Choosing flowers for an anniversary isn’t just about picking something pretty – it’s about finding a meaningful symbol that reflects the unique bond you share. Each flower carries its own message: roses for deep romance, lilies for commitment and renewal, sunflowers for loyalty and positivity.
Whether you’re celebrating your first year or a golden milestone, selecting the right blooms can add a personal, heartfelt touch to your gift. Consider the season, your partner’s preferences, and the symbolism behind each flower to create a bouquet that speaks your love language and honors your journey together.
History and Traditions of Anniversary and Flower Gifting
The tradition of celebrating wedding anniversaries dates back to the Holy Roman Empire, where husbands would crown their wives with a silver wreath on their 25th anniversary and a golden one on their 50th – marking the origins of what we now call the Silver and Golden Anniversaries.
As time passed, especially during the Victorian era, the practice of commemorating each year of marriage with symbolic gifts grew in popularity. This was also when flowers gained deeper cultural meaning, thanks to the “language of flowers” or floriography, which allowed people to express emotions and sentiments through blooms.
By the 20th century, commercial influences helped formalize a list of traditional and modern anniversary gifts – many of which still include flowers for their symbolic beauty and emotional resonance.
Today, giving anniversary flowers not only honors these long-standing customs but also adds a layer of personal meaning to the celebration of lasting love.
Most Popular Anniversary Flowers
Roses
Symbolism: Love, passion, romance
Why they’re perfect:
Roses are the ultimate symbol of romance. Their timeless appeal makes them the most popular anniversary flower across all milestones. Each color adds a layer of meaning, allowing for personalization based on the relationship’s journey.
- Red: Signifies deep love and respect—ideal for romantic partners on significant anniversaries.
- White: Represents purity and eternal love—suitable for weddings or long-lasting unions.
- Pink: Expresses admiration and gratitude—great for celebrating mutual appreciation in a partnership.
- Yellow: Though commonly used for friends, they can also celebrate joyful milestones in a long marriage.
Tulips
Symbolism: Perfect love
Why they’re perfect:
Tulips are elegant, simple, and rich in meaning—ideal for romantic relationships that are steady and deep.
Especially lovely in spring, tulips are great for spring weddings and early-year anniversaries.
- Red tulips are particularly romantic, symbolizing deep, enduring love.
Sunflowers
Symbolism: Loyalty, longevity, adoration
Why they’re perfect:
Sunflowers reflect strength and warmth in a relationship. Their bold and cheerful appearance makes them ideal for long-lasting unions and anniversaries celebrating growth and positivity.
Great for outdoor-loving couples or those who appreciate symbolic gifts of optimism.
Orchids
Symbolism: Luxury, strength, beauty, exotic love
Why they’re perfect:
Orchids bring a sense of elegance and rare beauty—making them a striking and thoughtful gift for milestone anniversaries like the 10th or 25th.
Their long-lasting blooms symbolize a relationship that is resilient and refined.
Daisies
Symbolism: Innocence, loyal love, new beginnings
Why they’re perfect:
Daisies are sweet and simple—perfect for younger couples or early anniversaries like the 1st or 2nd.
They reflect honesty and a fresh outlook, reminding couples of their early days together and the joy of new beginnings.
Lilies
Symbolism: Elegance, commitment, renewal
Why they’re perfect:
Lilies—especially calla lilies—bring elegance and grace to any celebration. Their strong symbolism of commitment and new chapters makes them perfect for couples who’ve overcome challenges or reached personal growth together.
Carnations
Symbolism: Devotion and deep love
Why they’re perfect:
Carnations are traditional 1st anniversary flowers—simple yet filled with meaning.
Each color tells a different story:
- Red: Passionate love
- White: Pure and faithful love
- Pink: Gratitude and admiration
They are also long-lasting and budget-friendly.
Peonies
Symbolism: Romance, prosperity, good fortune, and a happy marriage
- Peonies are lush, elegant blooms often associated with romantic love and a prosperous union, making them perfect for anniversaries.
- In many cultures, especially in China and Japan, peonies are seen as symbols of honor and a strong, happy partnership.
- Their full, soft petals make them ideal for creating luxurious anniversary bouquets, particularly for spring and early summer celebrations.
Anniversary Flowers for Each Milestone
1st Anniversary – Young Love & Fresh Beginnings
- Pansy – Known as the “flower of remembrance,” pansies symbolize loving thoughts and reflection. Their vibrant, expressive faces make them a sentimental and thoughtful choice for the first anniversary.
- Carnation – Symbolizing the sweetness and innocence of young love, carnations are often used to celebrate new beginnings. Their ruffled petals and variety of colors make them versatile and full of personality, perfect for commemorating the first year of marriage.
- Orange Blossom – Traditionally associated with weddings and bridal bouquets, orange blossoms represent purity, innocence, and eternal love. Their delicate beauty and scent evoke the memories of the wedding day.
5th Anniversary – Growth & Trust
- Primrose – A sign of eternal love and youth, primroses are one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, signifying renewal and enduring affection.
- Daisy – Daisies symbolize purity, loyal love, and new beginnings, echoing the couple’s growth together over five years. Their cheerful appearance reflects optimism and honesty.
- Sunflower – Representing adoration, loyalty, and longevity, sunflowers are strong, resilient blooms that follow the sun—symbolizing a steadfast and optimistic relationship.
10th Anniversary – Joy & Renewal
- Sweet Pea – Known for its delightful fragrance, the sweet pea symbolizes blissful pleasure and gratitude for the past years spent together.
- Daffodil – Symbolizing renewal and hope, daffodils bring a fresh start to the decade milestone. Their bright yellow color reflects happiness and positive energy.
- Tulip – With their elegant shape and wide array of colors, tulips represent perfect love. Red tulips, in particular, express deep passion and commitment.
15th Anniversary – Passion & Commitment
- Hydrangea – Symbolizing heartfelt emotion and gratitude, hydrangeas are lush and expressive, making them a beautiful choice for honoring a lasting bond.
- Rose – A universal symbol of love and romance, roses are ideal for reaffirming the passion and deep emotional connection developed over 15 years.
- Camellia – Representing admiration and perfection, camellias are elegant blooms that reflect devotion and appreciation between partners.
20th Anniversary – Maturity & Respect
- Aster – A symbol of wisdom, elegance, and patience, asters are ideal for reflecting the mutual respect and understanding that has developed over two decades.
- Lily of the Valley – Signifying the return of happiness and humility, these delicate flowers are meaningful tokens of renewed love and appreciation.
- Peony – Known for their lush, full blooms and association with good fortune, peonies are often linked to happy marriages and prosperity.
25th Anniversary – Silver Milestone of Loyalty
- Iris – The iris symbolizes faith, hope, and wisdom, all of which are crucial elements in a long-lasting partnership. It also conveys deep admiration.
- Silver Brunia – While not a traditional flower, Silver Brunia adds an elegant and unique touch to anniversary bouquets, complementing the silver theme.
- Gardenia – Representing purity, secret love, and refinement, gardenias are fragrant and elegant, ideal for such a special milestone.
30th Anniversary – Devotion & Rebirth
- Forget-Me-Not – These small yet significant flowers symbolize true love and memories, a sweet reminder of the moments shared.
- Lily – Lilies symbolize purity, renewal, and passion, making them fitting for a relationship that continues to evolve and deepen.
- Orchid – Known for their exotic beauty and rarity, orchids represent strength, luxury, and refined love—a sophisticated tribute to 30 years together.
40th Anniversary – Strength & Admiration
- Gladiolus – Named after the Latin word for sword, gladiolus stands for strength, integrity, and infatuation—qualities that highlight a powerful partnership.
- Snapdragon – Symbolizing grace and resilience, snapdragons are bright and unique, representing the endurance and vibrancy of a 40-year bond.
- Chrysanthemum – Often associated with devotion and loyalty, chrysanthemums are beloved across cultures as symbols of happiness and long life.
50th Anniversary – Golden Celebration
- Marigold – Symbolizing warmth, protection, and sacred love, marigolds are vibrant and auspicious flowers that bring blessings for continued happiness.
- Yellow Rose – Celebrating friendship, joy, and new energy, yellow roses bring a warm and uplifting message fitting for the golden anniversary.
- Violet – Representing faithfulness and modesty, violets offer a nostalgic charm and are perfect for commemorating half a century of love.
Meaningful Anniversary Flower Notes to Include with Your Gift
Roses – Love, Passion, Respect
Note:
“With these roses, I’m giving you a piece of my heart – full of love, respect, and endless passion. Thank you for making every day feel like a fairytale. Happy Anniversary, my forever love.”
Tulips – Perfect Love, Elegance
Note:
“Like these tulips, our love is simple, graceful, and beautifully perfect. You are my calm in the chaos, my spring in all seasons. Here’s to many more years of blooming together.”
Sunflowers – Loyalty, Positivity, Adoration
Note:
“You are my sunshine, my steady light. Just like these sunflowers, your loyalty and warmth lift me every single day. I adore you more than words can say. Happy Anniversary!”
Orchids – Beauty, Strength, Luxury
Note:
“These orchids reminded me of you – rare, strong, and incredibly beautiful. Our love has grown with grace and depth, and I am endlessly grateful for that. Cheers to us.”
Lilies – Elegance, Commitment, Renewal
Note:
“Like these lilies, our love stands tall with elegance and grace. Each year, we renew our bond and grow stronger. Thank you for being my greatest source of peace and beauty.”
Carnations – Devotion, Admiration, Joy
Note:
“These carnations carry my admiration and deep devotion to you. You make every day brighter, and I’m thankful for your constant love. Happy Anniversary, my sweetest one.”
Peonies – Romance, Prosperity, Good Fortune
Note:
“Peonies symbolize all that you are to me – my good fortune, my joy, and my forever love. I’m so grateful for every moment we’ve shared and all that lies ahead.”
Pansies – Loving thoughts, remembrance, and admiration
Note:
“Every time I see pansies, I’m reminded of the gentle, thoughtful love we share. These little blooms carry my admiration and all the sweet memories we’ve made. Today, I’m giving them to you as a symbol of how often I think of you and how deeply I cherish our journey together.”
Primroses
Note:
My love,
These primroses remind me of how it all began – so full of tenderness, excitement, and hope. Even now, every day with you feels like the beautiful start of something new. I can’t imagine life without you by my side.
With all my love, always.
If flowers aren’t enough to express your love and make this anniversary truly unforgettable, explore our unique anniversary gift ideas for meaningful and lasting ways to celebrate.
