Carnations are often underrated flowers, while also being some of the most versatile. They look beautiful as a part of a greater arrangement or bouquet, or as a standalone bloom. This makes them a perfect option when it comes to choosing birthday flowers!
But how do you choose birthday carnations? Here are some tips, tricks, and colour meanings to help you make your choice.
Carnations have always been timeless, and there’s a reason they’re commonly seen in various arrangements and bouquets stretching across several occasions. Whether you’re celebrating a special birthday, trying to express affection, or marking a brand new beginning, choosing the best carnations for the occasion is essential.
A Symbol of Admiration and Love
Red carnations symbolize deep love, passion, fiery emotions, and boldness. They pair well with several other colours, including those on the same side of the colour wheel, white, and greenery.
These carnations are perfect for the birthday of a cherished loved one, such as a romantic partner or new interest. However, they’re also great for those who love bright, bold colours.
For a deeper expression of love and devotion, dark red carnations can be included in the bouquet or arrangement. These convey profound affection and hold a similar emotional weight to red roses.
Purity, Peace, and New Beginnings
White carnations, like many white blooms, reflect purity, good luck, and harmony.
Gifting white carnations shows your cherished person that you love and respect them, as well as sincerity and support for their future endeavours. These are even more impactful if someone is starting a new chapter in their life.
White birthday carnations are a thoughtful gift because they show admiration and appreciation. They’re also a very popular choice for new couples looking forward to the future.
Fondness and Motherly Love
Pink carnations are perfect for birthdays that celebrate the nurturing people in your life. They symbolize fondness, gratitude, and gentle love.
They're usually associated with motherhood or the birth of a girl, making them perfect for your mother or the new moms in your life.
According to tradition, pink carnations first bloomed where the Virgin Mary's tears fell as Jesus carried the cross, leading them to represent protective and unconditional love.
Reconciliation and Understanding
Purple carnations are perfect during times when you want to mend a relationship or celebrate regalness.
They are versatile flowers that can symbolize reconciliation or highlight the elegance of the person you love. They’re also a great choice for anyone who loves purple.
Ultimately, you don’t have to choose carnations strictly by their defined meaning. You can pick them based on preferences, availability, and what your cherished person likes.
You can feature them as a standalone bouquet or arrangement, or mix them with other flowers to make the gift more meaningful.
At the end of the day, there is a wide variety of carnation colours and combinations available, which means birthday carnations are guaranteed to make an impact.