An anvil assembly suitable for trans-oral delivery includes an anvil head configured to receive a suture that secures the anvil head in a delivery position and is separable from the anvil head following delivery of the anvil assembly. An anvil delivery assembly includes the anvil assembly, a delivery assembly secured to the anvil assembly, and a suture selectively secured to the anvil assembly for securing the anvil assembly in a delivery position and retrieving the anvil assembly.