Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Weddings Wedding Ceremony & Reception Wedding Décor & Details Wedding Flowers & Bouquets 20 Elevated Ways to Use Carnations Throughout Your Entire Wedding By Emily Platt Emily Platt Emily is a former editorial assistant for MarthaStewart.com. Editorial Guidelines Updated on September 20, 2018 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Feather & Twine Photography Carnations are undeniably popular. They're well-known by the masses and used for tons of different occasions. That's because the flowers are incredibly versatile—have you seen the bloom's wide array of shades? Their different sizes and relative affordability only add to the appeal. Despite how commonly used they are, however, some are hesitant to spotlight them on their wedding days. That's because they've been unfairly labeled as filler flowers. While they're great for that purpose, that's certainly not all they're good for! To prove it to you, we've put together a list of creative and elegant ways to use carnations throughout your entire wedding. The following bouquets, centerpieces, and more incorporate the blooms in some truly beautiful ways. We're big fans of using these ruffled buds in unique arrangements, backdrops, and floral installations. Why? Because their lower price tags let you buy the blooms in bulk! That means you can decorate your event space with more petals than you thought possible, which opens the doors to some impressive décor options. Take this gorgeous ceremony structure by Rosehip Flora. Those hanging floral strands are stunning, and guests likely had no idea just how affordable a display like that can be. Essentially, carnations allow you to make any arrangement feel full and lush, whether used on their own or combined with other blooms. Click through the rest of this slideshow to get even more carnation wedding inspiration. We've included it all, from bridal party accessories to wedding cake accents. See what you like and talk to your florist about bringing your own vision to life. That being said, we think some of these ideas can easily be DIYed! Get More Wedding Flower Ideas 01 of 19 Carnation Ceremony Backdrop Connie Whitlock Say "I do" to a pretty backdrop, like this hanging installation of "floating" carnation buds created by A Vintage Affair and Bella Lu Floral. Get More Wedding Backdrop Ideas 02 of 19 Carnation Flower Crown Dearheart Photos Who knew carnations could look so lush? Holloway transformed these pale pink ones into the prettiest flower crown. See More Brides in Flower Crowns 03 of 19 Carnation Pool Décor Sally Pinera Adornments Flowers & Finery plopped brightly-colored carnations in this venue's pool to help decorate the space. Get More Ideas for a Poolside Wedding 04 of 19 Carnation Accents Stefano Santucci Carnations don't have to be the main event. Here, they filled in giant arrangements by La Rosa Canina. Roses, wax flowers, eucalyptus, and more were also included in the mix. 05 of 19 Carnation Boutonnière for the Groom Emily March A big carnation is perfectly suited for the groom's buttonhole. Flower Design by Janet created this boutonnière. Get More Wedding Boutonnière Ideas 06 of 19 Carnation Garlands Joel Serrato String carnation garlands wherever you please—they only look expensive. Bash Please and Siren Floral Co. collaborated on this ceremony structure. See More Wedding Ceremony Structures 07 of 19 Carnation Hair Accessory Amanda Olivia Photography A pink Special Events Factory carnation was the finishing touch to this bride's Sonsearai Dominique Salon hairstyle. 08 of 19 Carnation Car Décor Meg Smith Use carnations to decorate your ride, whether it's for your entrance or your getaway. These blooms came from Shotgun Floral Studio + Design House. Get More Wedding Getaway Car Ideas 09 of 19 Carnation Centerpieces Heather Wilkinson These Cocoa Room cluster centerpieces contained single carnation stems. See More Cluster Wedding Centerpieces 10 of 19 Carnation Flower Bar Love & Light Photographs We love the idea of wedding flower bars: stations were guests can design their own arrangements as favors. To keep yours affordable, include only blooms that'll give you the most bang for your buck, like carnations. Floriography Designs set up this example. Get More Creative Wedding Favor Ideas 11 of 19 Carnation Boutonnière for the Ring Bearer Laura Ivanova Photography Even if you don't want a carnation boutonnière for your groom, it's a great option for your ring bearer. There's no need to spend big bucks on an accessory he might accidentally ruin. This couple got theirs from Fifty Flowers. Get More Ring Bearer Style Ideas 12 of 19 Carnation Bouquet for the Bride Shannon Stent A king protea was the main event in this bride's cool Chic Rustique bouquet, but carnations contributed to its beauty. See More Protea Wedding Bouquets 13 of 19 Carnation Details Sonia Savio Photography Put carnations in unexpected places for a memorable event design. Poppy & Mint Floral Company stuck these ones into doorknob holes! Get More Unique Ideas for Floral Wedding Décor 14 of 19 Carnation Bouquets for the Bridesmaids Rebecca Yale Photography At this wedding, bridesmaids carried simple white bouquets composed entirely of carnations. Parsonage Events designed them. See More Bouquets for Bridesmaids 15 of 19 Carnation Clusters Jeremiah and Rachel Photography String clusters of the blooms (like this one, by Mum's) above any event space to give it an enchanted vibe. 16 of 19 Carnation Chair Décor Perry Vaile Make you and your new spouse's reception seats stand out with something similar to these L7 Events carnation decorations. Get More Ideas for Decorating Wedding Chairs 17 of 19 Carnation Corsage Branco Prata Give mom a special accessory, like this Brancoprata corsage containing pink carnations. See More Corsages for Mothers of the Bride and Groom 18 of 19 Carnation "Rain" Anthony Patrick Manieri We love this idea for a bridal shower, but it also works for a spring wedding! These carnation Aura Design "raindrops" fell from hydrangea "clouds"—how genius is that? 19 of 19 Carnation Canopy Jacquelyne Pierson Michelle Edgemont created an impressive carnation installation to hang over this wedding reception's bar. 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