booking.
- Make copies of important documents if traveling.
- If you are flexible with dates, consider spreading celebrations across several days instead of trying to fit everything into one day.
- Set a clear budget before planning to avoid overspending. Keep a buffer in your budget for unexpected expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I surprise my partner on our 10th wedding anniversary?
You may surprise your partner on the 10th anniversary by recreating one of your favorite memories or throwing a themed party for your close family and friends. If you like to keep things simpler, try to cook their favorite meal and set up a candlelight dinner.
2. What present do I get for my partner on our 10th anniversary?
The traditional 10th-anniversary gift is diamonds, tin, or aluminum. You may get jewelry or cuff links made of the same metal. If you wish to go conventional, you can give them an item from their wishlist. You could also consider personalized custom-engraved items or couples massages. When unsure, you can always go with the classic bouquet, perfume, watch, or chocolates.
3. What color is it for the 10th anniversary?
Silver or blue is marked as the color of the 10th anniversary. Hence, if you’re planning a themed party, you may opt for a silver and blue theme for decorations.
Although love should be celebrated every day, completing ten years of togetherness is a significant milestone in every couple’s life. Therefore, you should not miss any opportunity to make it memorable in your way. An ideal celebration need not entail spending much money or being extravagant. Focus on creating a joyful day that will be forever etched in your memory. You just need to identify what you love doing together and make time for it. So, whether it is planning a vacation or going on a nature walk, make it unique, and express your love and passion in the most charming way possible.
Infographic: What Is The Significance Of Celebrating The 10th Anniversary?
Anniversaries help you recount and ruminate on the eventful journey with your partner. Reconnecting with the happy memories and looking back on the beautiful journey can help rekindle the romance of yore. Read through this infographic about the significance of the tenth anniversary and share it with your better half to celebrate your bond.
Illustration: Unique Ideas For 10th Anniversary & Ways To Celebrate
Personal Experience: Source
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. Happy Anniversary! Our Wedding Story- 10 years.https://heatherobriendesign.com/happy-anniversary-post/
References:
- The National Extension Relationship and Marriage Education Model: Core Teaching Concepts for Relationship and Marriage Enrichment Programming
https://www.fcs.uga.edu/docs/NERMEM.pdf - How Celebrations Enhance Our Lives!
https://www.optimumhealth.org/blog/how-celebrations-enhance-our-lives - Cindy Chan Cassie Mogilner; (2016); Experiential Gifts Foster Stronger Social Relationships than Material Gifts.
https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/sites/default/files/documents/areas/fac/marketing/mogilner/Chan%20Mogilner%20JCR%202016%20Experiential%20Gifts.pdf - A vacation may be what the doctor ordered.
https://www.allinahealth.org/healthysetgo/thrive/importance-of-taking-a-vacation - Engagement with natural environment a significant contributor to life satisfaction.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/04/170420132328.htm - The Benefits of Spa Treatments for Stress Relief and Relaxation.
https://www.brownfield-rmc.org/post/_blog - 6 Benefits of Hiking That Will Make You Want to Find a Trail.
https://www.goodrx.com/well-being/movement-exercise/benefits-of-hiking - 5 Reasons To Put Pen To Paper – The Written Letter Revival.
https://lovepaper.org/5-reasons-to-put-pen-to-paper/ - Volunteering and its Surprising Benefits.
https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/wellbeing/volunteering-and-its-surprising-benefits - Benefits for Adults.
https://usadance.org/general/custom.asp?page=BenefitsforAdults - Music Therapy for Couples to Help Build Your Relationship.
https://www.incadence.org/post/music-therapy-for-couples-to-help-build-your-relationship - Cupid’s Struck my Yoga Mat!!
https://www.artofliving.org/in-bn/yoga/yoga-benefits/yoga-for-couple - Karen K. Melton et.al; (2019); Examining Couple Recreation and Oxytocin via the Ecology of Family Experiences Framework.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jomf.12556
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