Carnations seem to get a bit of a bad rap when it comes to the floral “status quo” – but the truth is that there are plenty of beautiful – and even cool – looks you can achieve with this budget-friendly flower.
Because of the price point and shape of carnations, they allow you to create soft, lush, and substantial floral arrangements – and just like anything else, it’s all about playing up their strengths and “packaging” them the right way. Here are a few great examples from floral designers who did just that….
Pictured at top – pretty carnation design ideas from InstyleWeddings.com.
Pictured above, clockwise from top left: Mini carnation bouquets from Brides.com; Todd Oldham™ Triple Scoop bouquet from FTD; a budget-friendly idea from Martha Stewart with a contemporary, yet feminine flair; and Todd Oldham™ Sweet Scoops Sundae bouquet from FTD.
Pictured below: This gorgeous “dome” design featuring all-white carnations & crystal strands is the epitomy of glam, but a similar arrangement works just as well at a casual beach wedding when paired with a simple, chic cake stand and “best wishes” notes from guests.
Pictured below… going beyond the centerpiece: This California bride had her bridesmaids carry pomanders of red carnations (which also hung from chairs lining the aisle) instead of the usual bouquets.
Last but not least… how cool is this(!): floating styrofoam balls covered with red, fuchsia and yellow carnations made a colorful splash in the pool at this St. Helena, CA reception.
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36Comments
These are beautiful! I made carnation kissing balls for my sister’s wedding several years ago in citrus colors. They looked fantastic, but they took more flowers than I thought they would for that lush look. Don’t underplan (cause the grocery store might not have a bunch of extra carnations hanging around in the right color in the middle of the night. :-))
i love this post! it’s funny because I was going to post something about carnations today too since they’re showing up everywhere… instead, I posted about orchids! =)
You know, I’m not usually a huge fan of carnations, but these arrangements make them look ultra-appealing. Nice finds :)
I’m gonna have to echo everyone else…until I saw these pictures I have always disliked carnations. Receiving a single long stemmed carnation always seemed like a bit of a disappointment [i.e. in school].
I love the creativity shown here and the way you reminded us to play up the strengths…
THAT’S GREAT ADVICE [for many situations]!!!
The deep fuchsia in the first picture looks delicious!
I love these! I plan on using a few of these ideas this summer!
I love carnations, they are totally underated and always look so much better bunched together!
Cheers!
http://www.amodernproposal.com
I adore this post!! The carnations look FABULOUS in every picture!! Great flower inspiration!!
You know… I have been running from carnations for a long time. This has shown me that you can really add flare with these under represented flowers! Cheers to the Carnation!
Our sorority flower is the “wine carnation” and we were always bummed to have such a plain jane flower. You really show how carnations can look beautiful@!
I love this, I’m going to send it to all my Pi Phi sisters! thank you!
i’m amazed of how carnations can look so pretty and classy. very nice done :)
Very well done. I love all the colors too!
I have always liked the look of carnations, even when everyone told me they were funeral flowers! I especially love them when clumped together in a ball-type bouquet. Those bridesmaids bouquets are gorgeous! Thanks for sharing the carnation love.
Beautiful. Like to see carnations get their just due. They’ve had a bad rep for too long. It’s like any good florist says, “There are no bad flowers, just flowers done badly”
This is fantastic…and welcome back carnations! They smell wonderful and are truly beautiful.