Choosing flowers that reflect your years together adds a meaningful touch to Valentine's Day. Here's a guide pairing traditional anniversary themes with beautiful blooms.
Year 1: Carnations
For your first Valentine's as a married couple, carnations symbolize young, passionate love. Pink carnations represent gratitude and admiration, while red shows deep affection. Their affordability and long vase life make them practical for newlyweds.
Year 2: Lily of the Valley
These delicate, fragrant bell-shaped flowers represent sweetness and the return of happiness. Though traditionally associated with the second anniversary, they can be harder to source in February, so consider substituting with white lilies or freesias.
Year 5: Daisies
Daisies embody innocence and loyal love, perfect for your first milestone anniversary. Gerbera daisies come in vibrant Valentine's colors and their cheerful blooms represent the joy you've shared together.
Year 10: Daffodils
A decade together deserves the bright optimism of daffodils, which symbolize new beginnings and enduring affection. While they're naturally spring flowers, they're often available in February and bring sunshine to winter.
Year 15: Roses
The classic Valentine's flower becomes even more significant at fifteen years. Choose deep red for passion, pink for gratitude, or combine colors to represent your journey together. Premium long-stemmed roses suit this milestone beautifully.
Year 20: Asters
These star-shaped flowers represent patience, elegance, and deep emotional love. Purple asters are particularly meaningful, symbolizing wisdom gained through two decades together.
Year 25: Irises
For your silver anniversary, irises convey faith, hope, and wisdom. Purple irises are especially fitting, representing compliments and deep respect. Pair them with silver accents for a cohesive theme.
Year 30: Lilies
Elegant and sophisticated, lilies mark three decades of marriage with grace. White lilies symbolize purity and commitment, while stargazer lilies add romantic flair with their pink and white petals.
Year 40: Gladiolus
These tall, striking flowers represent strength of character and moral integrity, perfect for forty years of partnership. Their sword-like shape symbolizes the strength you've built together.
Year 50+: Yellow Roses and Violets
For your golden anniversary and beyond, yellow roses represent mature love, joy, and friendship, while violets add depth with their symbolism of faithfulness. This combination honors both passion and companionship.
Mixing Traditions
Don't feel constrained by tradition. Consider combining your anniversary flower with classic Valentine's roses, or choose flowers in your spouse's favorite colors. The thought and personal meaning matter most. Many florists can create custom arrangements blending anniversary flowers with seasonal Valentine's blooms for a unique, personalized gift.
