Anniversary flowers are always fun to give. Whether you want flowers for your spouse, a friend, coworker, or family member, a bouquet that celebrates love is always a great idea. The best flowers for anniversaries are thoughtful and symbolize the number of years of marriage. Although there are traditions regarding flower selection, there is also a lot of freedom regarding what you can give. Overall, generous bouquets that have meaningful flowers to honor love and commitment trump any rules. However, if you want to strike a good balance between traditional and contemporary bouquet styles, you’ll find plenty of options when you shop around. If you need assistance finding the best anniversary flowers by year, check out this handy guide.
Anniversary Flowers by Year
- 1st Anniversary Flowers: Carnations
- 5th Anniversary Flowers: Daisies
- 10th Anniversary Flowers: Daffodils
- 20th Anniversary Flowers: Asters
- 30th Anniversary Flowers: Lilies
- 40th Anniversary Flowers: Gladiolus
- 50th Anniversary Flowers: Roses and Violets
- Why Different Flowers for Different Anniversary Years
The carnation is the traditional flower of a first wedding anniversary. This bloom symbolizes innocence, admiration, and a strong martial foundation. Since carnations are often friendship flowers, they emphasize how a good bond is the basis of a strong marriage. Orange blossoms and pansies are also traditional first anniversary flowers, especially if they are in white to symbolize the purity of a love’s beginning.
Our pick: The Sorbet, a true vision in pink. With pink and white roses, light pink carnations, Veronica, and greenery abound, there’s a variety of pillowy blooms to admire.
Daisies mean "forever love." Their multiple rounded petals symbolize the layers of stories and excitement that are in store for the couple. Giving this flower for the 5th anniversary is both traditional and highly meaningful. It symbolizes your strong marital bond and the excitement that lays ahead. After five years, you have established a life together, but you’re also prepared for plenty of twists and turns down the road of life. Daisies tell your loved one that there’s still much more to discover!
20th Anniversary Flowers: Asters
Asters represent good fortune and wisdom, which both go hand-in-hand in a happy marriage. This small flower’s star-shaped petals also symbolize love, faith, and vibrant colors. For a meaningful arrangement, find one with bursts of colorful asters that celebrate a beautiful love story. Cream or white daylilies also are typical of a 20th-anniversary gift and look wonderful in a mixed bouquet.
Our pick: The Good Vibes, an impressive gathering of delphinium, lisianthus, free spirit roses, ruscus, and aster.
Lilies are the traditional flower of a 30th anniversary. This noble flower symbolizes beauty, devotion, and pride. Making it to 30 years is a wonderful milestone that should be celebrated to the max. Sweet peas are also known to be part of this tradition since they resonate with marital happiness.
Our pick: The Mythology, a big, epic bouquet designed to be over the top in the best of ways. It’s made to impress with its stunning multi-colored mix of mini calla lilies, sunflowers, roses, and ranunculus.
A ruby anniversary is a big deal, and so you need gorgeous flowers to honor the occasion. The gladiolus is also traditionally given to couples celebrating their 40th anniversary. Communicating remembrance, honor, fidelity, persistence, calm, strength, and steadfastness, it embodies all the compromise, hard work, and respect that helps a relationship reach this milestone. Since this flower is typically hard to grow, it may be limited in availability depending on your anniversary’s date. However, any red flower can work, as long as you make the bouquet abundant and impressive. It’s perfect to put on display thanks to its elaborate appearance.
A golden anniversary merits plenty of praise and attention. This is one of the only years that has two official flowers — yellow rose and violets. While yellow roses symbolize friendship, beauty, and prosperity, violets represent commitment and the importance of humility. Couples that stay true to each other, remain good friends, and respect each other embody the values of these two flowers.
Why Different Flowers for Different Anniversary Years
Over time, traditional flowers were established for each marital year across various cultures around the world. Some marriage years may have several flowers depending on the sources you find. Each flower has a unique meaning that commemorates the milestone, embracing new achievements and virtues gained by staying by each other’s side. If you are in doubt of what gift to give, go with the anniversary’s traditional flower. You can also pick a bouquet with a variety of blooms that include the flower that represents your couple’s year.
However, remember that the best gift comes from the heart. You have the freedom to choose your spouse or friend’s favorite flowers or colors. Mixed flowers, potted plants, dried flowers, and single-stem arrangements are also excellent anniversary gifts. To make your anniversary bouquet even more luxurious, attach a message and add-on gifts like chocolates or a scented candle.
FAQs
What color roses are best for an anniversary?
Traditionally, red roses are the classic choice for anniversaries. For milestone anniversaries, consider pink roses to express gratitude or white roses for an elegant touch. To add some personality, choose roses in your partner’s favorite color or go for a mixed bouquet to celebrate your relationship.
What plant is best for an anniversary?
A thoughtful plant can symbolize the growth and longevity of your relationship. Orchids are a popular choice because they represent love and strength. Peace lilies and anthuriums also make a gorgeous gift because they symbolize long-lasting love.
Subscribe
