Written records show that flowers have been given as gifts for at least several thousand years. We can imagine prehistoric people giving colorful blooms to their loved ones even before the invention of the written word. With their bright blossoms and sweet scent, flowers are the perfect gesture to mark a special occasion.
Many of us are familiar with the idea of giving silver for the 25th wedding anniversary and gold for the 50th. This tradition seems to have started in medieval Europe. It wasn’t until the Victorian era that formal lists of anniversary gifts began to circulate in society. These lists were expanded by social columnist Emily Post in 1922 and the Retail Jewelers Association in 1937. Modern anniversary gift guides suggest a token for each of the first twenty years of marriage, then every five years until the 70th anniversary.
Be creative with your gift. They don’t have to be fresh flowers. If you have a winter anniversary, buy seeds or bulbs in anticipation of spring’s arrival. A photo or painting of a flower is a gift that will never wilt or fade. A piece of jewelry that features your anniversary flower will bring a smile for years to come. We have compiled a list to help you choose the right flowers to celebrate the special day when you said “I do”.
1st | Pansy |
2nd | Cosmos |
3rd | Fuchsia |
4th | Geranium |
5th | Daisy |
6th | Calla Lily |
7th | Jack-in-the-pulpit |
8th | Clematis or lilacs |
9th | Poppies |
10th | Daffodils |
11th | Morning Glory |
12th | Peonies |
13th | Hollyhock |
14th | Dahlia |
15th | Roses |
20th | Day Lily |
25th | Iris |
30th | Sweet Pea |
40th | Nasturtium |
50th | Violet |