Traditional, Modern and Symbolic Anniversary Gifts
Below is a list of both traditional and modern gift materials, as well as classic flower and gemstone symbols, which mark a couple’s 70th wedding anniversary in countries around the world…
| Traditional Gift – UK |  |
Platinum |
| Traditional Gift – US |  |
Platinum |
| Traditional Gift – Spain |  |
Titanium |
| Traditional Gift – Germany |  |
Grace Theme |
| Traditional Gift – Russia |  |
Grace Theme |
| Traditional Gift – France |  |
Platinum |
| Traditional Gift – Italy |  |
Titanium |
| Flower Gift |  |
Peony Roses |
| Gemstone Gift |  |
Smoky Crystal |
| Modern Gift |  |
Afternoon Tea at the Ritz |
About 70th Wedding Anniversaries
Mere superlatives seem barely sufficient as you celebrate the remarkable milestone of your 70th wedding anniversary. You are in exalted company, among an exclusive – and quite rare – group of couples who have been together for a truly epic seven decades.
This is traditionally known as the Platinum Anniversary, honoured by a gemstone that symbolises true love, purity, rarity and strength. From engagement rings and wedding bands to 70th anniversary jewellery, platinum celebrates the everlasting endurance of love.
Gift Ideas for the Couple
When considering what gift to buy a partner or other couple celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary – whether it is your parents, grandparents or even great-grandparents by now – traditionally most people will initially think about platinum rings and other items of jewellery.
However, it is perfectly appropriate – and indeed quite desirable – to opt for an ornamental gift which, for example, incorporates a 70th anniversary gem of smoky crystal.
For family and friends, helping a couple to celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary brings as much joy, pleasure and enjoyment as it does for the celebrating pair themselves. So make sure the celebrations are memorable, creating opportunities to add cherished new snapshots to the photo album.
There are many different ways to celebrate this incredible anniversary, limited only by your imagination (if you are part of the family “organising committee”) and, of course, the couple’s own desires and (perhaps importantly) mobility.
Arguably the most popular option, for all tastes and ages, is a lavish lunch or dinner for the whole extended family (and intimate friends) at a favourite local restaurant.
Or, if the couple still maintain a sense of adventure, you could choose a highly recommended new eatery they haven’t had the chance to check out yet – or an old stamping ground they haven’t been able to visit for a while.
Alternatively, you could arrange a grand afternoon tea party at home, either theirs or your own, always an excellent opportunity to bring family and friends together for this ultra-special celebration.
One beautifully poignant touch to accompany the celebrations would be playing music from the same era as their wedding, while another would be to dust-off old photos from their early years together. Often, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will not have seen these photos before, so having the chance to be transported back in time and generations will be a wonderful treat for them – and you!
As time goes by, we don’t all manage to see our family as much as we would like to, especially if separated by the tyranny of distance. Perhaps there is someone in the family the couple have missed seeing for a particularly extended period? If so, you could take them for a visit, and rent a limousine to make the eagerly awaited reunion even more memorable. If the distance involved is too complicated or inconvenient, arrange a surprise party at home, with their long-lost family member the special guest.
The chances are that a first free-fall sky drive, bungee jump or white rafting excursion are no longer viable or all that appealing for the couple. Even relative “youngsters” such as 67th wedding anniversary celebrants are also likely to enjoy more sedate pleasures, such as afternoon tea at a luxury hotel. Choose a boutique-style establishment where, in addition, they can savour a morning of pampering in the spa and wellness treatment rooms, and an overnight stay in a cosy deluxe suite. Make sure the staff know the couple are celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary so they receive the full platinum treatment.
Spa and Afternoon Tea at The Balmoral in Edinburgh
Couples nostalgic for the grandeur of past eras will find that time almost stands still at The Balmoral in Edinburgh. Well, actually just three minutes. This “calculated miscalculation” (as locals call it) dates to the hotel’s origins in 1902. Built as a grand railway hotel, its turret clock was set three minutes fast to make sure passengers would not miss their trains. Couples celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary will no doubt delight in this historical quirk, as well as the hotel’s invigorating spa and award-winning afternoon tea.
- The hotel is located in a prestigious setting, No. 1 Princes Street – a venerable Edinburgh landmark.
- Designer Olga Polizzi was keen to showcase Scottish heritage blended with 21st-century sophistication, including sweeping staircases, Corinthian columns, enchanting murals and “calmly contemporary” furnishings.
- Guests can savour a Michelin-star feast at Number One, or afternoon tea under the Palm Court dome and Venetian glass chandelier.
- The afternoon tea menu offers 20 exclusive loose-leaf teas accompanied by a variety of sandwiches, scones and cakes including: haggis puff with red onion and deep relish; smoked salmon with nutmeg crème fraîche; heather honey and mustard glazed gammon; butternut squash, smoked venison and Elrik goat’s cheese tart; pear and caramel choux; and crowdie cheesecake with heirloom plums and speculoos spices.
- Spirit drinkers will love the whisky selection, with over 500 varieties available at the “Scotch” bar.
- The spa services include massages, hammam and sauna.
- Small dogs are allowed to stay with their owners.
Next Anniversaries
71st wedding anniversary
72nd wedding anniversary
73rd wedding anniversary
74th wedding anniversary
75th wedding anniversary
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