Which Anniversary Flowers Should You Give Your Significant Other This Year?

Discover the perfect anniversary flowers to express your love this year. Explore meaningful blooms for each milestone and find the ideal bouquet for your significant other.

Introduction

Anniversaries are special milestones that celebrate love, commitment, and shared memories. One of the most timeless and meaningful ways to mark the occasion is with flowers — but with so many options, how do you choose the right ones? Whether you're celebrating your first year together or a golden anniversary, selecting the perfect bouquet can add a deeply personal touch to your gift. In this guide, we’ll help you discover which anniversary flowers best express your love story this year.

Flowers are one of the most traditional ways to demonstrate affection for a loved one. This is especially true in a marriage. Since ancient times, anniversary flowers have been used to express love, compassion, and esteem on wedding anniversaries. The flowers used vary according to the desired message and the occasion.

Choose Anniversary Flowers by Year

Let's look at the tradition of giving anniversary flowers. We'll discover the meaning behind each year's official flower, so you'll know exactly which blooms to get for your loved one this year.

1st Anniversary Flowers

The traditional flower for your first anniversary is carnations. They are bright, lively, and come in a variety of colors. Carnations transmit a message of youth and passion and are perfect for commemorating the first anniversary of two forever lovers.

2nd Anniversary

The official anniversary flowers for your second anniversary are cosmos. These delicate flowers represent harmony and the sharing of experiences. They show that love and unity are stronger than misunderstandings or arguments.

3rd Anniversary

For your third anniversary, the customary flowers to give are sunflowers. Sunflowers are a powerful symbol. They continually look toward the sun with admiration and love, like a couple looks at each other in admiration. They also symbolize positivity and happiness.

4th Anniversary Flowers

Geraniums are the perfect fourth-anniversary flowers. Typically, they're red, pink, or white. They symbolize good wishes, happiness, and friendship, which is a vital part of any marriage.

5th Anniversary

This year's corresponding flowers are daisies. Daisies are simple and beautiful, representing the beauty of simple acts of kindness and the love that a couple has shared.

6th Anniversary

The elegant and sophisticated calla lily is the symbol for a sixth anniversary. The calla lily means marital bliss and faithful devotion for the married couple.

7th Anniversary

Freesias are the anniversary flowers traditionally gifted for the seventh year. They represent the strong bond created by trust and sweetness.

8th Anniversary Flowers

Representing wisdom and mental beauty, the clematis flower should be gifted on your eighth anniversary. It is also called the leather flower and is a large, gorgeous vine flower ranging from white to purple to red. Some varieties are even yellow.

9th Anniversary

This year's flowers are poppies. Generally, poppies mean peace. Red poppies symbolize pleasure, while yellow poppies represent success. Avoid white poppies on an anniversary, as these are for consolation.

10th Anniversary

You have achieved a decade of marriage, and the perfect way to celebrate is with a stunning bouquet of daffodils! Daffodils mean joy, happiness, cheer, resilience, and forgiveness. They are the perfect symbol for ten years of matrimony.

15th Anniversary

Achieving 15 years together is a milestone only adequately symbolized by roses. Roses are the ultimate anniversary flowers meaning love, passion, and romance. It means that romance and passion are still alive after so many years. Red roses, specifically, convey the intense love that has only grown over time.

20th Anniversary Flowers

The stunning aster flower expresses the fondness, wisdom, and faith that have been growing during two decades of love! "Aster" means "star" in Greek, and highlights the bright, shining moments in your marriage.

25th Anniversary

Irises are unique, tall, and bright flowers representing your 25 years together. No matter what, you have stuck together and stood tall in the face of adversity.

30th Anniversary

The traditional selection of anniversary flowers for your 30th anniversary is lilies. They represent long-lasting devotion and commitment. Their sweet aroma and stunning shapes and colors beg to be admired, much like 30 years of marriage!

40th Anniversary

Gladiolus flowers bring to mind a sense of strength and loyalty. These are essential to achieving 40 years of marriage and are two characteristics worth commemorating. Gladiolus means 'little sword' in Latin, which symbolizes that marriage is worth fighting for and protecting at all costs.

50th Anniversary Flowers

Half a century of marriage is a goal that is not easily reached! This means a special celebration with unique anniversary flowers. Yellow roses and violets symbolize how two people have come together to complement each other, and that, though many years have passed, the couple's love is young and bright. It is the only anniversary where two distinct flowers are used.

The Meaning Behind Anniversary Flowers

Anniversary flowers are more than just beautiful gifts — they carry deep symbolic meanings that reflect the love, memories, and milestones shared between couples. Each type of flower, and even the color, can convey a specific emotion or message, making them a thoughtful and personalized way to celebrate another year together.

Roses, especially red ones, are the most iconic anniversary flowers, symbolizing deep love and passion. White roses often represent purity and unity, perfect for early anniversaries or wedding vow renewals. Meanwhile, pink roses express admiration and appreciation, ideal for showing gratitude for the years spent together.

Lilies, with their elegant appearance, signify commitment and devotion. Their timeless charm makes them a popular choice for milestone anniversaries, like the 10th or 25th year. Orchids, exotic and graceful, symbolize rare and delicate beauty — a fitting tribute to a unique and enduring relationship.

Florists often design anniversary bouquets based on traditional anniversary themes. For example, carnations for the 1st anniversary symbolize young, passionate love. Daisies, associated with loyalty and innocence, are commonly gifted on the 5th. By the 50th anniversary, yellow roses and violets are paired together to represent enduring love and harmony.

Choosing the right anniversary flowers is a meaningful way to express what words often cannot. Whether you're celebrating your first year or your fiftieth, the right bouquet can reflect the journey you’ve shared and the future you look forward to.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Flowers

Selecting the perfect flowers can transform a simple gesture into a heartfelt message. Whether you're shopping for a birthday, anniversary, or just to brighten someone's day, the right bouquet speaks volumes. Here are some essential tips to help you choose flowers that are not only beautiful but meaningful:

1. Consider the Occasion

Different flowers suit different occasions. For romantic gestures, roses are classic, while sunflowers bring cheer to birthdays or congratulations. Sympathy arrangements often feature lilies or white orchids for their elegance and grace.

2. Think About the Recipient's Personality

Is the person vibrant and energetic? Bright, bold flowers like gerbera daisies or tulips might be perfect. For someone who appreciates subtle elegance, go for soft-toned peonies or calla lilies. Tailoring the flowers to the recipient’s style adds a personal touch.

3. Pay Attention to Color Symbolism

Colors convey emotions. Red symbolizes love and passion, yellow stands for friendship and joy, while white often represents purity and remembrance. Choose colors that match the message you want to send.

4. Factor in Seasonal Availability

Seasonal blooms are not only more affordable but also fresher and more sustainable. Spring is perfect for tulips and daffodils, while summer offers roses and sunflowers. In fall, go for chrysanthemums or marigolds, and in winter, amaryllis and poinsettias shine.

5. Include a Meaningful Note

A thoughtful message paired with your flowers enhances the gesture. Whether it’s a simple “Thinking of you” or a heartfelt anniversary note, your words can make the flowers even more special.

6. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

If you're unsure, ask your local florist for recommendations. They can guide you based on the occasion, your budget, and the message you want to convey.

Choosing the perfect flowers doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a bit of thought and intention, your bouquet can become a lasting memory for someone special.

Show Your Devotion and Love With Anniversary Flowers

If your anniversary is coming up, remember there is no more elegant and beautiful way to commemorate the occasion than gifting your loved one anniversary flowers. If you're looking for the perfect bouquet, Beverly Hills Florist has stunning arrangements ideal for your upcoming anniversary that you can see here.

FAQ's

What do different anniversary flowers symbolize?

Each flower has a unique meaning. For example, red roses symbolize passionate love, lilies represent commitment and devotion, while orchids stand for beauty and strength. The symbolism adds emotional depth to your anniversary gift.

Are there specific flowers for each anniversary year?

Yes, traditional flowers are often associated with certain milestone anniversaries. For instance, carnations are for the 1st anniversary (symbolizing young love), daisies for the 5th (loyalty), and violets or yellow roses for the 50th (enduring affection and harmony).

Why are roses the most popular anniversary flowers?

Roses, especially red ones, are timeless symbols of romance and deep emotional connection. Their beauty and versatility make them a go-to choice for expressing love on any anniversary.

Can flower color affect the meaning of an anniversary bouquet?

Absolutely. Colors add an extra layer of meaning—red signifies love, white denotes purity, pink expresses gratitude, and yellow symbolizes friendship. Choosing the right color helps convey the perfect message.

Is it okay to mix different flowers in an anniversary bouquet?

Yes! Mixing flowers allows you to personalize the arrangement and combine multiple meanings. For example, pairing roses with lilies can express both love and devotion, making your gift even more thoughtful.

Conclusion

Choosing the right anniversary flowers is more than a romantic gesture — it’s a heartfelt way to honor your relationship and the memories you’ve built together. Whether you follow traditional anniversary flower guidelines or select blooms that hold personal significance, the thought and meaning behind your choice will shine through. From the classic elegance of roses to the joyful charm of daisies or the enduring beauty of orchids, there's a perfect flower to match every milestone. Let your bouquet tell your love story this year — one petal at a time.

Sources:

https://trulyexperiences.com/blog/wedding-anniversary-flowers/ https://www.1800flowers.com/blog/flower-facts/wedding-anniversary-flowers-by-year/ https://www.proflowers.com/blog/wedding-anniversary-flowers https://beverlyhillsflorist.com/products/aquamarine?_pos=2_sid=f2127a611_ss=r https://beverlyhillsflorist.com/collections/anniversary https://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/remembering-the-good-times/ https://www.almanac.com/flower-meanings-language-flowers