Your Guide to Wedding Anniversary Flowers and Their Meanings

Fresh flowers are a classic and romantic gift to celebrate another year together, but don't just pick up any bouquet at the store. Instead, elevate your gesture by choosing the anniversary flowers that correspond to your specific milestone. Each year of marriage is associated with a traditional gift, color, gemstone and flower, all of which represent where a couple's relationship stands at that point in their journey. For instance, carnations are the 1st wedding anniversary flower because they symbolize young love, while asters, the 20-year anniversary flower, represent the resilience of a long-standing union. Picking an anniversary flower bouquet deepens the gesture, making it a thoughtful symbol of your partnership.

Unsure which flowers to get for a specific anniversary? Don't worry. We've rounded up what each anniversary flower is, what it symbolizes and where to buy them for delivery. Consider it a complete guide to making your love blossom just a little bit more this year.

In this article:

• Anniversary Flowers by Year
• Where to Buy Anniversary Flowers

Anniversary Flowers by Year

Choosing the perfect bouquet for your marriage celebration can make your gift even more meaningful. We've compiled a list of every wedding anniversary flower's meaning by year to help you select the best flowers for your anniversary. For an even greater impact, pair them with a handwritten card explaining the intention behind the bloom so your spouse understands the greater sentiment too.

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Photos: Getty,Design: Tiana Crispino

1-Year Anniversary Flowers: Carnations

Carnations are the first wedding anniversary flower because they're a symbol of passion and young love: a fitting comparison to your new marriage, we'd say. While they come in many different colors, we recommend looking specifically for light red and pink carnations, since these colors are most commonly associated with admiration.

2-Year Anniversary Flowers: Cosmos

The second year of marriage is associated with cosmos. These dainty buds look similar to daisies, but they can grow up to six feet tall and often bloom in large numbers. For this reason, they represent growth as well as peace and love. Like a cosmo, a couple celebrating their two-year anniversary is just starting to blossom and grow strong.

3-Year Anniversary Flowers: Sunflowers

By the third year, a marriage is strong and sure just like a sunflower. It's said that the stalk of a sunflower represents the sturdy foundation a couple has built, while the vibrant yellow petals (which always face the sun) represent all the bright and happy times ahead.

4-Year Anniversary Flowers: Geraniums

The four-year wedding anniversary is represented by geraniums. This flower often symbolizes friendship, as each stalk has multiple blooms. For a marriage, it's associated with two people coming together in mind, body and spirit. After four years, couples have a sense of familiarity and comfort with each other.

5th Anniversary Flowers: Daisies

The five-year anniversary flower is a daisy because of its unique structure. Each petal that fans out from the center is indicative of all the wonderful experiences a couple has yet to share. Even if the marriage has fallen into a routine or seems mundane, the flower for the fifth anniversary signifies all the excitement still to come. Daisies are also a symbol of fidelity and endless love. We recommend pairing this wedding anniversary bouquet with a card that says: "Every daisy is better because of you."

6-Year Anniversary Flowers: Calla Lilies

The sixth anniversary's flower is the calla lily, which has many different meanings. For instance, white calla lilies are often used at weddings to represent marital bliss and true devotion. It's safe to say, this sentiment still holds true after six years. Conversely, pink calla lilies signify appreciation and admiration. In general, the calla lily's elegant, lean and graceful structure symbolizes magnificent beauty, just like that found in a loving relationship.

7th Anniversary Flower: Freesias

The seven-year anniversary flower is the freesia. These unique funnel-shaped flowers grow in clusters on slender stems and usually come in yellow and white (fittingly the year's anniversary colors as well), but they can be found in purple, magenta and orange too. Freesia is most known for its fragrant buds, lending to the sweetness of a seven-year-long marriage. Additionally, they symbolize the trust a couple has built over time.

8-Year Anniversary Flower: Clematis and Lilacs

The eighth wedding anniversary has not one, but two symbolic flowers. The clematis represents intelligence and cleverness, much like its ability to climb walls. In a marriage, it's thought to symbolize the linking of two minds and the wisdom gained from shared life experience. This year is also associated with lilacs, which represent passion and confidence.

9-Year Anniversary Flowers: Poppies and Birds of Paradise

There are also two wedding anniversary flowers for the nine-year milestone: the poppy and bird of paradise. Poppies are a symbol of peace and comfort, while birds of paradise denote adventure. Together, they perfectly describe the balance of security and excitement you feel in a long-term relationship.

10-Year Anniversary Flowers: Daffodils

The anniversary flower for a decade together is the daffodil. Like your spouse, daffodils are dependable as they come back every year, making them a reflection of unconditional love. Plus, their vibrant yellow color is just so cheery.

11-Year Anniversary Flowers: Morning Glories

Perfect for the first year of your second decade, morning glories are the 11th wedding anniversary's flower. The summertime bloom is associated with new beginnings since it opens with the sun each morning. It also reminds couples to appreciate each and every day together.

12-Year Anniversary Flowers: Peonies

The peony is the flower for the 12th anniversary. This blossom has a number of meanings, but it most commonly symbolizes prosperity, good fortune and wealth thanks to its many petals that create a full, round shape like a coin. They're often given on special occasions (like a wedding anniversary) to express goodwill. Sounds like the perfect "Happy Anniversary" flower to gift your spouse or congratulate friends for being married 12 years and counting.

13th Anniversary Flowers: Chrysanthemums

Celebrate the 13th anniversary with an anniversary flower bouquet of chrysanthemums. Each color has a different meaning, with yellow representing fidelity, red for passion, white for truth and honesty, and purple for good health. We suggest adding each color to your arrangement for a well-rounded gesture of your love.

14th Anniversary Flowers: Dahlias

Have you heard of floriography? In the Victorian Era, flowers were used to communicate different meanings. For instance, dahlias, the 14-year wedding anniversary's flower, were used to express devotion, love and beauty. Today, dahlias are used to signify grace and a lasting commitment.

15th Anniversary Flowers: Roses

After a decade and a half together, it's likely you've experienced some ups and downs. Roses, the 15-year anniversary's flower, show that your love and passion have remained strong through it all. We recommend a bouquet of long-stemmed red petals. Red roses are universally recognized as a symbol of romance, and the thick stems will show that your roots are stronger than ever.

16th Anniversary Flowers: Statices

The 16-year anniversary's official flower is the statice. Also known as sea lavender, these tiny blooms come in a host of colors, the most common being purple, and signify remembrance. As such, couples are encouraged to spend the milestone reflecting on all the wonderful moments the last 16 years have brought them.

17th Anniversary Flowers: Red Carnations

Like the first anniversary, the 17th anniversary's flower is the carnation, specifically a red carnation. A deep red color moves past simple admiration to symbolize great love and affection. After all, your feelings for your spouse have likely only grown stronger after 17 years together.

18th Anniversary Flowers: Wildcard

The 18-year wedding anniversary doesn't have an official flower. This means it's completely up to you to decide what type of bouquet you give. Perhaps opt for your partner's favorite bloom or a classic red rose. Alternatively, you could look for blue flowers to complement the 18th anniversary's official color, which represents contentment. Think: blue anemones, hydrangeas, Felicia daisies, bluebells, irises, larkspurs…the list goes on and on.

19th Anniversary Flowers: Bronze Chrysanthemums

The 19-year wedding anniversary flower is the chrysanthemum, just like the 13th anniversary's flower. For this milestone, though, not just any color will do. Look for bronze chrysanthemums to complement the year's traditional gift material and color. The pom-pom-like bud in reddish-brown represents friendship as well as happiness and longevity.

20th Anniversary Flowers: Asters

Two decades together deserves a particularly special bloom. That's why the 20th wedding anniversary's flower is an aster. Derived from the Greek word for "star," asters were placed on the altars of gods in mythology. That's right, your relationship has reached deity status. Today, asters are often considered weeds, but this just means that, like your 20-year relationship, they're resilient. They come in a few different colors, all with their own meaning. Purple asters represent knowledge, white is loyalty and pink is unwavering devotion. All are fitting descriptions of your 20-year relationship.

25th Anniversary Flowers: Irises

The iris is the official 25th wedding anniversary flower, and its meaning is as beautiful as its appearance. With a name that's the Greek word for "rainbow," this flower comes in nearly 250 colors, though you may know them best as a blueish-purple bloom. While each color can have a different meaning, they're most commonly used as a symbol of faith and hope, which is a fitting representation of a love that's lasted a quarter century and counting.

30th Anniversary Flowers: Lilies

After three decades together, say "I love you a lily more each day," with the official 30th wedding anniversary flower, the lily. Lilies represent humility and devotion, making them a perfect symbol for a couple that has stuck by each other through the good and the bad.

35th Anniversary Flowers: Coral Roses

Technically, the 35th wedding anniversary doesn't have an official flower, but it's often associated with coral-colored roses to match its traditional gift material, coral. After 35 years together, you're not just romantic partners, you're also best friends. Coral rose bouquets symbolize the joy a relationship brings, as well as your gratitude for having a partner to experience life with.

40th Anniversary Flowers: Gladioli

The 40th anniversary, also known as the ruby anniversary, is symbolized by a gladiolus. Derived from the Latin word "gladius," meaning "sword" (a tribute to its shape), this flower lets your spouse know they still pierce your heart. It also represents strength of character, faithfulness and moral integrity, all the traits of your knight (or dame) in shining armor.

45th Anniversary Flowers: Blue Irises

The 45-year wedding anniversary is known as the sapphire anniversary, so it makes sense that its flower is the blue iris. It symbolizes hope for even more wonderful years together. If you're looking to give blue irises as an anniversary flower gift to a couple, it represents admiration for their long-lasting and happy marriage.

50th Anniversary Flowers: Yellow Roses and Violets

The golden wedding anniversary is such a massive milestone, it's represented by not one, but two flowers. The 50th wedding anniversary flowers are yellow roses (basically gold in the plant community) and purple violets. These contrasting-yet-harmonizing colors represent two people coming together to support, complement and uplift one another. The blooms are also symbolic separately. Yellow roses stand for friendship and joy, while violets show faithfulness and affection.

55th Anniversary Flowers: "Green Goddess" Calla Lilies

The 55th anniversary, like the 6th anniversary, is associated with calla lilies, but specifically the "green goddess" variation. This type of calla lily has the classic trumpet shape, but its petal fades from white in the center to bright green on the tip. This makes sense, since the 55-year anniversary is also the emerald anniversary. Like an emerald, calla lilies represent devotion and magnificent beauty.

60th Anniversary Flowers: Orchids

The 60th wedding anniversary flower is the orchid, a unique bloom that's perfect for the diamond jubilee. Like the gemstone, orchids symbolize strength, beauty, love and luxury. Couples who reach this milestone know the opulence of having a lifelong partner and appreciate the resilience it takes to stay in love for six decades.

Where to Buy Anniversary Flowers

Photo: Thang Tat Nguyen | Getty

Now that you know all the anniversary flowers by year, and thus which symbolic bloom to give your spouse or a couple, you need to know where to shop. While we've compiled tips on how to buy your special bouquet in person, we've also rounded up the best flower gift delivery services if you'd prefer to go the online route. You're pretty much guaranteed to find anniversary flowers for delivery that you (and the recipient) will adore at one of these retailers.

• Your local flower shop: The benefit of going to a local flower shop for an anniversary flower bouquet is that you'll receive personalized service you can't always find online. Not only will you get a florist's recommendations that are customized to your style, needs and budget, but you can pick exactly what flowers you want—like the milestone's anniversary flower and your spouse's favorite—to make an arrangement that's uniquely tailored to your love. Plus, picking them up IRL means you know the flowers will be fresh and less likely to get damaged during travel.
• UrbanStems: If you're shopping last minute, anniversary flower arrangements from an online retailer might be more efficient. UrbanStems can deliver a bouquet straight to your front door, usually with just a day's notice, so you don't need to run any errands if you're short on time. They have fresh and dried flowers, as well as house plants like succulents. Many of the arrangements come in multiple sizes to accommodate your budget, and you can add vases or small gifts like candles or chocolates to the delivery. Use the code THEKNOT15 to get 15% off.
• BloomsyBox: BloomsyBox sells fresh bouquets for delivery and offers dozens of arrangements to choose from, so you can find one with the anniversary year's flower in it. However, they're most known for their flower subscription service. Every week, two weeks or month, your spouse can have fresh flowers delivered to their doorstep. It's an anniversary flower gift that keeps on giving. Use the code BloomsyKnot20 for 20% off.
• 1-800-Flowers.com: If you're looking for a same-day anniversary flower delivery, 1-800-Flowers.com is the first place we recommend shopping. Simply type in the recipient's zip code and it'll pull up a bunch of bouquets to shop, including some edible arrangements for an additional gift. Use the code KNOT18F for 20% off.
• The Bouqs Co.: The Bouqs Co. is another great online flower delivery service. Plus, they have new deals every week, so you might get lucky and find the anniversary flower in a discounted bouquet. Best of all, you can have any arrangement delivered in a beautiful vase, just in case your spouse doesn't have one already.
• Florists.com: Florists.com makes celebrating anniversaries effortless thanks to their beautiful selection of thoughtfully curated bouquets (we spy so many roses), including arrangements for same-day delivery. They emphasize affordability, which can help eliminate some gifting stress.
• FTD: With same-day delivery across the US and international shipping to over 125 countries, FTD makes it easy to send a heartfelt gift no matter the distance. Backed by over 100 years of experience, you can trust that your bouquet will arrive just in time for your milestone.
• SendFlowers.com: Bring a festive twist to a traditional floral bouquet with the addition of a balloon (or two). SendFlowers.com not only has hundreds of stunning fresh arrangements, but they also offer complementary gifts like chocolates, teddy bears and balloons to take your gesture to the next level.
• BloomNation: BloomNation is an online marketplace that connects you directly with local artisan florists, giving you a personalized shopping experience right from your computer. Instead of using stock photos, each florist uploads real images of their unique creations. To ensure there are no surprises, they'll even send you a photo of your specific arrangement before it's delivered.
• Plants.com: If your spouse has a green thumb, check out Plants.com. While they specialize in greenery, they also sell potted calla lilies, orchids, gardenias, roses and the elusive birds of paradise. With the right care, these beautiful blooms will last for years. Use the code PLANTSKNOT20 for 20% off.