A carnation bouquet might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you picture your dream wedding flowers, but hear us out. These ruffled beauties have been unfairly dismissed as “grocery store flowers” for way too long, and we’re here for the comeback. With their incredible staying power, endless color options, and that gorgeous texture that photographs like a dream, carnations are finally getting the credit they deserve.
The best part? Carnations play well with others. Whether you want them front and center in a lush, all-carnation arrangement or mixed in with roses, dahlias, and eucalyptus for a more layered look, they add softness and dimension without stealing the show (unless you want them to). They’re also incredibly budget-friendly, which means you can go big on blooms without blowing your entire floral budget.
From classic blush and white palettes to bold jewel tones and wildflower-inspired arrangements, we’ve rounded up our favorite carnation bouquets to inspire your own. Whether you’re a DIY bride or working with a florist, there’s something here for every style. And if you want even more inspiration, check out our Real Weddings where these gorgeous bouquet ideas came from!
Our Favorite Carnation Wedding Bouquets
Pretty in Pink Wedding Party
We love a coordinated wedding party moment, and this one delivers. The dusty blue bridesmaid dresses paired with those lush pink bouquets? Chef’s kiss. You’ve got roses, ruffly carnations, what looks like peonies, and delicate waxflower all working together in shades of blush, pink, and magenta. The dusty miller leaves add just the right touch of softness to complement those dresses.
Airy Anemone and Ranunculus
This bouquet has that effortlessly romantic, slightly wild look that’s so popular right now. The white anemone with its dark center is the star, but it’s surrounded by the prettiest supporting cast: blush ranunculus, creamy roses, wispy eucalyptus, and even some unexpected palm fronds for texture. That burgundy ribbon wrap ties it all together (literally). Perfect for a bride who wants organic without going full wildflower.
Moody Jewel Tones
Oh, this one’s dramatic. Deep burgundy carnations steal the show here, and rightfully so. Those rich, ruffled petals look almost like velvet against the crisp white anemones and creamy peonies. Add in some moody blue thistle and silvery eucalyptus, and you’ve got a bouquet that’s perfect for fall, winter, or any bride who wants something with a little edge.
Glamorous Garden Mix
The fur stole, the beaded dress, the rich jewel-toned bouquet. This whole vibe is giving vintage glamour, and we’re here for it. You’ve got burgundy dahlias, dusty mauve roses, peach garden roses, and creamy ranunculus all nestled together with eucalyptus. It’s lush, it’s romantic, and it would look incredible at a fall or winter wedding.
Vibrant Summer Statement
If you want COLOR, this is your bouquet. Purple stock, hot pink roses, coral garden roses, a gorgeous pink dahlia, and that amazing yellow pincushion protea all come together in what can only be described as a garden party explosion (in the best way). The silver dollar eucalyptus grounds all that color beautifully. This bride clearly wasn’t afraid to make a statement.
Romantic Garden Softness
There’s something so joyful about this shot. The bride’s smile, the garden setting, and that beautifully relaxed bouquet all work together perfectly. Soft peach garden roses (look at that gorgeous open bloom), white roses, delicate ranunculus, and lots of greenery create a look that’s romantic without being fussy. The loose, organic shape feels fresh and modern.
Rustic Romance
Those deep purple carnations are the unexpected hero of this bouquet. Paired with soft blush spray roses and tons of cascading silver dollar eucalyptus, they add depth and drama without going too dark. The trailing greenery gives it that romantic, slightly undone feel that photographs so well. Perfect for a rustic venue or outdoor celebration.
Woodland Elegance
This bouquet feels like a walk through a secret garden. Big, fluffy white peonies anchor the arrangement, while pink roses and those adorable peach hypericum berries add pops of color. The mix of eucalyptus varieties and baby’s breath give it texture and movement. We love how it complements the bride’s high-neck lace gown without competing with it.
Simply Chic Bridesmaid
Sometimes less really is more. This petite bridesmaid bouquet is proof that you don’t need a lot of blooms to make an impact. White ranunculus and roses tucked into lush greenery and dusty miller create something that’s refined and understated. The pale blue dress against all that white and green? Perfection.
Colorful Dahlia Drama
This arrangement shows just how versatile carnations can be when mixed with other statement blooms. Those deep burgundy carnations play beautifully against the soft pink dahlia and peachy garden rose, while dark scabiosa and blue thistle add unexpected pops of interest. It’s moody, it’s romantic, and it would work as both a bridal bouquet or stunning reception decor.
Peachy Keen Centerpiece
The galvanized tin vase gives this arrangement instant rustic-chic appeal, while the flowers keep things soft and romantic. Peach and coral garden roses mingle with blush blooms, blue thistle adds a little edge, and those coral hypericum berries bring in the sweetest pop of color. This is the kind of arrangement that makes guests smile.
Wild and Wonderful
For the bride who wants that just-gathered-from-the-garden look, this is it. There’s so much going on here, and somehow it all works: cream roses, deep burgundy ranunculus, peach spray roses, blue thistle, dark privet berries, feathery astilbe, and greenery galore. It’s wild, it’s romantic, and it’s absolutely gorgeous. The kind of bouquet that looks even better in person.
Blushing Pink Perfection
This is what happens when you let carnations take center stage, and we’re obsessed. Soft pink carnations in varying shades cluster together for a romantic, almost peony-like effect, while a halo of baby’s breath adds that dreamy, cloud-like finish. It’s sweet, it’s classic, and it proves that sometimes simple really is best.
Coral and Cream Classic
The color combination here is everything. Coral carnations scattered among creamy white blooms create a fresh, cheerful vibe that works beautifully for spring or summer weddings. That baby’s breath border frames it all perfectly. If you’re going for a sweet, timeless look without the hefty price tag of garden roses, take notes.
FAQs
Are carnation bouquets cheaper than other wedding flowers?
Generally, yes! Carnations are one of the most budget-friendly wedding flowers out there, which is part of their appeal. They’re widely available year-round and don’t require special growing conditions, which keeps costs down. That said, a “carnation-style” bouquet that mixes carnations with pricier blooms like dahlias, garden roses, or peonies will obviously cost more than an all-carnation arrangement. Talk to your florist about your budget and they can help you find the right balance.
How long do carnations last in a wedding bouquet?
Carnations are actually one of the longest-lasting cut flowers, which makes them a smart choice for weddings. With proper care, they can last one to three weeks after being cut. For your wedding day, keep your bouquet in water until the last possible moment, store it somewhere cool (not in a hot car!), and ask your florist about a fresh trim and water change if there’s a long gap between delivery and the ceremony.
What flowers pair well with carnations in a bouquet?
Carnations are team players! They pair beautifully with roses for a classic look, ranunculus for added texture, dahlias for drama, and peonies for romantic fullness. For a more organic vibe, mix them with eucalyptus, thistle, hypericum berries, or baby’s breath. The key is choosing flowers with complementary colors and varying textures so your bouquet has depth and visual interest.
Can I DIY a carnation wedding bouquet?
Absolutely, and carnations are actually one of the easiest flowers to work with for DIY bouquets. They’re hardy, forgiving, and won’t wilt on you mid-arrangement like some more delicate blooms. Start by choosing carnations in two to three complementary colors, add some greenery like eucalyptus or ruscus, and use floral tape to secure everything together. There are tons of tutorials online, and practicing a few weeks before your wedding will help you feel confident on the big day.
What colors do carnations come in?
Pretty much every color you can imagine! Carnations naturally come in shades of pink, red, white, yellow, and purple. They can also be dyed to achieve colors like deep burgundy, coral, peach, and even blue or green if you’re feeling adventurous. This incredible range is one of the reasons carnations are so versatile for weddings, since you can match them to virtually any color palette.
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