Anniversaries help us celebrate the most important rites of passage in our lives. Whether it's a golden or diamond anniversary, Gotcha Day for your sweet pet, or a transformative, life-affirming moment that you're marking, anniversaries are about honouring the occasions that matter most in the cycle of life. Each celebration is as unique as the story behind it, and the way we mark these moments — through thoughtful gestures, heartfelt words, and fresh flowers — adds layers of meaning and beauty to the occasion. From the many kinds we commemorate to the symbolism of various anniversary blooms, we're exploring the traditions and gestures that make these moments so unforgettable.
- Over 2 million people get married every year in the United States, while approximately 100,000 people wed annually in Canada.
- The lucky 6% of couples who make it to their 50th anniversary can get a Presidential Greeting commemorating this incredible milestone.
- June is the most popular month to get married, which means June has an abundance of subsequent anniversaries.
- 1.7 million people celebrate Gotcha Day every year by throwing a party for their pet.
Relationship Anniversaries
Our romantic partnerships are among the strongest and most intense bonds we have, and showing love to our partners is paramount in our personal priorities. These relationships are built on shared memories, deep affection, and the everyday choice to navigate the world together. Honouring these anniversaries affirms that we would choose them over and over again as our relationships grow stronger with each passing year. Whether it's the first or year 25, honouring these moments helps keep love fresh, intentional, and deeply rooted.
Wedding Anniversary
The big one: The day you said "I do." This anniversary is all about celebrating the commitment and love between you and the moment you made it permanent in the eyes of the law. Honour the milestone with flowers tied to the traditional anniversary year, or choose their all-time favourite blooms to make it extra personal.
Engagement Anniversary
This is the day everything changed, the start of your forever, affirming they're the one. Mark it with blooms that represent a joyful union, like peonies; they symbolize happiness in marriage with their lush and romantic blossoms. It's a sweet way to relive the magic of saying "yes."
Dating Anniversary
Dating anniversaries are all about remembering where it really began — the spark that lit the flame. Celebrating the day you officially became a couple is the perfect reason to pour on the romance. Red roses are the classic go-to here, blooms that are bold, passionate, and timeless.
First Date Anniversary
It may not be the official start of your relationship, but it's where the story began. There's something special about remembering that first night out, the butterflies, the excitement. Pink roses are perfect for this anniversary; they represent admiration, sweetness, and the beautiful budding of love.
Vow Renewals
Recommitting to your partner all over again for the world to see? That deserves to be celebrated in a big way. Vow renewals reflect a deep, enduring love — and chrysanthemums, which symbolize longevity and loyalty, make the perfect floral tribute to a marriage that's stood the test of time.
Family & Friendship Anniversaries
Family and friends are the most important people in our lives. They know us best, encourage us the most, and challenge us to be our best selves, always with the deepest care. Taking time to celebrate them on meaningful anniversaries is a powerful reminder of the love, gratitude, and history you share. From joyful milestones that changed lives forever to moments of quiet remembrance and reflection, honouring these relationships strengthens the bonds that hold us close.
Parental Anniversary
This special day marks when someone became a parent whether through birth or adoption. It's the start of a whole new chapter filled with joy, growth, and unconditional love. Carnations are a beautiful symbol here, representing the deep, lasting love between parent and child.
Adoption Anniversary
Also lovingly known as Family Day, this is the moment a child officially became part of the family. The bonds of adoption are just as deep and transformative as any. Dahlias, which represent lasting bonds, are a perfect way to honour that unbreakable connection that forms so quickly, yet lasts forever.
Friendship Anniversary
Some friends feel more like chosen family and those relationships are undoubtedly worthy of acknowledgement. Recognizing the day the friendship clicked is a beautiful way to show your appreciation and love for the people who always get you. Yellow roses are the classic flower of friendship, radiating warmth, joy, and mutual respect.
Gotcha Day
For pet parents, Gotcha Day is a huge deal: the day you brought home your furry friend and life got infinitely better. Celebrate with gerbera daisies — they're bright, cheerful, pet-safe, and bursting with personality. It's a fun way to honour the joy and unconditional love that pets bring into our lives.
Memorial Anniversaries
These anniversaries can be emotional, but they're also a way to lovingly honour those we've lost but never, ever forgotten. Zinnias, known for symbolizing remembrance and lasting affection, are a meaningful choice to hold space for someone who lives on in your heart even if they're no longer by your side.
Personal Anniversaries
Sometimes, the most meaningful anniversaries are the ones we celebrate for ourselves. These dates often mark life-changing decisions, hard-fought victories, or quiet spiritual awakenings — and honouring them is far from selfish. It's an act of self-care and self-respect, of recognizing your own growth, perseverance, and deeply held beliefs. When we take a moment to pause and reflect on these milestones, we're celebrating where we've been and reinforcing who we've become.
Sobriety Anniversary
Marking the day you began your sobriety journey is one of the most empowering ways to honour yourself. It represents choosing clarity, healing, and hope one day at a time. Gladiolus, with their tall, resilient stems and vibrant blooms, symbolize strength of character and integrity — perfect for honouring the power it takes to walk the road to recovery.
Accomplishment Anniversary
Graduating, finishing a major project, or reaching a personal goal — these milestones reflect your drive, dedication, and belief in your own potential. Orange orchids represent achievement, success, and positive energy — ideal for commemorating the moments you pushed past your limits and made it happen.
Survivorship Anniversary
Whether you've overcome illness, recovered from surgery, or endured a challenge that tested your spirit, survivorship anniversaries are deeply emotional. They celebrate survival, hope, and resilience. Daffodils, one of the first signs of spring, represent renewal and new beginnings — a beautiful tribute to the journey you've walked.
Religious Anniversaries
Faith-based milestones such as religious conversions or spiritual awakenings are truly transformative. These moments reflect a recommitment to your values and your connection to something greater than yourself. White lilies, elegant and pure, are traditionally used to symbolize spiritual renewal, grace, and devotion.
Professional Anniversaries
Let's be honest — work is a big part of life for so many of us. We pour a lot of ourselves into our careers: time, energy, brainpower, and so much more. So when you hit a professional milestone — be it a well-earned promotion or the start of a new chapter in retirement — it's a moment to pause, reflect, and feel proud of how far you've come. Acknowledging career anniversaries is a worthy time to honour commitment, growth, and personal achievement.
Work Anniversary
A work anniversary is a major accomplishment that reflects consistency, growth, and dedication. This is also a great time to show appreciation for a colleague, friend, or employee. A money tree or lucky bamboo plant makes an ideal gift for this occasion; both are believed to bring prosperity, good fortune, and positive energy to workspaces.
Retirement Anniversary
Retirement marks the closing of one professional chapter and the beginning of a whole new adventure. A retirement anniversary is the perfect moment to celebrate decades of hard work and the legacy left behind. Irises represent wisdom, courage, and enduring commitment — the qualities of someone who has given their all to their career.
Promotion Anniversary
Promotions aren't just about a new title or role; they're about confidence, ambition, and rising to meet new challenges. Pink tulips are a lovely way to mark the occasion. They represent admiration, good wishes, and confidence — perfect for recognizing the dedication and vision it took to get there.
Card Messaging
Card messaging is one of the most meaningful parts of any anniversary present. It's your chance to put feelings into words and celebrate the love, memories, and milestones you've shared. While flowers are the centre of the gift, the message in the card is what gives the moment a personal element. On a day all about connection, your card is where your voice and your heart come through clearly.
Romantic Anniversary
"I love you because the entire universe conspired to help me find you."
- Paulo Coelho"Knowing that I get to spend my life by your side makes me smile a little brighter each new day."
- Anonymous"You know you are in love when you don't want to fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams."
- Dr. Seuss
Family Anniversary
"Becoming your parent felt like being personally moved by the hand of destiny. I'm so blessed to call you my child."
"We've been best friends for three decades, and I can't imagine my life without you in it. I celebrate you, and I celebrate our bond!"
"Even though you're no longer here in this realm, I know you are out there watching over me, and I know you are always in my heart."
Personal Anniversary
"Becoming sober meant I could finally find out who I truly am, and I've never looked back. I'm worth it and I choose me every day."
"Getting the news that you're cancer free was the first day of the rest of our lives. I take none of it for granted."
"Finding my faith was like finding a part of myself I didn't even know I needed. May it only grow stronger every year!"
Professional Anniversary
"You've worked hard and made the world a better place because of it. This is for all of the ways you got the job done!"
"Retirement may mean you're closing one chapter, but the adventures in front of you are an entire book of their own."
"Five years ago you got that promotion and look at you now! Here's to many more years of inspired leadership."
The Most Popular Anniversary Flowers
Red roses are the classic go-to for anniversaries, and for good reason: Their rich colour and enduring beauty symbolize deep love and passion, making them a natural favourite. However, each anniversary milestone has its own symbolic flower. From carnations for the first year, symbolizing fresh, young love, to daffodils for the 10th, representing joy and resilience, these blooms carry special meaning that reflects the journey of a relationship. Stick with timeless roses or choose a flower that represents a specific year.
- 1st Wedding
Carnations - 2nd Wedding
Cosmos - 3rd Wedding
Sunflowers - 4th Wedding
Geraniums - 5th Wedding
Daisy - 10th Wedding
Daffodil - 15th Wedding
Red Roses - 20th Wedding
Aster - 30th Wedding
Lily - 40th Wedding
Gladiolus - 50th Wedding
Golden Anniversary: Yellow Roses & Violets - 60th Wedding
Diamond Anniversary: Orchids - Vow Renewals
Multicolor bouquets of roses
Pro-Tips for Anniversary Shopping
Some people pick up anniversary flowers the day before, while others plan ahead and order up to a week in advance. To get the freshest and most fitting flowers, we recommend ordering early and scheduling delivery close to the special day — avoiding the stress of last-minute shopping. Sign up for e-mails and newsletters from your favourite local florists to unlock exclusive deals, specials, and seasonal discounts. A little preparation goes a long way.
Anniversaries are a time to celebrate and reflect on the journey shared with your forever person, family members, pets, and even yourself. Whether it's a grand romantic gesture or a simple, heartfelt moment, the day serves as a reminder to appreciate the occasion and what it means to you as the years go by. It's about honouring the laughter, the challenges, and the love that continues to deepen with each passing day — because every anniversary is a milestone worth celebrating.