Fresh Flowers On Wedding Cakes: Tips And Tricks

Decorating a wedding cake with fresh flowers is a beautiful way to elevate the cake's appearance and make it perfect for the special occasion. However, it is important to carefully choose non-toxic flowers and create a barrier between the flowers and the cake to prevent leakage and contamination. Here are some tips to guide you through the process:

- Choose your flowers carefully: Select flowers that are organically grown, non-toxic, and free from chemicals or pesticides. Examples include roses, herbs, bay leaves, dahlias, some peonies, jasmine, marigolds, lilacs, and more.

- Prepare the flowers: Let the flowers hydrate overnight in clean water. Cut the stems to a length of 2-3 inches and cover them with floral tape to create a barrier between the stems and the cake.

- Use herbs as greenery: Instead of using eucalyptus, which is not food-safe, opt for herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves to add natural-looking greenery accents to your cake.

- Insert flowers using toothpicks or straws: You can insert toothpicks into the flower stems and then carefully stick them into the cake, ensuring the base of the flower doesn't touch the cake. Alternatively, you can use plastic drinking straws as little water tubes to hold the flower stems and provide a barrier.

- Arrange the flowers: Create a beautiful arrangement on the cake, using a combination of flowers and greenery. You can place them on top or the sides of the cake, or stick them into the cake at different angles for a more dynamic look.

- Time it right: Decorate the cake as close to the event as possible. A cake with fresh flowers can last at least a day without refrigeration, but be cautious when placing it in the fridge, as the flowers can sweat.

Choosing non-toxic flowers

When choosing flowers to decorate a wedding cake, it is important to remember that not all flowers are edible or safe to use. Some flowers are highly toxic and can cause serious harm if ingested. Here are some tips to help you choose non-toxic flowers for your wedding cake:

Firstly, it is important to distinguish between the different categories of flowers:

• Edible flowers are safe to eat. Examples include nasturtiums, squash blossoms, violets, roses, and herbs like rosemary and thyme.
• Non-edible flowers are not fit for consumption, as the body cannot digest them properly.
• Toxic flowers are poisonous and can be harmful or even deadly if ingested. Examples include hydrangeas, mistletoe, poinsettia, holly, lilies, and azaleas.
• Non-toxic flowers are not poisonous, but this does not mean they are safe to eat. Some may be unpleasant to eat or have a bitter taste. Examples include eucalyptus, sunflowers, and gerbera daisies.

When choosing non-toxic flowers for your wedding cake, opt for flowers that are organically grown without the use of chemical herbicides, pesticides, or fertilizers. This ensures that no harmful toxins come into contact with the cake. You can source flowers from local farmers' markets or reputable online suppliers specialising in edible flowers. Growing your own flowers is also an option if you want full control over their safety.

If you are unsure about the safety of a particular flower, it is best to err on the side of caution and choose a different option. You can also check sites like Poison Control for information on toxic and non-toxic flowers. Remember, when in doubt, leave it out!

Additionally, it is important to create a barrier between the cake and the stems of the flowers to prevent any leakage of flower secretion into the cake. This can be done by wrapping the stems with floral tape or using a cake board to separate the flowers from the cake.

Using herbs as greenery

When selecting herbs for your cake, opt for those with smaller leaf sizes, as these tend to look better on the cake. Some great options include bay leaves, sage, thyme, and rosemary. These herbs not only look amazing but are also guaranteed to be food-safe.

Other food-safe herb options include citrus leaves such as lemon tree leaves, as well as fig leaves and olive leaves. These leaves can last for hours without water, so you don't need to worry about inserting water tubes or florists' vials into your cake.

If you want to insert herb stems into the cake, poke a hole in the cake with a cocktail stick first. Then, wrap the stems in plastic wrap before inserting them. This will help prevent any leakage of fluids from the stems into the cake.

It is important to note that not all herbs are safe to consume. Avoid using common garden herbs such as laurel, mistletoe, privet, yew, horse chestnut, and broom, as these are considered toxic.

By following these tips and using herbs as greenery, you can create a beautiful and safe wedding cake decoration that adds a natural and elegant touch to your special day.

Inserting flowers with toothpicks

To attach flowers to a wedding cake using toothpicks, start by cutting the flower stems at the base of the bloom. Insert a toothpick into the hole where the stem was previously, ensuring that the toothpick doesn't touch the flower's base. Then, carefully stick the toothpick into the cake, making sure that the base of the flower is not touching the cake. This method ensures that no part of the fresh flower comes into direct contact with the cake, reducing the risk of food contamination.

When using this technique, it is important to select the right flowers. Opt for flowers that are non-toxic and safe for decorative purposes, such as carnations, mums, roses, and spray roses. If you prefer edible flowers, choose from seasonal options like pansies, lilacs, and lavender, which are typically available during the summer months. Avoid flowers like ranunculus, peonies, and eucalyptus, as parts of them can cause stomach upset if accidentally consumed.

Before inserting the flowers into the cake, prepare them by letting them hydrate overnight in clean water. Once the stems are fully hydrated, cut them to a length of about 2-3 inches and cover them with floral tape. This tape creates a barrier between the flower stem and the cake, preventing any leakage of flower secretion into the cake.

When attaching the flowers to the cake, start with the largest blooms first to help you establish the shape and balance. Then, add the smaller buds and stems to create movement and texture. Remember to take into account the overall design and colour scheme of the wedding to ensure the flowers complement the celebration's atmosphere.

By using toothpicks to secure the flowers, you can easily create a stunning floral display on your wedding cake while maintaining food safety and stability.

Using straws as water tubes

• Choose the Right Straws: Look for bubble tea straws or regular drinking straws. Bubble tea straws are thicker and better for grouping flowers together, while regular drinking straws are ideal for inserting individual flowers. Clear straws are preferable to avoid any colourful peeking out from the base of the flowers.
• Prepare the Straws: Cut the straws to a length of about 2-3 inches. If desired, melt and seal one end of the straw by holding a lit match or lighter to the edge until it melts slightly, then quickly pressing it down on a flat, heatproof surface to seal. This step is optional but helps create a barrier and prevents water from leaking out.
• Prepare the Flowers: Select fresh, organic, or pesticide-free flowers with sturdy stems. Clean the flowers by gently rinsing them under cold water to remove any dirt or pollen. Pat them dry with paper towels and keep the stems in water until you're ready to decorate.
• Assemble the Water Tubes: Fill the straws with a small amount of water. Trim the flower stems to match the length of the straws. Place the flower stem inside the straw, ensuring the water level is about 1/4 inch below the top of the straw.
• Insert the Flowers into the Cake: Gently push the straw with the flower into the desired location on the cake. Adjust the angle as needed. If necessary, remove the flower, adjust the angle of the straw, and then place the flower back into the straw. Ensure the lip of the straw is flush with or slightly above the surface of the cake for easy removal later.
• Final Adjustments: Check the height of the flower. If it appears to be hovering too high above the cake, trim the stem a little more. Be careful not to make it too short, so it still reaches the water in the straw.

Pros and cons of fresh flowers

Fresh flowers are a beautiful and natural way to decorate a wedding cake. They are a popular choice, adding colour and impact to a cake, and can be used to match the wedding flowers or bouquets. However, there are some pros and cons to using fresh flowers that should be considered before making a decision.

Pros of Fresh Flowers:

• Fresh flowers are a cost-effective and affordable option for decorating a wedding cake. They are usually less expensive than sugar or artificial flowers.
• They are perfect for creating a relaxed and natural look. Fresh flowers have a beautiful, elegant appearance and can elevate the overall appeal of the cake.
• Fresh flowers can be used to match the wedding flowers or bouquets, creating a cohesive look for the wedding.
• They are a simple way to elevate a simple cake, even if you are on a tight budget.

Cons of Fresh Flowers:

• Fresh flowers may be prone to wilting, especially if they have weak stems or if the weather is warm. They may only look their best for a few hours, while a wedding cake is typically on display for a longer duration.
• There are limited options when it comes to choosing fresh flowers, as some varieties may be toxic or unsafe for use on cakes. It is important to select flowers that are correctly taped, non-toxic, and not sprayed with chemicals or pesticides.
• Fresh flowers are seasonal, and certain varieties may not be available at certain times of the year.
• Fresh flowers may have been treated with pesticides or other chemicals, which could be unsafe if they come into direct contact with the cake.
• Preparing fresh flowers for use on a cake can be time-consuming, as the stems need to be wrapped or covered to prevent leakage or secretion of poisonous substances into the cake.

Frequently asked questions