First Anniversary Wishes for Your Partner or a Couple
Messages for a first wedding anniversary: for your partner, after a year of firsts together, and for a couple you love, from someone who was there on the day.
Save your anniversary and Greetigo emails you before it, the day before by default.
What to say after one year
The first year of marriage is full of firsts: the first home, the first holidays as a couple, the first big argument and the first real apology. A first-anniversary message can name a few of them. That's what makes it about your year, not anyone's.
A simple shape:
- 1.Happy anniversary, and something about the wedding day.
- 2.One moment from this year you'll remember.
- 3.What you're looking forward to in year two.
The paper anniversary
Paper is the traditional first-anniversary gift, which makes a written note the gift as well as the message. A few ideas: a letter for them to open on your tenth anniversary, a printed photo of your favorite moment of the year with the story written on the back, or a list of twelve small things you loved, one for each month.
First anniversary messages
"Happy anniversary. A year ago I could barely get through my vows without crying. I'd say every word again today."
"Happy first anniversary. This year we learned how to share a closet, split a to-do list and choose a takeout order in under an hour. I'd do every day of it again with you."
"Happy first anniversary. A year ago I looked up, saw you and forgot every word I'd practiced. I still lose my train of thought when you walk into a room. I love you."
"One year. One home. A few hundred shared dinners and one very serious argument about the dishwasher. Happy anniversary. I'm so glad it's you."
"Happy anniversary. This year wasn't always easy, but every hard week ended with us on the same side. That's what I'll remember most about year one."
"Happy first anniversary. If year one taught me anything, it's that ordinary days with you are the best part. I can't wait for year two."
"For our paper anniversary, a few words on paper: you make me braver, kinder and a lot better at grocery shopping. Happy anniversary, love."
"Happy anniversary! One year in, and you still laugh at my jokes. Either it's love or you're very polite."
"Happy first anniversary. We finally finished the wedding cake we saved in the freezer. Let's celebrate with a fresh one."
"Happy anniversary from far away. I'm counting the days until I'm home, and the first evening is yours. One year married, and I miss you more than ever."
"Happy first anniversary. This year asked a lot of us. I'm proud of how we held on to each other, and grateful I didn't go through it alone."
"Happy first anniversary. It feels like yesterday we were cheering for you at the wedding. I hope year two brings good food, long weekends and plenty of reasons to celebrate."
"Happy first anniversary to you both. Watching you build a home together this year has been a joy. We love you."
"Happy first anniversary! I'm so glad our family got bigger last year. Here's to many more years of you two."
"Happy first anniversary, you two. One year down, and a lot of good ones ahead."
"Happy first anniversary, and congratulations on a whole year of marriage. I hope you have a lovely celebration."
"Happy first anniversary! You survived year one, the in-laws and building flat-pack furniture together. The rest is easy."
"I got the date wrong, and our first anniversary deserved better. I'm sorry. Let me make it up to you this weekend: just us, phones away."
"Happy belated first anniversary. I'm late, but I've been thinking of you both. Dinner at ours soon?"
What to avoid
- Jokes about the honeymoon being over, or about how long marriages last.
- Comparing your year with other couples' years.
- "The best year of your life" for a couple who had a hard one (a move, a loss, an illness). Say instead that they came through it together.
If you forgot the date
It happens, even with the first one. Say it plainly today, without an excuse, and plan something with a day on it. More help: what to say when you forgot your anniversary.
Frequently asked questions
What do you write in a first anniversary card?
What is the traditional first anniversary gift?
What do you write for a couple's first anniversary?
How can we celebrate a first anniversary without spending much?
Remember the next anniversary
Your first anniversary is the first one you'll look back on. Save the date and Greetigo emails you before it (the day before by default, or up to 14 days before if you want time to plan), with a message ready.
Save the date and Greetigo emails you before it. Then pick a free template or, on Plus and Premium, start from an AI-written draft. Send it by email from Greetigo, or copy it into WhatsApp, a text or your own email app. It works in any browser.