40 Years of Marriage: Gifts, Quotes & More for Your Ruby Anniversary

40 years of marriage—that’s truly an occasion worth celebrating! Most couples celebrate their 25th and 50th wedding anniversaries in style with family, friends, relatives, and acquaintances. The 40th wedding anniversary —also known as the ruby anniversary —is likewise a wonderful occasion to celebrate the bond between two spouses in a big way. It’s no coincidence that the ruby is the gemstone associated with the 40th wedding anniversary. In the color of love—a deeply rich red—it reflects the long and deep bond between two people.

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What significance is attributed to the ruby wedding anniversary?

The fiery red ruby symbolizes deep love and a strong bond between a married couple. Forty years of marriage, during which a couple has weathered life’s ups and downs together, simply must be celebrated. Here, the ruby reflects the couple’s close bond, and its sparkle in the sunlight resembles the flicker of the fire that burns deep in the couple’s hearts for one another.

Are there any special traditions associated with the 40th wedding anniversary?

Generally speaking, there is no specific custom associated with the 40th wedding anniversary. On this special day, the couple decides for themselves what they’d like to do. They can choose to spend the day alone or celebrate with their family. Of course, it’s also possible to throw a big party for the couple or to celebrate together with family, friends, or close acquaintances.

One tradition that has long been associated with the 40th wedding anniversary is a wreath hung on the front door. The wreath can, of course, also be placed in a garden or displayed in a prominent spot during an outdoor celebration. It should definitely not be missing from the festivities! Sometimes the guests also surprise the couple with an exceptionally decorated wreath for this special day. Do you know a couple who will soon be celebrating their ruby wedding anniversary? Then keep this beautiful tradition alive by making a wreath yourself or having your trusted florist create one.

One tradition that has taken root in Bavaria and other regions of Germany is decorating the wife’s wedding ring with a ruby. Traditionally, it is the husband who initiates the addition of a ruby to the existing wedding ring on this anniversary. This custom honors the 40th anniversary of the marriage. If the wedding ring is to remain as it is, you can give your wife a beautiful piece of ruby jewelry to underscore the symbolism.

40th Wedding Anniversary: Celebration and Decorations

A 40th wedding anniversary is something special—whether you’re celebrating it yourself or attending a special anniversary celebration; in any case, you’ll want to celebrate this day in style. In addition to gifts and heartfelt congratulations, a well-organized ruby anniversary celebration with family, relatives, and friends is sure to make this day an unforgettable experience.

Would you like to celebrate your own ruby wedding anniversary in style, or is there a ruby wedding coming up in your family? For this special occasion, extraordinary decorations are, of course, a must. The very name of the celebration suggests the color that should be incorporated into the ruby wedding decorations. Red is therefore the dominant color in the decorations, which can be beautifully combined with gold, silver, or white. However, always make sure the decorations don’t look too cluttered. Red should run through the decorations like a common thread.

For example, you can combine different shades of red and pink to lighten up the decor a bit. This color combination works very well in bouquets and floral arrangements—a real eye-catcher in any floral display! A table setting featuring flowers, elegant white tableware with gold accents, brass candlesticks, and a red table runner is just one way to decorate a stylish table. There are no limits to your imagination here.

One thing you mustn’t forget for your ruby wedding anniversary celebration: a wedding cake decorated to suit the occasion! Cakes come in an endless variety of styles and are loved by everyone. Adding a red decoration or special lettering to the cake makes it truly special. And: Especially at a celebration where older guests are present, cake and coffee are always a lovely highlight that brings everyone together for a cozy get-together.  

The following idea is perfect not only for a ruby wedding anniversary but for any wedding anniversary worth celebrating: a photo book that doubles as a guest book, immortalizing this wonderful day. For the 40th wedding anniversary, a photo book with a red cover is ideal. Guests can sign it and once again express their appreciation and gratitude with a message. The photo book can be filled with memories in advance, and photos from the celebration can be added later as well. With all our tips and tricks for celebrating a wedding anniversary, you’re now all set to organize and prepare for the festivities. Let your imagination run wild—because when a couple celebrates their 40th wedding anniversary, that’s definitely a reason to get creative and convey your congratulations through a celebration or with original gifts!

What are some wedding congratulations for a 40th wedding anniversary?

To express your appreciation and congratulations to a couple on their 40th wedding anniversary, it’s traditional to send or present a card. It’s best to choose a tasteful card and write a few personal lines to congratulate the couple. When writing wedding congratulations, you should proceed with great care. After all, the couple being celebrated has been married for 40 years, so it’s important to choose a suitable message that personally suits them.

Wedding Sayings - 40 Years of Marriage

To make things easier for you, we've put together a few ideas for ruby wedding anniversary sayings that are sure to be a hit.

Wedding Sayings for Relatives, Friends, Neighbors, and Coworkers

• You tied the knot 40 years ago and have continued to strengthen your bond ever since. I/We send you our warmest congratulations on your ruby wedding anniversary!
• Marriage isn't just about harmony and love—it also takes hard work to get through the tough times. Over the past 40 years of marriage, you've both shown that you understand what that means. All the best on your 40th wedding anniversary!
• After setting sail on your journey of marriage 40 years ago and plunging together into the storms of life, you are still on the right course. We hope your journey together continues for many years to come.
• A true love story never ends! Congratulations on your ruby anniversary.

Wedding Congratulations for the Parents

If your parents are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary, you, as their children, should of course offer your congratulations and express how grateful you are for your parents and the years they’ve spent together.
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• On your 40th wedding anniversary, I'd like to thank you for being such a wonderful role model. Without your example, I probably wouldn't have had the chance to find my own happy relationship. Thank you so much, and from the bottom of my heart, congratulations on your ruby wedding anniversary.
• A ruby wedding anniversary is a special milestone, and I’d like to offer you my heartfelt congratulations. In a few years, we’ll celebrate your golden wedding anniversary in grand style with all your relatives and friends!
• Remember the good times and forget the bad ones. That’s the secret to a happy marriage that can last for many more years. All the best on your ruby wedding anniversary!
• Dear Mom, dear Dad, I wish you a wonderful 40th wedding anniversary with a nice meal at your favorite restaurant. Enjoy your time together and have a cozy evening. Just have a great time today!

Congratulations on your grandparents' 40th wedding anniversary

If your grandparents are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary, you can certainly use some of the previous sayings. However, since your grandparents belong to an older generation, the wedding sayings should perhaps be worded a bit more formally.
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• You two have accomplished and overcome so much in your lives that it’s time to enjoy your life together. Your 40th wedding anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the past and look forward to a harmonious future together. Happy ruby anniversary!
• Forty years ago, you decided to spend your lives together with your soulmate. You’ve been deeply connected ever since your wedding day. A relationship as precious as this is what everyone hopes for, and I wish you, from the bottom of my heart, many more years together!
• No chains can keep a husband and wife together for 40 years. Only love and trust, as the foundation of a long marriage, can do that! Congratulations on your 40th wedding anniversary.
• I wish the best grandparents in the world all the happiness in the world and congratulate you on your 40th wedding anniversary! May there be many more years to come!

What are some good wedding sayings for a ruby wedding anniversary?

There are almost no specific sayings for a ruby wedding anniversary. Some of the following sayings are perfect for the 40th wedding anniversary, as they focus on love, gemstones, and the color red.
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• The golden rule of marriage is: Bear with one another and be kind! Just like government, marriage consists of a series of compromises. One must give and take, refrain and exercise self-control, endure and be patient. A gentle answer turns away wrath! It is also a golden treasure in marriage. (Samuel Smiles)
• Ruby, ruby, what a beautiful stone—may it shine as brightly and be as red as your love. (Author unknown)
• Your love sparkles like a ruby today—40 years of marriage—where has the time gone? (Unknown)
• Intellect is a gemstone that shines most beautifully when set in humility. (Friedrich Gottlieb Klopstock)
• Symbolically, a gemstone represents this 40-year milestone today. (Unknown)
• Rubies are precious, rubies are beautiful; today, let's see rubies as a symbol of love. (Unknown)
• Yes, love gives us life, and life gives us suffering, but suffering and love together give us the bliss of life. (Emanuel Geibel)
• Trust is an oasis of the heart that the caravan of thought never reaches. (Khalil Gibran)
• Love is the beauty of the soul. (Augustine)
• A happy marriage is the sweetest music, the most beautiful harmony, when a husband and wife remain faithful to one another through life’s joys and sorrows. (Friedrich Pesendorfer)

Gift Ideas for a Ruby Wedding Anniversary

Is the 40th wedding anniversary of your parents, grandparents, or close friends coming up? In most cases, it’s easy to find a gift idea for a silver or golden wedding anniversary. However, gifts for a ruby wedding anniversary aren’t as easy to find if you want to truly delight a couple who’ve been married for a long time. Nevertheless, we’ve put together a few ideas for you that might be suitable for a ruby wedding couple:

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Seven Gift Ideas for a 40th Wedding Anniversary

• Ruby Jewelry
  A personalized piece of jewelry featuring a ruby is the perfect gift for a ruby anniversary. Rings, necklaces, and bracelets are also excellent choices for engraving a name or date.‍
• A photo book
  The most beautiful moments from 40 years of marriage together, bound into a book. After all, with so many years together, there are plenty of moments worth preserving in a photo book.
• ‍A homemade collage
  ‍Photos, notes, mementos, and much more can be arranged into a collage, creating a lasting memento of the couple’s 40 years of marriage.‍
• A bottle of sparkling wine, champagne, or fine wine
  A personalized label turns a bottle into something special. Another option is to give the couple a bottle from the year of their wedding with a personalized label.‍
• A gift certificate for the couple
  A gift certificate that offers the couple a shared experience is also a great idea. For example, a spa weekend, a meal at a fine-dining restaurant, a special experience through classes they can take together, or something similar. ‍
• Renewing Wedding Vows
  Organizing a ceremony to celebrate your ruby wedding anniversary and renew your wedding vows. Our wedding planners will be happy to handle all the planning for the ceremony and reception. ‍
• A personal message
  With a personal message or a heartfelt letter, you can not only wish the couple well, but also express your gratitude for many years of friendship. This is a very personal way to show your appreciation—and it’s probably what the couple will appreciate most.