Silk flowers are a great way to add a dramatic look to your wedding cake with minimal effort. They are a long-lasting and low-maintenance alternative to fresh flowers. You can buy silk flowers from your local dollar store or craft store, or online. To make a silk flower wedding cake topper, start by thoroughly washing the flowers with soap and water and allowing them to dry. Cut off the stems of the flowers and insert a bamboo skewer or toothpick into the opening. You can also use plastic straws or small white flower picks to attach the flowers to the cake. Be sure to remove the flowers before eating the cake. With these simple steps, you can create a gorgeous and affordable dessert display for your wedding!
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Materials | Artificial flowers, bamboo skewers or toothpicks, soap, water |
Method | Wash flowers with soap and water, dry, cut off stems, insert skewer or toothpick, place on cake |
Cost | Approximately $3 per cake |
What You'll Learn
Sanitising the flowers
- Start by gathering the necessary supplies: soap, water, and a gentle cleaning cloth or brush. You will also need a clean workspace, such as a kitchen counter or table.
- Fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water and add a few drops of mild soap or detergent. Avoid using hot water as it may damage the silk flowers.
- Gently swish the flowers in the soapy water, taking care not to crush or damage the petals. Use the cloth or brush to gently clean any dirt or dust from the flowers, including the stems and leaves.
- Rinse the flowers thoroughly under running water to remove any soap residue. Again, take care not to damage the petals.
- Shake off any excess water and lay the flowers on a clean towel or paper towel to air-dry. You can also use a hairdryer on a low setting to speed up the drying process gently.
- Once the flowers are completely dry, inspect them closely for any remaining dirt or stains. If necessary, repeat the cleaning process until they are thoroughly sanitised.
- As an optional extra step, you can use a floral spray sealer to create a protective barrier on the flowers. This will help prevent dust and dirt from settling on the flowers and make them easier to maintain.
- Allow the flowers to air-dry completely before handling or storing them.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your silk flowers are clean and safe to use as a wedding cake topper. It is important to sanitise the flowers properly, especially if they will be in close contact with food. A thorough cleaning will also help extend the lifespan of your silk flowers, allowing you to reuse them for future projects or decorations.
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Removing the stems
To make a silk flower wedding cake topper, you'll need to start by removing the stems from your silk flowers. There are a few ways to do this, depending on the look you want for your cake topper and the type of flowers you're using.
One method is to cut off the stems as close to the base of the flower as possible, leaving just the small top part with an opening. This method creates a flat base for your flowers, which can then be attached to your cake topper using toothpicks, bamboo skewers, or floral tape. This technique is simple and straightforward and ensures your flowers will sit securely on your cake.
Alternatively, you can carefully pull the flowers off the stems with your hands, leaving only the flower heads. This technique is useful if you want to attach the flowers directly to the cake using icing or if you want to create a more organic, flowing arrangement. By removing the stems, you have more flexibility in positioning the flowers and can achieve a natural, cascading effect.
If you want to add height and dimension to your cake topper, you can insert bamboo skewers or toothpicks into the openings of the flowers after removing the stems. This allows you to create a dramatic display, especially when covering multiple tiers of a wedding cake.
When working with silk flowers, it's important to ensure they are sanitary, especially if they will be placed on a cake that will be consumed. Therefore, always start by thoroughly washing the flowers with soap and water and allowing them to dry completely before removing the stems or attaching them to your cake topper.
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Choosing the right skewer
Type of Skewer
The most common types of skewers used for cake toppers are toothpicks, bamboo skewers, and dowels. Toothpicks are suitable for smaller, lightweight flowers, while bamboo skewers or dowels are ideal for larger, heavier blooms. Bamboo skewers come in various sizes, so choose the length that best suits your flower size and desired height above the cake. They also add a natural, rustic touch to your topper.
Colour of Skewer
Consider choosing a skewer colour that either blends in with your flowers or complements your wedding colour palette. For a discreet look, opt for clear plastic skewers or straws. If you want something more decorative, you can find skewers in metallic shades like gold or silver, adding a touch of elegance to your topper.
Stability
Ensure that your chosen skewer provides enough stability to hold the silk flowers securely in place. Thicker skewers, such as bamboo skewers or dowels, offer more support than toothpicks. You can also reinforce the connection between the flowers and the skewer by using floral tape or icing. This will prevent the flowers from slipping or falling off the skewers.
Food Safety
Since the skewers will be inserted into the cake, it's essential to consider food safety. Opt for food-safe materials like bamboo or stainless steel. Avoid using materials that may release toxins or affect the taste of the cake. Also, ensure the skewers are new and sterile to prevent any contamination.
Customer Preference
If you're creating the cake topper for a client, be sure to discuss their preferences and any specific requirements they may have. Some clients may prefer certain types of skewers or have allergies to consider. It's also essential to inform them about the materials used, especially if the skewers are not meant to be consumed.
Ease of Removal
Finally, consider how easy it will be to remove the skewers from the cake when it's time to serve. Skewers that are too thick or difficult to remove may cause damage to the cake. Opt for something that can be effortlessly pulled out without disrupting the cake's structure or decoration.
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Using a cone-shaped pick
Firstly, you will need to purchase some artificial flowers. You can find these at your local dollar store or craft store. Before you start, thoroughly wash the flowers with soap and water, and allow them to dry.
Next, cut off the stems of the flowers, or simply pull them off with your hands, so that you are left with just the flower top and an opening. Then, insert a bamboo skewer or toothpick into the opening. If you want to create a more dramatic display, use bamboo skewers as they will allow the flowers to be taller, giving good dimension when covering the cake.
Finally, place the flowers on your cake. Remember to remove them before eating!
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Adding a dab of icing
To do this, simply apply a small amount of icing to the inside of the straw or cone before inserting the flower stem. This will create a more secure hold and ensure that your flowers do not slip out. It also helps to seal the cake, preventing air from reaching it and keeping it fresh.
You can also use icing as an adhesive to attach flowers directly to the cake. This is a good option if you are looking for a more seamless finish, as the flowers will appear to be growing directly out of the cake. Simply squeeze icing onto the cake in different heights and then stick the flowers onto the icing.
If you are using this method, it is important to inform your clients about the presence of the icing, especially if they have any dietary restrictions. Additionally, be sure to use flowers that are specifically designed for cake decorating and are safe for this purpose.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use toothpicks, bamboo skewers, or floral tape to secure the flowers to the cake. Some people also use plastic straws, small white flower picks, or cones to ensure the flowers don't touch the cake.
Yes, it is recommended to thoroughly wash the flowers with soap and water and allow them to fully dry before using them as cake toppers.
Some popular colour combinations include ivory and greenery, white and gold, navy blue and gold, white and sage, and burgundy and dusty blue.
You can find a variety of silk flower wedding cake toppers online on websites such as Etsy, Rinlong Flower, and A Subtle Revelry.
Yes, you can use fresh flowers, sugar flowers, or other types of artificial flowers such as paper flowers or dried flowers.