85th Wedding Anniversary

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 85th wedding anniversary in countries around the world…

Traditional Gift – UK		Wine
Traditional Gift – US		Moonstone
Traditional Gift – Spain		Marble
Traditional Gift – Germany		Angel Theme
Traditional Gift – Russia		No Traditional Gift
Traditional Gift – France		Morganite
Traditional Gift – Italy		Marble
Flower Gift		No Traditional Flower
Gemstone Gift		Moonstone
Modern Gift		Birthstone

About 85th Wedding Anniversaries

This 85th wedding anniversary is so gloriously rare that it deserves an especially affectionate toast, to the couple’s long lives and loving devotion. Fortunately, if you have family in this remarkable situation, there are at least two traditional symbols to help you decide on an appropriate gift. The classic gemstone is moonstone – and another symbolic gift is wine.

It is not quite clear why wine enjoys this popular symbolism, but perhaps it came about because, after 85 years together, both partners deserve to let their hair down. Just a little, of course, as people over the age of 100 are not typically big drinkers. Nevertheless, still ample reason to buy an expensive bottle of wine (or two) for them to share with their closest family members and friends.

The original reason for this tradition has become lost over time, and classic wedding anniversary gift lists do not list any specific flower, gemstone or other symbolic material for the 85th.

However, with the advent of modern medicines and treatments, people are living longer and marriages are also lasting longer. Subsequently, in recent years, new gift ideas have been devised for wedding anniversaries from the 75th and above.

Gift Ideas for the Couple

At this age, it is important to make sure you take into account the special needs of the elderly couple. Many will not be all that keen for a party that is too frenetic, so it is advisable to consult with them when planning an event and before going ahead with any celebration that might make them feel uncomfortable. In short, make sure you are always sensitive to their situation and preferences.

One thing you can do, as a surprise, is to invite local dignitaries and journalists, and even national press representatives, to join you for the celebrations and take advantage of a rare photo opportunity. After all, stories like this don’t come along every day – and readers relish a happy tale, especially during otherwise difficult times.

The significance of this 85th wedding anniversary is also warmly appreciated by the Queen, who will be delighted to send a letter of congratulations to the couple, if they live in the UK or Commonwealth countries.

Next Anniversaries

86th wedding anniversary
87th wedding anniversary
88th wedding anniversary
89th wedding anniversary
90th wedding anniversary