Timeless Expressions of Love: 65 Heartfelt Anniversary Wishes

Love is the cornerstone of a happy and fulfilling marriage. With each year of wedded bliss, couples celebrate the journey they began on their wedding day with their anniversary — a milestone that marks another year of commitment, affection, and unwavering support.

anniversary wishes with senior couple drinking prosecco in a swimming pool

In the hearts of many couples, anniversaries hold a deep importance. They serve as a reminder of the unique bond and endless love two people share — and, in the middle of your busy schedules, to give your relationship some much-needed tender loving care.

“It’s important to celebrate anniversaries for three reasons,” says Dr. Wyatt Fisher, psychologist and relationship coach. “First, it’s helpful to make your partner feel special and show you care. Second, it’s a great time to bring the relationship back into center focus. Third, it’s good for the relationship as both partners remember their special moments through the years, which strengthens their bond.”

Whether your wedding bells rang last year, 20 years ago, or even 50 years ago, every year of marriage is worth celebrating. One simple yet meaningful way to make an anniversary memorable is crafting an anniversary card message for your spouse. When writing from the heart, Dr. Fisher says, make sure to always express what your partner means to you. “Comment on the special memories from the past and your hopes for the future of the relationship,” he says.

That advice also applies when celebrating the wedding anniversaries of loved ones, such as those of parents or friends. It also works for other kinds of anniversaries, including birthdays, work anniversaries, and any personal milestones that deserve to be celebrated.

65 heartfelt anniversary wishes

Need some inspiration to find the right words for your anniversary card? Peruse these 65 anniversary wishes, and you’ll be ready to write your heart out!

Romantic anniversary wishes

  1. I didn’t think it was possible to love you any more than I did the day I married you, but somehow my love only grows. I love you today and always. Happy anniversary!
  2. Loved you yesterday, love you still, always have, always will. Happy anniversary to the love of my life.
  3. Happy anniversary to my soulmate. Having you by my side makes me the happiest, most grateful, and luckiest person in the world. Here’s to another glorious year of adventures together.
  4. I can never tell you enough how beautiful you are and how much you mean to me. Happy anniversary to my one true love.
  5. Even after [number of years married] years, I’ve never known anyone more kind and loving than you. I’m the luckiest [nickname] on this planet. Happy anniversary to my one and only. I love you!
anniversary wishes with young couple holding hands
  1. You are my today and all my tomorrows. Happy [number of years married] anniversary!
  2. Happy anniversary to my best friend. Thank you for another year of laughs, love, and the best adventures. You’ve made me the happiest person on the planet, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us.
  3. Over the years, I’ve fallen in love many times — and always with you. Happy [number of years married] anniversary.
  4. You’re my favorite person, and every day we spend together, I love you more. Thank you for making my dreams come true, year after year.

Funny anniversary wishes

  1. There’s no one I’d rather sit on the couch watching TV with than you. Happy anniversary!
  2. I knew we’d make it this long when I married you. I also predict that we’ll make it much longer. Cheers to another [number of years married] years together!
  3. Shocked I remembered we were married [number of years married] years ago today? That makes two of us. Happy anniversary!
  4. You can admit it: Saying yes to me was the best decision you ever made. Happy wedding anniversary!
  5. If marriage is a circus, you’re my favorite clown. Happy anniversary!
  6. Happy anniversary to my partner in mischief! Here’s to another year of hijinks and refusing to act our age. Love you!
  7. Morning breath and all, you’re still the one I want to wake up to. Happy [number of years married] anniversary!
  8. I know I’m not always easy, so thanks for putting up with me for another year. Happy wedding anniversary!

Anniversary wishes for wife

  1. Happy anniversary to my beautiful and amazing wife! These years with you have been a journey of love, growth, and endless joy. Thank you for being my partner, my best friend, and the love of my life. I cherish every moment I’m with you.
  2. To my incredible wife on our anniversary, thank you for filling my life with laughter, warmth, and unconditional love. You are the anchor that keeps me grounded, and I’m grateful for every day we share together. Here’s to many more years of happiness and adventure.
  3. Happy anniversary, my love! Today, I express my heartfelt appreciation for your love, patience, and unwavering support. You make every day brighter and more beautiful. Cheers to a lifetime of love and togetherness.
Woman holding a white card
  1. Happy anniversary, my love! As the years have gone by, my love for you grows stronger with each passing day. You are my partner, my confidant, and the person who understands me better than anyone else. Thank you for making my dreams come true.
  2. On this special day, I celebrate you, the woman who completes me. Thank you for loving me unconditionally and making our home a place of warmth and love. Happy anniversary, my incredible wife. I continue looking forward to a lifetime of love and happiness with you.
  3. To the most beautiful woman who has given me the most beautiful life — happy anniversary.
  1. You’re as beautiful today as you were on our wedding day. Happy anniversary, my love.
  2. I could not have dreamed of a more perfect woman to call my wife. You are everything, and then some. Happy anniversary to the love of my life.
  3. Happy anniversary to the woman responsible for making me the happiest man to ever walk the earth. You are my favorite person, and I’m the luckiest guy in the world.

Timeless anniversary gift ideas


Anniversary wishes for husband

  1. Happy anniversary to the love of my life! Our marriage has been an incredible journey, and I wouldn’t want to spend it with anyone else. Thank you for being my rock, my partner, and my best friend. I cherish every moment with you.
  2. Happy anniversary, my love! Today, I express my deepest gratitude for your unwavering support and understanding. Your love has been my guiding light, and I’m so lucky to have you by my side. Cheers to forever and beyond!
  3. Happy anniversary to my soulmate! The years we’ve spent together have been the best of my life. Your love has given me strength, and your presence has made my world brighter. I love you more than words can express.
  4. Happy anniversary, my love! As time has flown by, our love remains as strong and unwavering as ever. With you, every day feels like a new beginning. Thank you for making our journey so beautiful. I’m excited for the future we’ll create together.
  5. To the man who makes my heart skip a beat and fills my life with joy, happy anniversary! Being married to you is a dream come true. I’m grateful for your love, support, and the beautiful memories we’ve created together. Here’s to forever and beyond.
  6. On this special day, I celebrate the love story we continue to write together. You have shown me what true love is, and I’m forever grateful to have you in my life. Happy anniversary, my wonderful husband. I love you more than words can say.
  7. After all these years, you still give me butterflies when I see you. Thank you for reminding me what true love feels like. Happy anniversary, handsome!
  8. On our anniversary, I want you to know how much I appreciate you and your unwavering commitment to our marriage. You are the best husband a woman could have. I love you more each day, and I cannot wait to grow old with you.
  9. Happy anniversary! Thank you for being my husband, protector, and best friend. I love you with all my heart.

Anniversary wishes for parents

  1. Happy anniversary, Mom and Dad! Your commitment to each other is a shining example of true love. Thank you for showing me the meaning of partnership and dedication. May your bond continue to grow stronger with each passing year.
  2. On your special day, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the love and care you have given us throughout the years. Your relationship is an inspiration, and I’m proud to be your [son/daughter]. Wishing you a beautiful anniversary filled with love and joy.
  3. Happy anniversary to the most wonderful parents in the world! Your love story is a testament to the power of love and the beauty of a lifelong partnership. May your anniversary be a celebration of all the memories you’ve created together and a reminder of the love that continues to make your dreams come true.
Old couple is walking in the green park. Grandmother and grandfa
  1. On your anniversary, I want to thank you for being the best parents I could ask for. Your love, support, and guidance have shaped me into who I am today. Wishing you a day filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments.
  2. Happy anniversary to my loving and caring parents! Your love has been a source of strength and inspiration for our entire family. As you celebrate another year of wedded bliss, I wish you endless happiness, good health, and many more years of love and laughter.
  3. On this special day, I honor the unbreakable bond you’ve shared over the past [number of years married] years. Your marriage has been the foundation of our family, and we are forever grateful for the love and support you’ve given us. Wishing you a joyous anniversary and a lifetime of shared happiness!

Anniversary wishes for friends

  1. Happy anniversary, dear friends! May this special day be a wonderful celebration of the love and happiness you share. Your bond is an inspiration, and I am grateful to have witnessed your beautiful journey together.
  2. Congratulations on another year of love and companionship! Your friendship is a true inspiration, and I am grateful to have you both in my life. Wishing you a day filled with love and laughter, and a lifetime of happiness together.
  3. Happy anniversary to the most amazing couple I know! Your love is what so many dream of, and your friendship is invaluable. May your anniversary be a celebration of all the beautiful moments you’ve shared and a reflection of the love that continues to blossom between you.
  4. Happy anniversary to my wonderful friends! The love and respect you have for each other is evident in every smile and kind gesture. Cheers to many more years of love and happiness.
  5. Happy anniversary to my favorite couple! Your love story is filled with laughter, adventure, and support for each other. Thank you for being the epitome of true friendship and reminding us all of the beauty of love. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together!
  6. On your anniversary, I want to express my gratitude for your friendship and my admiration for the love you both share. Your bond is a testament to the power of love, trust, and understanding. May your anniversary be a day of joy and celebration.
  7. Happy anniversary, lovebirds! Enjoy celebrating your special day together and looking back on all the lovely memories you’ve made.
  8. Happy anniversary! It’s time to celebrate all over again, just like we did on the day you two were wed. Love you both so much!
  9. You two are made for each other, and it shows. Happy anniversary to one of my favorite couples in the world!
anniversary wishes wine and flowers

One-year anniversary wishes

  1. I will adore you, take care of you, and make you the happiest person there ever was for all of time. Happy first wedding anniversary, my love!
  2. I’m so excited for the future, when we will make all our dreams come true. Happy anniversary, and cheers to forever!
  3. Happy first wedding anniversary to the love of my life! This past year has been filled with love, laughter, and beautiful memories. I’m grateful to have you as my partner, and I can’t wait to create a lifetime of happiness together.
  4. Happy first wedding anniversary! It’s been an incredible year of building a life together. I’m grateful for the love and support we share, and excited for the beautiful future ahead. Here’s to forever and beyond!
  5. Happy anniversary, my love! I can’t believe it’s already been a year since we said “I do.” Thank you for making every day of this first year of marriage so magical. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness, love, and adventures together!
  6. Happy anniversary, my love! Our first year of marriage has been a dream come true. Thank you for being my partner, my best friend, and my greatest source of love and support. Here’s to a lifetime of love and happiness. I love you forever and always.

First date anniversary wishes

  1. To the person who made my heart flutter on our first date, happy anniversary! That day marked the beginning of our incredible journey together. I’m grateful for every moment we’ve shared and excited for the adventures to come.
  2. Happy first date anniversary! It feels like just yesterday we shared that special moment. Thank you for making that day unforgettable. Here’s to many more beautiful memories together!
  3. Happy anniversary of our first date! That day holds a special place in my heart, as it was the beginning of our love story. Thank you for being the person who makes my heart skip a beat. Here’s to creating more beautiful memories together.
  4. To the person who turned my world upside down on our first date, happy anniversary! Meeting you was the best thing that ever happened to me. I’m grateful for the love and joy you bring to my life. Cheers to our beautiful journey together.
  5. Happy first date anniversary! It’s incredible to think about how far we’ve come since that day. You’ve brought so much happiness into my life, and I’m grateful for every moment we’ve shared. Here’s to a lifetime of love and adventure together.
  6. To the person who stole my heart on our first date, happy anniversary! That day was the beginning of a beautiful love story. Thank you for being my partner, my best friend, and my everything. Here’s to many more anniversaries filled with love and laughter.
  7. Happy anniversary of our first date! I’m so grateful for that day when our paths first crossed. You’ve brought so much happiness to my life, and I’m excited to continue this incredible journey with you. Here’s to many more amazing years together.
  8. Even though we’ve been in each other’s lives for so long, I still get butterflies when I’m with you. Happy anniversary!
  9. Our relationship means everything to me. I want to be with you now, and I want it to stay this way forever. I love you!

Most Popular Anniversary Dates & Ideas

anniversary date ideas with wedding rings presented in a bouquet of white roses

Remember your first wedding anniversary? Odds are, you celebrated it with flowers, champagne, a nice dinner, and countless other romantic gestures. But as the years have passed and your family has grown, your anniversary has taken on less significance, and is no longer treated like the special day it is. But that shouldn’t be the case. It’s time to put the spark back in your anniversary.

Whether it’s your fifth anniversary or your 50th, every year that you and your significant other spend together is worth celebrating. To help you find that aforementioned spark, here is a list of unusual (and actually fun!) anniversary date ideas that won’t leave you and your partner sitting through dinner and a movie for the sixth year in a row.

1. Go back to where you first met

Did you meet at a restaurant? How about a museum or coffee shop? Take a stroll down memory lane by heading back to the place where it all began.

2. Spend the night at a quiet B&B

There’s something about getting away for a night that makes it easy for couples to reconnect.

3. Visit an amusement park

If your anniversary is in the spring or summer, have some fun together at a theme park.

4. Volunteer together

Looking to spread the love on your anniversary? Volunteer at a local homeless shelter or help clean up a park by your house.

5. Tour a beer garden

Because nothing beats drinking outside and enjoying tasty foods on a warm summer day.

anniversary date ideas with Couple on a date with coffee mugs

6. Laugh it up at a comedy club

Is your go-to movie night movie “Airplane,” “Anchorman,” or “Superbad”? If you’re both fans of comedy, head to a comedy club. Few things bring people closer together than sharing laughter.

7. Go go-karting

Get your adrenaline pumping by spending a day out on the track. It’s a safe and fun way to relive your childhood dream of being a racecar driver.

8. Go on a double date

Do you know a couple who was married around the same time as you? Go out on a double date and swap stories about the day you were married.

9. Get professional photos taken

Are your wedding photos the only professional pictures you have of the two of you? If so, then now is the time to get some updated shots taken. Make them even more personal by incorporating that year’s anniversary flower into some of your shots.

10. One word: brunch

Brunch is a common Sunday fun-day activity, so make this one special by going somewhere really formal or unique.

Now, a different kind of “date”

Are you still planning your wedding? Take a look at the most popular wedding dates for 2024. If you’re already married, see if your anniversary falls near one of these five most popular wedding dates.

  1. Saturday, September 21
  2. Saturday, September 14
  3. Saturday, June 22
  4. Saturday, May 18
  5. Saturday, October 12

Forgot Your Anniversary? What to Do to Make Amends

“Modern Expressions” is a series that helps you to find the perfect words and actions to express yourself. Forgot your anniversary? Follow these helpful tips on how to smooth things over.

Maybe you were too tired from watching sports to make an effort on your anniversary. Or you completely forgot because you had to drag yourself to work and by the time you got home, you didn’t want to do anything except watch your new favorite TV show.

A true test of a couple’s love is how you handle a misstep when someone goofs by forgetting an important date like an anniversary or Valentine’s Day. Yup, it happens to the best of us.

The best thing you can do in this situation is to own up.”

Jaime Bronstein

Relationship Expert

Host of Love Talk Live

Picture of relationship expert Jaime Bronstein

For advice on dealing with romantic missteps, we spoke with Jaime Bronstein, a relationship therapist and host of “Love Talk Live” on LA Talk Radio.

Her first tip: Apologize.

“The best thing you can do in this situation is to own up,” she says. “It’s more important that you get out of the ‘doghouse,’ and you do that by apologizing authentically.”

The fact that your significant other is upset by something you did is all that matters, Bronstein says. “You can say something to the effect of, ‘I’m sorry if I upset you; I didn’t mean to. I’m asking for your forgiveness.'”

Here are some of her other recommendations for making amends if you forgot an anniversary or another romantic occasion.

Plan a makeup session

Bronstein recommends having a special couples night planned at a time convenient for both of you.

Picture of boy giving girl roses

Develop an activity together. Ideas include staying in or going to your favorite restaurant or a new place you haven’t been to. The date is just about the two of you. A weekend plan is also more attractive because you don’t have to rush home and can sleep in the next morning, says Bronstein.

“I love the idea of both playing ‘hooky’ and spending an entire day together. That would 100% make up for the mistake,” Bronstein says. “A whole day together devoted to one another can be very bonding and healthy for your relationship to reconnect.”

Even better, make your Valentine’s Day makeup session on a weekday. Turn off the alarm, stay in PJs by the fire, participate in your favorite lazy morning activities, or go out for brunch.

Last-minute anniversary gifts always work

Whatever you decide to do, don’t forget a gift that expresses your love: a pretty braceletchocolate-covered strawberries, and a heartfelt noteFlowers always work. Ever experience how a flower delivery can make your loved one forget why they were originally upset? It is a simple way to show you care, diffuse any bad feelings, and she gets a beautiful bouquet to admire.

Bronstein also suggests a spa day, dinner at the restaurant of her choice, or at home, a football-themed gift (“if she has a sense of humor!” Bronstein adds). Another clever way to surprise your mate is to offer her a SmartGift. You text her and she can accept the flowers you’ve chosen or choose flowers of her liking. It’s an absolute can’t-miss gift!

The ultimate way to apologize after using your words is to send a flower subscription. She’ll be reminded monthly how much you do love her and how sorry you are.

The written word

And any present must be accompanied by a note. “Include a very thoughtful card with a meaningful message,” she says. “Write a longer message than normal to express your love and gratitude for your significant other and how sorry you are!” That will surely get your relationship back on track and you in her good graces!

Lessons learned if you forgot your anniversary

Now that the mishap is hopefully diffused, use the opportunity to discuss what happened. Be honest about why you forgot your anniversary, whether it was a work project or big sports event.

Your partner has her part in being forgiving, too.

“A relationship will get stronger the more open each person is to listening to each other and doing whatever they can to enhance the romance in the relationship,” Bronstein says. “When there is mutual respect and understanding in a relationship, it is attractive, naturally bringing on more romance.” And that is something every woman will welcome.

What is Each Wedding Anniversary’s Flower?

While you’ve probably heard that the symbol for 25 years of marriage is silver, or that 50 years is celebrated with gold, did you know that there are wedding anniversary flowers for each year of marriage? If you’re about to celebrate an anniversary, commemorate your blooming relationship with its corresponding flower.

1st anniversary: Carnation

photo of wedding anniversary flowers with carnations and roses

Because of their youthful and vibrant full bloom, carnations have long been used to represent young, passionate love. And nothing says young, passionate love like newlyweds! The first year of marriage is one of the most exciting times in a couple’s life, hence why it’s usually referred to as “the honeymoon phase.”

2nd anniversary: Cosmos

photo of wedding anniversary flowers with cosmos flowers

By the second year of marriage, couples have a deeper understanding of what marriage really entails. The “honeymoon” phase is likely over and it’s a time of great growth (both together and individually) and understanding. Cosmos’ intense beauty perfectly captures the love of a young marriage.

3rd anniversary: Sunflower

photo of wedding anniversary flowers with a sunflower bouquet

Just like the sturdy stem of a sunflower, a marriage in its third year has a strong foundation. The sunflower, which always faces the sun, represents the challenges the couple has already overcome and the bright, cheerful times that lie ahead.

4th anniversary: Geranium

photo of wedding anniversary flowers with geraniums

Geraniums represent the coming together of two people in mind, body, and spirit. By the fourth wedding anniversary, couples have truly become comfortable in their new roles as husband and wife.

5th anniversary: Daisy

photo of wedding anniversary flowers with colored daisies

Though daisies may at first glance look like a simple flower, their structure and texture are incredibly unique and exciting. After five years of marriage, a couple’s life may begin to seem routine or mundane; however, just like a daisy, there are still plenty of surprises left to discover. The daisy is also used to represent fidelity and “forever love.”

10th anniversary: Daffodil

photo of wedding anniversary flowers with daffodils

Daffodils are the perfect way to represent your first decade of marriage. Individually, a daffodil is small. However, when you arrange several in a bouquet, they seem to come alive in a massive bloom. These wedding anniversary flowers wonderfully symbolize the coming together of all your little memories and combining to make one extraordinary life.

15th anniversary: Rose

photo of wedding anniversary flowers with two dozen red roses

No flower symbolizes intense passion, lust, and love more than the rose, so it may come as a surprise to find it’s the 15th anniversary flower. After 15 years together, most couples have been through it all — the good, the bad, and the ugly. Roses are the perfect way to show that no matter what has happened, your love is still just as strong and passionate as it was on your first anniversary.

20th anniversary: Aster

photo of wedding anniversary flowers with purple aster

In ancient times, it was believed that asters had magical properties that gave you knowledge and wisdom. So what better way to celebrate all that you have learned about each other — and yourselves — during two decades of marriage than with this magical flower?

25th anniversary: Iris

photo of wedding anniversary flowers with an iris

Believed to embody the spirit, love, and aura of Paris, the iris wonderfully honors your quarter century together. Standing tall and vibrant, the iris represents the strength and fertility of your relationship. No matter what happens, you both are standing tall and bright.

30th anniversary: Lily

photo of wedding anniversary flowers with pink lilies

Lilies often represent motherhood, a transition from one stage of life to another, and remembrance. The 30th anniversary can be a time of big changes and reflection: Children are moving out and couples may be considering retiring. The lily is the perfect flower to remind you to take a step back and look at all you two have accomplished over the past 30 years.

40th Anniversary: Gladiolus

Red Gladiolus

Derived from the Latin word “gladius” meaning “sword,” the gladiolus flower tells the person you love that no matter how much time has passed, he or she still “pierces your heart.”

50th anniversary: Yellow roses and violets

photo of wedding anniversary flowers with yellow roses

Fifty years of marriage is an amazing accomplishment. To honor this milestone, this anniversary is the only one celebrated with two different flowers. As complementary colors, yellow roses and violets represent the long life of two people who have come together to support and complement each other.


ad for 1800flowers' flower subscription service
Exit mobile version