Strawberry Tower Tutorial For Your Wedding

Strawberry towers are a decadent dessert idea that can be a beautiful and elegant addition to any wedding. They are referred to as the 'queen of fruits' and can be customised to suit the unique personalities of the bride and groom.

A strawberry tower can be made at home with a Styrofoam florist's cone. The tower can be decorated with organic roses and macarons, and the strawberries should be dipped in vanilla candy wafers or white chocolate, leaving a small portion uncovered. The tower should be placed on a serving plate or cake stand and can be prepared a day in advance.

Strawberries are not only delicious but also offer several health benefits, including boosting short-term memory and reducing the risk of heart attacks. They are a perfect choice for a warm-weather wedding, adding a light and bright touch to the reception.

Choosing strawberries

Strawberries are a delicious and versatile fruit that can be grown in a variety of settings, including towers for space-saving and decorative purposes. When choosing strawberries for your tower, there are several factors to consider, such as the variety, size, and health of the plants. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for selecting the best strawberries for your tower:

• Variety: The type of strawberries you choose will depend on your specific needs and growing conditions. If you are creating an indoor tower, it is recommended to select a day-neutral variety, such as Albion strawberries, which fruit continuously throughout the year. For outdoor towers, you have more options, including everbearing or June-bearing varieties. Consider your climate and the amount of sunlight your tower will receive when making your selection.
• Size: When choosing strawberry plants, look for those that are healthy and have a good root system. Avoid plants that are too small or leggy, as they may struggle to establish themselves in the tower. Select plants with vibrant, green foliage and a well-developed root system.
• Health: It is important to inspect the strawberry plants for any signs of pests or diseases before adding them to your tower. Look for plants with unblemished leaves and no signs of damage or discoloration. Avoid plants with yellowing leaves, spots, or other indications of pest infestation.
• Soil Requirements: Strawberries prefer well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. When selecting plants, consider their soil preferences and choose a potting mix that meets their needs. A blend of potting soil, compost, or time-release fertilizer can provide the necessary nutrients for healthy plant growth.
• Watering Needs: Strawberries require consistent moisture to thrive. Ensure that your tower is equipped with an efficient watering system, such as a reservoir or drip irrigation. Choose plants that have been properly watered and are not showing signs of drought stress.
• Sun Exposure: Strawberries typically require full sun to produce an abundant crop. Place your tower in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. When selecting plants, consider their sun exposure requirements and choose a location that meets their needs.
• Planting Time: The best time to plant strawberries in your tower will depend on your climate and growing season. Generally, spring and early summer are ideal for planting, as it gives the plants enough time to establish themselves before winter. However, in warmer climates, you may be able to plant year-round.
• Maintenance: Strawberries require regular maintenance, including watering, fertilizing, and pest control. Be prepared to care for your tower by selecting a location that is easily accessible and allows for proper airflow and sunlight.
• Harvesting: Consider the harvesting time of the strawberry variety you choose. Some varieties may produce fruit earlier or later in the season. Plan your tower planting accordingly, especially if you are creating it for a specific event, such as a wedding.
• Taste: Finally, don't forget to choose a strawberry variety that you enjoy eating! Select plants that are known for their flavour and sweetness. You can even conduct a taste test before making your final decision.

By following these guidelines, you can choose the best strawberries for your tower and create a beautiful and productive display. With proper care and maintenance, your strawberry tower will provide you with a bountiful harvest of delicious berries.

Preparing strawberries

To assemble the tower, choose a serving plate or cake stand with a lip, at least eight inches in diameter. Place a tablespoon of the leftover melted candy in the centre of the plate and press the bottom of a Styrofoam florist's cone into it. Allow this to set. Cut the rosebuds from fresh, organic roses and dip the ends in melted candy. Place the rose heads at the base of the cone, with the melted candy touching the cone. Repeat this process, alternating the roses with macarons. You can also add Ferrero Rochers or Malteasers for an extra indulgent touch.

For the next layer, stick a toothpick into the cone at an upward angle, just above the bottom row of flowers or macarons. Thread the larger strawberries onto the toothpicks, arranging them so that the pointed end is pointing upwards. Repeat this process, alternating with roses. Continue with a layer of strawberries only, using smaller berries as you move up the cone. You can add a few more roses about a third of the way up the tower if desired, or stick with berries only. Top the tower with a large, bloomed rose, inserting a toothpick into the very top of the cone and threading the rose onto it. Fill any gaps between the berries with individual rose leaves.

Making the tower base

Step 1: Choose the Right Materials

Select a high-quality Styrofoam cone or block as the base for your strawberry tower. The size of the Styrofoam will depend on the desired height and width of your tower. For example, if you plan to create a tower with 50 strawberries, a 10-inch Styrofoam base should be suitable. Ensure that the Styrofoam is solid and sturdy enough to hold the weight of the strawberries and any additional decorations.

Step 2: Prepare the Styrofoam

Wrap the Styrofoam in a layer of foil. This serves two purposes: firstly, it ensures that the Styrofoam is food-safe and doesn't come into direct contact with the strawberries or any other edible components. Secondly, it prevents small Styrofoam particles from sticking to the strawberries or other elements of your tower.

Step 3: Secure the Base

Before you start assembling the tower, it's crucial to secure the base to a tray or a plate. This will provide stability and ensure that the base remains firmly in place while you add the strawberries or other decorations.

To attach the base, create your own edible and food-safe glue by mixing powdered sugar and a small amount of water until you achieve a thick, glue-like consistency. Apply this mixture to the bottom of the Styrofoam and affix it to your chosen tray or plate.

Step 4: Add the First Layer

Now, you can begin constructing your tower! For a strawberry tower, you'll want to start by inserting toothpicks into the Styrofoam. Count the number of strawberries you plan to use and insert the same number of toothpicks. It's important to use longer toothpicks that will penetrate deeper into the Styrofoam and provide better support for the weight of the strawberries.

Once the toothpicks are in place, you can start adding your strawberries. Carefully insert each strawberry onto a toothpick, ensuring that the pointed end of the strawberry is facing upward. This will create a visually appealing display and prevent the strawberries from sticking out at odd angles.

Step 5: Continue Building

Repeat the process of adding toothpicks and strawberries, working your way up the tower. You can choose to alternate the strawberries with other elements, such as roses or macarons, for added visual interest. Remember to leave a small portion of the strawberry uncovered at the back so that it can be easily threaded onto the toothpick.

As you work your way up the tower, gradually transition to smaller strawberries to maintain a neat and elegant appearance. You can also add a few roses or other flowers about one-third of the way up the tower for a pop of colour and variety.

Step 6: Final Touches

For the top of your tower, consider using a larger, more bloomed rose or another type of flower. Simply insert a toothpick into the very top of the cone and thread the flower onto it. To fill any remaining gaps, tuck individual rose leaves or other greenery between the strawberries.

Your strawberry tower base is now complete! You can add extra stability to the tower by covering the Styrofoam cone with plastic wrap before adding the berries. Additionally, feel free to get creative and incorporate other decorations or colour schemes to match the theme of your wedding.

Assembling the tower

To assemble a strawberry tower for a wedding, follow these steps:

Firstly, you will need to prepare the strawberries. Pick out the prettiest, unblemished berries, pulling off their green tops and washing and drying them thoroughly. Line the berries up, from smallest to largest, on a parchment sheet. Next, melt some vanilla candy wafers or white chocolate and dip each strawberry into the candy, leaving a small, nickel-sized portion of the strawberry uncovered on the backs of each berry. Place them on the parchment and allow them to stand until set, which should take around an hour.

Now, it's time to start assembling the tower. Choose a serving plate or cake stand with a lip, around 8 inches in diameter. Place a small amount of leftover melted candy (about a tablespoon) in the centre of the plate and press the bottom of a Styrofoam florist's cone into it. Let this stand until it is set.

For the next step, cut a rosebud head from its stem and dip the end in melted candy. Place the flower head at the base of the cone, ensuring that the melted candy stem is touching the cone. Repeat this process, alternating the roses with macarons. Do not use melted candy on the macarons, as they should be easy for guests to remove from the arrangement.

Now, it's time to start adding the strawberries. Stick a toothpick into the cone at a slight upward angle, just above the bottom row of flowers/macarons. Starting with the larger dipped strawberries, thread them onto the toothpicks, using the nickel-sized opening on the back of each berry. Arrange the strawberries so that the pointed end is pointing upward, not straight out. Repeat this process, alternating with roses in the same fashion. Continue with a row of strawberries only, using smaller berries as you move up the cone. You can add a few more roses about a third of the way up the tower if you wish, or continue with just berries.

Finally, add a larger, more bloomed rose to the top of the tower. Insert a toothpick into the very top of the cone and thread the rose onto it. There may be some gaps between the berries, so you can tuck individual rose leaves between them, as well as anywhere the Styrofoam cone is visible.

Decorating the tower

Decorating a strawberry tower for a wedding is a fun and creative way to add a unique touch to your special day. Here are some ideas and instructions to help you get started:

Choosing the Right Strawberries

Select only the freshest and most attractive strawberries for your tower. Look for unblemished berries with a bright red colour, as these will create a visually appealing display. Wash and thoroughly dry the strawberries before use. It is also important to choose strawberries of varying sizes, as this will allow for a more interesting and textured arrangement.

Dipping the Strawberries

Enhance the appearance and taste of your strawberries by dipping them in chocolate or vanilla candy wafers. Melt the coating of your choice and dip each strawberry, leaving a small portion uncovered at the top. Allow the coating to set completely before proceeding to the next step. This technique will not only make your strawberries more delicious but will also give them a elegant and refined look.

Selecting the Right Flowers

When choosing flowers to decorate your strawberry tower, opt for organic roses with tight buds. Ensure that the roses are free from pesticides by sourcing them from a trusted organic supplier. The shape of the rose buds should resemble the berry shape for a cohesive and elegant look. If you are unable to find the perfect rose buds, you can carefully pluck some of the outer petals to adjust the size and shape.

Assembling the Tower

Start by choosing an appropriate base for your tower, such as an 8-inch serving plate or cake stand with a lip. Secure a Styrofoam florists' cone to the centre of the plate using melted candy or chocolate. This will serve as the structure for your tower. Begin decorating the cone by dipping rosebuds in melted candy and placing them at the base, alternating with macarons. For the next layer, use toothpicks inserted at an upward angle to secure larger dipped strawberries. Continue building the tower by alternating layers of strawberries and roses, using smaller berries as you move up the cone. Fill any gaps with rose leaves to create a full and lush arrangement.

Adding the Finishing Touches

As a final touch, add a larger rose at the very top of the tower, securing it with a toothpick. You can also include other decorative elements, such as Ferrero Rochers or Malteasers, to match your wedding theme and colour palette. Place your finished strawberry tower on a table as a stunning centrepiece, or offer it as a sweet gift to the happy couple.

Frequently asked questions