Each month of the year has at least one flower associated with it and it is becoming increasingly popular for designs themes to reflect this. For those who really wish to show that they have given a considerable amount of time selecting the most appropriate blooms may also include flowers in the colours which are dedicated to each month as well!

Anniversaries celebrated in May for example might include lily-of-the-valley which is the recognised flower for that month. A delicate hand-tied bouquet of these highly scented dainty white flowers would look most appealing. September's flower is the Michaelmas Daisy, a member of the aster family, these numerous purple blooms on each stem are an ideal flowers to use in large bouquets against contrasting whites, blues or pinks. Flowers such as calla lilly, and lisianthus are particularly popular.

Special anniversaries such a sliver, ruby and golden are the ideal opportunity for florists to select and designs arrangements with the respective colour most dominant. Slivers from beautiful foliages and steel grasses interspersed between a mixture of large headed roses and the more conical shapes of unopened large rose buds create a dramatic and stunning display. A modern approach can be provided by using symmetrical silver coloured containers or vases with dramatic flowers tuberose, Polyanthus, with its tall stems and highly scented flowers.

Those celebrating their Ruby anniversary are spoilt for choice with the abundance of beautiful shades of red available throughout the year. Ruby red roses, carnations and chrysanthemums are among the favourite choices and can look spectacular in both bouquets and basket arrangements. Roses which have two tone petals giving the appearance of being flecked with white paint add sophistication to designs. An interesting and unusual alternative to conventional anniversary flowers is the Glory lily a very dramatic flower with yellow edges to the cerise petals which would look outstanding displayed in a deep ruby red coloured vase, although the Glory lily is not usually available throughout the year in the UK.

It goes without saying that Golden anniversaries will use the glorious rich golden colours of flowers such as chrysanthemums, golden coloured roses and asters intermingled with the delightful golden rain. It should be remembered that this anniversary celebrates fifty years and therefore it may be more fitting to send a conventional bouquet or basket arrangement rather than a contemporary design. Vibrant colours and scented flowers will give pleasure to all the senses on this important occasion.

Orchids are a delightful alternative anniversary flower. The moth orchid has large showy flowers, while the scorpion orchid is long lasting and charming. The less common varieties of orchid include the gracious cattleya and the oncidium with its masses of small butterfly shaped flowers make any floral arrangement very special.

For those celebrating the first few years together it may be seen as a romantic gesture to send anniversary flowers that were seen and adored while on honeymoon. Exoctics such as the Anigozanthus, Kangaroo's paw, with its unusual furry buds look magnificent in a modern arrangement combined with the large striking tropical Alpinia.