20 Elevated Ways to Use Carnations Throughout Your Entire Wedding

By Emily Platt
May 28, 2012
Credit: Feather & Twine Photography

The inexpensive flower can look totally luxe if you use it in one of these creative ways.

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Credit: Feather & Twine Photography
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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!  

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Carnation Ceremony Backdrop

Credit: Connie Whitlock
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Say "I do" to a pretty backdrop, like this hanging installation of "floating" carnation buds created by A Vintage Affair and Bella Lu Floral.

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Carnation Flower Crown

Credit: Dearheart Photos
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Who knew carnations could look so lush? Holloway transformed these pale pink ones into the prettiest flower crown.

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Carnation Pool Décor

Credit: Sally Pinera
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Adornments Flowers & Finery plopped brightly-colored carnations in this venue's pool to help decorate the space.

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Carnation Accents

Credit: 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. 

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Carnation Boutonnière for the Groom

Credit: Emily March
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A big carnation is perfectly suited for the groom's buttonhole. Flower Design by Janet created this boutonnière.

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Carnation Garlands

Credit: Joel Serrato
See More Wedding Ceremony Structures

String carnation garlands wherever you please—they only look expensive. Bash Please and Siren Floral Co. collaborated on this ceremony structure.

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Carnation Hair Accessory

Credit: Amanda Olivia Photography

A pink Special Events Factory carnation was the finishing touch to this bride's Sonsearai Dominique Salon hairstyle.

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Carnation Car Décor

Credit: Meg Smith
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Use carnations to decorate your ride, whether it's for your entrance or your getaway. These blooms came from Shotgun Floral Studio + Design House.

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Carnation Centerpieces

Credit: Heather Wilkinson
See More Cluster Wedding Centerpieces

These Cocoa Room cluster centerpieces contained single carnation stems.

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Carnation Flower Bar

Credit: Love & Light Photographs
Get More Creative Wedding Favor Ideas

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.

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Carnation Boutonnière for the Ring Bearer

Credit: Laura Ivanova Photography
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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.

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Carnation Bouquet for the Bride

Credit: Shannon Stent
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A king protea was the main event in this bride's cool Chic Rustique bouquet, but carnations contributed to its beauty.

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Carnation Details

Credit: Sonia Savio Photography
Get More Unique Ideas for Floral Wedding Décor

Put carnations in unexpected places for a memorable event design. Poppy & Mint Floral Company stuck these ones into doorknob holes!

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Carnation Bouquets for the Bridesmaids

Credit: Rebecca Yale Photography
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At this wedding, bridesmaids carried simple white bouquets composed entirely of carnations. Parsonage Events designed them.

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Carnation Clusters

Credit: 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.

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Carnation Chair Décor

Credit: Perry Vaile
Get More Ideas for Decorating Wedding Chairs

Make you and your new spouse's reception seats stand out with something similar to these L7 Events carnation decorations.

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Carnation Corsage

Credit: Branco Prata
See More Corsages for Mothers of the Bride and Groom

Give mom a special accessory, like this Brancoprata corsage containing pink carnations.

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Carnation "Rain"

Credit: 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?

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Carnation Canopy

Credit: Jacquelyne Pierson
Get More Ideas for Decorating Your Wedding's Bar

Michelle Edgemont created an impressive carnation installation to hang over this wedding reception's bar.

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