Wedding Anniversary Years
As florists, we pour our hearts into creating beautiful wedding flowers that help mark one of the happiest days in a couple’s life. Yet the wedding day is only the beginning of their story. Every anniversary that follows is another milestone worth celebrating – an opportunity to reflect on cherished memories, recognise the journey a couple has shared, and look forward to many more years together.
Below we big deeper into each anniversary and their associated meaning and the flower that’s linked to them.
Anniversary Introduction
For centuries, wedding anniversaries have been associated with traditional materials that symbolise the strength and progression of a marriage. From the delicate simplicity of paper in the first year to the enduring permanence of granite after ninety years, each milestone tells its own story. What many people don’t realise is that each anniversary is also traditionally linked with a flower, bringing an extra layer of symbolism and meaning to the celebration.
For florists, understanding these traditions can enable us to share information with clients and can transform a bouquet into something far more personal. Choosing flowers that reflect an anniversary’s history and symbolism creates a thoughtful gift with a story to tell, making every arrangement even more meaningful.
Whether you’re helping customers celebrate their first anniversary or an extraordinary lifetime together, this guide explores the traditional materials, flowers and meanings behind each wedding anniversary, giving you plenty of inspiration to create arrangements that celebrate love in all its forms.
Anniversary Years 1 - 5 - The Early Years
1st Wedding Anniversary – Paper & Carnation
The meaning behind First Wedding Anniversary – Paper
The first year of marriage is represented by paper. This signifies a fresh start and a blank page where the couple begin writing their love story together.
Alternative First Wedding Anniversary: Paper is occasionally switched for cotton, especially in non-UK listings (which we in the UK have as our second anniversary material.)
Modern Alternative: Clock
The First Wedding Anniversary Flower – Carnation
The traditional carnation is the flower chosen to celebrate a couple’s first year of marriage. They symbolise young love, fascination, fresh excitement, and optimism, perfect for newlyweds!
2nd Wedding Anniversary – Cotton & Lily of the Valley
The meaning behind Second Wedding Anniversary – Cotton
The second year of marriage is represented by cotton. This is a strong material that also embodies comfort and warmth, it’s said to represent the threads of two lives weaving together as the partnership is starting to mature.
Alternative Second Wedding Anniversary: Paper can be found in many listings outside of the UK with Cotton listed as the first year anniversary.
Modern Alternative: China
The Second Wedding Anniversary Flower – Lily of the Valley | Convallaria
The second wedding anniversary is represented by lily of the valley, which signifies the purity of the relationship, blooming love that has gracefully matured over two years, as well as modesty and devotion.
Alternative Second Wedding Anniversary Flower: Cosmos
3rd Wedding Anniversary – Leather & Sunflowers
The meaning behind Third Wedding Anniversary – Leather
Leather is the material associated with couples entering their third year of marriage. It represents their ability to weather life’s challenges and emerge more resilient. It’s a milestone that acknowledges the strength of the relationship that has been fortified through shared experiences.
Modern Alternative: Crystal or Glass
The Third Year Wedding Anniversary Flower – Sunflowers | Annuus
Sunflowers with their cheerful nature depict the growth, loyalty, unwavering devotion that comes along with the celebrations of three joyful years together and represent the strengthening bond that has developed.
4th Wedding Anniversary – Fruit | Flowers & Hydrangea
The meaning behind Fourth Wedding Anniversary – Fruit and, or Flowers
Fruit and or Flowers represents the blossoming and ripening of the couple’s relationship and celebrates the beauty of nature and the growth between the couple. Needless to say a stunning bouquet of flowers can signify the flourishing love and the joy that comes from nurturing the bond that’s shared between the two partners.
Alternative Fourth Wedding Anniversary: Silk or Linen are often cited as traditional fourth anniversary names and materials too. It’s said that silk symbolises the smoothness and luxury that has developed in the relationship.
Modern Alternative: As well as linen being classed as a modern alternative, the more utilitarian ‘appliances’ has also been suggested by some listings.
The Fourth Wedding Anniversary Flower – Hydrangea
Hydrangeas are the perfect flower to symbolise an appreciation and gratitude of the love between a couple on their fourth wedding anniversary.
Alternative Fourth Wedding Anniversary Flower: Geraniums
5th Wedding Anniversary – Wood & Daisy
The meaning behind Fifth Wedding Anniversary – Wood
Wood is the strong, sturdy, deep-rooted and ever-growing traditional symbol for the fifth wedding anniversary, perhaps the first real milestone.
Modern Alternative: Silverware
The Fifth Wedding Anniversary Flower – Daisy
Symbolising fidelity and everlasting love, daisies are the perfect flowers traditionally used for the fifth wedding anniversary. Their simplicity is part of a daisy’s beauty, there are numerous plants that share the Daisy form and when we turn our attention to cut flowers Leucanthemum – as shown in the image is a perfect option, alternatively single Tanacetum | Matrecaria flowers are a dainty complementary flowers. Most non-florists would also see gerbera or germini as a great Daisy representation. With so many options daisies can be an excellent choice to celebrate a fifth year of marriage with!
Anniversary Years 6 - 10 - The Growing Years
6th Wedding Anniversary – Iron & Calla Lily
The meaning behind Sixth Wedding Anniversary – Iron
Iron is the ideal representation of the strength and durability of a relationship in the sixth year of marriage. It embodies the commitment and potential hard work and effort that the couple have put into maintaining a strong relationship.
Modern Alternative: Sugar (and confectionery)
The Sixth Wedding Anniversary Flower – Calla Lily | Zantedeschia
Calla Lilies or Zantedeschia (to give them their Latin name) are undoubtedly an exceptionally elegant and pure flower. Their beauty is said to reflect the commitment that has blossomed through the six years of the marriage. It’s a popular choice in bridal work so whether it’s White Crystal Blush, an orange Mango calla, or dramatic near black Schwarzwalder Zantedeschia near identical varieties can be found to share the flowers used on the wedding day.
7th Wedding Anniversary – Copper & Freesia
The meaning behind Seventh Wedding Anniversary – Copper
The seventh year is represented by copper which reflects the durability and beauty of the partnership that has grown more beautiful and vibrant over the years.
Alternative Seventh Wedding Anniversary: Wool is commonly listed as an alternative or accompanying seventh anniversary material which symbolises the cosy and nurturing aspects of the loving relationship.
Modern Alternative: Stationery.
The Seventh Wedding Anniversary Flower – Freesia
Trust, friendship, and loyalty, are the characteristics reflected by fragrant Freesia in the seventh year of marriage. They celebrate the strong foundations built over seven years and the promise of more happiness to come.
8th Wedding Anniversary – Bronze & Clematis
The meaning behind Eighth Wedding Anniversary – Bronze
The eighth wedding anniversary is marked by bronze. This is a metal formed from the combination of copper and tin, representing the combining of two lives into a single, strong partnership. It’s a true illustration of how relationships are strengthened through collaboration and unity.
Alternative Eighth Wedding Anniversary: China or pottery is a more common alternative. With Rubber, Willow, Linen, & Leather also being occasionally mentioned and associated with the eighth year of marriage.
Modern Alternative: Linen or Lace
The Eighth Wedding Anniversary Flower – Clematis
Clematis is the perfect representation of how a couple with eight years of marriage behind them have a rich interwoven history and a strong bond that just keeps growing stronger together.
Alternative Eighth Wedding Anniversary Flower: Lilac | Syringa
9th Wedding Anniversary – Pottery
The meaning behind Ninth Wedding Anniversary – Pottery
Pottery reflects the unique and handcrafted care and nature of a marriage. It’s a material that is both beautiful and versatile, much like the relationship that has grown and adapted over the years.
Alternative Ninth Wedding Anniversary: Willow
The Ninth Wedding Anniversary Flower – Poppies
Poppies are a combination of a gentle flower but one that can have great vibrancy. They’re truly beautiful and symbolise remembrance, hope and imagination. With nine years of marriage there’s time to reflect on the time a couple have spent together, but with so much energy, enthusiasm and hope for many more happy years.
10th Wedding Anniversary – Tin & Daffodils
The meaning behind Tenth Wedding Anniversary – Tin
The flexibility, resilience and durability of a decade-long commitment and tenth wedding anniversary is symbolised through tin, material that reflects modernity and a long-lasting nature.
Alternative Tenth Wedding Anniversary: Aluminium
The Tenth Wedding Anniversary Flower – Daffodils
A decade of companionship, along with all the happiness and shared laughter is captured by the bright yellow tones of strong and resilient daffodils. Whilst a humble flower, they are radiant, exuberant, and their bright and sunny disposition echoes the warmth, optimism, and joy that ten years of shared experiences bring.
Anniversary Years 11- 15 - The Deepening Years
11th Wedding Anniversary – Steel & Tulips
The meaning the behind Eleventh Wedding Anniversary – Steel
The eleventh year of marriage is represented by steel, synonymous with strength and permanence, reflecting the couple’s enduring marriage.
The Eleventh Wedding Anniversary Flower – Tulips
Tulips capture the essence of deep, enduring love that has blossomed over a decade and a year of marriage. They perfectly depict a partnership that has grown and continues to grow, just as cut tulips continue to elegantly grow after they are picked.
Alternative Eleventh Wedding Anniversary Flower: Morning Glory
12th Wedding Anniversary – Peony & Silk
The meaning behind Twelfth Wedding Anniversary – Silk
Twelve years of marriage is represented by silk which pound for pound is the strongest natural textile, it regulates temperature, but is most widely known for the comfortable, luxurious feel, all qualities that are reflected in a couple that have a strong connection and understanding in a relationship.
Alternative Twelfth Wedding Anniversary: Linen
The Twelfth Wedding Anniversary Flower – Peony
The elegant, graceful, exquisite peonies are a flower that stands out – tall and proud with a wide selection of glorious flower tones reflecting a deepening affection, along with abundance and good fortune that twelve years of partnership has brought this happy marriage.
13th Wedding Anniversary – Lace & Chrysanthemum
The meaning behind Thirteenth Wedding Anniversary – Lace
The interwoven nature of lace is clear for all to see, as are the lives of a couple that celebrate thirteen years of marriage together. It perfectly depicts the appreciation of the intricacies of each other’s lives and their deep connection as their story together has matured.
Modern Alternative: Textiles or Fur
The Thirteenth Wedding Anniversary Flower – Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum flowers showcase devoted love, happiness and longevity on a thirteenth wedding anniversary. Their myriad of petals mirrors the intricacies and countless joyful moments shared, making them perfect for a couple celebrating thirteen years of marriage.
14th Wedding Anniversary – Ivory & Dahlia
The meaning behind Fourteenth Wedding Anniversary – Ivory
The fourteenth year of marriage is represented by Ivory, and what could be more perfect for a couple that have forged an exceptionally strong and precious relationship, the qualities of ivory.
Alternative Fourteenth Wedding Anniversary: Opal (as an ethical alternative to Ivory)
The Fourteenth Wedding Anniversary Flower – Dahlia
Dahlias are a perfect flower to depict fourteen years of marriage. They come in so many varieties, shapes, forms, not to mention colours. The incredible assortment available reflects the diversity of a relationship that has the confidence to be true to itself and reflects the energy, passion, and creativity that has kept the relationship ebullient and strong. What’s more in Floriography — the Victorian language of flowers, the dahlias were often a symbol of devotion and enduring love.
15th Wedding Anniversary – Crystal & Rose
The meaning behind Fifteenth Wedding Anniversary – Crystal
Crystal is the perfect symbolism of the clarity and transparency that comes with a deeper understanding and connection that a couple have for each other after fifteen years of marriage. It reflects how a relationship grows in beauty as it’s been polished over time, making it even more vibrant and valuable.
The Fifteenth Wedding Anniversary Flower – Roses
embodies love more so than the rose? These traditionally romantic flowers are beautiful, strong, and resilient — just like a fifteen-year marriage. Whilst red roses are synonymous with love and passion, there are so many colours and varieties to choose from a selection can be truly tailored specifically for the couple or partner that is celebrating this big milestone.
Anniversary Years 20 - 50 - The Forever Years
20th Wedding Anniversary – China & Asters
The meaning behind Twentieth Wedding Anniversary – China
China represents the elegant yet delicate beauty and enduring nature of a relationship that has stood the test of time. It symbolises both resilience and fragility, suggesting that whilst a couple married for twenty years have built an incredibly strong foundation, they must continue to care for their relationship as they would fine china.
The Twentieth Wedding Anniversary Flower – Asters
Asters are the chosen floral emblem for two decades of commitment and marriage. Asters, renowned for their vibrant colours and intricate petals, beautifully mirror the depth and wisdom accumulated from the shared experiences of the couple. Asters also have a unique flower meaning of love and wisdom, which is so fitting for a twentieth wedding anniversary.
25th Wedding Anniversary – Silver & Iris
The meaning behind Twenty-Fifth Wedding Anniversary – Silver
Silver, the traditional symbol of the twenty-fifth wedding anniversary, represents the value of this long-lasting marriage. It’s an ideal representation of this major milestone – regardless of age precious silver can be polished to shine, just as a couple’s relationship, that grows more valuable over the years.
The Twenty-Fifth Wedding Anniversary Flower – Iris
The graceful and sophisticated Iris encapsulate the strength and enduring love that only grows stronger with each passing year. Its elegance and vibrancy perfectly symbolise the faith, wisdom, and cherished memories that have beautifully blossomed over twenty-five years. A quarter of a century on, a couple’s love for each other is even stronger than it was during the first years of marriage!
30th Wedding Anniversary – Pearl & Lily
The meaning behind Thirtieth Wedding Anniversary – Pearl
Pearls are formed through time and patience, they beautifully celebrate the rare and precious wisdom, integrity, and inner beauty that three decades of love and commitment nurture and grow. The Pearl Anniversary reflects the rare and precious deep bond, making it ideal for a 30th anniversary celebration.
The Thirtieth Wedding Anniversary Flower – Lily
Thirty years of marriage is a milestone well worth celebrating and Lilies are the flower of choice, that do this so well. They perfectly represent all the changes seen throughout the three decades of marriage, as they symbolise pride and devotion, as well as fresh life and rebirth. Different colours also carry additional meaning: white lilies personify wisdom and integrity. Orange lilies, share a dash of passion, reflecting the enduring love, whilst yellow lilies symbolise joy and happiness that continues in the couple’s shared life.
35th Wedding Anniversary – Coral & Lisianthus | Eustoma
The meaning behind Thirty-fifth Wedding Anniversary – Coral
Coral symbolises the beauty of a relationship that has matured and become more vibrant through the years. The nature of coral, which grows and forms intricate protective structures, reflects how a couple’s life together builds and evolves over time.
Modern Alternative: Jade
The Thirty-fifth Wedding Anniversary Flower – Lisianthus | Eustoma
The thirty-fifth wedding anniversary is perfectly represented by Lisianthus | Eustoma. Whilst these beautiful flowers may look delicate, they are surprisingly strong and last far longer than their soft and delicate nature may have you believe. Their numerous varietiesradiate a heartfelt celebration of a long standing, harmonious marriage. Whether the union is depicted by the blousy and romantic large headed double stems, or the understated wild looking Botanic types, or perhaps the carefree Bohemian selection that seem to joyfully dance. These flowers reflect the testament of a relationship that, after thirty-five years, has not only survived, but thrived spectacularly.
40th Wedding Anniversary – Ruby & Gladiolus
The meaning behind Fortieth Wedding Anniversary – Ruby
Rubies symbolise an eternal flame and signify unwavering love, passion, and commitment that burns bright after four decades of marriage. This strong, precious and opulent jewel signifies the enduring nature of their relationship that is filled with warmth and vitality and the deep emotional connection that has developed over forty years.
The Fortieth Wedding Anniversary Flower – Gladiolus
Gladioli are a true symbol and testament of a couples unwavering love and dedication, as they celebrate their fortieth wedding anniversary. With its striking stature and vibrant hues, Gladioli exude strength and integrity, they perfectly represent a love that’s deeply rooted and blossomed over forty cherished years of marriage. Whilst tones of red seem the obvious colour choice, reflecting the Ruby Anniversary, any colour, or perhaps a mix of forty stems would reflect the unbreakable bond forged over forty transformative years.
45th Wedding Anniversary – Sapphire & Agapanthus
The meaning behind Forty-fifth Wedding Anniversary – Sapphire
Sapphires are associated with loyalty, wisdom, and trust, they are a perfect precious stone that reflects the steadfastness and commitment that have characterised a forty-five-year relationship. So many shared experiences have been had through various phases of life, the durability of sapphires signifies all this and a love that has endured.
The Forty-fifth Wedding Anniversary Flower – Agapanthus
Agapanthus are the flower of choice for a forty-fifth wedding anniversary, their name literally translates to “The Flower of Love” coming from the Greek words agape (unconditional, divine love) and anthos (flower). They symbolise a love that has a deep connection and enduring bond. Their radiance represents the strength and grace under pressure that has been shared over forty-five years of marriage.
50th Wedding Anniversary – Gold & Ranunculus
The meaning behind Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary – Gold
Gold represents the richness of the life shared together and the countless precious memories created when a couple have the pleasure to celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary. It symbolises the prosperity and enduring love, that marks the extraordinary achievement of 50 years of marriage.
The Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary Flower – Ranunculus
Ranunculus flowers reflect the celebration of a 50th wedding anniversary so well. In the language of flowers, they symbolise radiant charm and being dazzled by someone! Whilst one of their common names is the Persian Buttercup and the golden buttercup is in their family. Their delicate satin-like petals shine with purity and the countless varieties that can be found around the world reflect an enduring love that has stood brilliantly strong, and reflect the wisdom and commitment that’s lasted half a century.
Anniversary Years 55 - 90 - The Lifetime Years
55th Wedding Anniversary – Emerald & Anemone
The meaning behind Fifty-fifth Wedding Anniversary – Emerald
Emerald is a symbol of enduring love and wisdom and very apt to mark the fifty-fifth wedding anniversary of a couple. It’s a time that celebrates the deep, mature love and understanding that comes with more than half a century of a close bond and togetherness that comes with a marriage.
The Fifty-fifth Wedding Anniversary Flower – Anemone
Anemones, the flower of a fifty-fifth wedding anniversary, bring a timeless, poetic feel to the celebration, and what a celebration it should be for a couple that have spent over half a century together. Anemones are often considered a symbol of love and affection but their representation has evolved to encompass deep romance, fragility, and tragic loss, making them a perfect poignant reminder to cherish life and the time a couple has together, especially in their later years.
60th Wedding Anniversary – Diamond & Orchids
The meaning behind Sixtieth Wedding Anniversary – Diamond
Diamonds are the symbol of a sixtieth wedding anniversary, they are precious and rare, each physically unique and to be cherished just like a marriage that enjoys this extraordinary milestone. They represent the strength and unbreakable bond that has formed over six decades.
The Sixtieth Wedding Anniversary Flower – Orchid
Orchids with their rich symbolism of strength, beauty, love, and luxury, are understandably the classic choice for a sixtieth anniversary celebration. They represent an unbreakable love along with a pure and enduring commitment, just like the bond that has been forged over sixty years of shared memories.
65th Wedding Anniversary – Blue Sapphire & Delphinium
The meaning behind Sixty-fifth Wedding Anniversary – Blue Sapphire
The blue sapphire anniversary, is a remarkable sixty-five-year milestone, and a testament to the deep love, loyalty, and unwavering commitment between a couple. Blue Sapphires are the perfect symbol for this incredible wedding anniversary as they are among the rarest and most sought-after natural gemstones, admired for their strength, vivid hues, exceptional clarity, and enduring elegance.
The Sixty-fifth Wedding Anniversary Flower – Delphinium
Few flowers can make such a breathtaking grand statement as a Delphinium, just as a couple that celebrate their sixty-fifth wedding anniversary. They are a universal symbol of cheerfulness, an open heart, and goodwill qualities that will be found in a marriage that reaches this milestone. Delphiniums are one of the few flowers that have varieties that seem almost electrified with a sapphire blue colour, which brings an even deeper meaning of grace, and respect making them extra perfect for a Blue Sapphire wedding Anniversary.
70th Wedding Anniversary – Platinum & Sweet Pea
The meaning behind Seventieth Wedding Anniversary – Platinum
A celebration of seventy years of marriage is a rare wedding anniversary indeed. It’s as timeless, precious and everlasting as platinum that represents the seven phenomenal decades of a couple sharing their lives together.
The Seventieth Wedding Anniversary Flower – Sweet Pea
Sweetpeas are the flower that represent seventy years of marriage. They perfectly depict the sweetness that comes from two lives that have grown and woven together, supporting one another through seven decades. In many cultures they symbolise a joyful union, blissful pleasure and gratitude. Their reflection of a relationship that is undoubtably loved by many others continues in their understated nature, that brings so much joy.
75th Wedding Anniversary – Diamond (again!) & Stocks | Matthiola
The meaning behind Seventy-fifth Wedding Anniversary – Diamond (again!)
A couple that celebrate a seventy-fifth wedding anniversary together really have had a lifelong love story that truly deserves a second diamond celebration! It’s occasionally known as a crown diamond – regardless – this is a couple that are a sparkling example of how two souls have supported one another through life’s ups and downs and deserve their union to be truly celebrated.
The Seventy-fifth Wedding Anniversary Flower – Stocks | Matthiola
Stock are flowers with clusters of soft, ruffled, petalled blooms that are wonderfully fragrant, they symbolise a happy life, lasting beauty, and bonds of affection that have weathered the test of time. It’s the ultimate “contentment” flower, that perfectly captures the peace of a seventy-five-year love story.
80th Wedding Anniversary – Oak & Helliborus
The meaning behind Eightieth Wedding Anniversary – Oak
The mighty oak universally represents strength, endurance, stability, and ancient wisdom. It’s the perfect symbol of an eightieth wedding anniversary and marriage because of its deep root system and ability to live for hundreds of years, it signifies deep-rooted foundation and longevity. Whilst less showy than the jewels that represent previous anniversaries, Oak depicts the simple strength of a wonderfully aged marriage of two soul mates.
The Eightieth Wedding Anniversary Flower – Helleborus
Hellebores have a rich history, just as a couple that celebrate their eightieth wedding anniversary. Folklore believed them to possess protective powers, where modern symbolism and cultural significance had them associated with hope, serenity, peace, and tranquillity. As a winter flowering plant they display their beauty, resilience and endurance through adversity for all to appreciate and celebrate.
85th Wedding Anniversary – Wine & Allium
The meaning behind Eighty-fifth Wedding Anniversary – Wine
Wine embodies the essence of growth and transformation, mirroring the journey of a relationship that has evolved and deepened over time. Just as many wines improve with age it’s a wonderful representation of an enduring love that has spanned eighty-five years.
The Eighty-fifth Wedding Anniversary Flower – Allium
The eighty-fifth wedding anniversary is a rare and is a remarkable celebration that deserves a flower that is equally striking and that is why Alliums are the perfect choice. Their perfectly round, clustered flower heads, represent completeness and strength in unity. Patience and humility are other characteristics represented by this milestone and the allium flower signifying quiet, steady growth.
90th Wedding Anniversary – Granite & Snap dragon | Antirrhinum
The meaning behind Ninetieth Wedding Anniversary – Granite
In complete contrast to the first year of marriage that was represented by paper, the final anniversary in our list is represented by granite. A marriage that reaches the rare ninetieth wedding anniversary truly signifies strength, stability, and eternity. A couple celebrating nine decades together emulate the endurance, and defiance against time that the stone also represents.
The Ninetieth Wedding Anniversary Flower – Snapdragon | Antirrhinum
A ninethieth wedding anniversary flower is snapdragons or Antirrhinum. They are a beautiful classical flower that has been enjoyed for centuries, they symbolise strength and grace under pressure, a perfect representation of a lifelong marriage and relationship that has shown an unbreakable inner strength.
Final thoughts…
Every wedding anniversary tells a story.
Some celebrate the excitement of a first year together, while others honour a lifetime of shared memories, unwavering support and enduring love. The traditional materials and flowers associated with each anniversary have evolved over generations, each carrying symbolism that reflects the strength, beauty and progression of a marriage.
For florists, these traditions offer far more than an interesting piece of history. They provide an opportunity to create arrangements with genuine meaning. By understanding the significance behind each anniversary, a bouquet becomes more than a beautiful collection of flowers – it becomes a thoughtful reflection of a couple’s journey together.
Whether it’s including carnations for a first anniversary or an elegant arrangement of orchids to celebrate sixty years of marriage, the right flowers help tell a story that words often cannot. As florists, we have the privilege of helping customers celebrate some of life’s happiest milestones, creating lasting memories through flowers that express love, gratitude and appreciation.
Here’s to many more years of helping couples celebrate their love story – one anniversary at a time.
