Creating A Floral Wedding Cake Masterpiece

Flowers are a wedding staple, often making up the majority of the celebration's decor. From bouquets to centerpieces, florals can be customised to style almost every aspect of a wedding—including the cake. Adding flowers to a wedding cake can be a great way to tie the whole event together, and can be done in a variety of ways. Whether you opt for fresh flowers, candied blooms, or intricate petals painted on with cake-safe watercolours, buttercream, or fondant, there are endless ways to incorporate flowers into a wedding cake.

Choosing flowers to match your wedding theme and colours

Flowers are a great way to incorporate your wedding theme and colours into your cake. Whether you're going for a rustic or elegant look, flowers can be the perfect finishing touch. Here are some tips for choosing flowers that will match your wedding theme and colours:

• Consider the season: Think about the types of flowers that are typically in bloom during the season of your wedding. For example, if you're having a spring wedding, you might choose tulips or peonies, while sunflowers or dahlias would be a better choice for a fall wedding.
• Work with your florist: Your florist will be able to help you choose flowers that fit your colour scheme, season, and budget. Be sure to communicate your wedding theme and colours clearly to your florist, and ask for their suggestions.
• Choose flowers that complement your colour palette: Your wedding flowers don't have to be an exact match to your colour scheme, but they should complement it. Look for flowers that come in the same or similar colours as your palette, or choose neutral flowers that will go with any colour scheme.
• Start with your bouquet: If you're carrying a bouquet, use that as a starting point for choosing your cake flowers. The bouquet is a statement piece, so using similar flowers on your cake will create a cohesive look.
• Think about the style of your wedding: The flowers you choose should reflect the style and aesthetic of your wedding. For a formal wedding, choose traditional flowers that won't seem out of place. If your wedding is more relaxed and informal, you can be more creative with your flower choices.
• Mix and match: Don't be afraid to mix and match different types of flowers and decorations. For example, you could combine fresh flowers with sugar or wafer paper flowers, or use both buttercream flowers and fresh blooms.
• Go simple or bold: Depending on your wedding theme and colours, you might choose a simple cake with just a few flowers, or a bold, colourful cake with a cascading floral design.
• Consider other decorations: In addition to flowers, think about other decorations you can use on your cake, such as fruit, greenery, or gold detailing. These can help to tie in your wedding colours and theme.
• Think about the cake itself: The type of cake you choose can also impact the flowers you select. For example, sugar or wafer paper flowers might not work well on a semi-naked or buttercream cake, while fresh flowers may be a better choice for a rustic cake.

By following these tips and working with your florist, you can choose flowers that perfectly match your wedding theme and colours, creating a stunning and cohesive display.

Selecting edible flowers

Selecting the right edible flowers for your wedding cake is a delicate task. Here are some tips to help you choose:

Know Your Flowers

Firstly, it is important to know which flowers are safe to use. While flowers can add a beautiful, romantic touch to your wedding cake, not all of them are suitable for this purpose. Some popular blooms like hydrangeas, baby's breath, and lilies are actually toxic and should be avoided. Even if you don't intend to eat the flowers directly, they can still come into contact with the frosting and pose a risk.

Choose Edible Flowers

Opt for flowers that are not just beautiful but also edible. This includes roses, calendulas, nasturtiums, hibiscus, violets, sunflowers, and herbs like rosemary, thyme, and chamomile. Not only are these flowers safe, but they can also add a delightful flavour to your cake.

Source Organic Flowers

When selecting flowers for your cake, choose organically grown blooms that have not been treated with pesticides or other chemicals. These flowers are safe to be around food and minimise the risk of contamination. You can often find such flowers at your local farmers' market or through local growers and florists.

Check Growing Conditions

If possible, learn about the growing conditions of the flowers. Ideally, you want flowers that have been grown without the use of chemicals and pesticides. Organic certification is a good indicator, as chemicals are only used as a last resort, and even then, only a limited list of natural pesticides is permitted.

Avoid Commercial Flowers

"Commercial flowers," or those grown for the mass market and sold in supermarkets and most florists, are generally not safe to use on cakes. These flowers are often treated with a variety of fertilisers, herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides to maximise profit and prolong shelf life. Without proper labelling, it is difficult to know what chemicals have been used, and these flowers may not be safe to decorate your cake.

Wash and Prepare the Flowers

Once you've sourced your edible flowers, remember to wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt or bugs. Gently shake them dry and use them as close to the time of serving as possible to ensure they stay fresh. Cut the stalks to the appropriate length and remove any thorns or excess leaves.

Mix and Match

Don't be afraid to mix and match fresh flowers with buttercream, sugar, or fondant flowers. This can add texture and dimension to your cake design. You can also incorporate pressed, dried, or candied flowers for a unique touch.

Consider Colour and Theme

Choose flowers that complement your wedding colour palette and theme. This can help tie your cake design together with the rest of your wedding décor. If you're having a rustic wedding, opt for wildflowers and foliage, while a sleek city event might call for elegant orchids.

Remember, when in doubt, always prioritise safety. If you're unsure about a particular flower, it's best to leave it out. By following these tips, you can create a stunning and safe floral wedding cake.

Using fresh flowers vs artificial flowers

Using fresh flowers on a wedding cake can add a layer of freshness to the tasty treat. If you plan on using fresh flowers elsewhere in your celebration—like for bouquets or centerpieces—adding a few to your cake can tie everything together. If you have a favourite flower that's out of season on your big day, an artificial flower is best.

However, certain fresh flowers are not in season year-round and may be hard to find. Many flowers don't last very long without water, so if your cake is sitting in the reception hall waiting to be cut, some types may start to wilt. Unless you're selecting the flowers yourself, you and your baker may not have any control over the quality or selection of flowers that are left at the venue.

Fresh flowers are also a bit more high-maintenance than artificial alternatives. Certain flowers are toxic when ingested, and real flowers aren't ideal for outdoor or humid weddings.

Artificial flowers, on the other hand, can be customised to any colour scheme and are readily available all year round. They can be kept as a keepsake for as long as you wish, and they are always food-safe. However, they can be pretty pricey.

So, if you're looking to save a few dollars, silk flowers may be a good option. If you want your cake flowers to match your other wedding florals without any extra hassle, fresh flowers are a great option. If you want something truly custom and food-safe, sugar flowers are perfect.

Adding flowers to a naked cake

Naked cakes are a popular choice for weddings, with their rustic style and delicious taste. They are also easier to put together than a standard wedding cake as you don't need to worry about that final layer of buttercream.

If you want to add flowers to a naked wedding cake, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, choose flowers that complement the size of your cake. If you have a small cake, opt for smaller flowers and consider adding some greenery for extra colour. Secondly, prepare your flowers by trimming the stems to 2-3 inches and removing any bruised petals. You can also wrap the stems in plastic wrap to keep the flowers fresh and prevent any contamination of the cake.

When adding the flowers to the cake, use a small amount of buttercream to fill in any gaps between the tiers and to help the flowers adhere to the cake. Insert the wrapped stems into straws and then place them into the cake, being careful not to push them all the way through. Repeat this process until you have decorated the cake to your liking.

With these tips, you can create a beautiful and elegant naked wedding cake with flowers that will impress your guests and add a special touch to your big day.

How to avoid flowers ruining your cake

Flowers can be a stunning addition to a wedding cake, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure they don't ruin your cake. Here are some tips to avoid any floral disasters:

• Choose the Right Flowers: Not all flowers are safe to use on a wedding cake. Avoid toxic flowers such as lilies, poinsettias, azaleas, hyacinths, and wisterias. Opt for edible flowers like roses, lavender, pansies, and violas, or use sugar or fondant flowers for a safer alternative.
• Source Flowers Carefully: Commercially grown flowers from supermarkets or florists are often treated with chemicals and pesticides, which can be harmful if they come into contact with the cake. Opt for organic or locally grown flowers without chemicals, or grow your own flowers to ensure they are safe.
• Prepare Flowers Properly: Wash flowers thoroughly to remove any pesticides or bugs. Dry them with a soft cloth or paper towel, and hang upside down to avoid water collecting between petals. This will help ensure your flowers are clean and safe to use.
• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Keep the cake away from direct sunlight and heat sources, as this can cause the buttercream or fondant to melt. Set up the cake indoors, in a cool and shaded area to prevent melting or cracking.
• Stable Cake Table: Place the cake on a stable, level surface. A wobbly or uneven table can cause the cake to lean or collapse. Ensure the table is sturdy enough to support the weight of the cake, especially for multi-tiered cakes.
• Transport and Delivery: Leave the cake transport to the professionals. They have the experience and knowledge to handle the cake safely and securely. Delivering the cake yourself may increase the risk of damage or melting during transportation.
• Work with an Experienced Vendor: Choose a cake vendor with a good reputation and experience. They will be familiar with potential issues and know how to avoid them. An experienced vendor can also provide guidance on flower choices and placement to ensure a safe and beautiful cake.
• Don't Move the Cake: Once the cake is set up, avoid moving it. Transporting or relocating the cake increases the risk of damage or collapse. Keep it in a safe location and enjoy its beauty from a distance!
• Timing is Key: Fresh flowers have a limited lifespan, so add them to the cake as close to the event as possible. Ideally, decorate the cake a few hours before the wedding to ensure the flowers look their best.
• Avoid Pollen and Sap: Some flowers, like aster, daisies, sunflowers, and amaranth, have high amounts of pollen, which can ruin the cake's aesthetic. Avoid flowers with sap or irritants that can seep into the cake, such as daffodils, baby's breath, and poppies.
• Use a Board or Picks: If you want to avoid flowers touching the cake directly, use a frosting-covered board on top of the cake, which can be adorned with flowers and removed before cutting. Alternatively, use straws or flower picks to insert flower stems into the cake without damaging the structure or icing.

Frequently asked questions