Arranging Artificial Blooms: Wedding Cake Floral Fantasia

There are many ways to arrange fake flowers on a wedding cake. Fake flowers are a great option for wedding cakes as they are low-maintenance, always in season, and relatively affordable. They are also less likely to cause allergies and are perfect for occasions like weddings, where the cake is expected to sit for a while before being cut. When arranging fake flowers on a wedding cake, it is important to first clean and dry the flowers to remove any dirt or debris. The stems of the flowers can be trimmed to the appropriate length, depending on whether they will be placed on the surface of the cake or embedded inside. Using wax paper and buttercream or icing can help to easily remove the flowers and prevent contact with the edible parts of the cake. It is also important to communicate with the baker and florist to ensure that the flowers are food-safe and match the desired colour scheme and theme of the cake.

Choosing the right flowers for your cake

The first step in decorating your cake is to choose the right artificial flowers for the job. It is important to understand the intent of the cake. Is it for a wedding, a birthday, a memorial, or an anniversary? The purpose of the cake should guide you in choosing the right type of flowers for the occasion.

If you are decorating a wedding cake, you may want to opt for classic flowers such as blush roses, hydrangeas, and freesias to create a light, romantic feel. Or, if you want something more fun and modern, consider dahlias with their abundance of pretty petals and distinct colours. For a rustic look, tiny flowers sprinkled over lashings of whipped buttercream is a firm favourite.

If you are decorating a birthday cake, you could choose flowers that match the birthday person's favourite colours or flowers. For a memorial cake, you might want to choose the deceased person's favourite flowers or flowers that have a particular symbolic meaning.

Once you have decided on the type of flowers you want to use, you need to consider the colour scheme, size, number, and general theme of the cake. This will help you make the decision about what type of artificial flowers to buy.

Silk flowers are the most premium and realistic option. They are also very affordable and usually available all year round. However, you may have to search a while to find the exact colours you need, and they may be hard to match to your other decor.

Another option is sugar flowers, which are made from fondant or gum paste. These are completely edible and can be customised to any colour scheme. They are also available all year round and can be kept as a keepsake. However, they are the most costly option and may be pretty pricey.

Wood flowers are another possibility. These are beautiful flowers made out of recycled wood. However, they can be difficult to adhere to a cake.

Whatever option you choose, just remember to let your guests know that the flowers are not edible.

Prepping and cleaning the flowers

Preparing and cleaning the flowers is a crucial step in the process of decorating a wedding cake with artificial flowers. Here is a detailed guide to help you with this task:

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary materials, including a sink, paper towels, scissors, and wax paper and/or plastic wrap. It is also recommended to wear gloves during this process to avoid any direct contact with the flowers.

Start by carefully inspecting the artificial flowers and removing any debris or dirt that may be present. You can use a soft brush to gently dust off any loose particles. If the flowers appear particularly dirty, you can soak them in warm water for a few minutes. This will help to dislodge any stubborn dirt and ensure that they are thoroughly cleaned.

After the initial cleaning, gently shake the flowers to remove any excess water. Then, use paper towels to pat them dry. Pay close attention to the petals, leaves, and stems, ensuring that all parts of the flowers are completely dry. Turning the flowers upside down while drying can help to remove any trapped water in the petals.

Once the flowers are clean and dry, you can proceed to the next step of trimming and cutting the stems. If you plan to place the flowers directly on the surface of the cake, you may want to remove the stems entirely. However, if you need the stems for stability, trim them to the appropriate length, leaving enough to anchor the flowers in the cake securely.

Remember to wash your hands or change your gloves after handling the flowers to avoid any contamination. By following these steps, you can ensure that your artificial flowers are properly prepped and cleaned before placing them on your wedding cake.

Drying the flowers

First, shake the flowers gently to remove any trapped water. Then, use a paper towel to pat them dry. Turn the flowers upside down and gently dab them, ensuring that all the water trapped in the petals is removed. If you have a lot of flowers, you can tie them in bunches by the stem and hang them up to drip dry. This will ensure that they don't lie flat while drying, which can cause misshapen petals, especially for tulips and roses.

Once the flowers are dry, you can proceed to arrange them on the cake.

Trimming the flowers

Firstly, decide whether you want your flowers to lay flat on the cake or require extra support. If you opt for a flat surface decoration, trim the stems as short as possible. This will ensure that the flowers sit comfortably and securely on the cake without any risk of them falling off.

On the other hand, if your chosen flowers are larger and heavier, you may want to consider keeping the stems longer. This will provide stability and act as an anchor for the flowers, preventing them from toppling over.

For a more creative approach, you can choose to remove the stems altogether. This method is ideal if you want the flowers to appear as if they are blooming directly on the cake's surface. It gives a seamless and natural look to your floral arrangement.

When trimming the stems, use sharp scissors or wire cutters to ensure a clean cut. If you are working with thinner stems, you can also carefully snap them off with your fingers, but be cautious not to damage the petals or leaves.

In addition to trimming the length, you may also want to consider cutting and shaping the stems to create a particular look. For example, you can angle the stems to give the flowers a more dynamic appearance or bend them to create a curved effect. Play around with different angles and shapes to achieve the desired visual appeal.

If you are using floral tape or a foam holder to secure the flowers together, ensure that the stems are trimmed to an appropriate length so that they fit comfortably within the arrangement. You don't want the stems to be too long or too short, as this may affect the overall stability and aesthetics of the floral display.

Remember, the key to successful flower trimming is to plan ahead. Before you start cutting, visualize how you want the final arrangement to look. Consider the size and shape of your cake, the number of flowers you have, and the overall theme or colour scheme. By planning ahead, you can ensure that your flower trimming enhances the beauty of your wedding cake.

Placing the flowers on the cake

Now that you have selected your flowers and prepared them, it is time to place them on the cake. There are two common ways to do this.

The first method involves placing the flowers on the surface of the cake without attaching them. You can use a piece of wax paper to cover the area where the flowers will sit on the cake. Then, use a small amount of buttercream or icing to stick the flower to the wax paper. This method will allow you to remove the flowers easily and prevent any contact between the flowers and the part of the cake that people will eat.

The second method involves embedding part of the flower inside the cake. This is necessary if your flower requires stability. If you are going to use this method, wrap the flower's stem in plastic wrap before inserting it into the cake. Use a small section of plastic wrap to cover the stem, and then stick the stems into the cake one by one in a way that suits your overall design.

If you want to create a floral corsage, you can secure the flowers together with floral tape. If you want the flowers to be used as toppings, assembling them in a foam holder is a better option.

When placing the flowers on the cake, you can be as colourful, unique, or extravagant as you like. You can find a lot of inspiration online or try experimenting on your own. Remember, flowers and cakes pair well, and you can create a beautiful and delicious masterpiece!

Frequently asked questions