With most engagements and weddings happening during late spring or early summer, chances are your anniversary is quickly approaching. Whether it's been two years or twenty, most women like and appreciate romantic gestures, so why not plan a great anniversary surprise to celebrate the time you’ve been together?

Of course, the place and activities you choose will depend on your availability, budget, and tastes. If you don’t have the time and money to splurge on your anniversary, find ways to make something simple like spending a night at home together feel magical. Play games, give each other massages, watch a romantic movie, or even take a bath together while drinking champagne and eating strawberries. Don't let money or time constraints stop you from giving her the anniversary she deserves.

Here are some tips and ideas on how to prepare something meaningful for the woman you love on your special day:

1. Prepare a personalized invitation. Regardless of the place or time you've chosen for the anniversary to take place, a formal invitation to your spouse is always appreciated and will make her think you've put a lot of thought into the event and planned ahead. Whether hand-crafted, printed, or delivered digitally, she probably won’t expect an invitation at all, so it would come as a pleasant surprise for her. You don’t have to be an artist or invest in something expensive – just a piece of white paper filled with words and doodles or a carefully crafted email that comes from your heart will send the message that she's in for a night she'll remember for years to come.


2. If necessary, find someone to babysit your kids. If you already have children, you realize there are occasions when you need some alone time with your partner. This could be because you have a function to attend, important errands to take care of, or simply because you want some time to yourselves. For you anniversary, it's a good idea to find a babysitter, relative, or friend to care for your kids while you're away for the evening. Be sure to secure this arrangement well in advance to avoid scrambling at the last second to find someone to help out and potentially being left with having to take your children along on your anniversary date.


3. Listen up. Successful anniversaries are those that consider the needs, desires, and preferences of your significant other. She may not directly tell you what she wants, but keep your ears open for any hints she might drop. Pay extra attention to the things she says in the days leading up to your anniversary, and listen for her to mention a recent craving for Chinese food these days, perhaps, or to state an interest in going on a relaxing vacation. Take these things into consideration when planning your anniversary in a place she will enjoy.


4. Take care of the details. As man, it can be easy to focus on the general idea and miss the important details, but many women are likely to notice the little things. If you want to make your anniversary truly memorable in her mind, incorporate a few key elements that you think she will recognize and appreciate. For example, if you know she loves white roses or peonies, hand her a beautiful bouquet of her favorite flowers. If she's a chocolate lover, give her a delicious box of assorted chocolates. You could also tip a musician to play her favorite song while you're dining together in candlelight at a romantic restaurant. These are the details that will make the day (or night) more special and certainly more memorable.

Of course, the place and activities you choose will depend on your availability, budget, and tastes. If you don’t have the time and money to splurge on your anniversary, find ways to make something simple like spending a night at home together feel magical. Play games, give each other massages, watch a romantic movie, or even take a bath together while drinking champagne and eating strawberries. Don't let money or time constraints stop you from giving her the anniversary she deserves.

Good luck!