Creating Beautiful Wedding Cake Flower Arrangements

Flowers are a classic and elegant way to decorate a wedding cake. Whether you're going for a rustic or sleek look, fresh or dried flowers, or even sugar paste flowers, there are endless ways to incorporate blooms into your wedding cake design. But before you start placing flowers on your cake, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure your flowers are safe and won't damage your 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 look and can be used to make your wedding cohesive, matching the flowers in your bouquet or centrepieces. Fresh flowers are also a great way to elevate a simple cake on a budget. However, it is important to ensure that any fresh flowers used are food-safe and non-toxic. Many popular flowers, such as peonies, anemones, hydrangeas and baby's breath, are actually poisonous and could be harmful if consumed. Fresh flowers may also have been treated with pesticides, or contain dirt or insects if they are organically grown.

Sugar flowers, on the other hand, are made from edible materials and can be safely added to a cake, provided they are created by an experienced cake designer. They can be customised to any colour, shade or style and can be made to match the flowers in your bouquet, centrepieces or overall wedding theme. Sugar flowers are also advantageous as they are not restricted by seasonality and can be created to last forever. However, they are highly technical to make and therefore costly. Sugar flowers also require a proficient cake designer to create and arrange them safely, as they often contain wires and inedible supports.

Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing between fresh or sugar flowers for your wedding cake. Both options can be spectacularly gorgeous and it is up to each couple to decide which choice is best suited to their circumstances and preferences.

Selecting edible flowers

• Avoid Commercial Flowers: "Commercial flowers" grown for the mass market and sold in supermarkets or most florists are often treated with various chemicals, including fertilisers, herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides. These flowers are not safe to be used on a wedding cake as they may contain harmful contaminants.
• Opt for Organic or Locally Grown Flowers: Look for flowers grown without chemicals or sourced directly from a local grower. Organic flowers are a safer option, as chemicals are used as a last resort, and only a small list of natural pesticides is allowed. Alternatively, find local growers who can assure you that their flowers are grown without the use of any chemicals.
• Know the Toxic Flowers: Some flowers are known to be toxic and should be avoided when decorating a wedding cake. These include lilies, delphinium, yellow jasmine, foxglove, oleander, hydrangeas, anthuriums, and azaleas. Even if you wrap the stems, it is best to err on the side of caution and leave these flowers off your cake.
• Wash and Store Properly: If using fresh flowers, ensure they are washed thoroughly to remove any bugs or dirt. Store them carefully to prevent wilting, and keep them clean, especially any water they are stored in.
• Choose Edible Flowers: While not all edible flowers have a pleasant taste, some popular options include nasturtiums, gladiolus flowers, squash blossoms, pansies, roses, and flowering herbs like rosemary or thyme.
• Consider Dried or Pressed Flowers: Dried or pressed flowers, such as lavender, can be a beautiful and safe option for decorating a wedding cake. They add a delicate touch and are perfect for a rustic or whimsical theme.
• Use a Barrier: If you are unsure about the safety of the flowers, consider using a barrier, such as a cake board, between the flowers and the cake. This way, you can still enjoy the beauty of fresh flowers without any risk of contamination.
• Consult Experts: If in doubt, consult a local baker, florist, or grower who has experience with edible flowers for wedding cakes. They can guide you in selecting the right flowers and ensuring they are safe for your special day.

Arranging flowers on the sides of a cake

Adding flowers to the sides of a cake is a beautiful way to elevate its look. Here are some tips and tricks for arranging flowers on the sides of a cake:

Choose the Right Flowers

Selecting the right flowers is crucial when decorating a cake. It is important to choose flowers that are safe and non-toxic, especially if they will be placed close to the cake. Some popular choices for cake decoration include carnations, mums, roses, spray roses, pansies, lilac, and lavender. It is also essential to avoid toxic flowers such as poinsettias, lilies, foxglove, delphinium, and yellow jasmine.

Prepare the Flowers

Before placing the flowers on the cake, it is recommended to wash them to remove any pesticides or bugs. Gently wash the petals and stems, then dry them with a soft cloth or paper towel. Hang roses and similar flowers upside down to prevent water from collecting between the petals.

Wrap the Stems

Wrapping the stems of the flowers is an important step to prevent the flower fluids from leaking into the cake layers. Use floral tape, which is a special type of tape that sticks to itself and comes in different shades of green. Tightly wrap each individual stem and twist the end of the tape to ensure no fluid can leak out.

Using Bubble Tea Straws

Bubble tea straws are thick, plastic straws that can be very useful when adding flowers to the sides of a cake. Trim the straws to a few inches and insert them into the cake at the desired angle. Then, simply slip the flower stem into the straw. Clear bubble tea straws are recommended to ensure they remain invisible if not fully inserted into the cake.

Inserting the Flowers

There are different methods for inserting flowers into the sides of a cake. One method is to use toothpicks. Cut the stem off the flower at the base of the bloom and insert a toothpick. Carefully stick the toothpick into the cake, ensuring that the base of the flower does not touch the cake. Another method is to use plastic straws or posy picks. Cut the flowers to the desired length and place them in the straws or picks before inserting them into the cake. This allows you to place the flowers at an angle on the sides of the cake.

Timing

It is essential to add fresh flowers to a cake as close to the event as possible, preferably on the same day. Flowers need water to stay fresh, and if added too far in advance, they may wilt and lose their luster.

Adding flowers to a naked cake

Naked cakes are a popular choice for weddings, offering a fresh and delicious look. This style of cake is also a great blank canvas for adding flowers.

Choosing Flowers

When it comes to choosing flowers for your naked wedding cake, opt for flowers that are in season. You can ask your florist for recommendations or head to your local flower shop to see what's available. It's also a good idea to choose organic flowers or those that haven't been treated with pesticides.

Preparing the Flowers

Before adding the flowers to your cake, trim the stems to around 2–3 inches. Remove any bruised petals and wrap the stems in plastic wrap. This will help keep the flowers fresh and prevent the cake from being contaminated.

Adding the Flowers to the Cake

There are a few different ways to add flowers to your naked cake:

• Insert the wrapped stems directly into the cake.
• Use bubble tea straws to secure the flowers at an angle or on the sides of the cake. Clear straws are best so they're not visible.
• Place a cake board on top of the cake and add flowers to that. This method ensures the flowers never come into direct contact with the cake.

Final Tips

• It's best to add fresh flowers to your cake on the same day as your wedding to ensure they look their best.
• When choosing flowers, consider the size of your cake. Smaller cakes are better suited to smaller flowers or greenery.
• Use the wedding bouquet as inspiration for the types and colours of flowers to include.

Choosing flowers to match the cake's colour scheme

Flowers are a classic and elegant way to decorate a wedding cake. When choosing flowers to match the cake's colour scheme, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, it is important to ensure that any flowers used have not been exposed to pesticides or other harmful chemicals. It is also crucial to make sure that the flowers are not toxic or poisonous. Edible flowers, such as chamomile, roses, lavender, dahlias, pansies, and violas, are a safe option. When using edible flowers, consider how their flavour will complement the cake's flavour profile.

If you want the flowers to match the cake's colour scheme, you can choose blooms that are the same colour as the cake or opt for a contrasting shade. For example, a white cake can be paired with white flowers for a chic and classy look, or you can add a pop of colour with vibrant blooms. If you're feeling creative, you can even use the flowers to create a pattern or design on the cake.

Another way to match the cake's colour scheme is to use flowers that complement the bridal bouquet or the tablescape. This will help to emphasise the bridal couple's style and create a cohesive look for the wedding. You can also take inspiration from the venue or season, incorporating seasonal foliage or flowers that reflect the wedding's theme.

When choosing flowers for a wedding cake, it's important to consider the size and shape of the blooms. Smaller flowers can be scattered across the cake for a whimsical look, while larger flowers can be used to create a dramatic effect. You can also mix and match fresh flowers with sugar or buttercream flowers for added texture and dimension.

Ultimately, the choice of flowers for a wedding cake should reflect the couple's personality and style. Whether you opt for a simple design or a more elaborate display, flowers can add a special touch to the cake and enhance the overall aesthetic of the wedding.

Frequently asked questions