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

Flowers are a beautiful addition to any wedding cake, and can be used to match the wedding's colour palette or theme. Fresh flowers are a popular choice, but sugar paste flowers are also an option, though they require a lot of skill and time to create. If you're using fresh flowers, it's important to choose flowers that are safe to be placed on a cake, as some flowers are toxic and could make someone sick. You can also use herbs as greenery, as they are safer than flowers like eucalyptus. When adding flowers to a cake, you can use toothpicks, straws, or floral tape to secure the stems and prevent any fluids from leaking into the cake.

Choosing flowers that are safe to eat

When choosing flowers to decorate your wedding cake, it's important to select flowers that are safe to be around food and non-toxic. Here are some tips to help you choose edible flowers for your wedding cake:

• Avoid commercial flowers: Commercially grown flowers are often treated with chemicals such as fertilisers, herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides. These flowers are not safe to be used on cakes as the chemicals can leach into the cake through the petals, leaves, or stems.
• Opt for organic or locally grown flowers: Look for flowers grown without chemicals or sourced directly from a local grower who can assure you of their growing practices. Organic flowers are a safer option, but even then, some allowable pesticides may be used, so it's best to work directly with a grower if possible.
• Choose flowers grown specifically for consumption: Edible flowers from markets or garden centres may be sprayed with pesticides, so it's important to look for labels that indicate they are food-grade, edible, or organic.
• Be mindful of flavour and fragrance: While some flowers have a mild flavour, others may have a strong fragrance or taste that might not pair well with your cake. For example, chive blossoms or flowering cilantro have a strong savoury flavour.
• Prioritise freshness: Buy flowers on the day you plan to use them to ensure they are at their freshest. If needed, you can store them in a dry container in the refrigerator for a day or two, but be aware that they may start to wilt or discolour.
• Candied petals: If you're not a fan of the full flavour of the flowers, you can candy the petals or whole flowers to give them a sugary crunch. Use pasteurised egg whites to avoid any risk of salmonella.
• Be cautious with florists' flowers: While florists rarely carry edible flowers, you can inquire about their growing practices to determine if their flowers are safe for consumption.
• Avoid toxic flowers: Stay away from flowers known to be toxic or harmful, such as lilies, delphiniums, yellow jasmine, foxgloves, oleanders, hydrangeas, anthuriums, and azaleas.
• Pansies
• Roses
• Dahlias
• Mums
• Lilacs
• Bachelor's buttons
• Hibiscus
• Orchids
• Carnations
• Nasturtiums
• Gladiolus flowers
• Squash blossoms
• Campanula
• Borage flowers
• Japanese magnolia blooms
• Columbine
• Stock
• Violets
• Dahlia petals
• Bachelor's button
• Orange cosmos
• Snapdragons
• Flowering herbs (e.g. rosemary, thyme)

Using herbs as greenery

When using herbs as greenery, it's important to ensure they are food-safe and non-toxic. While your guests are unlikely to consume the herbs directly, it's still important to choose herbs that are safe for human consumption. Herbs like thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, sage, and mint are all edible and non-toxic. However, be sure to wash them thoroughly before use to remove any pesticides or bacteria.

Another benefit of using herbs as greenery is that they are usually readily available and can last for hours out of water. This means you won't need to worry about inserting water tubes or florist's vials into your cake. Additionally, herbs have smaller leaves compared to other types of foliage, which often look better on a cake.

If you want to insert herb stems into the cake, it's recommended to poke a hole in the cake with a cocktail stick first and then wrap the stems in plastic wrap before inserting them. This will help keep your cake looking neat and prevent the stems from directly touching the cake.

Inserting flowers using straws

Inserting flowers into wedding cakes using straws is a great way to add some gorgeous decoration to your wedding cake. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Choosing the Right Straws

Use bubble tea straws, which are thick, plastic straws that can easily be inserted into the cake. Clear straws are preferable, as they will be almost invisible if they are not fully inserted into the cake.

Step 2: Preparing the Straws

Cut the straws to a few inches in length. You will need one straw for each flower you plan to insert into the cake.

Step 3: Inserting the Straws into the Cake

Insert the straws into the cake at the desired angle, pressing them fully into the cake. Be sure to insert the straws straight down into the cake to ensure they can bear the weight of the flowers.

Step 4: Preparing the Flowers

Choose flowers that are safe and non-toxic, such as carnations, mums, roses, and spray roses. Avoid flowers like ranunculus, peonies, and eucalyptus, as parts of them can cause stomach upset. Wash and dry the flowers thoroughly to remove any pesticides or other chemicals. You can also use edible flowers that have not been treated with pesticides, such as chamomile or peonies.

Step 5: Inserting the Flowers into the Straws

Trim the stems of the flowers, leaving just a few inches of stem attached to the flower. Carefully slip the flower stem into the opening of the straw. Be sure the base of the flower is not touching the cake.

By following these steps, you can safely and securely add fresh flowers to your wedding cake using straws. This method will enhance the beauty of your cake and make it truly special for your big day.

Creating a cascading effect

Choosing Flowers and Greenery:

• Select flowers that are non-toxic and safe, as they will be very close to the cake. Good choices include carnations, mums, roses, and spray roses.
• If you want to include edible flowers, opt for pansies, lilacs, and lavender, which are more readily available during the summer.
• Avoid using ranunculus, peonies, and eucalyptus, as parts of these flowers can cause stomach upset if consumed.
• For a natural look, consider adding leaves or herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves, which can be inserted individually or wired together to create a branch.

Preparing the Flowers:

• Cut the stems off the flowers at the base of the bloom.
• Insert a toothpick into the hole where the stem was, ensuring it doesn't touch the flower's base.
• If you prefer, you can use floral tape to wrap the stems, especially if they will come into contact with the cake or frosting.
• For a cascading bouquet, arrange the flowers with the tallest, cascading stems at the bottom, the blooms around the perimeter in the middle, and the top flowers in a straight horizontal line.

Attaching the Flowers to the Cake:

• Decide on the shape of your cascade: a full circle around the cake, a straight diagonal line, a snaking cascade down the front, or a cascade draping down the middle tiers.
• For a cascading effect, use graduated sizes of flowers, with the biggest at the bottom and the smallest at the top.
• Place the flowers diagonally across the cake tiers to create a flowing, natural look.
• If you want a maximalist look, use plenty of flowers to achieve a filled-to-the-brim effect.
• For a minimalist style, space out the flowers a bit more, focusing on a few well-placed blooms.

Timing and Freshness:

• Fresh flowers can last 6-8 hours with refrigeration and a few hours without it once inserted into the cake.
• It is best to add fresh flowers to the cake on the same day as the wedding to prevent wilting.

By following these steps, you can create a beautiful and elegant cascading flower effect on your wedding cake!

Using fresh flowers vs. sugar flowers

Using fresh flowers on a wedding cake is a beautiful and elegant way to decorate it. They are perfect for a relaxed, natural look and can be used to match the wedding flowers. Fresh flowers are also an inexpensive way to elevate a simple cake. However, it is important to ensure that the flowers are food-safe and non-toxic. Many popular flowers, such as peonies, hydrangeas, and baby's breath, are actually poisonous. Fresh flowers may also have been sprayed with pesticides or contain dirt or insects if they have been organically grown. Therefore, it is recommended to use organic, edible flowers or place a barrier between the flowers and the cake.

Sugar flowers, on the other hand, are made of edible materials and can be safely consumed. They are created using gumpaste, fondant, wafer paper, or bean paste, and painstakingly hand-dusted with edible petal dusts to create natural shading. Sugar flowers can be customised to any colour, size, and style and can be made to match the wedding theme. They are also not limited by seasonality, so couples can have their favourite flowers on their wedding cake regardless of the time of year. Sugar flowers are delicate and can be quite pricey due to the technical skill and time required to create them. However, they last forever and can be kept as a keepsake to remember the wedding day.

Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer when choosing between fresh and sugar flowers for a wedding cake. Both options have their pros and cons, and couples should make an informed decision based on their preferences, budget, and specific circumstances.

Frequently asked questions