The World’s Most Hated Flower

I’m on a mission to help you learn to love this flower:

the CARNATION. 

Carnations have a bad rap, and they are totally underrated. They’re nicknamed “funeral flowers” or “grocery store flowers”. Most people have this understanding that they’re cheap or tacky. If carnations were in a movie, they’d be the girl no one noticed until she took off her glasses. 

So here’s my love letter to carnations: 

Range of Colors

Carnations come in every color under the sun. The only color they don’t come in naturally is blue, and even then they are easily dyed or painted. I am constantly finding new shades that are either solid or variegated (multi-colored). My wholesaler in Salt Lake offers 163 different colors of naturally colored carnations! My current favorite: Dark Tempest. Even the name is so fun!

Low Pricepoint

Yes, carnations are cheap! Is that bad?? If you’re on a budget, carnations are an excellent choice! I believe it also allows designers to let go and be able to experiment without wasting precious stems of flowers. I can get a carnation for about $0.65 a stem from my wholesaler. Just think about the fun designs we could think up!

Long-Lasting

Carnations are tough as nails. I use them often in outdoor, summer weddings, because I know they’ll last! They will survive out of water, they’ll survive in heat, and they’ll often be in a vase for 3+ weeks on my kitchen counter. I don’t think they can be killed?? And I think that’s the best quality in a flower.

Volume

Carnations are so so fluffy and voluminous. If you’ve bought them at the grocery store, you may not like them because they’re closed! When I get carnations in from the wholesaler, I fluff them up (they’re sturdy and long-lasting to survive some rough fluffing up) and they are always beautiful!

Versatile

Carnations can be stacked, strung together to make garlands, and used in traditional arrangements. Get a flower that can do it all! They also come in a MINI size!

Did I change your mind on carnations? Let’s use some carnations in your wedding flowers! If you’re looking for a wedding florist for your Utah wedding, inquire at the top of the page! I’d love to help you plan your wedding flowers and feel confident in all your choices!