Fresh Flowers On Wedding Cakes: How Long Will They Last?

Fresh flowers are a beautiful and elegant way to decorate a wedding cake, but they don't last forever. The general rule of thumb is that fresh flowers on a cake will only last a day without refrigeration. With refrigeration, they can last up to 8 hours, and a few hours without it. To make them last as long as possible, it's important to prepare the flowers correctly and add them to the cake as close to the event as possible.

How to prepare flowers for a wedding cake

Fresh flowers on a wedding cake can be a beautiful and elegant way to decorate it. However, it is important to prepare the flowers properly to ensure they are food safe and do not wilt. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare flowers for a wedding cake:

Step 1: Choosing the Right Flowers

When selecting flowers for a wedding cake, it is essential to prioritize food safety. Avoid flowers that are toxic, such as mistletoe, poinsettia, holly, sweet pea, lily of the valley, daffodils, azaleas, and calla lilies. Opt for edible or non-toxic flowers like roses, sunflowers, lavender, or carnations. Ensure the flowers are organic and free from pesticides to prevent any harmful residue on the cake.

Step 2: Sourcing the Flowers

You can source flowers from a florist, local flower farm, or market. When speaking to your florist, ask if the flowers are locally grown, organic, and when they were harvested. This information will help determine the freshness and safety of the flowers.

Step 3: Preparing the Flowers

Let the flowers hydrate overnight in clean water. The next day, cut the stems to approximately 2-3 inches in length, removing any foliage. Clean the flowers with cool, soapy water and gently dry them with a paper towel. Wrap each stem with floral tape, starting at the base and working your way down to the bottom of the stem. This creates a barrier between the flower and the cake, preventing any leakage of flower secretion into the cake.

Step 4: Arranging the Flowers on the Cake

Place the larger flowers as the main attraction and fill in the gaps with smaller flowers and leaves. You can add flowers directly into the cake or use bubble tea straws to hold the flowers in place, especially if you want them at specific angles. Insert the straws into the cake at the desired angle, and then slip the flower stems into the straws. Clear straws are recommended to avoid any colourful rings peeking out from under the flowers.

Step 5: Timing

It is best to add fresh flowers to a wedding cake as close to the event as possible. Flowers can last about a day without refrigeration, but they will need water to prevent wilting. If you must refrigerate the cake, be cautious as the flowers can sweat. Adding flowers to the cake the same day as the event is ideal to ensure they look their best.

Flowers to avoid on a wedding cake

Fresh flowers are a beautiful addition to a wedding cake, but it's important to be aware that not all flowers are suitable for this purpose. Some flowers are toxic or even poisonous, and can cause allergic reactions, gastrointestinal issues, or other serious health issues.

• Lilies, including Lily of the Valley
• Daffodils
• Rhododendron
• Delphiniums
• Hydrangeas
• Baby's Breath or Gypsophila
• Eucalyptus
• English Yew
• Ranunculus (including buttercups)
• Anthurium
• Calla Lily
• Foxglove
• Mistletoe
• Poinsettia
• Poppies
• Azaleas
• Hyacinths
• Wisterias
• Frangipani / Plumeria
• Sweet Pea
• Holly
• Sweet Pea
• Mistletoe
• Calla Lily
• Hyacinth

It's important to note that this list may not be exhaustive, and it's always a good idea to do your own research and consult with experts, such as organic growers, florists, and cake designers, to ensure the safety of your guests.

Flowers that are safe for a wedding cake

When it comes to choosing flowers for a wedding cake, it's important to consider both safety and aesthetics. Here are some tips and suggestions for selecting flowers that are not only beautiful but also safe to use:

Types of Flowers to Use:

• Edible Flowers: These flowers are safe to eat and have been grown under the right conditions to make them food-safe. Examples include snapdragons, lavender, pansies, sunflowers, roses, violas, nasturtiums, hibiscus, calendula, begonias, carnations, dahlia, chamomile, chrysanthemums, and alyssum. However, it's important to check the specific variety, as not all varieties of these flowers are edible.
• Non-Toxic Flowers: These flowers may not be intended for consumption but are still safe for contact with food. Examples include freesia, gerbera, strawflowers, lisianthus, camellia, African violets, and viburnums.

Flowers to Avoid:

It's crucial to steer clear of flowers that are known to be toxic or harmful. Some common toxic flowers include lily of the valley, daffodils, hydrangea, poinsettia, calla lilies, foxgloves, azaleas, rhododendrons, mistletoe, holly, and sweet pea.

Sourcing Flowers:

When sourcing flowers for your wedding cake, here are some options and considerations:

• Florists: Florists can provide information about the growing conditions of locally sourced flowers. Look for flowers that are organic and/or pesticide-free to minimise the risk of harmful residues on your cake.
• Local Flower Farms/Markets: Visiting a local flower farm can be a fun experience, and you can often find flowers that are fresher and grown without pesticides.
• Online Culinary Sites: If you're specifically looking for edible flowers, online culinary sites are a good option as you can ask questions about food safety.

Preparing Flowers:

To ensure the safety and longevity of your flowers, follow these steps:

• Clean and Trim: Wash the flowers gently under running water to remove any dirt or bugs. Trim the stems to the desired length, removing any dead or wilted petals and foliage.
• Wrap the Stems: Use floral tape to wrap the stems, creating a barrier between the flowers and the cake. This will prevent any flower secretion or stem fluids from leaking into the cake.
• Storage: If you pick up your flowers in advance, store them in a cool place without adding any plant food to the water.

Alternatives:

If you're hesitant about placing fresh flowers directly on the cake, here are some alternatives:

• Place Flowers Around the Cake: You can still use flowers that may not be safe for the cake by arranging them as a garland or placing them in vases around the cake.
• Use Fake Flowers: Opt for fake, fondant, or buttercream flowers if you want a floral look without worrying about food safety.

Remember, when in doubt about the safety of a particular flower, it's best to leave it off the cake. With the right preparation and flower choices, you can create a beautiful and safe floral display for your wedding cake.

How to attach flowers to a wedding cake

Flowers are a beautiful addition to any wedding cake, but it's important to take the right precautions to ensure the cake is safe to eat. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to attach flowers to a wedding cake:

Step 1: Choosing the Right Flowers

It's important to select flowers that are safe for cake decorating. Avoid any flowers that are toxic, such as mistletoe, poinsettia, holly, sweet pea, lily of the valley, daffodil, azaleas, calla lily, and hyacinth. Opt for edible or non-toxic flowers such as sunflowers, hibiscus, nasturtiums, roses, or carnations. If in doubt, ask your florist for advice and check online resources for lists of safe flowers.

Step 2: Preparing the Flowers

Before attaching the flowers to the cake, they should be cleaned and prepared. Cut the stems to a length of approximately 2-3 inches, and remove any dead or wilted petals and foliage. Wash the flowers with cool, soapy water, and gently dry them with a paper towel.

Step 3: Wrapping the Stems

Wrapping the stems of the flowers is an important step to prevent any fluids from the stems leaking into the cake. Floral tape is a special type of tape that sticks to itself and creates a barrier between the flowers and the cake. Start wrapping the tape at the base of the bloom and work your way down the stem, twisting the end of the tape to secure it. You can also use plastic wrap if you don't have floral tape.

Step 4: Attaching the Flowers to the Cake

There are a few different ways to attach flowers to a wedding cake:

• Direct Method: Simply insert the wrapped stems directly into the cake, arranging them as desired. This method works well for cakes with flat tops.
• Bubble Tea Straws: If you want to add flowers to the sides of the cake or position them at specific angles, use bubble tea straws. Trim the straws to the desired length and insert them into the cake at the desired angle. Then, slip the flower stems into the straw openings. Clear straws are best so they are invisible if not fully inserted.
• Cake Board: If you want to avoid wrapping the stems, you can place a cake board on top of the cake and add flowers to it. This method keeps the flowers from directly contacting the cake, and you can simply remove the board before cutting the cake.

Step 5: Timing

It's best to add fresh flowers to a wedding cake as close to the event as possible, ideally the same day. Flowers need water to stay fresh, so if added too far in advance, they may wilt. A cake with fresh flowers can last at least one day without refrigeration, but be careful when refrigerating as the flowers can sweat.

How long do fresh flowers last on a wedding cake?

Fresh flowers on a wedding cake are a beautiful and elegant way to decorate. However, their time is precious, and they don't last forever.

Fresh flowers on cakes need to be handled with care and attention to food safety. It is important to ensure that the flowers are safe to use on cakes, as some flowers are toxic and could make someone sick if they come into contact with the cake or are ingested. It is recommended to use organic flowers that have not been treated with pesticides. A quick Google search or asking your local florist can help you determine which flowers are safe to use.

When preparing fresh flowers for a cake, it is essential to wash and thoroughly dry the flowers and stems. To prevent the stem from leaking flower secretion into the cake, it is necessary to wrap the stems with floral tape. This tape is a special type of tape that sticks to itself and usually comes in different shades of green. The stems should be cut to approximately 2-3 inches long before being wrapped.

It is best to add fresh flowers to a cake as close to the event as possible, ideally the same day or a few hours before serving. Flowers can last 6-8 hours with refrigeration and a few hours at room temperature once inserted into a cake. If possible, it is recommended to keep the cake with fresh flowers in the refrigerator to prolong their freshness.

To add flowers to the sides of a cake or position them at specific angles, you can use bubble tea straws. These thick, plastic straws can be trimmed to a few inches and inserted into the cake at the desired angle. Then, simply slip the flower stem into the straw. Clear straws are recommended to ensure they remain invisible if they are not fully inserted into the cake.

Another method to add fresh flowers to a cake without directly inserting the stems is to use a cake board. Place a cardboard cake round on top of the frosted cake and add flowers and frosting to create a flower "top." This way, you can remove the flower "top" before cutting and serving the cake, avoiding the hassle of cutting around the flowers or removing them individually.

In summary, fresh flowers on a wedding cake can last 6-8 hours when refrigerated and a few hours at room temperature. To ensure the flowers stay fresh, it is best to add them to the cake as close to the event as possible and keep the cake refrigerated if needed. Proper preparation and handling of the flowers are crucial to ensure food safety and the best presentation.

Frequently asked questions