Carnations Are a Beautiful Option for Weddings
Guest Blogger with Kim McMullen of Something Spectacular Custom Floral Design and Something Floral
Today I'm happy to welcome Kim of Something Spectacular Custom Floral Design and Something Floral to the blog. She'll be sharing with you a little history on the carnations along with why they are a not only a beautiful option for your wedding, but they are budget-friendly too. If you've seen the new issue of Bride's, you probably saw the article that showcases an event Colin Cowie put together where he used carnations as the main floral element. I'm begining to think that 2010 might be the year that this lovely flower is given a more prominent feature in weddings.
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The carnation, with a history dating back over 2,000 years, is one of the world's oldest cultivated flower varieties. Immediately recognizable for its ruffled appearance and clove-like scent that is said to be motivating and uplifting, the carnation is appreciated for it's heartiness and extended blooming period.
The carnation's botanical name is Dianthus caryophyllus, which when translated, means "flower of love" or "flower of the gods" depending upon the source. There are many meanings for carnations, but the most widely accepted are fascination, distinction, and love.
There are approximately 300 species in the Dianthus genus. Stems with a single large bloom are called standard carnations. Spray carnations, also called minis, bear several smaller blooms on each stem. Carnations are native to the Eastern Hemisphere, and they are found naturally in the Mediterranean region.
Most commonly seen in pinks, reds, and whites, carnations are also available in yellow, peach, purple, lavender, green, and bi-color varieties. They can also be dyed or tinted to match any color scheme. Because of their beautiful texture, pleasant scent, heartiness, and affordability, carnations are among the most popular cut flowers requested and used for corsages and boutonnieres.
Carnations can really stretch a bride's budget. The blooms of standard carnations are relatively large so fewer flowers are needed in each design. The flower heads can cover a large amount of space when used in modern pave designs, and their unique texture adds visual interest. Carnations are very durable and long-lasting, and we especially like to use them massed together to create uniquely-shaped designs items. We frequently use carnations for pomanders and kissing balls, floral initials, and flower girl scepters.
While carnations have lost some popularity as wedding and special event flowers over the past 10 years, the key to keeping carnation designs modern and in-fashion is to select one or more of the newer color varieties, such as vibrant purples and lavenders, developed in recent years or use them as the one and only botanical variety in mass designs. Carnations can mix beautifully with other larger-bloomed garden flowers, but they look dated when paired with baby's breath (gypsophila) or other tiny bloomed, "filler" flowers.
Advantages of using carnations in wedding/special event flowers:
• Low cost for relatively large size blooms
• Longevity. Carnations will last nearly twice as long as nearly any cut flower, typically ranging from 6-14 days depending on variety.
• Fairly tolerant of heat so they work well for summer or warm climate weddings/events
• Available from florists year-round
• Hearty, durable flower that can be used in a variety of designs
• Can be dyed or tinted to any color
• Their unique texture add extra dimension to bouquets and other floral designs
Interesting facts about the carnation:
• The birth flower for January
• A scarlet carnation was designated as the state flower of Ohio in 1904
• It is the national flower of Spain and the provincial flower of the Balearic Islands
• Its history dates back to ancient Greek and Roman times when the flower was used in art and décor
• Carnations were known as "Jove's Flower" in ancient Rome as a tribute to one of their beloved gods
• Carnations were one of the flowers used in Greek ceremonial crowns, and some scholars believe the name "carnation" comes from "coronation" or "corone" (flower garlands)
• The founder of Mother's Day, Anna Jarvis, used carnations at the first Mother's Day celebration because they were her mother's favorite flower
• In the early part of the 20th century, carnations became the official flower of Mother's Day.
• In many parts of the world, carnations are more popular than any other variety of flowers, including roses
Kim McMullen is the founder, owner, and lead designer of Something Floral and Something Spectacular Custom Floral Design, both based in the metro Detroit area. Formally educated in fine/visual art, floral design, interior design, and communications, she is best known as "The Picky Bride’s Florist™" and "The Premier Silk Floral Designer™". Specializing in weddings and special events, Kim creates floral artistry in both fresh and silk/artificial mediums, for clients around the world. Her award-winning designs have been published in several issues of Florists' Review (an international magazine for floral designers), Woman's World magazine, and The Bridal Bouquet Book. For local or out-of-area special event floral design services, visit www.SomethingFloral.com and www.SomethingSpectacular.com
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Thank you Kim for joining my readers today to share how carnations can be a beautiful wedding flower while keeping costs down.
Flowers, Guest Blogger --- Tags: carnations, something floral, wedding flowers 
Reader Comments (14)
Who would have thought? They do look so pretty when they dress them up like that!
I never would have considered them but I agree that they do dress up nicely. And of course, I like how budget friendly they are!
I've noticed that carnations have been overlooked by event planners for a long time. I'm glad to see they are making a comeback and that brides are recognizing the benefits of selecting them. They are a pretty flower that gives a big bang for the buck. Thanks for the nice article.
I really love the purple!
The ivory carnation bouquet with the pearls is very feminine and the heart church aisle decorations would be great for a Valentine's Day or Sweetest Day wedding. I probably wouldn't have considered carnations for my wedding before seeing this post. Now I'm going to rethink my choices.
Love carnations! Love the Purple Colors. Great
Very informative article and good ideas for our wedding flowers. We have a small budget so this information really helps a lot.
Found this through a link on the Something Spectacular Facebook page and am very pleased to see Kim and her business featured here. She is one of the best floral designers in Michigan and designed the beautiful arrangements for both my son and my daughter's weddings. Our other daughter is soon to be engaged, and when it becomes official, our first call will be to Something Spectacular. Kim is very knowledgeable, honest, creative, and talented. Her eye for color is amazing and every time we met with her, she was full of ideas and enthusiasm. It's great to see a deserving person and their small business recognized and acknowledged. Kudos.
Always loved the carnation. Something simple, sweet, hearty and unostentatious.
I am amazed to see such beautiful wedding flowers. They are the success indicator for happy married life.
Brenda, thank you for allowing us the opportunity to be a guest blogger. We really appreciate it, and we would be happy to contribute to your blog anytime. Yours is one of the most inspiring wedding blogs out there!
I LOVE carnations. People need to realize that it can be a totally modern flower. We had a carnation bouquet with tulips around the edges at one of our bridal shows. People were so surprised!
Great choice of guest author. I had the pleasure of meeting Kim a few years ago at a floral conference and have seen her design work on several occasions. She is an extremely talented, up-and-coming event designer who is beginning to receive the regional and national attention and recognition she truly deserves.
I say we lift the carnation ban, these images show how they can be so beautiful!