Real Flowers On Wedding Cakes: Is It Safe?

Flowers are a beautiful and elegant way to decorate a wedding cake. They can add colour and shape for a relatively low cost compared to other traditional decorations like sugar-paste flowers. However, there are a few things to consider before adding fresh flowers to a cake. Firstly, not all flowers are safe to use, even if they are not intended to be eaten. Some flowers are toxic and should be avoided, such as daffodils, baby's breath, poppies, lilies of the valley, and azaleas. It is also important to ensure that the flowers are free from harmful chemicals and pesticides, as these can leach into the cake and potentially cause food hazards. To prevent this, it is recommended to wrap the stems of the flowers or use flower picks to create a barrier between the flowers and the cake. Another consideration is the stability of the cake, as poking too many holes in it can cause it to crumble. Overall, while fresh flowers on a wedding cake can be a stunning addition, it is important to take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety and integrity of the cake.

How to choose flowers for a wedding cake

Flowers are a timeless addition to any wedding cake, but how do you choose the right ones? Here are some tips to help you select the perfect blooms for your big day.

Fresh Flowers

Fresh flowers are a beautiful and elegant way to decorate a wedding cake. They are also a more affordable option compared to sugar paste flowers. When choosing fresh flowers, opt for organically grown varieties that have not been treated with chemicals or pesticides. Examples include roses, herbs, bay leaves, dahlias, peonies, jasmine, and marigolds. Fresh flowers will typically stay fresh for a few hours, but if you want them to last longer, keep them in water until you are ready to use them.

Silk or Fabric Flowers

Silk or fabric flowers are a more expensive option than fresh flowers, but they have the advantage of not wilting. They are also non-toxic, so any variety can be used. However, the selection may be limited, and it can be challenging to find flowers that perfectly match your wedding bouquet.

Wafer Paper Flowers

Wafer paper flowers are a relatively new trend in cake decorating. They are handmade and can be quite costly, but they add a whimsical and luxurious touch to your wedding cake. Wafer paper flowers can be made in any colour to match your wedding decor and can even be kept as a keepsake after the big day.

Sugar or Gumpaste Flowers

Sugar or gumpaste flowers are completely edible and look stunningly realistic when made well. They can be crafted to match any variety or colour of flower used in your wedding decor. However, they are the most expensive option and require a lot of time and skill to create.

Edible Flowers

If you want to ensure your flowers are safe to consume, opt for edible flowers such as alpine pinks, lavender, elderflower, primrose, sunflower, rose, sweet violet, daisy, hibiscus, marigold, and chrysanthemums. Be sure to research and ensure that all parts of these flowers are edible.

Non-Toxic Flowers

If you want to use non-toxic flowers that can be safely used on a wedding cake with proper preparation, consider roses, lisianthus, freesia, peony, cosmos, gerberas, cornflowers, dahlia, orchids, and lavender.

Flower Placement

When adding flowers to your wedding cake, you can place them directly on the cake or use a frosting-covered board that can be removed before cutting. If you want to avoid the flowers touching the cake altogether, you can insert their stems into straws and then place them into the cake. This method will prevent the flowers from ruining the appearance of the icing and the structure of the cake layers.

Pros and cons of using real flowers on a wedding cake

Using real flowers on a wedding cake can be a beautiful and elegant way to decorate it. However, there are some pros and cons to consider before making a decision.

Pros of Using Real Flowers on a Wedding Cake:

• Real flowers can add colour, shape, and texture to a wedding cake, creating a glamorous and elegant look.
• They are a low-cost option compared to traditional decorations like sugar-paste flowers, which can be expensive and time-consuming to make.
• Real flowers are naturally beautiful and can enhance the overall sensory experience of the cake with their wonderful fragrance.
• Some edible flowers, such as pansies, lavender, and roses, can be safely used on wedding cakes and even add flavour to the cake.
• Using real flowers can be a more sustainable option compared to artificial decorations.

Cons of Using Real Flowers on a Wedding Cake:

• Real flowers do not last very long and need to be added to the cake just before serving. They will start to wilt and lose their freshness within a few hours, especially in warm weather.
• Not all flowers are safe to use on wedding cakes. Some flowers, such as daffodils, baby's breath, and poppies, are poisonous and can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain if ingested.
• Even if the flowers are non-toxic, they may have been treated with pesticides or other chemicals that can leach into the cake and pose a health risk to guests.
• Inserting flower stems directly into the cake can affect the stability of the cake and create a messy appearance when the flowers are removed.
• Real flowers may release bugs or small insects when they warm up, which can be unpleasant and ruin the cake.
• Finding food-safe, organic flowers that have not been treated with harmful chemicals can be challenging and require additional preparation time.

How to prepare flowers for a wedding cake

Preparing flowers for a wedding cake is a delicate task that requires careful attention to detail to ensure the flowers are safe and complement the cake's flavour profile and overall design. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare flowers for a wedding cake:

Step 1: Choosing the Right Flowers

The first step is to select flowers that are safe for use on cakes. Avoid flowers that are toxic or poisonous, such as daffodils, baby's breath, poppies, lilies of the valley, poinsettias, azaleas, hyacinths, and wisterias. Opt for edible flowers and herbs like pansies, lavender, violas, roses, carnations, peonies, cornflowers, sunflowers, rosemary, thyme, and chamomile. Ensure the flowers are organic and free from harmful pesticides or chemicals.

Step 2: Sourcing the Flowers

Buy your flowers from a reputable florist or organic source. It is best to avoid flowers from supermarkets, garden centres, or florists, as these may have been treated with insecticides, herbicides, or fungicides. If using a florist, communicate your requirements and ask them to provide flowers in a bucket of water at the venue.

Step 3: Keeping Flowers Fresh

Flowers should be kept in water until the last minute to prevent wilting. You can use the flower vitamins that usually come with flowers to help maintain their freshness.

Step 4: Tools and Materials

Gather the necessary tools and materials, including floral tape, scissors, plastic wrap, straws, or water picks. Clear bubble tea straws are ideal, as they are thick and can be inserted into the cake without being noticeable.

Step 5: Preparing Flowers

Cut the stems of the flowers and wrap them with plastic wrap. Then, stretch and wrap floral tape around the plastic wrap to secure it to the flower. This will prevent any fluids from leaking into the cake. If you have access to a microwave, you can use a product called Safety Seal, which is a food-safe wax that can be melted and dipped into the flower stems.

Step 6: Placing Flowers on the Cake

If you want the flowers to touch the cake, insert the prepared stems into the straws and then into the cake at the desired angle. If you prefer the flowers not to touch the cake, place a frosting-covered board on top and adorn it with flowers, removing it when it's time to cut the cake.

Step 7: Final Touches

Consider adding other decorative elements, such as edible gold accents or incorporating fresh or dried fruit. Ensure the flowers complement the cake's flavour profile and overall design, whether it's a minimalist, cascading floral, or bright and colourful theme.

Remember, fresh flowers on a wedding cake should be added as close to the event as possible, ideally on the same day, to ensure they look their best.

How to attach flowers to a wedding cake

Flowers are a popular choice for wedding cake decorations, and for good reason—they look stunning and can tie together all the elements of your wedding decor. If you're looking to attach flowers to your wedding cake, here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

Choose the Right Flowers:

Before you start attaching flowers to your cake, it's important to select the right type of flowers. Avoid any flowers that are toxic, such as daffodils, baby's breath, and poppies, as they can be harmful even if not consumed. Opt for edible flowers like pansies, lavender, roses, or peonies. Also, try to use organic flowers that haven't been treated with pesticides to ensure they are safe for consumption.

Prepare the Flowers:

If you're using fresh flowers, it's best to add them to the cake on the same day to ensure they look their best. Keep the flowers in water until you're ready to use them. If you want to add flowers to the sides of the cake or position them at specific angles, wrap the individual flower stems with floral tape, which is a self-adhesive tape that comes in different shades of green. This will prevent any bitter-tasting fluids from leaking into the cake.

Attach the Flowers:

There are a few methods you can use to attach flowers to your wedding cake:

• Using Straws: Insert clear bubble tea straws into the cake at the desired angles. Then, simply slip the flower stems into the straw openings. This method is especially useful for adding flowers to the sides of the cake without damaging the structure of the layers.
• Using a Frosting-Covered Board: If you don't want the flowers to touch the cake at all, you can place a frosting-covered board on top of the cake. Adorn the board with flowers, and simply remove it when it's time to cut the cake.
• Scattering Petals: For a colourful and textured look, scatter edible flower petals like confetti over the cake. You can also mix petals into the icing before decorating.
• Image Transfer: If you want a sleek and flawless floral design, ask your baker about image transfer. This involves printing a picture onto a piece of fondant and then applying it to the cake.

Remember to coordinate with your florist and baker to ensure that the flowers on your cake match your bouquet, centrepieces, and other wedding arrangements. By following these steps, you can safely and beautifully attach flowers to your wedding cake.

How to display flowers on a wedding cake

Flowers are a beautiful addition to a wedding cake, but it's important to take some precautions to ensure the cake is safe to eat and the flowers stay fresh. Here are some tips on how to display flowers on a wedding cake:

Choose the Right Flowers

Not all flowers are safe to use on cakes. Some flowers are toxic and should be avoided, such as daffodils, baby's breath, poppies, lilies of the valley, poinsettias, azaleas, hyacinths, and wisterias. It's important to do your research and choose flowers that are non-toxic and safe for human consumption. Some good options include pansies, lavender, violas, roses, carnations, peonies, cornflowers, and sunflowers. If you're unsure, consult a florist or refer to the Royal Horticultural Society's list of plants that are potentially harmful to humans.

Source the Flowers

When sourcing flowers for your wedding cake, it's best to buy them from a reputable organic source that hasn't used harmful chemicals or pesticides. You can get flowers from a florist, grocery store, or farmer's market. Make sure to buy more flowers than you think you need, as some may wilt or not look as fresh by the time you need to use them. Choose a variety of large and small flowers, as well as some leaves, to create a beautiful arrangement.

Keep Flowers Fresh

To keep your flowers fresh until it's time to decorate the cake, follow these tips:

• Keep flowers in water until you're ready to use them.
• Use flower vitamins in the water to help prolong their freshness.
• If possible, keep the flowers refrigerated until it's time to decorate the cake.

Tools and Materials for Adding Flowers to the Cake

• Floral tape
• Scissors
• Plastic wrap
• Straws or water picks (optional)
• Flower holders or plastic flower tubes (optional)
• Wax paper (if placing flowers on top of the cake)

Make Flowers Food Safe

To make your flowers food safe, follow these steps:

• Cut the stems of the flowers you'll be using.
• Wrap the stems with plastic wrap to create a barrier between the flowers and the cake.
• Secure the plastic wrap with floral tape.
• Insert the flowers into the cake, making sure the stems don't touch the cake directly.

Alternatively, you can use a product called Safety Seal, which is a food-safe wax that can be melted and used to dip the stems of the flowers before inserting them into the cake. You can also use chocolate as a seal, especially for flowers with thicker stems, like gerbera daisies.

Inserting Flowers into the Cake

When inserting flowers into the cake, it's important to be gentle and avoid poking too many holes in the cake, as this can affect its stability. Here are some tips:

• Use toothpicks: Cut the flower stem at the base of the bloom and insert a toothpick into the stem. Then, carefully stick the toothpick into the cake, ensuring the base of the flower doesn't touch the cake.
• Use straws or water picks: If your flower stems are thin, you can insert them into straws or water picks before placing them into the cake. This will avoid ruining the appearance of the icing and the structure of the cake layers.
• Use a frosting-covered board: If you don't want the flowers to touch the cake at all, you can place a frosting-covered board on top of the cake and adorn it with flowers. Remove the board when it's time to cut the cake.

Timing

It's best to add fresh flowers to your wedding cake as close to the event as possible. Flowers will stay fresh for about eight hours in a refrigerator and a few hours outside of it. If you're having a summer wedding, bring the cake out just before you plan to cut it to avoid wilting.

Frequently asked questions