When searching for any information regarding the 28th wedding anniversary, you can often come across information that this date is not customary to celebrate, or they attribute to it the name Orchid Day, which, appropriately, is inherent in the American people. In Eastern Europe, and with it in Russia, it was given the name Nickel Wedding.
For those who are afraid whether this date can be celebrated, let’s tell you a secret - all wedding anniversaries were invented no more than 200 years ago by a bored intelligentsia. Just for fun and also to add more value to family institutions. Therefore, everyone can decide for themselves whether to celebrate this holiday.
Nickel wedding traditions
Like most non-circular dates, a nickel wedding is traditionally celebrated only among the closest relatives and friends. If you consider the possible options, it is worth stopping at a secluded romantic dinner. It can be done either at home or at a restaurant. It would be ideal if you manage to visit a still-operating establishment where a wedding was celebrated 28 years ago. A light dinner and wine will help you celebrate the day in a relaxed atmosphere. Lovely gifts and warm memories will be a pleasant bonus for both partners on this important day. Some couples do not want to be alone and choose to celebrate on a grand scale, inviting friends and relatives of any kind.
The basis of the correct celebration is the competent interior design. Live orchids, as well as balls of pink and silver shades, will not be superfluous. A shiny white tablecloth and nickel tableware will perfectly complement the holiday and support its theme.
Date value
The anniversary of 28 years of family life is called Nickel. Why was this particular metal chosen as a symbol? It's simple:
- Nickel does not lose its shine over time and retains its color. By analogy with this, the feelings of spouses over 28 years should not fade, shining as at the very beginning of family life.
- Nickel is also a hard metal. Again, this quality can be attributed to long-term marital relationships that hold feelings for so many years.
- Nickel lends itself well to polishing. Living together, spouses “polish” each other and themselves, get used to their personalities, and smooth out rough edges in communication. Only by becoming “smooth”, having lost their rough edges, can they live together for so long.
- Nickel does not rust. This quality can be attributed to the relationship between the spouses, because they are not afraid of time, and in family life, situations have probably occurred more than once that tested its strength.
- Nickel is a refractory metal and is very difficult to melt. Likewise, the passions raging between husband and wife, family troubles and stormy showdowns could not “melt” love.
- Nickel has magnetic properties. After 28 years of marriage, husband and wife are still drawn to each other as if magnetized.
In Western countries, the 28th wedding anniversary is called Orchid Day.
What can you give your spouse?
The ideal romantic gift option would be a romantic dinner by candlelight. A husband will appreciate a gift made with his own hands, for example a scarf, and will wear it for quite a long time. Among the more traditional options for gifts for your spouse for a nickel wedding, you can choose:
- cigarette case or cup holders;
- portable flask;
- shaving kits;
- a collectible item if the spouse collects something. If possible, the item should be purchased in nickel.
In any case, when making a decision, it is important to remember the practical thinking of men. They will be happy with any gift that can be used usefully.
What can you give your wife?
The 28th wedding anniversary is a great occasion for men to please their significant other with an unusual gift. In addition, you can take on some of the household responsibilities, for example, cleaning or preparing food. Any woman will appreciate such care on an important day. When choosing a gift, it is important to focus on the lady’s wishes and level of knowledge of her hobbies and interests, for example:
- a home flower will delight any woman. It differs from a banal bouquet at least in that it will live much longer. And if you give an orchid, you can support the holiday theme with the gift. It is worth remembering that almost every woman loves to care for flowers;
- A bouquet of flowers would be a more universal gift. An expensive bouquet of roses will perfectly complement even a modest gift, becoming a symbol of love and reciprocity. Also on such a date, it is important to take a responsible approach to choosing colors for the bouquet. You can stick to the standard combination of red and pink with white;
- Nickel jewelry can also please any woman. If a lady does not have a strictly defined clothing style, it is better to choose standard classics in the form of earrings or a ring;
- A romantic dinner in a good restaurant or with food delivered to your home is a great excuse for busy couples to get away and diversify their routine;
- if a woman has a thirst for travel and a foreign passport, you can give her a trip to the country she has dreamed of;
- A holder for accessories and jewelry will be a practical and pleasant gift;
- girls will also like various interior items, for example, an original nickel book stand;
- A set of underwear and clothes should be given only in cases where a man is confident that he knows his woman’s tastes well. If you are not sure, you should give a certificate for a round sum to the desired store or organize a joint shopping trip.
It is not so important what the cost of a gift from a man will be. On this day, it is important to show his sincere care and attention to his soulmate.
Let's prepare a surprise for my husband
If a woman wants to surprise her beloved by congratulating her on her 28th wedding anniversary, she should consider symbolic gifts, but which her husband will use with pleasure. It is best if things are made of nickel or its alloys, to have inserts made of these metals:
- A cigarette case - a man who smokes will appreciate such a gift. It is better to choose options made of cupronickel or stainless steel, additionally ordering a commemorative engraving.
- A lighter - a high-quality metal accessory will also appeal to a smoking husband. Like a cigarette case, it can be engraved. Or give a lighter + cigarette case set, complementing it with your husband’s favorite cigarettes or cigarillos.
- Flask - if a man likes active leisure (fishing, camping, hunting), then a hiking option is suitable. You can also present your husband with an elegant flask for alcohol, complete with engraving. It is advisable to pour his favorite alcohol inside.
- Watches – the choice should be made based on the husband’s tastes. You can also consider not a watch, but a bracelet, which should be made of white metal. You should not give watches to superstitious men.
- A belt or suspenders - a high-quality accessory made of genuine leather with a laconic buckle will appeal to any man who prefers a classic or casual style of clothing.
- Stationery - a set of fountain pens, a metal stand for writing instruments, a paperweight, a business card holder - are suitable as a gift for your husband, who spends most of his time at his desk.
- Jewelry is also appropriate as a gift for your husband. These could be cufflinks, a ring with a nickel insert, or a tie clip.
Gifts from guests for the 28th wedding anniversary
When choosing a gift for invited guests and relatives, you should focus on the lifestyle and interests of the married couple. An excellent gift would be a certificate for beauty services or a shopping trip for a substantial amount. If the family loves flowers, you can give a plant in a pot.
A couple who has a well-developed sense of humor will appreciate funny couple T-shirts and other gifts of this kind. For connoisseurs of expensive drinks, you can gift alcoholic products. Ideally, if you can find a 28 year old wine. A bottle of alcohol can be themed with a photo of the heroes of the occasion and warm words. Also, do not forget about the importance of symbolic gifts made of nickel alloy. You should choose one of the following gift options, namely:
- kitchen utensils ranging from forks and spoons to an expensive kettle;
- chandeliers that include elements of nickel alloys;
- jewelry boxes made from appropriate materials;
- Wall Clock;
- Numismatists will enjoy collectible coins containing nickel.
Nickel is a material that, despite its aesthetic appearance, is distinguished by its durability. Therefore, products made from it will last the couple for quite a long time. If you want to time an item to coincide with a specific event, you can give the couple an item decorated with a corresponding engraving. If the gift becomes worthwhile, after the holiday it can pass from generation to generation as a family heirloom. The most traditional gift options, regardless of the wedding date, include the following gifts:
- crystal products, such as a chandelier;
- household appliances, which nickel figurines will also make wonderful household gifts. It’s just important not to give single figurines - this is a symbol of separation;
- indoor orchid in pots;
- jewelry. If a woman loves jewelry more, you can give a set of jewelry;
- if a couple has a country house, you can give country gifts, ranging from benches to a barbecue, or garden decor;
- a set of linen that has a matching nickel color;
- any set of 28 items, dedicated by its number to a nickel wedding;
- any household appliances. But before such a purchase, regardless of the scale, it is worth consulting with the couple and taking into account their wishes and interests;
- a set of paired home clothes will appeal to spouses with a great sense of humor;
- if the children moved away from their parents at the time of the wedding and the adults do not have a dislike or allergy to animals, you can give a furry friend by prior agreement;
- in the modern world, money in a symbolic envelope will also be a wonderful gift;
- flowers, a box of chocolates or a cake can be a wonderful gift. Especially if you think creatively about packaging.
A handmade card from both children and adults will be a wonderful addition to any gift.
Ready-made event scenarios
Today it is fashionable to celebrate holidays according to a pre-prepared scenario. This approach eliminates many problems, especially if the celebration involves a large number of guests.
To ensure the holiday goes off without a hitch, you need to prepare in advance:
- Send invitations to relatives and family friends, having previously compiled a guest list.
- Come up with a menu. There is no need to try to surprise everyone with delicious treats; it is enough to prepare several delicious appetizers and main courses, accompanied by desserts, for example, a mini-copy of a wedding cake.
- Choose outfits. A Nickel wedding doesn’t require fancy outfits, but you can’t celebrate the holiday in home clothes either. If the event is themed, you should build on its style, giving preference to a white and gray color scheme.
- Holiday decor. It is best to opt for moderate decoration of the room, which will create the desired atmosphere. These can be balloons filled with helium, silk ribbons, themed posters, beautiful nickel-plated dishes, vases with flowers. You can make out the number 28 from the balls. The balls themselves should be white, tying silver shiny cords or ribbons to them.
Gifts from children
There are many ways in which children can please their parents at a nickel wedding. For example, order a cake that will be decorated with symbolic details and made in nickel. If you have the financial means, an original gift would be a trip to a resort or treatment center. You can also give theater tickets or a trip to the nearest city.
If parents love alcohol, you can present a beautiful wine stand. It would be a good idea to order the decor and general design of the gift from professionals. A symbolic nickel tray with a special anniversary design will be a gift that parents will use for several years. Alternatively, you can give a garden set. Such gifts are especially relevant when children live in urban areas and parents live in a summer cottage. Motorists will be pleased with gifts for the car, for example, a massage chair for the driver's seat and an equipped passenger seat. The couple can use such gifts together.
