When it comes to flowers, few can rival the versatility, elegance, and charm of carnations. As the official birth flower for January, carnations hold a special place in the world of blooms. Their rich history, diverse meanings, and timeless beauty make them a perfect choice for DIY brides looking to add personal and meaningful touches to their wedding bouquets and decorations.
A Flower with Deep Roots
Carnations, scientifically known as Dianthus caryophyllus, have been cherished for centuries. Their name derives from the Greek words “dios” (god) and “anthos” (flower), often interpreted as “flower of the gods.” Originating in the Mediterranean region, carnations have long been associated with love, admiration, and fascination, making them a fitting emblem for January—a month that marks new beginnings and heartfelt resolutions.
Carnations bring gorgeous color and texture to arrangements
Symbolism of Carnations
When it comes to carnations and their meanings, the color has everything to do with it!
What do Carnation Colors Mean?
- White: Pure love and good luck
- Pink: Gratitude and motherly love
- Red: Deep love and admiration
- Yellow: Friendship or, historically, rejection
- Purple: Capriciousness and whimsy
This range of symbolic meanings allows brides to customize their floral arrangements to convey specific emotions and sentiments.
Why Choose Carnations for Your Wedding?
For DIY brides, carnations offer numerous advantages:
- Affordable Elegance: Carnations are budget-friendly without sacrificing beauty. Their lush, ruffled petals add texture and volume to arrangements, giving them a luxurious appearance. We especially love carnations burgundy, peach, and antique pink!
- Versatility: Carnations are incredibly versatile. They pair beautifully with other flowers like roses and baby’s breath for a traditional look as well as dahlias, and chrysanthemums for a more rustic feel.
- Long-Lasting: Carnations are known for their durability, making them ideal for weddings. They can withstand long hours without wilting, ensuring your arrangements and bouquets look fresh throughout your special day.
- Wide Range of Colors: With a spectrum of natural and dyed hues available, carnations can complement any wedding color scheme.
Carnations are a very hardy, easy-to-work-with flower for all kinds of arrangements.
Tips for Incorporating Carnations into DIY Flower Arrangements
- Bouquets: Create a stunning bridal bouquet by combining pink and white carnations with eucalyptus and baby’s breath for a soft, romantic look.
- Centerpieces: Arrange carnations in bud vases with roses, chrysanthemums, filler, and greenery for a super easy DIY that is also budget-friendly.
- Pomander: Craft delicate pomanders for flower girls to hold and repurpose them for reception décor as well!
- Carnation Curtain: Check out our video on how to make a DIY carnation curtain.
Carnations: A Bloom to Remember!
Choosing carnations as the centerpiece of your January wedding flowers is a nod to tradition and timeless beauty. Their affordability, versatility, and rich symbolism make them a favorite among DIY brides. The January birth flower is popular for good reason. Whether you’re crafting your own arrangements or seeking inspiration for your wedding day, carnations are sure to add a touch of elegance and meaning to your celebration.
Curious what the other birth month flowers are? Check out our guide to every month’s birth flower.
At Blooms By The Box, we specialize in providing fresh, high-quality flowers for DIY brides. Explore our carnations and other blooms to make your wedding vision a reality!
Derian Banzhaf
Derian has worked in many facets of the floral industry, with over 10 years experience in everything from flower arranging to wedding and party planning, She loves to experiment in elements of flower design, color, and texture and is always looking for the latest trends in wedding bouquets.
