George Boyle
Flowers are a timeless way to decorate a wedding cake, and there are many ways to do it. You can use fresh flowers, candied flowers, or intricate petals painted with cake-safe watercolours, buttercream, or fondant. Sugar flowers are another option, though they require a lot of time and skill to create. If you want to use fresh flowers, it's important to choose non-toxic varieties and avoid flowers that can cause stomach upset, such as ranunculus, peonies, and eucalyptus. You can also use herbs like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves as a food-safe alternative to greenery. To attach the flowers to the cake, you can use floral tape, bubble tea straws, or toothpicks.
What You'll Learn
Choosing non-toxic flowers
When choosing non-toxic flowers for your wedding cake, it's important to consider two key aspects: selecting non-toxic flower varieties and ensuring they are grown safely. Here are some guidelines to help you choose non-toxic flowers for your special day:
Understanding the Risks of Commercial Flowers
"Commercial flowers," which are mass-produced and sold through supermarkets and most florists, are often treated with a combination of organic and inorganic fertilisers, herbicides, fungicides, pesticides, preservatives, and even dyes. These chemicals are used to maximise profit and prolong shelf life. However, they pose a health risk when used near food products, such as wedding cakes. It is challenging to determine the specific chemicals used on these flowers, as there is no labelling or transparency about their handling, transportation, or storage conditions. Therefore, it is generally recommended to avoid using "commercial flowers" for your wedding cake.
Sourcing Flowers Grown Without Chemicals
To ensure the safety of your wedding cake, it is best to opt for flowers grown without any chemicals. Here are two recommended ways to source such flowers:
- Organic Flowers: Seek out organic certification, which ensures that chemicals are only used as a last resort, and even then, only a limited list of naturally derived pesticides is permitted. While some of these allowable chemicals may still be questionable, they are generally considered safer than those used on conventional flowers.
- Directly from Growers: Contact local growers or florists who can assure you that their flowers are grown without any chemicals and allowed to grow naturally. Organisations like the British Flower Collective can be a great resource for finding local growers.
Identifying Non-Toxic Flower Varieties
In addition to ensuring safe growing practices, it's crucial to select non-toxic flower varieties. Here are some recommendations:
- Edible Flowers: These flowers are grown specifically for consumption and are handled with extra care. While they may not always be the most practical option for decoration, they are the safest option if you want to guarantee food safety. Common edible flower options include bellis (common daisy), celosia, dianthus, elderflowers, nigella, salvia, snapdragons, and tulips.
- Non-Toxic Flowers: These flowers are non-edible but still safe to use around food. Examples include achillea, astrantia, cape jasmine, echinacea, oxeye daisy, protea, strawflowers, and thistle.
- Toxic Flowers: Avoid flowers that are known to be toxic or harmful, such as agapanthus, amaryllis, craspedia, daffodils, delphinium, frangipani, lilies, ornithogalum, and physalis.
In conclusion, when choosing non-toxic flowers for your wedding cake, opt for organically grown or locally sourced flowers from growers who can assure you of their chemical-free practices. Additionally, select flower varieties that are either edible or non-toxic to ensure the safety of your guests. By taking these precautions, you can create a beautiful and safe floral display for your wedding cake.
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Using herbs as greenery
Herbs are a great way to add greenery to a wedding cake, especially in winter when flowers are out of season. They also add a rustic and natural look to the cake.
However, it is important to note that not all herbs are created equal when it comes to cake decoration. Some herbs, like parsley and mint, wilt quickly and may not be the best option for a wedding cake, as they will be standing out for some time before being eaten.
Other herbs, such as thyme and rosemary, are better suited for cake decoration. Thyme is delicate and citrusy, making it a great choice for summer weddings. Rosemary, on the other hand, is more robust and has a lovely deep green colour, which works well for winter weddings.
When using herbs as greenery on a wedding cake, it is important to ensure that they are food-safe and have been grown organically, without the use of pesticides or other chemicals. Even if the herbs are not intended to be eaten, it is still important to wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt or bugs before adding them to the cake.
In addition, it is recommended to remove the herbs before serving the cake, as they may be tough and vegetal compared to the sweet flavour of the cake.
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Inserting flowers with toothpicks
To start, carefully cut the stem off the flower at the base of the bloom. Then, insert a toothpick into the spot where the stem was previously attached. Gently push the toothpick into the cake, ensuring that the base of the flower remains untouched by the cake's surface. This technique will securely hold the flower in place while also preventing any fluids from the stem from leaking into the cake.
The toothpick method is particularly useful for creating a minimalist cake design. For a simple and elegant look, consider using just one type of delicate flower, such as muscari, and place them strategically on the cake. You can also use toothpicks to create an asymmetrical design by making a focal spray at the base of the cake with roses and spray roses.
By using toothpicks, you can easily transform a store-bought cake into something truly special and unique. Whether you're decorating a cake for a wedding or any other celebration, this technique will allow you to add fresh flowers with confidence and ease.
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Minimalist cake design
Simple Wedding Cake with Bright Flowers
Adorn a white cheesecake with frosting and vibrant blooms that command attention. Pincushions, mums, ranunculus, and wax flowers in shades of blue, orange, purple, and red will create a stunning display. This design allows the flowers to stand out as the focal point while keeping the cake itself modest and minimalist.
Smooth Buttercream Wedding Cake with Ivory Flowers
Placing white flowers against a white buttercream backdrop gives a chic and classy vibe to your cake. This design is perfect for those seeking a minimalist and elegant look.
Simple Elegant Wedding Cake with Roses
If you're keeping it sophisticated and simple, try dressing up a basic cake with one or two roses placed opposite each other on each tier. This design is understated yet timeless.
White Wedding Cake with Pink Roses and Peonies
Can't decide between peonies or roses? Why not have both? Coral charm peonies add a lively touch to a three-tier cake featuring pink roses and ranunculus buds. This design is simple yet romantic.
Simple White Wedding Cake with Roses and Greenery
Encircle each tier with fresh greenery such as eucalyptus leaves, smilax, or ivy vines, and then add white roses for a minimalistic yet stylish effect. This design is perfect for those who want a subtle touch of nature while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic.
Blush Fondant Wedding Cake with Edible Flowers
Blush and green is an elegant colour combination. Incorporate them into your wedding cake with fondant tiers and complementary sugar flowers like a spring-inspired design. This design offers a delicate and romantic feel while maintaining a minimalist style.
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Asymmetrical cake design
Asymmetrical cakes are a unique and eye-catching choice for a wedding. This style of cake is perfect for those who want to break away from the traditional tiered cake design. Here are some ideas for creating an asymmetrical floral wedding cake:
Use Different Sized Tiers
Go for a cake with tiers of varying sizes. This will create a visually interesting base for your floral decorations. For example, you could have a standard round cake as the base tier, followed by an oval or square tier, and then finish with a smaller round tier on top. This type of structure will make your cake appear more dynamic and allow you to play with different arrangements of flowers on each level.
Mix and Match Flowers
Feel free to mix and match different types of flowers and colours. You can use fresh blooms, sugar flowers, candied flowers, or even paint flowers onto the cake with cake-safe watercolours, buttercream, or fondant. By combining different types of flowers, you can add texture and depth to your cake design. For example, you could have a cascade of fresh flowers flowing down one side of the cake, with smaller sugar flowers or painted blooms trailing up the other side.
Add Height and Dimension
Add height and dimension to your cake by incorporating flowers in unexpected ways. For example, you could have a spray of flowers extending vertically from the top tier, or place flowers at different angles on the cake, using bubble tea straws to secure them. You can also add height by placing the cake on a raised stand or platform surrounded by flowers, creating a "cake meadow" effect.
Incorporate Other Elements
Don't be afraid to incorporate other elements besides flowers to enhance the asymmetrical design. For example, you could add gold or silver leaf details, butterflies, or even fresh fruit like figs and grapes. These additional elements will make your cake even more unique and memorable.
Play with Colour
Use colour to create a stunning and eye-catching asymmetrical cake. You can choose a bold-hued cake base, such as dark chocolate or a vibrant rainbow fondant, and then add flowers in complementary or contrasting shades. Alternatively, keep the cake itself simple with a white or neutral-toned base and let the flowers be the stars, choosing blooms in a variety of colours to create a whimsical effect.
Remember, there are no rules when it comes to designing your asymmetrical floral wedding cake. Get creative, mix and match different elements, and have fun with it!
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Frequently asked questions
It is important to use non-toxic flowers for wedding cakes. Carnations, mums, roses, and spray roses are good choices as they are readily available and safe. In the summer, edible flowers like pansies, lilac, and lavender are also available.
One method is to use bubble tea straws. 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 straws are recommended so that they are invisible if not fully inserted.
Most cake makers do wrap the stems to prevent fluids from the flowers leaching into the cake. Floral tape can be used to wrap each individual stem. If you do not want to wrap the stems, you can place a cake board on top of the cake and add flowers on top of it, ensuring no part of the flowers touches the cake.
Fresh flowers need water to prevent them from wilting, so it is best to add them to the cake on the same day they will be enjoyed.
A "cake meadow" is an emerging trend where the dessert station is filled with lush blossoms. This can be a great way to repurpose some of the ceremony floral arrangements.
