Carnations: The Unsung Hero of Wedding Bouquets in 2025
Carnations are having their moment in 2025, and it’s time to recognise them for the versatile, budget-friendly beauties they truly are. Often overshadowed by more glamorous blooms like roses and peonies, carnations bring a unique charm to bridal bouquets and wedding florals. These flowers are proving that sometimes the most reliable blooms can steal the show. Here’s why carnations deserve a starring role in your wedding florals and how to use them creatively to elevate your arrangements.
The Beauty of Carnations
Carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus) are often considered humble, but their rich history, stunning variety, and long-lasting nature make them an ideal choice for weddings. Available in nearly every colour, from soft pastels to bold reds and purples, carnations can match any wedding theme. Their thick, ruffled petals add a timeless touch and they last throughout the day, even without water, making them perfect for bridal bouquets, centerpieces, and more.
Why Choose Carnations for Your Wedding?
The versatility and reliability of carnations make them a go-to option for wedding florals. Despite their reputation as filler flowers, they hold their own as focal pieces. Florists love carnations for their durability—they’re easy to work with, come in a wide range of colours, and can handle the wear and tear of a wedding day. Best of all, they’re an affordable option compared to other luxury flowers like ranunculus or peonies, offering excellent value without compromising on beauty.
How to Incorporate Carnations in Wedding Bouquets
1. Add Some Texture
Carnations’ ruffled petals can add volume and texture to any bouquet. For a unique twist, choose carnations with multi-toned petals or ones with darker edges. This small change can transform a standard bouquet into something extraordinary.
2. Go Retro or Modern
Whether you want a vintage-inspired bouquet with a mix of pastel carnations and romantic garden roses, or a sleek, minimalist look with long-stemmed carnations and greenery, these flowers can be adapted to fit any style. The versatility of carnations makes them ideal for both retro designs or contemporary, clean-lined arrangements.
3. Pairing with Other Flowers
Carnations pair beautifully with a wide range of other flowers. Combine them with roses for a classic bridal bouquet, or use them alongside gerbera daisies and sunflowers for a cheerful, summer-inspired arrangement. For something more moody, pair dark red carnations with deep purple blooms for a striking contrast.
4. Experiment with Colour
Carnations come in an impressive array of colours, so you can go bold with a vibrant monochromatic bouquet or mix different shades for added depth. Want something special? Opt for carnations with two-tone petals for a bouquet that really pops.
5. Rustic and Boho Looks
Incorporating carnations into a rustic or boho wedding theme is easy. Add them to your bouquet alongside greenery like eucalyptus, ferns, or even olive branches. Carnations bring a sense of elegance and texture to these more relaxed, organic designs.
Carnation Trends to Watch for in 2025
Carnations are trending in 2025, with several exciting styles emerging:
- Dried Carnations: The dried flower trend continues, and carnations are a perfect candidate. Their vibrant colours and durability make them ideal for creating lasting, preserved arrangements.
- Monochromatic Bouquets: Carnations are perfect for creating cohesive, single-colour designs. A bouquet made entirely of carnations in varying shades of the same colour can make a dramatic, elegant statement.
- Sustainability**: With sustainability at the forefront of floral trends, carnations are a top choice. Their long vase life and low environmental impact make them eco-friendly without compromising on beauty.
Whether you’re a bride on a budget or simply want to add a timeless touch to your wedding florals, carnations are a brilliant choice. With their variety of colours, textures, and reliable nature, they can be incorporated into any bouquet, arrangement, or centrepiece. Don’t let the past reputation of carnations hold you back—embrace their charm, creativity, and affordability to create stunning wedding designs.
Happy arranging!
