Anniversary Guide
Flowers and romance have long been inextricably linked
with different types of flowers symbolizing
different emotions. Find out how this tradition is
carried on to celebrate wedding anniversaries.
The beauty of flowers and the celebration
of love are harmonious—so much so that it's
difficult to remember a time when we didn't
associate romance with the delight in receiving a
fragrant fresh floral bouquet.
While roses
are truly the quintessential messenger of love (a
surefire way to aptly celebrate a new love or
romantic milestone), during the Victorian era,
couples used other varieties of fresh flowers in
arrangements to send messages to each other as
well—each expressing a different heartfelt
emotion. These meanings are carried on today as a
way to commemorate each wedding anniversary
through floral gifts.
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1st Anniversary - Carnation
From the red carnation that symbolizes admiration, to the white that represents pure and innocent love, to the pink bloom that says “I'll never forget you,” the carnation—with its long lasting qualities and clove-like delicate fragrance—embodies joy and commitment promised for years to come.
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2nd Anniversary - Lily of the Valley
Signifying happiness and purity of heart, lilies of the valley have long been associated with humility and devotion. Legend has it that a nightingale's affection for this beautiful flower was so strong that it wouldn't return to the woods until the flower bloomed in spring.
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3rd Anniversary - Sunflower
It's said that a gift of sunflowers signifies a “devout admirer.” Representing strength, warmth and nourishment—all attributes of the sun itself—the way in which a sunflower turns to follow the sun symbolizes deep loyalty and constancy.
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4th Anniversary - Hyrangea
With their lush globes filled with a delicate lace of small petals, the hydrangea symbolizes both gratefulness and pride—celebrating heartfelt praise and appreciation.
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5th Anniversary - Daisy
While the well-known legend carried over from Victorian times has it that maidens would pluck a daisy's petals one by one to predict their romantic future, daisies are also known to indicate innocence, purity and gentleness on behalf of both the giver and recipient, declaring: “You have as many virtues as this flower has petals.” Doesn't hurt that they make a beatiful fresh floral bouquet.
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6th Anniversary - Calla
The calla—with its trumpet-shaped blooms and graceful, slender profile—is a symbol of transition and growth, reflecting the beauty and pride gained in shared wisdom over time.
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7th Anniversary - Freesia
A symbol of trust and fidelity, freesia is an appropriate antidote to the proverbial saying that the seventh year of marriage provokes restlessness. Representing faithfulness through the seasons, it's a traditional reminder of love's honorable character.
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8th Anniversary - Lilac
With their heart-shaped, deep green leaves and irresistibly fragrant blooms, lilacs have been treasured for generations. Reminiscent of springtime and young love, they symbolize and recall love's first emotions.
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9th Anniversary - Bird of Paradise
Resembling one of the most striking, exotic birds in the world, birds of paradise, with its large blue and orange blossoms, symbolizes magnificence and splendor—celebrating romance's unexpected side.
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10th Anniversary - Daffodil
In nature—as in romance—the daffodil reminds us of renewal and simple pleasures. Possessing a fresh, sweet fragrance, this joyful bloom symbolizes singular love and chivalry.
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11th Anniversary - Tulip
Symbolizing a declaration of love, legend has it that the tulip's velvety black center represents a lover's heart, darkened by the heat of passion. Believed by many to be the most romantic of flowers, tulips are said to also represent elegance and grace.
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12th Anniversary - Peony
In full bloom, the lush peony embodies romance and prosperity. Known as the flower of riches and honor, the peony is regarded as an omen of good fortune and a happy marriage.
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13th Anniversary - Chyrsanthemum
While misfortune is frequently associated with the number thirteen, there's nothing unlucky about a chrysanthemum fresh floral arrangement that represents this wedding anniversary. Long associated with abundance and loveliness, the chrysanthemum is also a symbol for fidelity.
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14th Anniversary - Orchid
A pink orchid conveys pure affection. The popular cattelya orchid represents mature charm. With a universal message of love, beauty, wisdom and thoughtfulness, the graceful orchid symbolizes affection and understanding.
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15th Anniversary - Rose
One of the earliest flowers known to man, roses symbolize love, magic, hope and passion. Representing ultimate beauty and perfection, it's said Cleopatra scattered rose petals before Mark Anthony's feet. Exquisite and radiant, they are the quintessential messengers of love.
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20th Anniversary - Aster
Believed to have magical properties, the aster is said to be a talisman of love. Symbolizing patience and elegance, the star-like bloom represents a combination of gained wisdom and good fortune..
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25th Anniversary - Iris
Combining many of the best characteristics of a long, happy marriage—faith, hope, wisdom, valor and promise—the iris is, appropriately, also the emblem of France, one of the most romantic countries in the world.
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30th Anniversary - Lily
The majestic status of 30 years of marriage isn't lost on this anniversary's flower. In addition to symbolizing magnificence, the sweetly fragrant lily, with its star-shaped bloom, represents devotion, pride and beauty—further testaments to such a significant milestone.
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40th Anniversary - Gladiolus
Derived from the Latin word gladius, meaning “sword,” for the shape of its leaves, the gladiolus signifies remembrance—fitting for an anniversary with so many years to fondly recall. Also expressing vibrancy and infatuation, this showy flower tells the recipient that he or she “pierces the heart.”
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50th Anniversary - Yellow Roses & Violets
It's not surprising that the wedding anniversary that celebrates a half century of marriage should have two flowers to represent its significance. Yellow roses have long been known as the traditional gift for this anniversary bouquet. With their sun-kissed color, lush blossoms and subtle fragrance, they aptly represent the inner light and beauty of a long, prosperous marriage. But, along with yellow roses, violets share the spotlight in commemorating this important occasion. Legend has it that when Josephine married Napoleon, she wore a string of violets, and on every wedding anniversary thereafter, Napoleon sent her a violet bouquet. Symbolizing virtue, modesty and faithfulness, violets represent the combination of humility and commitment that sustains an enduring union.
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