Each wedding anniversary has a traditional flower: carnations for the 1st, daisies for the 5th, roses for the 15th, and yellow roses and violets for the 50th. Choosing the year’s bloom is a thoughtful, meaningful way to mark a milestone, here is the full year-by-year guide, plus how we help Boston couples make it personal.
Anniversary flowers year by year
| Anniversary | Traditional flower | What it signals |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Carnation | Young, devoted love |
| 2nd | Lily of the valley | Renewed happiness |
| 3rd | Sunflower | Loyalty and warmth |
| 4th | Hydrangea | Heartfelt gratitude |
| 5th | Daisy | Loyal, cheerful love |
| 10th | Daffodil | Joy and new beginnings |
| 15th | Rose | Deep, enduring love |
| 20th | Aster | Patience and elegance |
| 25th | Iris | Faith and treasured years |
| 50th | Yellow rose & violet | Golden, lasting devotion |
How to make it personal
The tradition is a lovely starting point, not a rule. In the studio we often blend the year’s flower with the couple’s own story, the palette from their wedding, a stem that grew in a grandmother’s garden, or simply their favorite color. The tradition gives the gift meaning; the personal touch makes it theirs.
By color and milestone
- Early years: soft and romantic, blush roses, carnations, sweet pea.
- Middle years: confident and full, garden roses, hydrangea, lisianthus.
- Golden years: rich and celebratory, yellow and gold roses, iris, a touch of violet.
Roses by color for anniversaries
If you default to roses, the color still carries a message: red for enduring passion, pink for gratitude and admiration, white for a fresh start, and yellow for the joy and friendship at the heart of a long marriage.
FAQ
What is the traditional flower for a 1st anniversary?
The carnation, which symbolizes young and devoted love. It is hardy and long-lasting, which makes it a fitting first-year bloom.
What flower represents 25 years of marriage?
The iris, a symbol of faith and cherished years, a natural fit for a silver anniversary. Many couples pair it with white or silver-toned accents.
Do I have to use the traditional flower?
Not at all. It is a meaningful anchor, but we regularly design around a couple’s wedding palette or favorite flowers instead. Tell us the story and we will build around it.
Can you deliver an anniversary arrangement same-day in Boston?
Yes, order by 1 PM and we deliver same-day across Greater Boston, gift message included.
