28th Wedding Anniversary Gifts, Traditions, and Symbols

Orchids symbolize the 28th year of marriage, and just as an orchid plant is resilient, often long-lived, and beautiful, so is the 28th year of marriage. Marking the 28th wedding anniversary can be done in many ways with modern and traditional gifts or planning a memorable experience that will be something to look back on with joy.

Gifts and Symbols for the 28th Wedding Anniversary

Various items are traditionally associated with the 28th anniversary, although there is no traditional gift for the 28th anniversary. The beauty of anniversaries is you don't have to adhere to traditions. Traditions are a helpful place to kickstart plans but are not a requirement.

• Contemporary/modern gift: Orchids; no need to get literal and give orchids as a gift, although you can; think more outside the box, consider visiting an orchid nursery or botanical garden
• Gemstone: No gemstone associated with it; however, amethyst, phosphosiderite, and orchid tourmaline all have orchid coloring; gifts with these stones are thoughtful gifts with your twist
• Color: Lavender, pink, or orchid hues; use these colors for inspiration in giving works of art
• Flower: Orchids; according to the language of flowers, orchids represent rare beauty, love, refinement, beautiful lady, mature charm, beauty, and long life; in Chinese lore, they stand for many children, nobility, elegance, perfection, and friendship; orchids are beautiful living flowers for home centerpieces

Ways to Celebrate Your 28th Anniversary

Think about orchids as you plan your special day. These fragile flowers come in myriad shapes and colors yet only grow under just the right circumstance—just like your relationship. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Plan a picnic near a field of lavender with orchid paper plates and cups
• Use an orchid plant as a centerpiece for your anniversary dinner
• A trip to a destination where you can view orchids, like Hawaii, Tahiti, or another romantic tropical location; they are the national flower of Thailand
• Dinner at an Asian-themed restaurant that has orchids in its decor, like Thai, Hawaiian, or Chinese
• A luau party closer to home (or a luau in your own home)
• Visit an orchidarium or orchid nursery for a picnic, champagne toast, or candlelit dinner
• Check out a visiting exhibit by Georgia O Keefe, known for her flower paintings
• Go to a flower show to marvel at the displays of beauty

Gifts

Orchids themselves make wonderful gifts, especially when you purchase a living plant. Be sure you know how to care for the orchid, though—a withered anniversary gift is less than inspiring! If you don't choose to purchase a plant, you might want to consider buying or commissioning one of these unique gifts:

• Plates or cups featuring an orchid motif
• Artwork built around the theme of orchids
• A beautiful orchid society calendar
• Orchid-themed stationery or cards
• Orchid-themed jewelry