Assembling Flowers On Wedding Cakes: A Step-By-Step Guide

Flowers and cakes are a match made in heaven, but assembling flowers on a wedding cake can be a nerve-wracking task. The process requires careful planning and execution to ensure the end result is both beautiful and safe to consume. Here are some essential tips to help you assemble flowers on a wedding cake like a pro.

Choosing flowers: Opt for non-toxic, edible flowers, such as roses, carnations, pansies, and sunflowers

When choosing flowers for a wedding cake, it is important to opt for non-toxic, edible flowers. This ensures that the flowers are safe to be placed on the cake and can even be eaten by the guests. While fresh flowers are often used, dried flowers can also be a great option, especially if you want to include more delicate blooms like pansies. Here are some of the best edible flowers to choose from:

Roses

Edible roses are a popular choice for wedding cakes. They come in a variety of colours, including pink, red, white, and blue. You can find them made from sugar paste or gumpaste, which is perfect for creating realistic-looking flowers that can be placed on the cake as decorations. These edible roses are often used as cupcake toppers or cake toppers and can be purchased in a variety of sizes, from small to large.

Carnations

Carnations are another beautiful and edible flower that can be used to decorate a wedding cake. They have a delicate appearance and a sweet flavour, making them perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your cake. Carnations come in a range of colours, including pink and white, and can be purchased as gumpaste flowers or dried edible petals.

Pansies

Pansies are small, delicate flowers that come in a variety of vibrant colours. They are a great option for adding a pop of colour to your wedding cake. Freeze-dried pansies are a popular choice, as they maintain their original shape, flavour, and nutrients while also offering a long shelf life. These flowers can be used to decorate cakes, cupcakes, and custom sugar cookies, adding a touch of sophistication to your dessert.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers are a cheerful and bold choice for a wedding cake, especially for summer and fall weddings or rustic-themed celebrations. Fresh sunflowers are edible and can be placed directly on the cake, adding a unique touch to your dessert. If you're looking for something more subtle, you can also press the sunflowers for a dried floral look or pipe buttercream florals for a sunflower design.

Prepping flowers: Clean and dry artificial flowers, or keep fresh flowers in water until the last minute

Preparing flowers for a wedding cake involves some careful planning and handling. Here are some detailed steps to ensure your flowers are ready for the big day:

Cleaning and Drying Artificial Flowers:

Start by taking your artificial flowers outside. Give them a good shake to remove any loose dust and dirt. You can also gently hit them with an open hand to dislodge built-up dust. Be careful not to damage the petals and stems, especially if they have intricate designs.

Next, rinse the flowers under cool water. Be gentle to avoid breaking down any adhesives in the stems. Hold them in a way that allows water to run over all parts, including petals and leaves. Cradle the petals if you're concerned about them getting damaged in the flow of water. Shake off excess water, then wrap the flowers loosely in a towel to absorb moisture.

Finally, lay the flowers on a towel or stand them upright in a vase to dry completely. This shouldn't take more than a couple of hours in a well-ventilated room.

Keeping Fresh Flowers in Water:

If you're using fresh flowers, it's important to keep them hydrated and fresh until it's time to assemble the cake. Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle to improve water absorption. Place the flowers in clean, cool water as soon as possible after cutting to rehydrate the blooms.

Change the water daily to keep it clean and free of bacteria. Each time you change the water, recut the stems to promote better water absorption. Store the flowers in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources, to slow down wilting.

If you're using a vase, make sure to clean it thoroughly before refilling it with fresh water to prevent bacterial growth. Additionally, mist the flowers with water or a flower preservative spray to keep them hydrated, especially if it's a warm or dry day.

By following these steps, you'll have clean artificial flowers or fresh blooms ready for your wedding cake!

Using a cake board: Place a frosting-covered board on top of the cake to avoid direct contact with flowers

Using a cake board is a great way to add flowers to a wedding cake without the hassle of wrapping stems or pulling off each flower before serving. This method involves placing a frosting-covered board on top of the cake to avoid direct contact with flowers. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Prepare your cake: Start by baking and frosting your wedding cake. You can use a simple sheet cake or create a more elaborate tiered cake. Ensure the frosting is smooth and even, creating a stable base for your cake board.
• Choose the right cake board: Select a grease-proof cardboard cake round that is slightly smaller than the top tier of your wedding cake. This will ensure a neat finish and prevent the board from sliding off.
• Frost the cake board: Just like you would frost a cake, apply a layer of frosting to the cake board. You can use the same frosting that you used for the cake to create a cohesive look.
• Place the cake board on the cake: Gently place the frosted cake board on top of the cake, centering it carefully. This will create a flat, frosted surface that provides a base for your flowers.
• Add flowers to the cake board: Now, you can start arranging your flowers on the cake board. You can use fresh flowers or sugar paste flowers, depending on your preference. If using fresh flowers, ensure they are food-safe and non-toxic, such as carnations, roses, or spray roses.
• Create your floral arrangement: Begin with larger blooms to establish shape and balance, then add smaller buds and stems to create movement. Play with different heights and textures to achieve a lush and romantic look. You can also add greenery, such as thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves, for added interest and colour.
• Transport and display the cake: If you need to transport the cake, do so with care to avoid disturbing the floral arrangement. Display the cake on a suitable cake stand or table, ensuring it is stable and secure.
• Remove the flowers before serving: When it's time to serve the cake, simply remove the flowers by lifting off the cake board with a large offset spatula. This will reveal the pristine cake beneath, ready for slicing and serving.

Using a frosting-covered cake board is a convenient way to add flowers to a wedding cake while keeping the cake itself untouched. This method simplifies the process, reduces the risk of contamination, and makes it easier to serve the cake without disturbing the floral arrangement.

Flower placement: Start with the largest blooms, then add smaller buds and stems for balance and movement

When assembling flowers on a wedding cake, it's important to start with the largest blooms first. This will help you establish a sense of shape and balance. After that, you can add smaller buds and stems to create movement and flow. Here are some tips to help you achieve a beautiful and elegant floral arrangement on your wedding cake:

Start by finding inspiration:

Before you begin, it's a good idea to look for inspiration and create a plan. Browse Pinterest, wedding blogs, or floral design websites to find examples of cake flower designs that you like. Pay attention to the sizes, shapes, and colours of the blooms used. Having a reference or inspiration photo will guide you in deciding where to place your flowers. Remember, once the flowers are placed on the icing, it will be difficult to move them without causing smudges, so having a plan is essential.

Prepare the flowers:

When choosing flowers for your wedding cake, opt for non-toxic and food-safe varieties. Examples include carnations, roses, spray roses, pansies, lavender, and herbs like thyme and rosemary. Avoid flowers that are toxic or have been treated with pesticides. If you're using fresh flowers, make sure they are kept in water until the last minute to ensure they stay fresh.

Cut the stems:

Cut the stems of your flowers to the appropriate length, leaving about 2 inches attached to the blooms. This will ensure that the flowers stay securely on the cake without the risk of falling off. If you have shorter stems or blooms that have fallen off, you can use floral wire or wooden skewers to create a makeshift stem that can be poked into the cake.

Place the largest blooms first:

Begin by placing the largest blooms on the cake. These will act as your anchor flowers and help you establish the overall shape and balance of the floral arrangement. Place them in a way that creates a sense of movement and avoids creating a bullseye effect in the centre of the cake. Ensure you have a good range of colours, including 2-3 blooms in your darkest shade to add depth.

Add smaller buds and stems:

Once the largest blooms are in place, fill in the gaps with smaller buds and stems. These will create a sense of movement and balance, radiating out from the larger blooms. Play around with different textures and shapes to add interest and dimension to your arrangement. Remember to step back and take photos as you work to evaluate your progress and make any necessary adjustments.

Incorporate greenery:

Add sprigs of greenery to enhance the overall design and create movement. Choose hardy varieties with waxy leaves and stems, such as Italian Ruscus, Leatherleaf Fern, or Olive Branch. Greenery can also help to hide any accidental smudges or imperfections on the icing.

By following these steps and paying attention to the placement of the largest blooms, smaller buds, and stems, you can create a stunning and elegant floral arrangement on your wedding cake.

Flower tape and holders: Wrap stems in floral tape or use foam holders to secure flowers together

To assemble flowers on a wedding cake using flower tape and holders, you can follow these steps:

First, cut a piece of floral tape to the desired length, usually around 2 to 3 inches. Floral tape is an adhesive tape specially designed for binding and securing flowers and foliage in arrangements. It is made of a stretchy and flexible material, which makes it ideal for shaping and holding your flower arrangement together.

Next, start wrapping the tape tightly around the stems of the flowers, beginning at the bottom and working your way up. As you wrap, slightly stretch the tape and ensure it covers the entire stem. Once you reach the top, tear or cut the tape and press the end down to secure it. This will prevent any flower fluids from leaking into the cake.

If you are using foam holders, you can cut the foam into any desired shape or purchase pre-shaped forms such as cones, spheres, or wreaths. Soak the foam in water for about 2 minutes before use, and be sure to use it within 1 to 2 weeks as soaked foam cannot be re-wet. When inserting flowers into the foam, cut the stems at a sharp slant to create a secure fit. Carefully insert the stems about 1 to 1.5 inches into the wet foam for vertical stems, and 1.5 to 2 inches for horizontal stems.

By using floral tape or foam holders, you can securely assemble flowers on a wedding cake, ensuring a beautiful and elegant display.

Frequently asked questions