If you are in doubt about which gift category traditionally applies to the anniversary in question, there are plenty of online guides to help you, with lists for the U.K., the U.S., as well as other countries.

An immortal artwork such as a photo montage or mentioning their names in a fiction is considered one unique anniversary gift. At Romance by You, for a modest fee the names of the happy couple can be included in the text of a novel. There is a range of styles of romantic fiction to choose from, including tropical, vampire, western and pirate romances.

For a 25th anniversary, most couples and their families and freinds will wish to make a special effort. The traditional gift is naturally silver. I recall my own parents bought each other a silver birch tree and planted it in the garden, to watch it grow a further 25 years. Party ideas include silver garlands and place-settings, balloons, gift-wraps, etc. Renewing the vows is a lovely way to celebrate. Friends can help a party go with a swing by compiling a CD with songs from the year of the wedding ? guaranteed to set a nostalgic tone to the proceedings.

A wish tree is an ever-popular idea which allows plenty of free rein to your imagination, is something everyone can contribute to and is bound to cause a stir.Take a big branch and spray-paint it silver. Then decorate it with a few silver ornaments and ribbons. The branches are to be hung with the major events from the couple's life, photos of loved ones, gift certificates for stores, shows and events or restaurants, tickets for a tip, traveler's checks, etc. On your silver wedding anniversary, plan a trip to a place with "silver" in its name? Silverstrand Beach in California or in Ireland and Silver Springs in Maryland or Florida are perfect places. Or you could have a picnic in a silver mine...

Be careful if you are planning to celebrate the special day by spending your traveler's checks on a second honeymoon. Many married couples in modern America do not even live full time in the same city as each other, let alone spend time in the house together. What do you think will happen if they finally decide to take a holiday only for the two of them? According to at least one couple, this was a life-changing experience, and more than they had bargained for.

The second-honeymooners duly packed their lap-tops, blackberries and cellphones and headed for the poolside in Hawaii. They enjoyed the trip so much, they ended up selling the condo and the house and moving into the lakeside cabin, to continue their romance all year round. There they began a tourist business, which now brings in a six-figure sum.Getting to Hawaii is not so easy for them these days, but they don't care ? they no longer need to get away to celebrate.

And don't forget to apply for your letter from the President of the U.S.A ? for any anniversary over the 50th ? or from the Queen of England, for those special 60th, 65th or over 70th anniversaries. Can't wait! Roll on 60.