A bunch of beautiful blooms is a fail-safe anniversary gift, whether you’re celebrating one year with your love or marking your Ruby wedding anniversary.
When it comes to choosing a bouquet for your special someone, there are a few aspects to consider. You could opt for a bouquet full of flowers that hold a special meaning to your partner. Perhaps picking up a bouquet of the same flowers from your wedding day.
You could also consider simply gifting them a bunch of their favourite flowers, showing them just how well you know them and how much you care. For extra brownie points, pick up blooms that traditionally hold very special meanings and are symbols of anniversary milestones, from five years together to 50 years together.
To help you find the perfect anniversary bouquet, we’ve got the low-down on the most romantic flowers that symbolise love, devotion, gratitude and joy.
Carnations
Carnations are not just beautiful, full blooms, they also carry with them very special meanings. These beautiful flowers are a traditional first anniversary gift. Grown mostly in Europe and Asia, carnations' symbolism and meaning changes from culture to culture, but in general they are a sign of love, devotion and gratitude. Pink carnations are thought to symbolise gratitude, and are often gifted on Mother’s Day, whereas red carnations are a symbol of affection and are seen in romantic bouquets.
Daisies
Daisies are simple flowers with a whole lot of meaning. The pretty white and yellow blooms symbolise love, and are often given on a couple’s fifth wedding anniversary. This is because daisies are composite flowers, made from two simpler flowers that have blended together in harmony - a symbol of true love.
Red Roses
No other flower says ‘I love you’ quite like a red rose, so it’s no surprise that a bouquet of red roses makes a perfect anniversary gift. Regarded as the most romantic flower in the world, in Ancient Greece roses were associated with Aphrodite, the Goddess of love, passion and beauty. So whether you send a single stem or a dozen, red roses are universally a symbol of love, passion and devotion - and they’re sure to be gratefully received by your partner.
Daffodils
Many of us associate daffodils with rebirth and new beginnings as their growth is often a symbol of the end of the cold winter months and the start of spring. But, did you know that daffodils are also a symbol of love and are given to mark a couple’s 10th anniversary?
One of the most beloved blooms around, daffodils have a long history. It’s thought that Theophrastus, a Greek botanist and philosopher, was one of the first people to make a note of the flower. Since the 17th century, the vibrant yellow flowers have found a home in gardens across the UK - and are sure to put a smile on your loved ones face in a fragrant bouquet.
Iris
An Iris will add an instant pop of colour to any bouquet. They’re also the 25th anniversary flower, and because they're available in a range of different colours, they all have their own special meaning. For example, yellow irises symbolise passion, while white irises symbolise purity and are often found in wedding bouquets. For an anniversary bouquet, opt for a blue iris. It’s a sign of faith, hope and trust making them a beautiful addition to a bunch of flowers for your long-term partner.
Lilies
Elegant white lilies are traditionally associated with purity and rebirth, which is why you’ll often find them in both wedding and sympathy bouquets. But, as with many other blooms, lilies come in a variety of colours, and each colour has its own unique symbolism. While white symbolises purity and yellow is a symbol of joy and gratitude, red lilies are often used to show love and passion, making them ideal for anniversary bouquets and a refreshing change from a classic bunch of red roses.
In Greek mythology, lilies are thought to have come from the milk of Hera – the Goddess of marriage and women. They’re also given on the 30 year mark to honour a couple’s pearl anniversary.
Gladioli
The gladiolus, which is also August’s birth month flower, is a symbol of strength and character. Available in a rainbow of colours, from white and pink to burgundy and purple, they each have their own unique symbolism. If you’re looking for a flower for your anniversary bouquet, opt for red which is seen as a sign of passion, romance and love. Often found in 40 year anniversary bouquets when a couple marks their ruby anniversary, gladioli pair beautifully with roses, hydrangeas and irises.
Yellow Roses
Yellow flowers are usually seen as a symbol of joy and friendship, but yellow roses make a special addition to a bunch of anniversary flowers. Traditionally roses symbolise love, and depending on the colour you choose they each have their own meaning. For example, red roses are a sign of love while orange roses symbolise energy and excitement. When it comes to bright yellow roses, they are thought to mean deep appreciation and care. Couples marking their golden wedding anniversary and celebrating 50 years together often give each other a bouquet of yellow roses for this reason.
White Roses
Another elegant rose symbolising love. Whether you give a single white rose or a dozen, it’s thought to be a symbol of purity and eternal love. For this reason, it’s often thought of as the flower of the Diamond anniversary, when a couple celebrates 60 years together. White roses look elegant alone or paired beautifully with white delphiniums and baby's breath.
Peonies
Loved for their blossoming shape, delicate petals and divine fragrance, treating a loved one to a bunch of peonies is always a good idea in our opinion. However, did you know that peonies also make a great addition to an anniversary bouquet? Depending on the colour of the peony you choose, they are a sign of romance. For example, pink peonies are seen as a symbol of luck and are often found in wedding bouquets, while red peonies symbolise love and respect making them ideal for a special anniversary flower display.
Orchids
While orchids are notoriously hard to care for, these houseplants make a great anniversary gift if you want to avoid a classic bouquet of flowers this year. White orchids are thought to symbolise innocence, purity and safety. Just make sure they follow care instructions to keep their orchid happy and thriving for months to come. If plants aren't their thing, orchids can also be used in bouquets for an extra touch of glamour and luxury too!
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