Creating Edible Wedding Cake Decorations: A Step-By-Step Guide

Decorating a wedding cake can be a fun activity, but it can also be stressful. Here are some tips and tricks to help you create a beautiful and edible wedding cake.

Firstly, it is important to plan ahead and have all the necessary supplies. This includes making enough frosting and filling to avoid running out midway through decoration. Using cake circles at the base of each tier can also make it easier to stack the tiers and move the cake around.

When it comes to the decorations themselves, there are several options to choose from. Fresh flowers are a classic choice, and it is advisable to use small to medium-sized flowers to create nice clusters. Chocolate is another great option, and creating thin shards of chocolate to put around the cake can be an easy way to achieve a fancy look. Piping is also a useful technique for creating borders or random shapes and patterns.

For a more natural look, edible leaves can be pressed into buttercream to create a stunning and unique design. It is important to source these leaves from a reputable organic supplier to ensure they are safe for consumption.

Finally, don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different colours, textures, and flavours to make your wedding cake truly unique and memorable.

Using fresh flowers

Selecting the Right Flowers:

• Choose flowers that are specifically grown for culinary purposes or are known to be safe for consumption. Examples include roses, pansies, lavender, violas, carnations, peonies, and sunflowers.
• Avoid flowers that are toxic or poisonous, such as lilies, delphinium, yellow jasmine, foxglove, oleander, hydrangeas, anthuriums, and azaleas.
• Opt for organic, pesticide-free flowers, and wash them thoroughly before use. Remove any greenery or stems, as they may contain toxins.
• If using non-edible flowers for decoration, ensure they are not consumed and are removed before the cake is eaten.

Sourcing Edible Flowers:

• Your local wedding cake baker or flower farmer can guide you towards the best sources for edible flowers in your area.
• Look for flowers labelled as food grade, edible, or organic.
• Buy flowers on the day you plan to use them to ensure freshness. If necessary, store them in a dry container in the refrigerator for a day or two.
• Farmers' markets, local restaurants, or bars that use edible flowers in their food may be good sources.
• Some grocery stores sell safe edible flowers in the produce section, but avoid using trimmings from a bouquet.

Preparing the Flowers:

• Wrap the stems of the flowers with floral tape, especially if they will come into contact with the cake or frosting. This prevents any bitter-tasting fluids from leaking into the cake.
• If using bubble tea straws or a cake board to support the flowers, clear options are best to avoid clashing with the cake's colour.
• Wash the flowers thoroughly to remove any pesticides or bugs. Gently shake them to remove excess water and dry them with a soft cloth or paper towel.
• Hang roses and similar flowers upside down to dry to prevent water from collecting between the petals.

Adding Flowers to the Cake:

• Place flowers directly on the cake, using them as garnishes on the tiers or between layers.
• Create floral arrangements by using edible flowers as the focal point or scattering petals for a whimsical touch.
• If using flowers with a strong flavour, consider placing them on a cake board on top of the cake to prevent direct contact. This also makes it easier to remove the flowers before serving.
• Add flowers as close to the event as possible, preferably the same day, as they need water to stay fresh and can wilt quickly.

Adding chocolate shards

How to Make Chocolate Shards

Start by melting your chosen chocolate. You can do this in short bursts in the microwave or by using a bain-marie (a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water). If you want to create a marbled effect, melt each type of chocolate separately.

Once melted, pour the chocolate onto a tray lined with baking parchment or foil. If you are using multiple types of chocolate, drizzle them over each other before the previous layer has a chance to set. Gently shake the tray to level the mixture, then leave it to set somewhere cool.

When the chocolate has set, chop it into shards. You can create different sizes depending on your preference and how you plan to use them.

Attaching the Shards to a Cake

Chocolate shards can be attached to a cake using frosting or melted chocolate as "glue". They can be used to cover imperfections such as a sunken middle or over-baked edges, or simply as a decorative garnish.

Any unused chocolate shards can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a couple of weeks.

Using royal icing

Royal icing is a versatile option for decorating wedding cakes. It is simple to pipe and sets with a hard finish, making it excellent for fine detail work. To make royal icing, you will need the following ingredients:

• Egg whites: These serve as a binding agent, creating a smooth and firm texture, adding volume and stability, and contributing to a glossy finish. It is recommended to use pasteurized eggs or heat-treat the egg whites to reduce the risk of food-borne illnesses.
• Powdered sugar: Also known as confectioners' or icing sugar, it provides sweetness, bulk, and a spreadable consistency. It also acts as a stiffening agent and contributes to the bright white appearance of the icing.
• Lemon juice: This adds a subtle citrus flavour and enhances the taste by cutting through the sweetness of the sugar. It also acts as a stabilizer, preventing the formation of excessively tight bonds in the egg whites and prolonging the shelf life of the icing.
• In a clean stand mixer, whip 4-6 large egg whites on high speed until foamy. You can also add a small amount of lemon juice at this stage and whip for another minute.
• Turn the speed down to low or medium-low and slowly add 4-6 cups of powdered sugar until the icing reaches the desired consistency. You are aiming for a fairly thick frosting that is still smooth and workable for piping details.
• Once the powdered sugar is incorporated, turn the mixer up to medium speed and whip until stiff peaks form.

When using royal icing for wedding cake decorations, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Royal icing can be used to create a variety of effects when piped with different nozzles.
• It is important to prepare the surface of the cake and use jam or buttercream as an adhesive to ensure the icing sits evenly.
• Royal icing is ideal for fine details, such as intricate piping, lacework, or lettering.
• If you plan to cover the entire cake with royal icing, consider using a layer of marzipan or buttercream first to seal in moisture and create a smooth base.
• Royal icing dries hard, so it is not ideal for cutting or consuming in large amounts.
• The drying time for royal icing depends on its thickness and the environment. Thin layers can take 15-30 minutes to form a dry crust and 4-6 hours to dry completely, while thicker layers can take up to 24 hours.
• Royal icing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or frozen for up to three months.
• To use leftover royal icing, allow it to come to room temperature and re-whip it gently to restore its consistency.

Choosing edible glitter

Edible glitter is a great way to add some sparkle to your wedding cake decorations. Here are some tips for choosing the right edible glitter:

• Check the ingredients: Look for edible glitter made from ingredients such as sugar, acacia (gum arabic), carnauba wax, maltodextrin, cornstarch, and colour additives. These are safe to consume and FDA-approved. Avoid products made from plastic or "non-toxic" glitters, as these are not meant to be ingested.
• Consider the colour: Edible glitter comes in a variety of colours, including gold, silver, rainbow, and metallic shades. Choose a colour that complements your wedding cake design and theme.
• Go for a fine glitter: A fine, shiny, water-soluble powder is ideal for creating a stylish metallic finish on your cake. It will give your cake a subtle shimmer without being too overpowering.
• Look for certified products: Opt for edible glitter that is certified kosher and free from common allergens such as gluten, nuts, and dairy. This will ensure that your cake is safe for guests with dietary restrictions.
• Read reviews: Before purchasing, check the reviews to see what other customers have to say about the product. Look for feedback on the quality, taste, and overall appearance of the glitter. This will help you make an informed decision.
• Shop from reputable brands: Choose brands that are known for their edible glitter products, such as Bakery Bling, Oh! Sweet Art, Fancy Sprinkles, and Tinker Dust. These brands offer a variety of colours and sizes to choose from and have positive reviews from customers.
• Compare prices: Edible glitter prices can vary, so be sure to compare prices from different sellers before making a purchase. You can often find deals or discounts when purchasing multiple items or subscribing to a seller's website.

By following these tips, you can choose the perfect edible glitter to add a touch of sparkle and elegance to your wedding cake decorations.

Selecting edible pearls

Selecting the perfect edible pearls to decorate a wedding cake can be a fun and creative process. Here are some tips and factors to consider when making your choice:

• Colour Options: Edible pearls come in a variety of colours, including traditional options like white, silver, and gold, as well as more unique colours like pink, blue, and green. Consider the colour scheme of the wedding and choose pearls that complement it.
• Size and Shape: Edible pearls are available in different sizes, from small 2mm mini pearls to larger 7mm or 10mm options. You can also find different shapes, such as round pearls or elongated sugar pearls that resemble rice grains. The size and shape you choose will depend on the overall design of the cake and the level of detail you want to achieve.
• Mixing and Matching: Don't be afraid to mix and match different colours and sizes of edible pearls to create a unique and eye-catching design. You can also combine edible pearls with other edible decorations like sprinkles, sugar diamonds, or gold leaf to add more texture and glamour to your cake.
• Quantity: When ordering edible pearls, pay attention to the quantity or weight of the product. You want to ensure you have enough pearls to cover the desired area of the cake. This is especially important if you plan to use them as a prominent design element or if your cake has multiple tiers.
• Storage and Packaging: Look for edible pearls that come in resealable containers or jars, especially if you plan to use them for multiple cake projects or need to store them for an extended period before the wedding.
• Ease of Use: Some edible pearls are easier to work with than others. For example, some brands offer a sprinkle pen or a 4-claw sprinkles picker-upper tool that makes it easier to place the pearls precisely where you want them on the cake.
• Taste and Ingredients: While the visual appeal is important, don't forget that these pearls are meant to be eaten! Look for products that have a pleasant taste and are made with food-grade, kosher, or gluten-free ingredients, especially if you need to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• White Pearl Sugar Sprinkles: These classic white pearls come in a variety of sizes and weights, ranging from 4.23oz to 4.58oz. They are perfect for wedding cakes, cupcakes, and cookie decorations.
• Edible Pearlized White Sugar Pearls: For a more iridescent or shimmery effect, these pearlized white sugar pearls will add a subtle shine to your cake decorations.
• Gold and Silver Pearl Mix: Combine traditional gold and silver pearls for a luxurious and elegant touch. These metallic pearls are perfect for adding a bit of glamour to your wedding cake.
• FunCakes Chocolate Crispy Pearls Mix: For a unique twist, try these chocolate crispy pearls. They add both flavour and texture to your cake decorations and are perfect for chocolate lovers!
• Purple Cupcakes Opulence Sugar Pearl Sprinkle Mix: This mix of sugar pearls includes a variety of colours and sizes, allowing you to create a vibrant and opulent design.

Remember to check the ingredients and storage instructions for any product you choose, and always order a little more than you think you need to account for any accidental spills or design changes!

Frequently asked questions