Top Tips for Choosing Anniversary Flowers

When it comes to celebrating an anniversary—whether it’s your first or your fiftieth—flowers are always a timeless way to say I love you. But with so many choices out there, it can feel a bit overwhelming to know where to start. Should you stick with the traditional red roses? Or maybe go for something more unique and personal?

In this blog, I’ll walk you through some of my top tips for choosing the perfect anniversary flowers. Whether you’re buying for your partner, your parents, or even helping someone else put together a surprise, these simple ideas will help you pick the perfect bouquet.

1. Know What Each Anniversary Symbolizes

A lot of people don’t realize that different anniversaries have traditional flowers associated with them—just like there are traditional gifts (like paper for the first year or silver for the 25th). For example:

1st anniversary: Carnations – They symbolize young love and fresh beginnings.
5th anniversary: Daisies – Simple, joyful, and long-lasting.
10th anniversary: Daffodils – Bright and full of optimism.
15th anniversary: Roses – A classic symbol of deep love.
25th anniversary: Irises – Elegant and full of meaning.
50th anniversary: Yellow roses and violets – Representing warmth and lasting commitment.

Of course, you don’t have to stick with these traditions, but they’re a lovely way to add extra thought to your gift.

2. Think About Their Favourite Flowers

This might sound obvious, but it’s amazing how often people forget this one. If your partner absolutely loves peonies or lilies, that’s probably a better choice than just defaulting to roses—no matter how romantic roses are. Think about what they’ve mentioned in the past or what kind of flowers they always stop to admire.

Don’t be afraid to ask ahead of time, too. It doesn’t ruin the surprise—it just shows you care enough to get it right.

3. Consider the Meaning Behind the Flowers

Every flower has a meaning. Some meanings are well known (like red roses symbolizing love), while others are a bit more subtle. Here are a few examples:

Tulips: Perfect love
Orchids: Strength and beauty
Sunflowers: Loyalty and adoration
Lilies: Purity and commitment
Hydrangeas: Gratitude and heartfelt emotions

So if you’re putting together a bouquet, you can mix and match flowers that tell a story—maybe something that reflects your journey together.

4. Go for Colours That Match the Mood

Colour plays a huge role in how your flowers are received. Red is romantic and passionate, while pink is softer and more affectionate. White is clean, classic, and elegant. Yellow often symbolizes friendship and joy, and purple can feel luxurious or meaningful.

If your partner loves bold, vibrant colours, don’t be afraid to go for a bright, mixed bouquet. But if they’re more into minimalist or elegant styles, something more subtle—like soft blush tones or whites and greens—might be a better fit.

5. Add a Personal Touch

Adding something personal to the flowers can take your anniversary gift from lovely to unforgettable. Here are a few ideas:

Include a handwritten note with a message from the heart.
Add their favourite treat—chocolates, wine, or even a small gift.
Choose flowers that remind them of a special moment—like what they carried on your wedding day, or a bouquet inspired by your honeymoon location.

You could even have a custom arrangement made using colours from your wedding or flowers from a special memory. Your florist (that’s us!) can help you bring that idea to life.

6. Don’t Be Afraid to Break the Rules

While it’s nice to know about traditional flowers and meanings, it’s also totally okay to go your own way. Love isn’t one-size-fits-all, and your flowers don’t have to be either.

If your partner doesn’t like roses, skip them. If they love wildflowers, go rustic. If they’re quirky and creative, do something bold and unusual. The most important thing is that your flowers reflect your relationship.

7. Go for Quality Over Quantity

Sometimes people think a bigger bouquet means a better bouquet—but that’s not always true. A smaller arrangement with high-quality, beautifully arranged flowers can have a much bigger impact than a huge bunch of whatever’s available.

Choose a florist (like us!) who focuses on fresh, premium blooms and thoughtful design. It makes a world of difference in how your flowers look and how long they last.

8. Plan Ahead, Especially for Big Anniversaries

If your anniversary is during a busy flower season—like Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day—make sure you order early. This gives you more choice, and it means your florist can prepare something really special without rushing.

For big milestone anniversaries (like 10, 25, or 50 years), planning ahead also gives you time to coordinate flowers with other gifts, events, or surprises.

9. Don’t Forget the Vase

It might sound silly, but flowers with no vase can be a bit tricky—especially if you’re surprising someone at work or delivering to a restaurant or hotel. Check if they’ll need one, and ask your florist if they can include it.

Bonus: a beautiful vase can be reused year after year, which turns it into a thoughtful keepsake.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, anniversary flowers should feel personal and meaningful. Whether you’re sticking to tradition or creating your own version of romance, the most important thing is to show that you’ve put thought and heart into it.

If you’re not sure what to pick, we’re always here to help. Just tell us a bit about your story or what you’re hoping to say, and we’ll design something beautiful that speaks from the heart.

Happy anniversary shopping—and here’s to many more years of love and flowers!