Carnations: Filler Flowers No More!

Remember that episode of Sex and the City when Charlotte dumps a guy for bringing her carnations, insisting they’re “filler flowers”?  And Carrie insists that “they’re making a comeback”?  Well, I’m on team Carrie when it comes to carnations!  They’re inexpensive, they come in TONS of colours, they’re versatile and easy to work with, and they’re easy to come by.  Here’s an inspiration board I put together with a range of colours and uses for these cheery blooms!

Clockwise from top left: This couple had their guests pin their “guestbook” wishes to this dome of beautiful white carnations; a bed of luscious pink carnations makes a great stage for your escort cards; a carnation bouquet is cheerful and inexpensive—a great way to shave several dollars off your floral bill!; carnations create an architectural shape that works well with any size and shape of container, like these long carnation centrepieces; I absolutely love the tablescape at the bottom right, with a simple but boldly red centrepiece of carnations; this aisle is pepped up with these green carnation pomanders; finally, this gorgeous cake by Faye Cahill Cake Designs features delicate and delicious sugar carnations.

Magnificent succulents

(While trying to come up with a witty title for this post, I briefly considered “Succulents Don’t Suck”.  Should I have run with it?  I’ll never know.)

I have a client who’s DIYing some gorgeous, succulent-laden centrepieces for her August wedding.  While looking for inspiration, I came across a wealth of amazing ideas for incorporating succulents into wedding decor.  Aside from the fact that they’re unique, hardy, and available in more than basic green, the best thing about succulents (in my humble opinion) is that, in many cases, you can plant them after the day is over and have a thriving garden that reminds you of your celebration for years to come.

I’ve divided the eye candy into two separate collages.  The first, bouquets and boutonnieres:

Clockwise from centre left: Kim at Collage created this classic combination of green succulents and white orchids; the bouquet above this features echeveria (bouquet by VanLierop Garden Market; photo by One Love Photo); at the top right is a burst of kale and cacti (photo by Blackbird Photography); Purple-tinged hen-and-chicks with orchids and a pop of yellow (bouquet by Kehoe Designs; photo by Olivia Leigh Photographie); at the bottom right, a “Succulent Bowl” by Organic Elements: look closely and you’ll see that the “stem” of the bouquet is actually the root of the succulent, ready for immediate planting after the wedding—genius!; Last, but my favourite, amazing yellow boutonnieres featuting crespedia balls, yellow yarrow, and papyrus (designed by La Partie Events; photo by Erin Hearts Court Wedding Photography).

But don’t stop at accessorizing the wedding party with succulents!  They make beautiful centrepieces and accents for escort cards, cake tables, ring bearer pillows… you name it.

Top Row: Hen-and-chicks on moss Ring Bearer Pillow by April Hiler Designs; DIY Bride Emma’s awesome escort table, featuring personalized signs poking pleasantly out of mounds of moss.

Bottom Row: Three takes on succulent centrepieces in a square/rectangular wooden crate. First, a rose and succulent centrepiece by Elegance & Simplicity Wedding & Event Designers; Second is my personal favourite—mostly because of the colour!—created by Blossom Floral, Inc. (photo by Jay Reilly Photo); Third, white roses, succulents, green coxcomb, and scabiosa pods combine to make this delightful centrepiece by Hunt Littlefield.