Arranging Lifelike Gum Paste Flowers On Wedding Cakes

Gumpaste flowers are a popular choice for wedding cakes, but arranging them can be a daunting task. While there are plenty of tutorials on how to make gumpaste flowers, there is less information available on how to arrange them on a cake. This guide will provide tips and tricks on how to securely and creatively place your gumpaste flowers on a wedding cake. From creating micro-arrangements to choosing the right tools for transportation and attachment, this guide will ensure your gumpaste flowers look beautiful and stay intact.

Group flowers into 'micro' arrangements

Grouping your sugar or gumpaste flowers into micro-arrangements is a crucial step in creating a beautiful and cohesive wedding cake design. Here are some detailed tips to guide you through this process:

Plan your micro-arrangements:

Before you start taping the stems together, visualize how you want your sugar flowers to be arranged on the cake. Consider the size and type of flowers you have created. Larger flowers can be left on their own or paired with a few small leaves. For smaller flowers, buds, and foliage, create varied groups—some compact and short to fill gaps in the arrangement, and others longer or more sparse to add length and movement.

Tape the stems together:

Use floral tape to secure the stems of your sugar flowers into little groups or micro-arrangements. Wrap the tape tightly around the stems, pulling it slightly to activate its stickiness before you begin. Start by taping a few leaves together, then add the flowers, always being mindful of the overall size and weight of the grouping.

Create different sizes and styles:

Variety is essential for a visually appealing arrangement. Create micro-arrangements in different sizes and styles to give your wedding cake a dynamic and natural look. Some groups can be compact and dense, while others are more open and airy. Play with the spacing and angles of the flowers to achieve the desired effect.

Leave some stems loose:

As you create your micro-arrangements, it's a good idea to leave a few stems loose. These individual flowers or foliage can be added to existing groups or used separately to fill in any gaps or accentuate certain areas of the cake.

Consider the weight distribution:

When grouping your flowers, always keep in mind the weight of each micro-arrangement. Place heavier flowers individually or with minimal foliage to avoid putting too much weight in one area. Group smaller flowers together to create lighter arrangements that can be placed together without straining the cake.

Practice and experiment:

Don't be afraid to experiment with different groupings and arrangements. Practice on a polystyrene dummy cake to get a feel for how the flowers will look and fit together. This will give you the confidence to create stunning arrangements when you work on the actual wedding cake.

By following these tips and trusting your creativity, you'll be well on your way to crafting elegant and eye-catching micro-arrangements for your wedding cake. Remember to have fun with the process and let your unique style shine through!

Make a mock-up of your flower arrangement in advance

Making a mock-up of your sugar or gum paste flower arrangement in advance is a great way to ensure that your wedding cake decoration process is stress-free and efficient. Here are some tips to help you create a mock-up effectively:

Start by gathering the necessary materials, such as a piece of styrofoam or a dummy tier, and your collection of sugar or gum paste flowers. You can also refer to your saved inspirational flower arrangement pictures for guidance. It is recommended to do this a few days before the final decoration to give you a better idea of how your flowers will come together.

Begin by loosely placing your flower groups on the styrofoam or dummy tier to see how they fit and complement each other. You don't need to place the flowers too close together, as you just want to get a general idea of the arrangement. This step will also help you check if you have enough flowers and fillers for the cake.

Feel free to be creative and experiment with different arrangements. You can try varying the sizes and types of flowers, as well as adding foliage to create a natural and elegant look. Remember, this is a mock-up, so don't be afraid to make changes until you find an arrangement that you're happy with.

Once you're satisfied with your mock-up, you can start planning the final decoration. Keep in mind that you might need to make some adjustments when you actually place the flowers on the cake, but having a mock-up will give you a good starting point and boost your confidence.

Creating a mock-up arrangement in advance is a helpful technique that will make the process of decorating your wedding cake with sugar or gum paste flowers more enjoyable and less intimidating.

Securely attach flowers to the cake

When it comes to securing gum paste flowers to a cake, there are a few methods you can use. One popular method is to use floral tape to group the stems of the flowers into small bunches, leaving larger flowers on their own or attaching a few leaves to them. You can then insert these bunches into bubble tea straws or regular drinking straws, which will serve as a barrier between the wires and the cake. Make sure to cut the straws to the appropriate length so that they are not visible above the flowers. You can also add a bit of melted candy melts or chocolate inside the straw to help secure the flowers and provide extra stability.

Another option is to use lollipop sticks, which are thin enough to hold individual flowers without overcrowding the cake. For very thin wires, you can bend the wire at different points and then straighten it back out, creating tiny bends that will help hold the wire in place in the lollipop stick. Alternatively, you can wrap the wires of the flowers with cling wrap or foil before inserting them directly into the cake.

If you are using small flowers, you can attach them with a bit of buttercream for buttercream cakes or with candy melts or royal icing for fondant cakes. For medium-sized flowers, you can use melted candy melts, but this works better on fondant than on buttercream.

When arranging the flowers on the cake, start at the centre of the intended arrangement and work outwards, placing smaller pieces that poke out from underneath first, followed by larger flowers. Remember to take into account the weight of the flowers and the stability of the cake, as you don't want your arrangement to be too heavy or create too many holes in the cake.

Allow yourself to be creative

Now that you have the basics down, it's time to let your creativity shine! Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things when arranging your gumpaste flowers on a wedding cake. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to cake decorating, and you can always make adjustments as you go.

If you're feeling stuck, try seeking inspiration from other sources such as Pinterest boards or flower arrangements in nature. Think about incorporating different sizes and shapes of flowers, as well as varied textures of foliage. You can group smaller flowers, buds, and foliage into compact and short arrangements to fill gaps, or create longer and more sparse groupings to add length and movement.

Don't be afraid to bend stems and leaves to add movement and create a more natural feel. Remember, real flowers are not perfect, so a few small breakages can actually add to the authenticity of your design.

When it comes to colour, you can either go for a monochromatic look or experiment with complementary or contrasting colours. You can also try dusting your flowers with pearlized luster dust to give them a subtle shine.

If you're feeling really adventurous, you can even try making your own gumpaste flowers from scratch using a simple recipe with gelatin, water, powdered sugar, cornstarch, and cream of tartar. This will give you even more creative control over the size, shape, and colour of your flowers.

Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process of creating something beautiful. So, don't be afraid to let your creativity run wild!

Prepare your flower arrangement for transportation

Preparing your flower arrangement for transportation is a crucial step in ensuring that your wedding cake arrives at the venue safely and securely. Here are some tips to help you prepare your gumpaste flower arrangement for transportation:

• Slip pieces of bubble wrap or kitchen paper between the flowers to prevent them from knocking against each other during transport.
• Bend or adjust the placement of some buds and leaves to avoid any damage during transport. If necessary, remove any particularly loose or unstable flowers for transport and add them back at the venue.
• Use a sturdy cake board or foam board as a base for the bottom tier of the cake to provide support and stability.
• Chill the cake before transportation to help it hold its shape and prevent it from becoming too soft during the journey.
• Secure each tier of the cake with dowels or straws to prevent shifting or sliding.
• Place the cake in a large, sturdy cake box to protect it from bumps and jostles during transport.
• Drive carefully and avoid sharp turns or sudden stops to minimise the risk of damage to the cake.

Frequently asked questions