Decorating A Wedding Cake: Plastic Icing Techniques For Beginners

Decorating a wedding cake with plastic icing is a fun and creative process. There are many ways to decorate a wedding cake, from using a simple brush embroidery technique to creating intricate sugar craft decorations. You can also use fresh flowers on your wedding cake, but be aware that these are perishable and will need to be added close to the time of presentation. Alternatively, you can use plastic figurines for a retro chic look.

Using a brush embroidery technique

Decorating a wedding cake with plastic icing can be done using a brush embroidery technique. This is created by drawing an outline with royal icing and using a damp brush to pull the icing inwards, resulting in an interesting finish and texture on the smooth icing. You can also emboss various tools into the soft icing to create interesting designs. For example, you can use a ruler to create a simple design to match ribbed stationery, or use flowers and other cutters to make a pretty effect.

Before you start decorating, it's important to have the perfect cake base to work on. You can also collaborate with the florist to use the same flowers for the ceremony on your wedding cake. Be aware that fresh flowers are perishable and will need to be prepared close to the time the cake is presented to avoid wilting.

To create a brush embroidery design, start by outlining the design you wish to create with royal icing. This can be done freehand or with the help of stencils. Once you have your outline, take a damp brush and gently pull the icing inwards, creating a textured and embossed effect. You can experiment with different brush sizes and techniques to achieve a variety of looks.

For a more intricate design, consider using embossing tools to add further detail. Embossing tools come in a variety of shapes and sizes, allowing you to create everything from simple lines to intricate patterns. Gently press the desired tool into the soft icing, taking care not to apply too much pressure and distort the overall design.

The brush embroidery technique is a beautiful and elegant way to decorate a wedding cake with plastic icing. With a little practice and creativity, you can create stunning designs that will impress your guests and add a unique touch to your special day.

Adding flowers

When adding flowers to a wedding cake, it is important to consider the overall design and colour scheme of the cake. You may want to match the flowers to the colour of the icing or choose a contrasting colour to make a statement. You can also use flowers to create a particular theme, such as a rustic or vintage-style wedding.

There are a few different ways to add flowers to a wedding cake. One option is to use floral wire to secure the flowers to the cake. This involves inserting a small piece of floral wire into the stem of each flower and then pushing the wire into the cake. Another option is to use a flower pick, which is a small, thin piece of plastic or metal that is inserted into the stem of the flower and then pushed into the cake. This method is often used for heavier flowers or flowers with thicker stems.

When adding flowers to a wedding cake, it is important to ensure that they are food-safe and non-toxic. This is especially important if you are using fresh flowers, as some flowers may be treated with pesticides or other chemicals that could be harmful. It is also important to remove the flowers before serving the cake, as they are not meant to be eaten.

Using a cake board

A cake board is a sturdy piece of cardboard, coated in a layer of plastic or foil, that's placed underneath the bottom tier of the cake. It's essential for when your cake baker needs to pick up and move the cake during the decorating or delivery process. Before you get onto the decoration, you’ll want to make sure you have the perfect cake base on which to work. You can place each layer of the cake on a cake board, wrapping each layer individually in plastic wrap and then foil, and then freeze until you are ready to crumb coat.

Using buttercream

When using buttercream to decorate a wedding cake, you can create a simple or intricate design. You can spread the buttercream onto the cake to create a textured look, or use special tools to smooth it out. The buttercream can also be grooved, striped or swirled.

Buttercream is made by mixing powdered sugar, butter, milk and a hint of vanilla to create a rich, sweetened cream. Cocoa powder, peanut butter, liquor, lemon juice, and other ingredients can be used to flavour the buttercream, and food colouring can be added to change the colour.

Buttercream is oil-based, so it needs to be refrigerated to prevent it from melting. It should be brought to room temperature 20-30 minutes before serving.

Fresh flowers, hand-piped details, fresh fruit, sprinkles and colourful icing are some of the most popular ways to decorate buttercream cakes. You can also use the same flowers for the ceremony on your wedding cake, but be aware that fresh flowers are perishable and will need to be added close to the time the cake is presented.

Adding sugar craft decorations

When it comes to decorating a wedding cake, there are a few different options to consider. You can use plastic figurines for a retro chic look, or explore sugar craft decorations for something more inventive. Sugar craft decorations can be a fun alternative activity for a hen do.

To create sugar craft decorations, you'll need to work with a sugar paste. You can use a variety of tools to emboss designs into the soft sugar paste, such as a ruler or flower cutters. This will create an interesting texture and design on the cake. For example, you can press a ruler into the sugar paste to create a simple ribbed design that matches your stationery.

Another technique to consider is brush embroidery. This involves drawing an outline with royal icing and using a damp brush to pull the icing inwards, resulting in a unique finish and texture.

When it comes to the actual icing of the cake, there are a few options to consider. You can use a thin mixture of water and powdered sugar to ice the cake, or a thicker mixture for decorations. Buttercream, made from sugar and butter, is another popular option for wedding cakes. It can be used to coat the entire cake or for hand-piped designs. However, keep in mind that buttercream is more susceptible to melting in heat, sunlight, and humidity.

It's also important to properly prepare your cake before decorating. Let the cake layers cool completely, then level, wrap each layer individually in plastic wrap and foil, and place them on a cake board. You can then freeze the layers until you're ready to crumb coat and ice the cake.

Frequently asked questions