21st Wedding Anniversary Wishes (Opal)

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The 21st wedding anniversary is known as the opal anniversary. Opal is an unusual stone: depending on the light it shimmers blue, pink or gold. A marriage of twenty-one years is much the same — there is room for everyday life, for celebration and for unexpected colours that spouses keep discovering in each other after so many years together. Below are opal anniversary wishes: short messages, notes for a wife or husband, wishes from friends and children, poems and gift ideas.

Other anniversaries: 19th anniversary wishes, 20th anniversary wishes, all wedding anniversary names.

Short 21st anniversary wishes

• Happy opal anniversary! May your love keep shimmering with new colours, just like a real opal.
• Twenty-one years together — what a lovely number! May just as many happy years lie ahead.
• Happy anniversary! May your home always be filled with the light that makes every day special.
• Twenty-one years of love and trust is a real treasure. Take good care of it!

For a wife or husband

• My love, in twenty-one years you have never stopped surprising me. Thank you for every day full of warmth and light. Happy anniversary!
• My husband, twenty-one years by your side and I am still happy I said “yes”. I love you!
• You are my opal: every day I discover something new in you. Happy anniversary, my dearest!

From friends and children

• Mum and Dad, happy opal anniversary! Thank you for showing us what a real family looks like. Stay happy and healthy!
• Dear friends, twenty-one years together is truly impressive! Wishing you many more adventures together!
• Happy anniversary! May your love inspire everyone around you.

Longer messages

• Twenty-one years ago you chose to walk through life together, and today your marriage is like an opal: it holds every colour — joy, care, support, laughter and even the hard times you overcame. May the light you give each other never fade, and may every new year reveal new shades of happiness.
• The opal anniversary is a reminder that love never stands still. May you keep surprising each other, dreaming together and enjoying what you have.

21st anniversary poems

Twenty-one, an opal shine,
A glow of love in every hue.
May every year be warm and fine
And every day feel bright and new!

Like opal glowing in the light,
May your love keep shining through,
May your days be warm and bright
And your hearts stay ever true!

21st anniversary gift ideas

The most symbolic gift for an opal anniversary is opal jewellery: earrings, a ring, a pendant or cufflinks. Friends and children might give something to enjoy together: concert tickets, a weekend somewhere cosy or a pretty frame with family photos. Flowers in soft, shimmering shades — lilac, pink and blue, like opal itself — make a lovely choice.

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See hydrangea bouquets and anniversary flowers.

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FAQ

What is the 21st wedding anniversary called?

It is known as the opal anniversary. Opal stands for many-sided feelings, light and harmony.

What should I give for a 21st anniversary?

Opal jewellery, something to enjoy together or a bouquet in soft lilac, pink or blue shades.

Which anniversary comes after the opal one?

The following year, at 22 years, couples celebrate the bronze anniversary.

Next year comes the 22nd, or bronze, anniversary.

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Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.