Adding Floral Accents To Your Wedding Cake

Flowers are a beautiful addition to any wedding cake, but there are a few things to consider before adding them. Firstly, it's important to choose flowers that are food-safe and non-toxic, as some popular wedding flowers are actually toxic and can be harmful if consumed. Examples of toxic flowers include baby's breath, eucalyptus, hydrangeas, and ranunculus. It's also crucial to create a barrier between the flowers and the cake to prevent any leakage of flower secretion into the cake. This can be done by wrapping the stems with floral tape or using toothpicks to secure the flowers without having them touch the cake. Another option is to use straws or plastic spikes to separate the flowers from the cake. It's best to add fresh flowers to the cake as close to the event as possible, as they will only last about a day without refrigeration. Sugar flowers are also a popular choice for wedding cakes, as they are food-safe and can be made in any variety and colour. They can also be kept as a lasting memory of the wedding day. Ultimately, whether using fresh or sugar flowers, it's important to do your research and choose a cake designer who understands how to safely prepare and use flowers on the cake.

Choosing flowers: Opt for non-toxic, food-safe flowers like carnations, roses, and sunflowers

When choosing flowers to decorate your wedding cake, it's important to select non-toxic, food-safe varieties such as carnations, roses, and sunflowers. This ensures that your cake not only looks beautiful but is also safe for your guests to consume.

Carnations, or Dianthus caryophyllus, have a rich history and were originally found in the Mediterranean region. While many carnation varieties are cultivated for their visual appeal, certain types like the "Clove Pink," "Wild Carnation," and "Cheddar Pink" are considered edible. These edible blossoms can add a unique twist to your cake, with their slightly spicy and clove-like flavour. When using carnations, be sure to wash the flowers gently and remove the bitter white base of the petals.

Roses are another popular choice for cake decorations, and all varieties are edible. Opt for roses with a sweet fragrance, as these are likely to have the most flavour. Rose petals can be eaten raw or used to infuse beverages and jams. They can also be dried and added to granola or mixed herbs.

Sunflowers are a vibrant and cheerful option for your wedding cake. While the seeds are commonly eaten, the petals are also edible and can be used to add a pop of colour to your cake. Sunflower petals are known to have a mild, nutty flavour.

When selecting flowers for your cake, it's important to choose organic flowers that have not been treated with pesticides or other harmful chemicals. Additionally, consider wrapping the stems with floral tape to prevent any fluids from leaching into the cake.

Timing: Add flowers to the cake as late as possible to keep them fresh

To ensure that the flowers on your wedding cake are as fresh as possible, it's best to add them to the cake as late as you can on the day of the wedding. Flowers need water to stay fresh, and they will start to wilt if they are added to the cake too far in advance. If you add them the day before, you will regret it.

Ideally, you should pick up your flowers a day or two before the wedding and store them in a cool place with water. However, the flowers won't last very long once they have been cut and wrapped, so it's best to get them as close as possible to the time you plan to use them.

When you are ready to add the flowers to the cake, start by cutting each stem to the desired length (2-3 inches is usually recommended). Then, wrap the stems in floral tape to create a barrier between the flowers and the cake, which will prevent any fluid from the stems from leaking into the cake. You can then insert the flowers into the cake in your desired arrangement.

If you are adding flowers to the sides of the cake or want them to be positioned at a particular angle, you may find it helpful to use bubble tea straws to secure the flowers in place. Simply trim the straws to the desired length, insert them into the cake at the desired angle, and then slip the flower stems into the straws. Clear straws are usually recommended so that they are invisible if they are not completely covered by the frosting.

Stem preparation: Wrap stems in floral tape to prevent leakage into the cake

To prevent leakage into the cake, it's important to wrap floral tape around the stems of the flowers you plan to use. This creates a barrier between the cake and the stems, especially the bottom of the stems, to prevent any leakage of flower secretion into the cake.

• Cut a piece of floral tape that's about 2-3 inches long. The tape is stretchy and flexible, so you'll want to stretch it slightly to activate its stickiness before applying it to the stem.
• Starting at the bottom of the stem, wrap the tape around it, working your way up. Make sure to cover the majority of the stem, especially the cut end, as this is where leakage is most likely to occur.
• Once you've reached the top of the stem, tear or cut the tape and press the end down to secure it.
• If you're working with delicate or fragile flowers, be gentle when wrapping the stem to avoid damaging them.
• If you want to be extra cautious, you can insert the wrapped stems into boba straws, clear plastic straws, or flower spikes before placing them into the cake. This adds another layer of protection and support for the flowers.

By following these steps, you can effectively prevent any leakage from the flower stems into the wedding cake, ensuring that your floral decorations are both beautiful and safe for consumption.

Insertion: Use toothpicks, straws, or spikes to insert flowers without damaging the cake

When it comes to inserting flowers into your wedding cake, you can use toothpicks, straws, or spikes to do so without damaging the cake. Here are some detailed instructions on how to use each of these methods:

Toothpicks:

• Cut the flower stem off right at the base of the bloom.
• Insert a toothpick into the base of the flower where the stem was.
• Carefully stick the toothpick into the cake, ensuring that the base of the flower is not touching it.

Straws:

• Trim a straw to a few inches in length.
• Insert the straw into the cake at the desired angle, pressing it fully into the cake.
• Slip the flower stem into the straw.
• Clear straws are recommended to ensure they remain invisible if not fully inserted into the cake.

Spikes:

• Wrap the flower stems with floral tape to create a barrier between the stem and the cake.
• Insert the flower spike into the cake.
• Floral tape can also be used to wrap the flower stems together before inserting them into the spike, creating a cascading effect without the need for multiple spikes in the cake.

By using these methods, you can securely add flowers to your wedding cake while also ensuring that the cake itself remains intact and undamaged.

Design ideas: Try minimalist, asymmetrical, or cascading floral arrangements

Minimalist, asymmetrical, or cascading—there are many ways to arrange flowers on a wedding cake. Here are some design ideas to consider:

Minimalist Floral Arrangements

Minimalist floral arrangements on a wedding cake can be achieved by placing a few strategic blooms on the cake. For example, you could put flowers on the top and edges of each tier, keeping the focus on the cake's texture, like buttercream. Using dried and pressed flowers in natural hues is another way to create a minimalist look with a wild and whimsical feel.

Asymmetrical Floral Arrangements

An asymmetrical floral arrangement can be achieved by using a floral sash on a multi-tiered cake. You can wrap a floral sash made of fresh flowers or fabric around each layer. This adds a loose, cascading effect to the cake, giving it a modern and chic vibe. Alternatively, you could place flowers diagonally across the cake in an organic, asymmetrical arrangement.

Cascading Floral Arrangements

Cascading floral arrangements can be achieved by placing flowers on top of the cake for added height and then arranging blooms diagonally or placing them in bursts on the cake's edges. This style is perfect for a modern, chic, and laid-back wedding. You can also create a cascading effect by using a mix of flowers and fruit, such as figs and grapes, cascading down a textured buttercream cake.

Whether you choose a minimalist, asymmetrical, or cascading floral arrangement for your wedding cake, these designs will surely elevate your special day's theme and colour palette.

Frequently asked questions