How do I make flowers last longer?

Now that you’ve gifted your partner a lovely bouquet, you want to make them stay fresh as long as possible right? Unfortunately, traditional fresh-cut flowers can’t last forever. “Flowers have a mind of their own,” says Heron. “You need to be realistic; a bouquet is not going to last seven to ten days.” Though wilting will inevitably happen with time, Heron says changing the water every day or every other day is helpful. He also recommends trimming the stems to help the flowers suck up freshwater. And placing the bouquet in a cool, shady location rather than in direct sunlight will help extend its shelf life.

Are certain flowers associated with certain anniversaries?

Anniversary gifts follow different themes based on the number of years, and the same goes for different flowers. Of course, these are just suggestions and it's best to first follow personal preference. Here’s a breakdown of the major anniversaries and associated flowers: 1st: Carnation 5th: Daisy 10th: Daffodil 15th: Rose 20th: Aster 25th: Iris 30th: Lily 50th: Yellow roses and violet

The 18 Best Anniversary Flowers in 2023

From personalized art to custom accessories, there are so many different anniversary gifts out there—but sometimes less is more. Whether your partner adores flowers, has a green thumb, or just loves traditional gifts, a flower arrangement is classic anniversary present that always makes a big impression.

“Arrangements tell a story that interests people. You can see the time, care, and talent behind each arrangement,” says expert Matty Heron. “Who doesn't want a work of living art in their home?”

Meet the Expert

Matty Heron is the founder of The Petal Workshop, a high-end floral company based in Los Angeles.

Like art, flower arrangements can take all forms, from fresh blooms or dried flowers to paper designs. Choosing the perfect arrangement all comes down to your partner’s preferences. What are their favorite flowers and color palettes? Are they modern minimalists, or do they love wildflowers and romantic English gardens? Luckily, there's an arrangement, potted plant, or faux greenery option out there that will be sure to fit your spouse's tastes.

Read on for the best anniversary flowers.

The Bouqs Co. Adore Bouquet

When people think of love, they often think of roses, and this bouquet is truly the epitome of a romantic arrangement. Hot pink and red roses combine with eucalyptus and peach stock for the perfect expression of your love.

Price at time of publish: $79

Proflowers Lost in a Dream Bouquet

As the name suggests, this bouquet will have your partner lost in a dream of summer blooms. Lush greenery adds movement and texture to a mix of pink and white florals. This sweet arrangement helps to transport your partner back to a favorite day—or your wedding—spent together in nature.

Urbanstems The Firecracker Bouquet

Who says romantic flowers have to be red, pink, or white? The sunny hues of orange and yellow pay tribute to the sunshine your S.O. brings to your day. If your partner is a free spirit, they'll love this bouquet of golden roses and craspedia, contrasted with muted blue thistle.

Price at time of publish: $140

The Sill Hoya Heart Duo Planters

Want to get a gift that will last for years to come? With the Hoya Heart plant, your partner can have a visual reminder of your love, whether it's set in their office, nightstand or kitchen table. The duo is great for long-distance couples wanting to hold a piece of their lover's heart, no matter how far apart they may be.

Price at time of publish: $136

FTD Picnic Party Daisy Bouquet

Daisies evoke a sense of simplicity and joy—think a picnic on a gorgeous summer day. The colorful blooms are as fresh and lively as your partnership—the air of newness and wonder is a perfect theme to celebrate any anniversary year, whether it's your first or your 20th.

South Pillar Naturally Dried Pampas Grass and Palm Bouquet

Have a beautiful vase that has yet to be filled? This dried arrangement from South Pillar will do just the trick. Handpicked and dried pampas grass, palm, bunny tail grass, and fern leaves combine for an earthy yet elegant look. Choose from green or pink accents to match your home decor. Bonus: these dried flowers are said to last up to three years!

Price at time of publish: $33

Tree Town Paper Custom Song Lyric Bouquet

From the lyrics of your song to your wedding vows, Tree Town Paper can make a customized bouquet of the words that mark your relationship. Shaped as roses, kusudama flowers, a dahlia, and a wild rose, these paper flowers are carefully assembled by hand and put on flexible stems. You can even select the color of the paper for a bouquet that is unique to you and your partner. Plus, no watering or wilting is involved!

Price at time of publish: $62

Terrain Fresh Sunflower Bunch Bouquet

Whether it’s your third anniversary or you simply adore your partner's sunny optimism, sunflowers make for a fresh take on a flower bouquet. You’ll receive 16 to 20 bright blooms ready to place in the vase of your choosing—talk about walking on sunshine!

Proflowers Happy Together Bouquet

Opposites attract! This bold combination of purple and orange roses, asters, and lilies symbolizes a unique pairing. If you want to highlight the different qualities each of you bring to the relationship, this is the bouquet for you.

Danas Paper Flowers Map Paper Flowers

How can you capture all the places you traveled to with one present? These paper lilies make it easy. Crafted from folded maps, this bouquet of 12 origami lilies gives vintage maps a new life. You can customize the design to feature a specific region or include the entire world for your bae. It’s a tribute to past adventures and many more to come.

Price at time of publish: $25

Pretty Dried Blooms Letterbox Dried Flowers Bouquet

Dried flowers are the underrated star of the floral world—they're a refreshing spin from fresh cut flowers, while being way easier to care for (and longer-lasting!). Etsy vendor Pretty Dried Blooms offers a variety of dried flowers, blending airy grasses with colored florals. Anyone who loves decorating will adore this chic touch of nature—it's the perfect statement for any room.

Farmgirl Flowers Rose Goes Bouquet

Can’t choose between roses or lilies? Get the best of both worlds with a roselily. With feathery petals, this unique lily variety evokes the fluffy, layered petals of rose blossoms. A heavenly scent and pollen-free blooms mean you and your partner can inhale the flowery aroma deeply with no messes or sneezing involved.

The Sill Pink Anthurium Planter

While not your traditional bouquet of roses, an anthurium plant still radiates love. This modern plant features heart-shaped leaves and vivid pink blooms that also resemble hearts. Best of all, the species is known as the longest blooming houseplant, with flowers lasting up to eight weeks. It’s also fairly easy to care for, requiring water every one to two weeks. Like your love, this plant is endlessly blooming.

Price at time of publish: $98

Farmgirl Flowers Chantilly Lace Bouquet

Flower shopping can be overwhelming. That’s why we like Farmgirl Flowers, a women-led company with streamlined designs and free shipping. The Chantilly Lace bouquet is a splendid pairing of blanc-de-blanc blooms and foliage. Packed in a repurposed burlap sack from San Francisco coffee roasters, the arrangement is more sustainable and quaint than traditional cellophane-wrapped options.

Urbanstems The Purple Iris Bouquet

The iris is the traditional flower gift for a 25th anniversary (but it's also ok to give it during other years as well!). Symbolizing a rainbow, the iris is ideal for this milestone as it represents the range of experiences you will have shared together over the years. In this arrangement, freesia compliments the sentiments of friendship and adds a light, citrus scent.

Price at time of publish: $110

Soho Floral Arts Roses in A Box

Even with a huge variety of different flowers and arrangements out there, some people will always pick roses as their favorite. If that describes your partner, gift them an assortment of luscious roses that will last for years. Yup, you heard that right. These are real roses, preserved to last up to three years. No maintenance is required except for avoiding direct sunlight and touch.

Price at time of publish: $44

The Bouqs Co. Sweet Lavender Bouquet

Fresh flowers offer not only beauty but also an uplifting scent. Featuring lavender and eucalyptus, this bouquet will smell as good as it looks. From delicate shades of purple, pink and green, it’s a full-on sensory experience.

Price at time of publish: $69

Urbanstems The Morello Bouquet

To make a bold statement of love, Heron recommends seeking out arrangements with deep, jewel tones. This bouquet captures both lightness and darkness with scabiosa and ranunculus in rich cherry hues. For the partner that makes you feel like you are living in luxury, these are divine.

Price at time of publish: $75

What to look for in anniversary flowers

Specific flowers

While you can spend hours researching what flowers go with what anniversary year, Heron says the perfect arrangement comes down to your partner’s favorite flower. As a florist, he always wants to know what flowers the customers like and don't like when designing a bouquet.

If you aren’t sure about your partner’s floral preferences, Heron says looking at the flowers from your wedding is a good place to start. Not only will it likely contain some of their favorite flowers, but using the wedding bouquet as inspiration is a good way to bring you back to the special day on your anniversary.

Colors

Besides the type of flowers, selecting the right shade of the blooms will set the tone for the entire arrangement. “We love to pedal romance, love, and mystery,” says Heron. “It gives the person an incentive to keep an eye on the arrangement and figure it out.”

For light-hearted romantics, Heron says you can’t go wrong with shades of cream, whites, and pale pinks. For a bolder look, he recommends deep jewel tones like burgundy and fuchsia. Of course, going with your partner’s favorite colors—whether that’s orange, green, or blue—is always a safe bet.

Shipping and service

Needless to say, you want your flowers to come on time and in the best condition. Nowadays, different floral sites offer fast, sometimes same-day delivery. Give yourself enough time to find and buy a bouquet and realize shipping may take longer during different peak seasons like holidays.

Heron also suggests researching the company’s reviews as well as looking at their social media to vet the quality and final look of their service.

FAQ

How do I make flowers last longer?

Now that you’ve gifted your partner a lovely bouquet, you want to make them stay fresh as long as possible right? Unfortunately, traditional fresh-cut flowers can’t last forever.

“Flowers have a mind of their own,” says Heron. “You need to be realistic; a bouquet is not going to last seven to ten days.” Though wilting will inevitably happen with time, Heron says changing the water every day or every other day is helpful. He also recommends trimming the stems to help the flowers suck up freshwater. And placing the bouquet in a cool, shady location rather than in direct sunlight will help extend its shelf life.
Are certain flowers associated with certain anniversaries?

Anniversary gifts follow different themes based on the number of years, and the same goes for different flowers. Of course, these are just suggestions and it's best to first follow personal preference. Here’s a breakdown of the major anniversaries and associated flowers:
1st: Carnation
5th: Daisy
10th: Daffodil
15th: Rose
20th: Aster
25th: Iris
30th: Lily
50th: Yellow roses and violet

Why Trust Brides

Emily Cieslak is a Brides contributor and producer for Dotdash Meredith. She previously worked for The Knot, where she helped classify flowers in wedding photographs.