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

Flowers are a classic and elegant way to decorate a wedding cake. Whether you're using fresh or sugar flowers, blooms can add a romantic, whimsical, or polished touch to your wedding cake design. If you're using fresh flowers, it's important to ensure they haven't been exposed to pesticides or harmful chemicals, and that they are safe for human consumption. Sugar flowers, on the other hand, can be a beautiful and safe alternative, adding intricate details to your cake. From cascading floral designs to minimalist blooms, there are endless ways to incorporate flowers into your wedding cake and make it a stunning centerpiece at your wedding reception.

Choosing edible flowers

When choosing edible flowers for a wedding cake, it's important to consider both the toxicity of the flowers and how they have been grown. Many flowers are toxic, and even non-toxic flowers may have been treated with chemicals that are unsafe to consume.

Firstly, it's important to note that flowers from a florist are generally not edible. This is because they have been grown for aesthetics and will likely have been treated with pesticides. While these flowers can still be used to decorate a cake, they should not be eaten. If you are using flowers from your own garden or foraged flowers, it is important to check that they are deemed edible by a reputable source, such as the Royal Horticultural Society. It is not recommended to use flowers from roadsides or areas frequented by dogs.

To ensure that your edible flowers are safe to consume, it is best to source them directly from a grower who can tell you how the flowers have been grown and confirm that they have not been treated with chemicals. Organic flowers are also a good option, as they are grown without the use of chemicals. When using edible flowers, it is generally recommended to only eat the petals and to consume them in moderation.

• Nasturtiums (flowers and leaves)
• Gladiolus flowers
• Squash blossoms
• Borage flowers
• Japanese magnolia blooms
• Pansies
• Roses
• Violets
• Dahlias
• Snapdragons
• Lavender
• Hibiscus
• Sunflowers
• Freesias
• Peonies

It is important to note that even if flowers are edible, they may not taste pleasant. Some flowers have a strong, savoury flavour that may not pair well with certain cake flavours. Additionally, some flowers may have an unpleasant texture when consumed whole or raw. Therefore, it is important to do your research and taste the flowers before adding them to your cake.

Using fresh flowers

Choosing the Right Flowers:

• Food Safety: It is crucial to choose flowers that are safe to use on a cake. Avoid toxic or poisonous flowers such as lilies, foxglove, delphinium, and yellow jasmine. Opt for non-toxic and edible flowers like carnations, roses, pansies, and lavender.
• Seasonal Availability: Consider the season and opt for flowers that are in bloom during your wedding month. This ensures they are fresh and readily available.
• Organic and Pesticide-Free: Preferably, select organic flowers or those that have not been treated with harmful pesticides. This ensures the flowers are safe and free from chemicals.
• Size and Variety: Choose a mix of large and small flowers to create visual interest. Select some flowers as the main attraction and others as fillers to add texture and volume.

Preparing the Flowers:

• Flower Care: Keep the flowers in water until you are ready to use them to prevent wilting. Follow the instructions on flower food packets to help extend their lifespan.
• Cleaning and Disinfecting: Wash the petals and stems of each flower to remove any pesticides or dirt. Gently shake off excess water and dry them with a soft cloth or paper towel. For roses, hang them upside down to dry.
• Removing Stems and Pollen: Cut the stems to a length of 2-3 inches. Remove any large stamens and pollen to avoid them falling onto the cake.
• Grouping and Wrapping: Create small posies or bundles by arranging flowers and their accents together. Wrap the stems together with floral tape to hold them securely.
• Sealing the Stems: To prevent any moisture or chemicals from leaking onto the cake, seal the stems. You can use food-safe wax, chocolate, or a product like Glad Press'n Seal. Alternatively, dip the stems in a bleach solution (1 teaspoon of bleach per quart of water) and let them dry before use.

Placing the Flowers on the Cake:

• Timing: Add fresh flowers to the cake as close to the event as possible, preferably the same day or a few hours before. Flowers need water to stay fresh, so adding them too early will cause them to wilt.
• Protection: To prevent the flowers from directly touching the cake, use a barrier such as a cake board, wax paper, or edible spray glaze on the backs of the flowers. This ensures that any chemicals or pesticides don't come into contact with the cake.
• Stability: For better stability, insert the flower stems directly into the cake. Wrap the stems with plastic wrap before insertion to avoid any fluid leakage. You can also use bubble tea straws or clear plastic straws to hold the stems at the desired angle without damaging the cake.
• Placement and Design: Play with height and placement to create a visually appealing design. You can encircle each tier with flowers and greenery for a minimalistic look or create a dramatic effect by adding flowers between each tier.
• Removal: Inform the person cutting and serving the cake to remove all flowers before slicing. Provide a detailed cutting guide to ensure the flowers are taken off before serving.

Using sugar flowers

Sugar flowers are a great way to bring a garden-inspired touch to your wedding cake. They can be crafted to look incredibly realistic and are perfect for adding colour and elegance to your confection. Here are some tips for using sugar flowers on your wedding cake:

Sourcing Sugar Flowers:

Sugar flowers can be purchased from cake decorating stores or online from sites like Etsy. You can also make them yourself if you're feeling creative. If you decide to make your own, there are plenty of tutorials available online.

Arranging Sugar Flowers:

Arranging sugar flowers on a cake can be a daunting task, but with some planning, it can be a satisfying experience. Here are some tips to help you:

• Source inspiration for your arrangement. Look for unique elements or flowers protruding in an unusual way. This will help you determine the number, type, size, and colour of flowers you need.
• Group your sugar flowers into 'micro' arrangements. Tape the stems of smaller flowers, buds, and foliage into compact groups to fill gaps in the arrangement, and longer, sparser groups to add length and movement.
• Make a mock-up of your arrangement in advance. Use a piece of styrofoam or a dummy tier to loosely place your flower groups and see how they fit together. This will make the final decoration of your cake less stressful.
• Place your sugar flowers securely on the cake. Use posy picks to prevent contact between the wires of the flowers and the cake. You can also add a tiny piece of fondant paste into the posy pick to anchor the stem. Start with smaller pieces and work outwards, placing larger flowers last.
• Allow yourself to be creative. Don't be afraid to bend stems and leaves to add movement and create a more natural feel. Remember, real flowers aren't perfect, so don't worry about small breakages.

Transporting Your Cake:

If you need to transport your cake after decorating, slip pieces of bubble wrap or kitchen roll between flowers that may knock against each other. You can also bend some buds and leaves out of the way and gently bend them back into place once you reach your destination.

Sugar flowers are a beautiful and elegant way to decorate your wedding cake. With some inspiration and careful arrangement, you can create a stunning display that will impress your guests.

Selecting flowers to complement the cake's flavour

Selecting flowers to complement the flavour of your wedding cake is a crucial step in creating a cohesive and stunning design. Here are some tips and ideas to help you choose the perfect flowers:

Fresh Flowers:

Fresh flowers are a cost-effective option that adds a natural touch to your wedding cake. When choosing fresh flowers, consider the following:

• Seasonality: Opt for flowers that are in season to ensure availability and freshness.
• Colour and Variety: Select flowers that complement the colour scheme of your wedding and the cake's flavour. For example, use bright and colourful blooms like ranunculi, daffodils, tulips, or waratahs for a vibrant touch.
• Toxicity: Avoid toxic flowers such as lilies, poinsettias, azaleas, hyacinths, and wisterias. Also, ensure that the flowers are not exposed to harmful chemicals or pesticides.
• Wilting: Choose flowers with stronger stems to prevent wilting, especially if your wedding is during warmer months.

Silk or Fabric Flowers:

Silk or fabric flowers are a more expensive option but offer the advantage of being available all year round. Consider the following when choosing silk or fabric flowers:

• Quality: Opt for high-quality silk flowers as cheap alternatives may detract from the cake's overall aesthetic.
• Colour and Variety: The variety and colour options may be limited, so choose flowers that best match your colour scheme and cake flavour.

Wafer Paper Flowers:

Wafer paper flowers are a relatively new trend, offering a lightweight and whimsical look. When selecting wafer paper flowers:

• Skill: Ensure your cake artist has the skill to create intricate and realistic wafer paper flowers.
• Colour and Variety: Wafer paper flowers can be customised to match your wedding colour scheme and cake flavour.
• Cost: Wafer paper flowers are typically more expensive than fresh or silk flowers.

Sugar or Gumpaste Flowers:

Sugar or gumpaste flowers are the most luxurious and expensive option, showcasing the cake artist's skill. Here's what to consider:

• Fragility: These flowers are fragile and easily cracked or broken, so handle them with care.
• Flavour: While technically edible, it is not recommended to consume sugar or gumpaste flowers.
• Colour and Variety: Sugar or gumpaste flowers can be customised to match any colour or variety, perfectly complementing your cake flavour.

Remember to discuss your options with your cake artist, who can guide you in choosing the best flowers to complement the flavour and design of your wedding cake.

Using flowers to match the wedding's colour scheme

Flowers are an integral part of any wedding, and choosing the right ones to match your colour scheme can elevate the entire aesthetic of your special day. Here are some tips for using flowers to complement and enhance your wedding colour palette:

Complementary Colours

If you want your wedding flowers to complement your bridesmaids' dresses, opt for complementary colours. For example, if your bridesmaids are wearing warm tones, choose flowers in soft pastels or rich earthy tones. You can also create a cohesive look by incorporating a single flower type from the bride's bouquet into the bridesmaids' bouquets.

Matching the Bride and Bridesmaids

Matching the bridal party's bouquets is a matter of personal preference. Some brides prefer a unified look, with the bridesmaids' bouquets mirroring the bride's. Others might prefer slight variations to distinguish the bride, such as creating smaller versions of the bridal bouquet for the bridesmaids.

Colour Harmony with the Wedding Dress

When it comes to the bridal bouquet, consider the colour of the wedding dress. A white or ivory gown will work with any colour palette. Off-white or champagne dresses pair beautifully with warm shades like peach, blush, or soft pastels. If your dress has a coloured accent, such as a sash or embroidery, incorporate that colour into your bouquet for a cohesive touch.

Style and Silhouette

Take into account the style and silhouette of the wedding dress. A romantic, flowing gown goes well with loose, cascading bouquets featuring soft flowers like roses, peonies, or hydrangeas. For a sleek and modern dress, choose a structured bouquet with clean lines and contemporary flowers, such as calla lilies or orchids.

Seasonal Colour Themes

The season of your wedding can also influence your flower choices. For a spring wedding, yellow and green represent joy, happiness, and life, creating an upbeat atmosphere. In autumn, rich orange and yellow hues reflect the season, while burgundy and pink create a romantic, sensual atmosphere.

Flower Types

Finally, consider the types of flowers you want to use. Roses are a classic and popular choice, while lilies and orchids symbolise happiness and love. Peonies are an excellent option for a classic and elegant look.

Remember, the right flowers can enhance your wedding colour scheme and make your big day even more memorable.

Frequently asked questions