Creating Wedding Cake Sugar Flowers: A Step-By-Step Guide

Sugar flowers are a popular choice for wedding cakes, and can be crafted to look incredibly realistic. Whether you're a professional baker or a hobbyist, there are a variety of sugar flowers available for purchase online, or you can make them yourself using gum paste, fondant, or icing. Sugar flowers can be made in a wide range of colours, sizes, and varieties, and can be used to decorate cupcakes, single-tier, or multi-tier cakes. They can be placed on top of the cake, cascading down the sides, or used as part of a cake meadow – a new trend where the entire dessert station is filled with lush blossoms. Sugar flowers are a great way to add a touch of elegance and romance to your wedding cake, and can be matched to your wedding colour palette or used to reinforce your theme.

Using fresh flowers vs. sugar flowers

Sugar flowers and fresh flowers can both be excellent choices for a wedding cake, but there are some key differences to consider when making your decision. Here are some pros and cons of each option to help you choose the best option for your special day.

Sugar Flowers:

Sugar flowers are a popular choice for wedding cakes, as they offer a luxurious and elegant look. Here are some advantages of choosing sugar flowers:

• Food Safety: Sugar flowers are made from edible materials and can be safely consumed, as long as any wires or fabric stamens are covered. Fresh flowers, on the other hand, may secrete poisonous sap or shed pollen onto the cake.
• Design Flexibility: Sugar flowers can be shaped and curved to conform to your desired design aesthetic. They can be placed exactly where you want them on the cake, creating a dream design.
• Customisability: Sugar flowers can be customised to replicate any flower you desire, in any size or style. They can also be coloured to match your wedding theme, including metallic shades like gold or silver.
• Seasonal Availability: Sugar flowers can be created to resemble flowers that may not be in season at the time of your wedding. This ensures you can have your favourite flowers on your cake regardless of the time of year.
• Longevity: Sugar flowers are extremely shelf-stable and can be kept as a memento of your wedding day for a very long time.

However, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider:

• Cost: Sugar flowers are highly technical to create and can be quite costly, especially if you require a large number of them.
• Delicacy: Sugar flowers are delicate and can be prone to breakage, so they should be handled with care during transport and setup.
• Expertise Required: Sugar flowers should only be created by a proficient cake designer with experience in sugar floristry. Inexperience can lead to safety issues, as sugar flowers may contain inedible supports like wires or cocktail sticks.

Fresh Flowers:

Fresh flowers bring a natural and romantic touch to your wedding cake. Here are some benefits of choosing fresh flowers:

• Cohesiveness: Using fresh flowers on your wedding cake allows your florist and cake designer to collaborate, ensuring that the flowers match your bouquet, centrepieces, and other floral arrangements seamlessly.
• Relaxed Look: Fresh flowers are perfect for creating a loose and relaxed floral design on your cake. They add a liberal and organic touch to the overall presentation.
• Cost-Effective: Fresh flowers can be a more inexpensive way to elevate a simple cake, especially if you're working with a tight budget.

However, there are also some potential disadvantages to using fresh flowers:

• Food Safety: Many fresh flowers are not edible and can even be poisonous if consumed. It is essential to take precautions to prevent direct contact between the flowers and the cake surface.
• Availability: Fresh flowers may not always be available in the desired shade or variety due to factors like growing conditions or transportation issues.
• Preparation: Fresh flowers require careful preparation to ensure they are clean and safe for use on a cake. This can add to the overall cost and time required for cake decoration.
• Additional Costs: Your florist may charge extra for providing flowers specifically for the cake, including the time spent cleaning, wiring, and taping the flowers.

Choosing the right colour scheme

Consider Your Wedding Theme and Colour Palette

Start by thinking about the overall style and colour scheme of your wedding. Are you going for a rustic theme with earthy tones, or perhaps a sleek and modern look with a monochrome palette? Choose sugar flowers in colours that complement your wedding theme to create a cohesive and well-put-together look.

Use Your Florist's Expertise

Your wedding florist will be a valuable resource when it comes to choosing the right colour scheme for your sugar flowers. Discuss your vision with them and ask for their suggestions on which flowers and colours would work best. They may have some unique ideas or be able to provide you with samples to help you decide.

Match Them With Fresh Flowers

If you plan on using fresh flowers elsewhere in your wedding, such as in your bouquet or table centrepieces, consider matching the colours of your sugar flowers to those fresh blooms. This will help to tie together all the floral elements of your wedding and create a harmonious look.

Opt for Classic White

White sugar flowers are always a classic choice and can be paired with any colour scheme. They add a touch of elegance and refinement to your wedding cake, especially if you have a plain white cake or one with minimal decoration. White sugar flowers can also be accented with greenery for a more natural look.

Play With Contrasting Colours

Don't be afraid to experiment with contrasting colours for a bold and eye-catching effect. For example, you could pair bright sugar flowers with a dark chocolate cake or choose vibrant red blooms to adorn a semi-naked cake, as mentioned in one of the examples from Brides.com.

Think About the Cake's Backdrop

When selecting the colour of your sugar flowers, consider the backdrop they will be displayed against—the colour of your wedding cake itself. For instance, colourful sugar flowers can make a stunning statement when paired with a simple white cake, as seen in some of the cakes featured on Etsy. Conversely, if your cake has colourful tiers or decorations, you may want to opt for more neutral-hued sugar flowers to avoid clashing.

Add a Pop of Colour

If you have a single-tiered or smaller cake, sugar flowers can be a great way to add a pop of colour. A few strategically placed blooms in vibrant hues can transform a simple cake into a show-stopping confection, as demonstrated by some of the cakes showcased on Brides.com.

Emulate the Season's Hues

Draw inspiration from the colours of the season in which your wedding is taking place. For example, if you're having a fall wedding, consider sugar flowers in warm autumnal hues such as orange, yellow, and red. Or, for a winter wedding, opt for sugar flowers in cool tones like icy blue and silver.

Remember, the colour scheme you choose for your sugar flowers should ultimately reflect your personal taste and the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve for your wedding cake. Don't be afraid to get creative and think outside the box!

Selecting the correct size

• Proportion and Balance: The size of your sugar flowers should be in proportion to the size of your wedding cake. If you have a multi-tiered cake, consider using larger flowers on the bottom tier and gradually decrease the size as you move up. This creates a sense of balance and harmony in the overall design.
• Visual Impact: Larger sugar flowers can make a bold statement and create a dramatic effect. If you want your floral decorations to be a focal point and really stand out, opt for bigger blooms. Smaller flowers can be delicate and elegant, but they may get lost on a large cake, especially if there are other intricate details.
• Cake Complexity: The complexity of your cake design will also influence the size of your sugar flowers. If your cake has intricate piping, fondant details, or other elaborate decorations, smaller flowers can complement and enhance these elements without overwhelming the design. On the other hand, if your cake is relatively simple, larger flowers can add visual interest and transform it into a stunning centerpiece.
• Flower Type: Consider the type of flower you want to create in sugar. Some flowers, like roses or peonies, are naturally larger and can be made in bigger sizes without appearing disproportionate. Other flowers, like baby's breath or wildflowers, are typically smaller and work well in more compact arrangements.
• Arrangement Style: The way you arrange your sugar flowers will also determine the appropriate size. If you plan to create a cascading effect or a floral sash, larger flowers can help achieve a full and luxurious look. For a more scattered or whimsical arrangement, a mix of small and large flowers can add visual interest and create an organic feel.
• Number of Flowers: Think about the number of flowers you want to use. If you plan to use only a few flowers as accents, larger blooms can make a statement and ensure they don't get lost. If you prefer a fuller look with many flowers, smaller sizes may be more suitable, especially if you want to cover a significant portion of the cake.
• Cake Size: The physical size of your wedding cake is a crucial factor. A small cake with very large flowers may appear top-heavy or unbalanced. Similarly, a large cake with tiny flowers may look sparse and under-decorated. Proportion is key to achieving a polished and well-designed cake.

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to selecting the correct size for your sugar flowers. Consider the overall design, style, and theme of your wedding cake, and don't be afraid to experiment with different sizes to find the perfect fit.

Adding extra decorations

Go for a Floral Sash

Wrap a cream, pink, and magenta floral sash around each layer of your wedding cake. You can use fresh flowers or handcrafted sugar flowers for this. A floral sash adds a touch of elegance and romance to your cake design. It also helps to tie your wedding décor together, especially if you match the flowers with your ceremony arrangements or reception centrepieces.

Add Flowers Below Your Cake

Using an acrylic-covered "bed" of baby's breath under your wedding cake is a unique way to incorporate flowers. This idea works well if you're using baby's breath in your actual cake design or at the reception's tabletops, creating a cohesive look.

Pressed Florals and Botanicals

Pressed florals are a minimal and trendy way to add colour and texture to your wedding cake. They are a great choice if you're having a greenhouse or garden-themed wedding.

Lean on Your Colour Palette

Adding flowers that match your wedding colour palette is a simple and budget-friendly way to decorate your cake. Ask your florist for some on-palette flower extras to incorporate into your cake design.

Replace a Topper With Flowers

If a traditional figurine cake topper isn't your style, consider using flowers as a topper instead. A plume of blooms can add drama and height to your confection, especially if you also add corresponding florals below.

Mix Real and Sugar Flowers

Don't feel limited to using only fresh blooms. Mixing fresh flowers with handcrafted sugar flowers or buttercream buds will add texture and interest to your cake.

Opt for Watercolour Details and Orchids

If you have a colourful wedding cake, consider keeping any added flowers neutral. For example, orchids can add visual intrigue without taking away from the cake's colourful design.

Place Blooms in Bursts

For a more minimalist cake, sparingly place just a few strategic blooms on top and on the edges of each tier. This approach keeps the focus on the cake's buttercream texture while still incorporating florals.

Dried and Pressed Flowers

Instead of fresh flowers, dried and pressed flowers in natural hues can add a wild and whimsical touch to your cake.

Chamomile

Chamomile is edible and makes an adorable cake topping with its dainty petals. You can add just a few blooms or cover your whole cake for a fairytale-inspired design.

Chocolate Cake and Blooms

Even a chocolate cake can be dressed up with flowers! A few blooms that match the colour of your chocolate cake will create a darling design.

Make a Statement With Colour

If you want to make a splash, choose a bold and colourful cake design. A dark-hued base paired with plenty of whimsical blooms is sure to be a showstopper.

Pressed Multi-Colour Flowers

Pressed flowers on cakes are a timeless trend. A mix of petals and greenery in various hues will create a vibrant and eye-catching display.

Embrace Fruit and Flowers

Embrace the bounty of nature by pairing your flowers with fresh fruit. A cascade of flowers, figs, and grapes can beautifully compliment a textured buttercream cake.

Sunflowers and Chamomile

Sunflowers and chamomile are a perfect pair for a rustic wedding cake. Consider a naked cake decorated with these sunny blooms for a bright and cheerful design.

Sugar Flowers

Sugar flowers are crafted to look incredibly realistic. Placing several sugar flowers on top of your cake will add colour and elegance to your confection.

Peonies

Peonies are edible and make a stunning addition to any cake. Adding a single peony to a single-tiered cake creates a simple yet elegant look. Alternatively, pairing fresh peonies with a textured cake makes a beautiful statement.

Neon Statement

Using neon-coloured florals is a bold way to make a statement and add texture to your cake. A neon cascade can even make your cake look like it's growing out of the table!

Gold Detailing

For a glamorous wedding, incorporate gold detailing and finish with a few flowers. White and pink blooms complement a glamorous cake design perfectly.

Outdoor Inspiration

Displaying your cake outside among sprouting blooms is a unique and nature-inspired idea. A simple white cake enhanced with just a few pastel blooms will fit in beautifully with its surroundings.

These extra decoration ideas will help you create a wedding cake that is not only delicious but also a true work of art!

Using edible flowers

When choosing edible flowers, consider the desired flavour profile. For example, chive flowers may not be the best choice if you don't want your cake to taste like onions. It is also important to purchase the flowers as close to the day of use as possible to ensure freshness. If needed, they can be stored in a dry container in the refrigerator for a day or two.

There are two main ways to use edible flowers on a wedding cake: plain and candied. For a simple and elegant look, gently press the flowers into the cake as-is. This method works well for creating confetti, a crescent moon design, or a statement flower on top. If you prefer a less intense flavour, candied petals or whole flowers can be made by coating them in beaten egg white and sprinkling them with superfine sugar.

When assembling the cake, it is important to start with cooled layers and use a crumb coat to lock in crumbs before adding the final layer of frosting. Add your chosen flowers just before serving to ensure they stay fresh and do not wilt.

Frequently asked questions