Subtly scented, frilly as tutus, and found in every shade imaginable, see why carnations are coming back to weddings.

Here, putumayo carnations the color of antique lace hold their own against anemones, hydrangeas, Majolica roses, and passion vine, proving that the often-overlooked bloom is every bit as sophisticated as its pricier peers. To further lower costs, save the big-ticket flowers for your posy and centerpieces, and let carnations alone fill other arrangements.

Saying "I do" before an ethereal curtain of carnations? Pure heaven. Each of these garlands was hand-strung and draped over a dowel suspended from the ceiling.

To go the DIY route, you'll need monofilament, a large needle, and about 1,000 carnations (order them through The Grower's Box). Make the strands a day or two in advance and store them in a fridge. "After your vows, use them to decorate the bar," suggests floral designer Ariella Chezar, who created the displays in this story.

Sitting pretty on a bed of coral-and-ivory blossoms, these tags come with a little something extra: a mini-carnation boutonniere. To compose your own display, line a tray with damp floral foam, snip off the flowers‘ stems, and poke in the buds. Two-tone varieties look especially striking, but a monochromatic scheme (think all pale yellow petals) can be just as fun.

Jill Velez calligraphy.

Freewheeling centerpieces in cheery colors practically shout "party time!" Here, fringed tulips and fruiting clementine branches create lush overhang from a compote -- "My go-to vessel because it takes just one to make an arrangement that fills a round table," says Chezar -- while picotee-edged carnations, daffodils, sweetpeas, and ranunculus add volume. Perched at each setting is a favor box festooned with a paper carnation.

D. Blumchen parchment carnation; Paper Mart slide box; Mokuba New York ribbon (212-869-8900).

You don't have to be a master baker to assemble this gorgeous spread. All you need are basic premade fondant cakes in various heights, cupcakes, carnations in coordinating hues, and a few stands. The trick is alternating the decorating style for each dessert: Ring multitiered cakes with flowers, for example, crown cupcakes with single blooms, and cover a one-layer confection with a wreath of blossoms. To fashion the table swag, simply string petals on monofilament.

Fishs Eddy cake stands.

One look at this handheld knockout and you'll wonder why carnations were ever considered filler flowers. Aside from a few ranunculus and a halo of wire vine, they make up the whole stunning shebang. Grouped by color, which intensifies from plumtrimmed white to deep magenta, they show off what Chezar calls "the peony effect": Five or six together mimic the popular (and pricier) wedding favorite. A riot of ribbon adds even more oomph.

Aria dress #162FA