Wedding anniversaries are special milestones that couples celebrate each year. Major anniversaries often have a traditional gift associated with them. The 50th wedding anniversary is known as the “Golden Anniversary” and represents a remarkable achievement for any married couple.
Background on Anniversary Traditions
The origins of anniversary gift traditions are believed to date back to medieval Germany. Key anniversaries were linked to various materials that symbolized the strength and durability of the marriage. Traditional materials for each anniversary come from this old rhyme:
Silver and gold
Bronze, iron, and tin
Copper, silk, and linen
Leather and fruit
Ivory, paper, and wood
The tradition of anniversary gifts was popularized in the 20th century by jewelers promoting flowers, gemstones, or jewelry for each major anniversary. The 50th anniversary was linked with gold to represent the longevity and value of the marriage.
Rose Meaning and Symbolism
Roses have been admired throughout history as a romantic flower representing love. They were associated with the goddess Venus and were considered a symbol of beauty in ancient Rome. Red roses are especially meaningful, conveying deep emotion and affection between lovers. Over time, roses became connected with marriage and enduring love between couples.
Roses are now a traditional gift for major anniversaries. They retain their symbolism of romance and passion while also evoking loyalty and fidelity achieved after years together as a married couple. Roses given to mark anniversaries represent admiration and appreciation between spouses who have weathered life’s ups and downs side by side.
50th Anniversary Rose Options
While gold is the traditional 50th anniversary gift, roses can certainly be incorporated as part of the celebration. Here are some popular rose gift ideas for a 50th wedding anniversary:
- Red roses – the classic symbol of romantic love
- Yellow roses – represent joy, warmth and affection
- White roses – denote new beginnings and everlasting love
- Pink roses – admiration, gentleness and grace
- Peach roses – gratitude, sincerity and modesty
- Orange roses – enthusiasm, passion and desire
- Lavender roses – love at first sight and enchantment
- Coral roses – friendship, modesty, sympathy
Roses can be gifted in a bouquet, potted plant, or planted in the garden. Another unique option is to have roses made from gold-dipped rose petals as a modern take on the traditional gold gift.
Most Popular 50th Anniversary Rose Gifts
Here are some of the most popular rose gifts for celebrating a 50th wedding anniversary:
| Gift | Description |
|---|---|
| 50 Red Roses Bouquet | Classic symbol of passionate, enduring romantic love |
| Mixed Rose Bouquet | Blend of colors signifying all the different emotions and memories |
| 50 White Roses | Represents new beginnings and purity after 50 years together |
| Yellow Rose Plant | Ongoing joy, happiness and warmth in the marriage |
| Gold Dipped Rose Petals | Modern take on the traditional gold gift |
Keep in mind other meaningful milestones or preferences of the couple when selecting the color and presentation of rose gifts. Opt for a large statement bouquet or fill the room with an abundance of roses for maximum impact.
Rose Gift Ideas for 50th Anniversary Celebrations
Roses can be incorporated throughout a 50th anniversary celebration in various creative ways:
- Rose petal ceremonial pathway for the couple
- Centerpieces with roses as table arrangements
- Place settings decorated with rose petals or gold dipped petals
- Rosé wine featuring a custom anniversary wine label
- Rose-shaped anniversary cake decorated with edible roses
- Rose bouquets for anniversary party guests
Roses are a classic choice that will provide beautiful decorative details. Fragrant roses filling the celebration space create a romantic ambiance and remind the couple of all the loving memories they have shared over the years.
How to Preserve 50th Anniversary Roses
While live roses are ephemeral, there are methods to preserve them beyond the day they are gifted:
- Pressing – Place roses between the pages of a heavy book to flatten and dry them.
- Drying – Hang roses upside down in a dry, dark space to air dry over several weeks.
- Resin – Suspend roses in clear resin to create long-lasting paperweights, jewelry, and other accessories.
- Shadowbox – Arrange roses and mementos together in a framed shadowbox display.
Another unique way to preserve the roses is by saving the petals or making potpourri. These techniques will help keep the symbolic roses from the 50th anniversary celebration for years to come.
Looking Beyond Traditional Anniversary Gifts
While anniversary traditions provide helpful suggestions, couples should not feel limited to specific materials or gifts. The most meaningful 50th anniversary presents are those with special significance to the two people in the relationship.
Personalized photo albums, custom artwork depicting the couple’s history, trips to a favorite destination, new shared experiences, vow renewals or other symbolic ceremonies are all creative gift ideas that may resonate more than traditional items.
The key is to celebrate the marriage partners as unique individuals and honor their lives together. Roses can complement more personalized 50th anniversary gifts as a classic symbol of lasting love.
Conclusion
Roses retain their timeless connection to romance and make a thoughtful gift to mark 50 years of marriage. Red roses are the most traditional, however white, pink, yellow, peach, orange, coral and other colors carry additional meaning. Contemporary gold dipped rose petals also link to the traditional 50th anniversary gold gift. Beyond bouquets, roses can be incorporated into ceremony and reception decor for an elegant touch. With their myriad symbolic associations, roses are a fitting way to express love and appreciation on such an important lifelong partnership milestone.
