Whenever I order flowers for a friend, I always say “and no carnations.” Because, like many people, I think of carnations as cheap, filler flowers. But when you put a lot of carnations together, the impact can be quite dramatic. And cost effective. So, I’m changing my tune. I’m now a fan.
One of the ways carnations work best is in clean, geometric shapes (think circles, squares and rectangles). Check out these stunning pomanders for the aisle or other entry ways.
Picture courtesy of purejoyflowers.com
Pictures courtesy of huckleberrykaren.blogspot.com
Carnations are generally the 1/3 the cost of roses and they are available in 10,000 different shades and varieties. (So there is a color to matching any wedding palette).
They are also available year round – so you don’t have to worry about seasonality affecting pricing. Better still, carnations last a long time (which will be great for your mom or other guest who might be lucky enough to take an arrangement home) and smell great (but not overpowering). They can even look amazing on a table when tightly arranged.
Pictures: (Red) arenaboxflowers.com (White) weddingflowerguru.com
Altar flowers are a another great place to consider using carnations. Since they are only seen from far away, they can create great visual impact for minimal cost. This amazing altar arrangement (using only carnations and greenery) was created by Bryan Robert Hamecs and was featured in InStyleWeddings.
I almost can’t believe carnations can be this pretty! I think I’m going to call and send some tomorrow.
