We are so with you. We hate carnations too.
Their cheerful, poofiness is almost too much to bear. Whether its caused from getting green carnations on St Patrick’s Day or red ones from a grade school sweetheart, we don’t know where the hate comes from. But trust us. Carnations are right up there with mullets and fringe t-shirts.
But, then again…there is something innocent and charming about them. And the fact that they take to dye so well.
We recently came across this picture (see right) and in just one second, our entire perception of carnations changed. Simplistic, fluffy; merry and whimsical, we fell in love with carnations with just one, sweet look.
Love the cost
If you want a million flowers at your wedding, you may quickly change your mind once you see the price tag. Lilies, roses and other more ‘exotic’ flowers may run you a pretty penny, but almost any wedding budget has room for [practically] a million carnations.
Their low cost and easy availability makes them a very do-able option for weddings. And in the hands of a truly
talented floral designer, anything is possible.
How to make carnations work
The key carnation success is clumps of one color and in unusual shapes. The wonderful squareness of the carnation bunch in this picture is truly stunning; and in round shapes, big or small, a carnation can easily pull off ‘elegant, refined and beautiful’ without batting a petal.
Even the ever-perfect
Martha is singing the praises of carnations. Again, using a simple, solid color palate and some clever adornments such as rich ribbon or beautiful bling, carnations can easily go from dime store to “to die for” in one, hot minute.
When used as centerpieces, place common-color carnations in simple, solid color vases. Bunches of red carnations in a turquoise vase; a brown container stuffed with white flowers—the look will come off as modern, light-hearted, economy-friendly and memory-lasting.