Creating A Floral Wedding Cake Topper: A Step-By-Step Guide

Floral wedding cake toppers are a beautiful touch of elegance for any wedding cake. They are a great alternative to traditional cake toppers and can be made with real or artificial flowers. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, creating a stunning floral wedding cake topper is a fun and rewarding project. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of making a floral wedding cake topper, from choosing the right flowers to assembling and securing them on your cake. We will also explore different design ideas and offer tips for a flawless cake-making experience. By the end, you'll be able to create a beautiful and elegant floral wedding cake topper that will impress your guests and make your special day even more memorable.

Choosing the right flowers

Edibility

If you plan to use real flowers, it is essential to choose edible flowers that are certified as food-safe, especially if they will come into direct contact with the cake. This ensures that your guests can safely consume the flowers along with the cake. Untreated and pesticide-free flowers are ideal for this purpose.

Artificial Alternatives

If you prefer to use artificial flowers, it is important to ensure they are free from harmful dyes or coatings. High-quality artificial flowers made from silk or other materials can be a long-lasting and low-maintenance option for your cake topper. They provide the advantage of not wilting or needing refrigeration.

Colour Coordination

Consider the colour palette of the wedding when selecting your flowers. Choose flowers that complement the wedding theme and the bride's bouquet. For example, opt for pastel shades for spring weddings or rich reds and golds for autumn-themed celebrations. You can also use complementary colours to make the flowers stand out against the cake.

Flower Type and Size

Select flowers that are in season and suit the style of your wedding. For a rustic or boho-themed wedding, consider using wildflowers such as daisies, cornflowers, and lavender. For a more elegant or modern wedding, a single statement flower like a peony or orchid can make a stunning impact. Combine flowers of different sizes and textures to add visual interest and create a natural effect.

Placement and Stability

When choosing flowers for your cake topper, consider how you will place and secure them. Flowers with longer, flexible stems can be bent to conform to the shape of your cake or topper base. Using floral tape or food-grade floral picks can help stabilise the flowers and prevent direct contact with the cake, ensuring food safety.

Personalisation

You can also incorporate personal touches by choosing flowers that hold special meaning for the couple. Whether it's the bride's favourite flower, a flower that matches the wedding colours, or a flower with cultural significance, adding a personalised element will make your floral cake topper even more memorable.

Preparing the flowers

The first step in making a floral wedding cake topper is to choose your flowers. You can use real, edible flowers, or opt for artificial flowers or sugar-crafted flowers. If you choose real flowers, make sure they are untreated and pesticide-free, especially if they will be in direct contact with the cake. You can find fresh, edible flowers at your local market or online. If you go for artificial flowers, silk flowers or high-quality artificial roses are a good choice and can be purchased from craft stores or online retailers. Sugar flowers can be purchased pre-made or made yourself using fondant and food colouring.

Once you have your flowers, it's time to start preparing them for the cake topper. If you are using fresh flowers, cut the stems cleanly at the base and rinse the blossoms with fresh water to remove any dirt or impurities. Gently pat the flowers dry with a paper towel or a clean cloth. If you're using artificial or sugar flowers, you can skip this step.

Now, it's time to arrange your flowers. Lay out your blossoms on a clean surface and play around with different arrangements until you find one that you like. If you're using a combination of flowers and greenery, try to balance them out, placing larger flowers towards the back and filling in gaps with smaller blooms and leaves. You can also add in some accent flowers or greens at this point for extra colour and texture. Remember to consider the size and shape of your cake when creating your arrangement.

When you're happy with your arrangement, it's time to start assembling your cake topper. If you're using fresh flowers, wrap the stems with floral tape for hygiene. You can then arrange the flowers directly on the cake, starting with your central blossom and gently pressing it into the frosting. Build outwards from there, filling in gaps as you go. If you're using artificial or sugar flowers, you may need to use toothpicks, flower picks, or floral wires to secure them to the cake.

For a more complex design, you could create a floral hoop cake topper. To do this, you'll need a hoop (preferably one that is the right size for your cake), preserved flowers and leaves, scissors, a curved needle, tweezers, and "invisible" thread (a nylon sewing thread). Arrange your flowers and leaves on the hoop, visualising where you want your design to go. Then, start attaching the pieces to the hoop by tying them on with the thread. You can also use glue, but be careful as it can be messy and may not hold as securely.

With your flowers prepared and arranged, you're now ready to move on to the next step of creating your floral wedding cake topper.

Arranging the flowers

Before you begin arranging the flowers, it is essential to clean and prepare your blossoms. Cut the rose buds at the base of the blossoms and rinse them with fresh water to ensure they are clean. Pat the blossoms dry before sorting them out on a clean countertop. This preparation will ensure that your flowers are ready for arrangement and will help extend their lifespan.

Now, it's time to get creative! Start by arranging the flowers on your countertop, next to the cake. Play around with different compositions and shapes until you find one that you like. This step will allow you to visualise your design and make any necessary adjustments without messing up the cake frosting. Try to arrange them in the general shape that you want them to appear on the cake.

Once you are happy with your arrangement, it's time to start placing the flowers on the cake. Begin with your central blossom and press it gently into the top of the cake. Then, build outwards from the corners, filling in the gaps as you go. Be sure to be gentle as you press the blossoms onto the frosting, as you don't want to damage the cake.

As you work, step back and look at the cake from different angles to ensure it looks perfect from all sides. You can also add any accent greens or flowers at this stage to fill in any gaps and enhance the overall design. Remember to take your time and make adjustments as needed to create a well-balanced and visually appealing composition.

Finally, take a last look at the cake from all angles to ensure you are happy with the final result. Then, quickly return the cake to a cooler to keep it fresh until it is ready to be served. Your guests will surely be impressed by your floral artistry and the beautiful floral wedding cake topper you have created!

Securing the flowers

Using Floral Tape and Picks：

• Clean and trim the flower stems to the desired length. Wrap the stems with floral tape to maintain hygiene and give a neat appearance.
• For heavier flowers or more complex arrangements, consider using flower picks or floral wires. Insert the picks or wires into the stems to provide additional support and make it easier to secure them to the cake.

Arranging the Flowers:

• Before placing the flowers on the cake, arrange them on a clean countertop to get an idea of the desired shape and composition. Play around with different flower types, sizes, and colours to create a visually appealing design.
• Start by placing the central blossom gently on top of the cake. Build outwards from the corners, filling in the gaps as you go. Be gentle when pressing the flowers onto the frosting to avoid damaging the cake.
• Step back and observe the cake from different angles to ensure it looks perfect from all sides. Add any accent greens or flowers to fill in any gaps and enhance the overall composition.

Using Invisible Thread:

• Choose a hoop that fits the size of your cake. You can find these hoops in craft stores or online.
• Select a variety of preserved flowers and leaves in your desired colours and styles. Preserved flowers are treated with a special solution to keep them supple and prevent decomposition.
• Cut the stems of the flowers and leaves to the desired length using scissors. Use a larger pair of scissors for thicker stems and a smaller pair for trimming leaves and making precise cuts.
• Use "invisible" thread, a nylon sewing thread, to tie the flowers and leaves to the hoop. This thread is almost invisible and will securely attach the flowers without being noticeable.
• Start by tying the longest pieces of foliage first, working from the back of the design. Overlap the stems as you go, and group pieces together to attach multiple stems with a single thread.
• Tie each piece securely with a double knot, cutting the thread ends close to the knot to prevent it from coming undone.
• For a more complex arrangement, use a curved needle to help manoeuvre the thread around the hoop and previously tied stems. This is especially helpful when adding subsequent flowers and leaves.

Tips and Troubleshooting:

• If you're using fresh flowers, refrigerate them in a sealed container with damp paper towels until you're ready to use them. This will help keep them vibrant and fresh.
• If you're using buttercream frosting, be cautious of flowers shedding small pieces that could stick to the cake. Ganache or fondant-covered cakes are better options for this type of decoration.
• If you're travelling with the cake, it's best to attach the floral topper at your destination. If attachment is necessary beforehand, use small dabs of matching frosting to secure the topper, allowing it to dry before transport.

Transporting the cake

Transporting a cake can be a nerve-racking experience, but with the right preparation, you can ensure that your floral wedding cake arrives at its destination safely and securely. Here are some detailed tips for transporting your cake:

Use a Cake Carrier or Box:

• Invest in a cake carrier specifically designed for transporting cakes. These carriers provide safe and secure transport and can accommodate various cake sizes.
• If you don't want to purchase a cake carrier, you can use a cardboard box. Ensure the box is the same size as the cake base to prevent sliding. Line the box with a non-skid shelf liner or a cutting board stabilizer to keep the cake from moving around.

Prepare Your Vehicle:

• Determine how much room you have in your vehicle. If you have a small car, consider transporting the cake in sections and stacking the tiers at the venue.
• Transport the cake on a flat surface, such as the floorboards or trunk. Avoid placing it on car seats or laps, as they are not level and can cause the cake to slide or tilt.
• Use padding, such as a yoga mat, towel, or non-slip mat, to absorb shock and provide a stable surface for the cake.
• If transporting in the trunk, ensure the weather is cool or use air conditioning to regulate the temperature.

Assemble and Secure the Cake:

• If your cake has multiple tiers, transport them individually and assemble them at the venue.
• Use supports or dowels in the cake for stability, especially if it is stacked or tiered.
• Secure the cake with a centre dowel to prevent it from toppling over.
• Wrap the cake stand or base with floral tape to ensure hygiene and prevent sliding.

Plan Your Trip:

• Give yourself plenty of time and drive slowly, especially when turning corners or navigating bumps.
• Transport the cake chilled to firm it up, especially if it is a buttercream or cream cheese cake.
• Bring an emergency kit with tools and supplies for repairs or last-minute touch-ups.

Remember to scope out your route beforehand, drive carefully, and always ensure your cake is on a level surface during transport. With these tips, you can confidently deliver your floral wedding cake topper safely and impress your guests!

Frequently asked questions