Creating Fondant Bow For Wedding Cake Perfection

A fondant bow is a fun way to add a touch of cuteness to your wedding cake. It's a versatile decoration that can be made in any colour and size to match your cake. Fondant bows can be assembled directly on the cake or ahead of time, using a fondant circle as a base. Gumpaste can also be used to make the bow, which dries quicker and can be rolled thinner for a more realistic look. You can also add fun designs and patterns to your bow, such as polka dots, stripes, and stars.

Choosing the right materials: fondant or gumpaste

When it comes to choosing the right materials for your wedding cake bow, you have two main options: fondant or gumpaste. Both have their advantages and unique characteristics, so the right choice will depend on the specific look and functionality you desire.

Fondant is a ready-to-roll soft paste that is commonly used as a covering for cakes. It can be laid over buttercream, ganache, or marzipan and is known for its sweet taste. Fondant is a good option if you want a soft and versatile bow that is easy to work with and readily available. It can be rolled out and cut into strips to create the loops and tails of the bow, and it can also be coloured and designed with patterns like polka dots, stripes, or stars. Fondant dries overnight in most climates, but if you have trouble getting your loops to dry, you can add Gum-Tex or mix in some gumpaste.

On the other hand, gumpaste, also known as floral paste, is a super stretchy paste that can be rolled out very thinly. It dries quickly and sets completely solid, making it ideal for creating intricate details and sugar flowers. Gumpaste is a good choice if you want a more realistic-looking bow that holds its shape well. However, because it sets solid, it can be fragile, so extra care is needed when handling gumpaste pieces.

For the best of both worlds, you can also combine fondant and gumpaste, using a half-fondant, half-gumpaste mixture. This combination allows more time to work with the paste before it dries and can create a firmer bow that still has some of the characteristics of fondant.

Cutting out the pieces

The first step in creating your bow is to cut out the individual pieces that will form the bow shape. The number of pieces you need will depend on the size and style of the bow you want to create. For a simple bow, you will need at least three pieces: two for the loops and one for the centre. If you want to create a more elaborate bow with tails, you will need additional pieces.

When cutting out the pieces, it is important to roll the fondant or gumpaste out thinly. This will give your bow a delicate, fabric-like appearance. Aim for a thickness of around 1/8 of an inch or less. If you are using gumpaste, you may be able to roll it out even thinner, to around 1mm or less.

Once you have rolled out the fondant or gumpaste, you can start cutting out the pieces. For a simple bow, cut out two rectangular pieces for the loops. These should be roughly 2 1/2 inches by 6 inches, although you can adjust the size depending on how large you want your bow to be. If you want to create a more intricate bow, you can cut out thinner strips, or even use a fondant ribbon cutter to create strips with embossed designs.

In addition to the loops, you will need a small piece for the centre of the bow. This should be roughly 2 1/2 inches by 2 1/2 inches. You will also need to cut out two tails, which can be the same width as the loops but with a longer length. You can cut the ends of the tails into a V-shape or a 45-degree angle to create a fishtail effect.

If you want to create a bow that wraps all the way around your cake, you will need to cut an additional piece of fondant or gumpaste. This piece should be long enough to go around the circumference of your cake, with a width that matches the other pieces of your bow.

Assembling the bow

To assemble the bow, start by cutting out the individual pieces. The number of pieces will depend on the size and style of the bow you want to create. For a basic bow, you will need at least six pieces: two for the main bow loops, one for the centre, two for the tails, and one for the "knot" in the middle.

For a neater and more realistic-looking bow, it is recommended to keep each part the same width. This makes it look like the bow has been tied with a single piece of ribbon. The length of the pieces can vary depending on the desired size of your bow. For example, the main bow loops can be cut into rectangular shapes measuring about 2 1/2" by 6", while the tails can be cut to the same width but with a varying length, depending on the look you want to achieve.

Once you have all your pieces cut out, it's time to start assembling. Begin by creating the loops for the main bow. Take one of the rectangular pieces and brush one side with water. Then, take a paper towel and roll it into a tube shape. Insert this inside the rectangle to help open up the loop. Now, carefully fold the rectangle from one end to the other, pinching the ends together to secure the loop. Repeat this process for the second loop. If you want to speed up the drying process, you can stuff the loops with crushed facial tissue before setting them aside to dry.

Next, create the "knot" for the centre of the bow. Take a piece of fondant or gumpaste and cut it to a size that will fit snugly in the centre of your bow loops, such as 2 1/2" by 2 1/2". Fold the two ends of this piece about 1/4" inside, then turn it over and make some creases in the middle to give it a more natural, fabric-like appearance.

Now, it's time to assemble all the pieces together. Take your two loops and place them side by side, with the pinched sides facing each other. Brush the underside of the "knot" piece with water or gum glue, and carefully place it on top of the pinched ends of the loops, tucking it underneath to secure it in place.

Finally, create the tails of the bow. Cut two rectangular pieces to the desired length, making sure the width matches the rest of the bow. If you want a fancier look, you can cut one end of the tails into a "V" shape or at a 45-degree angle to create a fish-tail effect. Pinch the uncut ends together, and cover the tails with a plastic sheet to prevent them from drying out too quickly.

Let all the components of the bow dry completely until they hold their shape. You can even brush the bow with luster dust to add some sparkle. When you're ready to attach the bow to your cake, use buttercream or royal icing to secure the tails in place first, then carefully place the bow on top, either lying down or standing up, depending on your preference.

Adding the finishing touches: sparkles, polka dots, stripes, etc

Once you have shaped your fondant bow and allowed it to dry, it's time to add some extra sparkle. There are several edible products you can use to add some glamour and fun to your wedding cake.

A simple way to add some sparkle is to use sanding or coarse sugar. These sugars have larger grains than regular granulated sugar, and their visible edges catch the light to create a sparkling effect. They come in a variety of colours, as well as clear, which looks like tiny glass specks. Simply sprinkle the sugar over the fondant while the icing is still wet. If the icing has dried, brush a thin layer of gel or icing onto the area and then add the sugar.

For a more subtle shimmer, you can use luster dust. This product comes in a range of colours, including gold, silver, and bronze, and can be applied to dried fondant or gum paste to create a realistic sparkle. Mix the luster dust with a small amount of alcohol to create a paint, or use it dry, being careful to cover any areas you don't want to be glittered.

If you're looking for something a little more magical, try using edible glitter. This product will give your cake a fairy-dust-like sparkle. Simply sprinkle the glitter over fresh buttercream, or use a paintbrush to apply it to dried fondant, gum paste, or chocolate.

For an all-over glittery finish, consider using an edible metallic spray. These sprays come in gold, silver, copper, and bronze and can be applied to fondant, buttercream, or gum paste. Start with a base colour similar to your chosen spray, such as grey for a silver accent, and hold the can about a foot away from the surface. Spray evenly and completely, and apply a second coat if needed.

With these techniques, you can add some extra sparkle and glamour to your fondant bow, creating a truly spectacular wedding cake.

Placing the bow on the cake

Once you have created your bow, it's time to place it on your cake. This can be a delicate process, so it's important to take your time and handle the bow carefully. Here is a step-by-step guide to placing your fondant bow on your wedding cake:

Firstly, ensure your cake is prepared and ready to receive the bow. You may wish to ice the cake first, creating a smooth surface for the bow to sit on. It is important that the cake is stable and not too soft, so the fondant bow has something solid to adhere to. If you are using a tiered cake, like the one in the tutorial, ensure your tiers are securely stacked and supported before adding any decorations.

Next, decide on the placement of the bow. You can place the bow in the centre of the cake, slightly off to one side, or even at an angle. Consider the overall design of your cake and the impact you want the bow to have. If you are using other decorations, such as fondant ribbons or flowers, take these into account when positioning the bow.

Now, it's time to attach the bow. Gently lift it and position it on the cake. If you made the bow in advance, you can use buttercream or royal icing to secure it to the cake. Place a small amount of icing on the underside of the bow, or on the cake itself, and gently press the bow into place. Be careful not to press too hard, as you may distort the shape of your cake or the bow.

If your bow has separate tails, as described in one of the tutorials, you can attach these first, positioning them as you wish, and then place the bow on top. Again, use a small amount of icing to secure the tails in place.

Finally, stand back and admire your handiwork! The fondant bow will add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your wedding cake, and you can be proud of your cake decorating skills!

Frequently asked questions