Anniversaries are shorthand for time spent together: small triumphs, weathered arguments, the ordinary days that become extraordinary through companionship. Flowers are one of the clearest ways to translate those feelings into something tangible. They carry colour, scent and centuries of symbolism — a way to say “I remember,” “I love you,” or simply “we made it” without needing a speech.
Below is a practical, thoughtful guide to the anniversary flowers people choose most often, what they traditionally (and emotionally) signify, and how to personalise them so your bouquet feels like it was picked specifically for your relationship.
Most popular anniversary flowers and their meanings
Roses — love, depth, and continuing devotion
Roses are the default for anniversaries because they’re flexible: colour does the talking. Red says passionate love; pink reads admiration and gratitude; cream or white can be reverent and calm. For milestone years, a dozen roses still reads as meaningful — but consider a mixed palette or a single long-stemmed rose for intimacy.
Peonies — romance, prosperity, and happy marriages
Peonies feel luxurious and hopeful. They’re commonly used in wedding bouquets and anniversaries for their lush, layered petals and soft fragrance. Peonies say: “this love is blooming.”
Orchids — refined beauty and lasting thoughtfulness
Orchids suggest rare beauty and endurance. Give an orchid when you want to celebrate a relationship’s elegance and longevity — or when you want a gift that keeps on giving as a potted plant.
Tulips — perfect love and cheerful renewal
Tulips are straightforward and bright. Red tulips mean true love; other colours add nuance. They’re great for spring anniversaries or for couples who favour clean, modern style.
Lilies — renewal, purity and heartfelt respect
Lilies can be formal, fragrant and evocative. White lilies often appear in arrangements when the sentiment is solemn or deeply respectful; pink or orange lilies read as celebratory and warm.
Sunflowers — optimism and warmth
Sunflowers are unabashedly joyful. They’re perfect for couples who prefer playful, upbeat gestures — a reminder of sunny days ahead.
Carnations — fascination, commitment, and longevity
Carnations are durable and available year-round, with a vintage charm. They’re often chosen for early anniversaries or for economical, colourful bunches with personality.
Lavender and small fragrant stems — calm, devotion and intimate memory
Fragrant stems like lavender, freesia and stock offer a gentler, more domestic voice: “I want our home to smell of care.” They’re ideal for quiet anniversaries spent together.
Native Australian blooms (banksia, waratah, gum foliage) — uniqueness and rootedness
Using native flowers brings a strong, local voice to a bouquet. These structural stems read as bold, sincere and grounded — perfect for couples who want something distinctly Australian.
Popular choices by milestone (traditional and modern lists vary)
Different lists exist for “official” anniversary flowers, but these popular choices capture the spirit of common milestones:
- 1st anniversary: Carnations or seasonal, joyful stems (celebrating newness)
- 5th anniversary: Daisies or wildflowers (playful, resilient affection)
- 10th anniversary: Daffodils or roses (maturity with cheer)
- 25th anniversary: Irises, roses or classic white blooms (silver jubilee — elegance and respect)
- 50th anniversary: Yellow roses, golden-hued arrangements, or white lilies (celebratory, dignified)
When in doubt, choose what suits the couple’s style rather than sticking strictly to lists.
Personalisation tips that make a bouquet meaningful
- Use a favourite bloom: If your partner loves orchids, make that the centrepiece. Personal preference matters more than tradition.
- Reference memories: Include a flower from the place you met (if possible) or a stem that featured in your wedding bouquet.
- Colour-code: Incorporate the couple’s wedding colours, or use hues that reflect the relationship’s mood (warm tones for playful, muted tones for quiet devotion).
- Add a keepsake: A handwritten note, a pressed petal from your wedding bouquet, or a small charm tied to the ribbon makes the gift feel bespoke.
- Choose longevity: For a lasting reminder, opt for a potted plant or an orchid that will bloom again and again.
Practical presentation & care tips
- Make it photo-ready: If the bouquet will be photographed at dinner or party, opt for compact, transport-friendly arrangements.
- Travel-proof: Ask your florist to add water tubes or a travel wrap for the stems if they’ll be out of water for a while.
- Longevity: Re-cut stems at an angle, change water every 48 hours, and remove leaves below the waterline. Use a cool spot away from direct sun and fruit (ethylene from fruit shortens vase life).
- Consider allergies: Some lilies are highly fragrant and can be overwhelming; if allergies are a concern, choose low-scent varieties like tulips or succulents.
Final thoughts
Anniversary flowers are small rituals that carry weight. Whether you choose the timeless romance of roses, the quiet luxury of orchids, or a bold native arrangement, the most meaningful bouquets are the ones chosen with thought. If you’d like help designing a bouquet that tells your story, B&M Florist can craft a bespoke arrangement — colours, stems and keepsakes tailored to your milestone and your memories.
Celebrate the years together with flowers that say exactly what you mean. Browse the curated selection at B&M Florist online to order a personalised anniversary bouquet.
