Engagement vs Wedding vs Anniversary Gifts: What's Different
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An engagement gift is usually smaller and celebrates the moment; a wedding gift is more formal and meant to last in the couple's home; an anniversary gift is the most sentimental, marking years together and often following a material tradition such as wood for the 5th. The occasion changes what suits more than the couple does.
| Engagement | Wedding | Anniversary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tone | Light, personal | Formal, for the home | Sentimental |
| Date to engrave | The proposal or engagement | The wedding | The original wedding date, plus the year count |
| Typical size | Small keepsake | Clock, sign or set | Either |
| Wooden ideas | Heart keyring, Day We First Met bauble | Wedding couple clock, surname meaning sign | Mr and Mrs anniversary clock, 5th anniversary keyring |
Engagement gifts
Engagement gifts celebrate the proposal rather than furnish a home, so they are usually smaller: a keyring, a small sign or a keepsake with both names and the date they got engaged. See our engagement gift ideas.
Wedding gifts
Wedding gifts are more formal and are often chosen to last in the couple's home: a clock, a sign or a set of coasters engraved with their names and wedding date. Guests can find ideas in our guide to wedding gifts from guests.
Anniversary gifts
Anniversary gifts mark years together rather than one day, and many people follow the anniversary lists. Wood is the traditional 5th anniversary gift; see what the anniversary lists say and what to engrave on an anniversary gift.
Materials
Our engagement, wedding and anniversary gifts are 4mm FSC-certified oak veneered MDF, with FSC-certified Moso bamboo (certificate BV-COC-190523) on selected coasters. Laser-engraved to order in our workshop in North Wales.
All items are made to order. Dispatch time is shown at checkout. UK orders via Royal Mail Tracked 24. International via Royal Mail International Tracked.
Frequently asked questions
Is an engagement gift different from a wedding gift?
Usually. Engagement gifts are smaller and more personal; wedding gifts are more formal and meant to last in the home.
Which date should I engrave?
The proposal date for an engagement, the wedding date for a wedding, and the original wedding date for an anniversary.
What is the traditional 5th anniversary gift?
Wood, on both the traditional UK and US lists.
Browse engagement and wedding gifts for couples or anniversary gifts.