Wedding anniversary
Not the wedding itself, but the milestone: a surprise or a planned-together celebration, early reservations, a gift matched to the year's tradition, and an optional vow renewal. The list adapts to the format.

[ ] Book the restaurant or venue early
    Good spots for round-number dates and weekends fill up weeks ahead — especially around wedding season.
[ ] Arrange childcare in advance if you have kids
    Book a sitter or a grandparent ahead of time — they get booked up on popular dates too.
[ ] Check the traditional gift theme for the year
    Paper, wood, silver — you don't have to follow it literally, but it's a good starting point for an idea beyond a generic bouquet.
[ ] Look through the wedding photos together
    A simple ritual that works better than it sounds — easy to build into the evening.
[ ] Plan an outfit in advance
    Doesn't need to be new — but 'we'll figure it out last minute' undercuts the occasion if it matters to you both.
[ ] Plan a cover story for the surprise
    How to get your partner out of the house or occupied at the right time without tipping them off early.
[ ] Enlist help from friends or family if needed
    And ask everyone to keep it off shared group chats — one accidental slip ruins the whole surprise.
[ ] Draft and discuss a shortlist together
    2–3 concrete format ideas to pick from — easier to agree on options than to start from a blank page.
[ ] Discuss whether you want a vow renewal or symbolic ritual
    Not for everyone or every year — but a round number (10, 20, 25 years) makes many couples want exactly this.
[ ] Decide whether to invite guests or keep it just the two of you
    Round-number years often call for sharing with close family — if so, the list and invites need lead time, not two days' notice.
[ ] Put together a playlist of shared songs
    The first dance, the song from the year you met — prepared ahead, not searched for by title in the moment.
[ ] Set a budget for the celebration
    Restaurant, gift, a possible trip — agreeing on the number beforehand avoids awkwardness at the bill.
[ ] Request time off work in advance if needed
    Especially for a weekend getaway — clear the dates at work before booking anything.
[ ] Write a card or letter, not just hand over a gift
    A physical gift fades faster than a letter you can reread on the next anniversary.
[ ] Consider a short trip instead of dinner
    Even one night at a hotel in another city can feel more meaningful than a familiar restaurant — if budget and schedule allow.
[ ] Take a photo together on the day
    A small yearly habit that adds up into your own private timeline of the relationship.
[ ] Talk through the past year and plans for the next
    Doesn't need to be formal — but the anniversary is a natural moment to check in on expectations, not just mark the date.

Checklist from Unload: https://unloads.me/c/wedding-anniversary