From now through Feb. 14, retailers will be busy convincing couples they need to purchase that perfect Valentine’s Day gift for their spouse. Extravagant dinners, jewelry, roses and candy are a few popular ways of celebrating. In stores, when the Christmas decorations come down, the hearts go up.

This year, consider a different way of celebrating, and join many other married couples at the 27th annual World Marriage Day Ball on Saturday evening, Feb. 11. Held at the Crowne Plaza Ravinia hotel, the ball is hosted by the Atlanta Area Worldwide Marriage Encounter leadership and has become a tradition for many couples from newlyweds to empty-nesters, with cocktails, dinner, silent auction and dancing to DJ music. All married couples are invited.

Held in Atlanta since 1986, the tradition began in Baton Rouge, La., five years earlier when couples wanted to celebrate their married love in a more meaningful way than the typical Valentine’s event. They encouraged their mayor, bishop and governor to proclaim St. Valentine’s Day as “We Believe in Marriage Day.”

Since then the second Sunday of February has become World Marriage Day in 43 states and on several military bases overseas. World Marriage Day honors couples as the head of the family and salutes the beauty of a couple’s fidelity, sacrifice and joy in married life.

At the Atlanta Marriage Day Ball, couples are affirmed and uplifted in a joyous atmosphere. Special recognition is always given to the couple married the longest, as well as the newlywed couple married the shortest amount of time. Marriage Day Ball attendees include newlyweds, couples with young children, middle-aged couples with older children, empty-nesters and grandparents.

The cocktail hour with cash bar begins at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. and dancing until midnight. Attire is semi-formal; black tie is optional. A silent auction is held until 10 p.m. The cost is $100 per couple before Jan. 15 and $115 after Jan. 15. Discounted hotel accommodations are available at the Crowne Plaza Ravinia by mentioning the World Marriage Day Ball. The hotel is located at 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta.

Atlanta Area Marriage Encounter encourages couples who are looking for a exceptional way to celebrate their love to come and enjoy great music, food and fellowship. The beautiful memories of a Marriage Day Ball will last longer than any bouquet of roses.