Arranging Flowers On Your Wedding Cake: A Step-By-Step Guide

Flowers are a beautiful addition to a wedding cake, but there are a few things to consider when arranging them. Firstly, it's important to choose flowers that are safe to be placed near food, as some flowers are toxic. It's also a good idea to use organic flowers or those that haven't been treated with pesticides to ensure they are food-safe. When adding flowers to a cake, it's best to do it on-site to avoid any damage during transportation. You can use floral tape to wrap the stems and prevent any fluid from leaking into the cake. Another option is to use toothpicks, which involves cutting the flower stem and inserting a toothpick to secure the flower to the cake without it touching the surface. It's also important to consider the arrangement of the flowers, using a combination of small, medium, and large flowers with varied foliage to create a natural-looking display.

Choosing flowers: Opt for non-toxic flowers like carnations, mums, roses and spray roses

When choosing flowers for a wedding cake, it's important to opt for non-toxic varieties to ensure the safety of your guests. Carnations, mums, roses, and spray roses are all beautiful and safe options. These flowers can add a touch of elegance and colour to your cake, and are readily available from florists and wholesalers.

Carnations, for example, come in a variety of colours including white and pink, and can be used to create elegant centrepieces. Mums, or chrysanthemums, are also a popular choice for wedding cakes, with their bright and cheerful appearance. Roses, of course, are a classic choice for any wedding, and can be used to create a romantic and elegant atmosphere. Spray roses, in particular, offer a delicate and whimsical touch with their smaller size and varied colours.

When using these flowers on a wedding cake, it's important to follow food safety guidelines. Ensure the flowers are properly cleaned and treated to prevent any contamination. Wrapping the stems in floral tape can help create a barrier between the flowers and the cake, and will also help keep the flowers fresh. You may also want to consider using a small fondant ball or a plastic tube filled with water to hold the stems, providing an extra layer of protection and keeping the flowers hydrated.

By choosing non-toxic flowers like carnations, mums, roses, and spray roses, and taking the necessary precautions, you can create a stunning and safe floral display for your wedding cake.

Using herbs: Herbs like thyme, rosemary and bay leaves are a safer alternative to eucalyptus

When it comes to decorating a wedding cake, fresh flowers are a beautiful and elegant choice. However, it is important to choose flowers that are safe and non-toxic, especially if they will be placed close to the cake. While sugar paste flowers are an option, they can be time-consuming and require a certain level of skill to create.

Using herbs like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves is a safer alternative to eucalyptus when it comes to adding greenery to a wedding cake. Here are some tips for using herbs as a decorative element:

• Thyme has a delicate look and feel, making it a great choice for adding a subtle touch of greenery to the cake.
• Rosemary has a stiffer texture and a pretty colour, giving the cake a more structured and elegant appearance.
• Bay leaves resemble rose leaves and can be placed next to flowers for a natural and elegant look.
• Herbs are generally safer to use than cultivated greenery, as they are less likely to have been treated with pesticides or other chemicals.
• When using herbs, it is important to wrap the stems with floral tape to prevent any fluids from leaking into the cake.
• Consider using toothpicks to secure the herbs to the cake, as this leaves smaller holes and ensures that no part of the herb touches the cake.
• If you want to add herbs to the sides of the cake or position them at specific angles, you can use bubble tea straws to secure them in place.
• Fresh herbs, just like fresh flowers, should be added to the cake as close to the event as possible to ensure they look their best.

By following these tips, you can create a beautiful and safe wedding cake decoration using herbs as a substitute for eucalyptus.

Inserting flowers: Use toothpicks to secure flowers without damaging the cake

Inserting flowers on a wedding cake can be a nerve-wracking task, especially if you are decorating a beautiful and expensive cake. One way to do this is by using toothpicks. This method is effective because it leaves a much smaller hole in the cake and ensures that no part of the flower touches the cake.

To use this method, cut the flower stem off at the base of the bloom. Insert a toothpick into the space where the stem was, then carefully stick the toothpick into the cake. This will ensure that the flower is securely in place without damaging the cake.

Before inserting the flowers, it is important to prepare them properly. Let the flowers hydrate overnight in clean water. Once the stems are fully hydrated, cut them to approximately 2-3 inches long and cover them with floral tape to prevent any leakage into the cake. It is also recommended to use flowers that are organic or haven't been treated with pesticides to ensure they are safe for consumption.

Timing: Add flowers to the cake on the day of the wedding to prevent wilting

To prevent wilting, it's best to add flowers to the cake on the day of the wedding. Flowers need water to prevent them from wilting, so keeping them in water until the last minute is ideal. They will last for eight hours in a refrigerator and a few hours outside of it. If you're having a summer wedding, it's best to bring the cake out just before you plan to cut it, instead of leaving it out in the sun all day.

If you're using edible flowers, they should be washed and dried before being added to the cake. If you're using non-edible flowers, you should wrap the stems in floral tape to create a barrier between the cake and the stem, preventing any leakage of flower secretion into the cake. You can also use plastic wrap or a product called Safety Seal, which is a food-safe wax that can be melted and dipped to seal the stems.

If you want to add flowers to the sides of the cake, you can use bubble tea straws to secure them at an angle. 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, add flowers to it, and remove it when it's time to cut the cake.

Arranging flowers: Start with larger flowers and fill in with smaller ones

When arranging flowers on a wedding cake, it's best to start with the larger flowers and then fill in with smaller ones. This method will help you map out your arrangement and ensure a cohesive look.

Firstly, decide on the types of flowers and foliage you want to use. It's a good idea to have a variety of different sizes, shapes, and textures. You can use flowers of different colours, or opt for a monochromatic look. If you're unsure where to start, hold your flowers up to the cake to see where you think they might look best.

Once you have an idea of placement, start by positioning your larger flowers. This will help you mark out your arrangement. Don't be afraid to play around with the stems—you can always carefully remove the flowers and place them back in if needed. Remember, you don't have to place every flower flush against the cake. Varying the stem lengths will create a natural-looking arrangement with depth.

After placing your larger flowers, fill in the arrangement with smaller blooms and foliage. Group smaller flowers together to create a flow and ensure an even distribution of weight. You can also use lightweight foliage to complement your larger flowers and prevent too much weight in one area.

Finally, remember to wrap the stems of your flowers with floral tape to prevent any fluid from leaking into the cake.

Frequently asked questions