Creating Floral Wedding Cake Magic With Fondant Flowers

how to put fondant flowers on a wedding cake

Fondant flowers are a fun and creative way to decorate cakes and cupcakes. They can be made in advance and customized to any shape or colour. Fondant dries hard, making it perfect for self-standing decorations. When it comes to attaching fondant flowers to a wedding cake, there are several methods to consider. For small flowers, a simple dot of buttercream, fondant, royal icing, or corn syrup can be used to stick them onto the cake. For medium-sized flowers, melted candy melts or chocolate can be used, although this method works better on fondant than buttercream. Another option is to use floral wire or toothpicks to insert the flowers directly into the cake, especially if creating a cascade floral design. It is important to note that non-edible items should not be inserted directly into the cake, and floral tape can be used to wrap the stems before insertion. Additionally, melted candy melts or chocolate can be added inside the insertion hole to create a barrier between the cake and wires, providing extra stability. When attaching fondant flowers, it is recommended to plan the arrangement beforehand and work in small bunches to avoid making the cake unstable.

Characteristics Values
Type of flowers Edible, non-toxic, fresh, fondant, gum paste
Flower species Roses, Gypsophila, Daisies, Orchids, Hibiscus, Ranunculus, Gardenias, Dogwoods, Lilies, Succulents, Carnations, Agave, Echeveria, Peonies
Flower size Small, medium, large
Flower colour White, pink, purple, yellow, lavender, ivory, pastel pink, deep red, multicoloured
Cake type Fondant, buttercream
Cake size Small, medium, large
Cake colour White, ivory
Cake flavour Vanilla
Other decorations Ribbon, pearls, glitter
Attachment method Toothpicks, floral wire, floral tape, melted chocolate, candy melts, icing, corn syrup, royal icing, buttercream, fondant, edible glue
Attachment tools Piping bag, pliers, fan, cake board, posy picks, straws, floral picks
Timing Attach flowers to cake just before the event, after cake is brought out

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Use toothpicks to insert flowers into the cake

Using toothpicks is a great way to insert fondant flowers into a wedding cake. This method is ideal for small cascading flowers, as it allows you to simply insert the flowers directly into the cake.

To use this method, start by cutting the stems off your flowers at the base of the bloom. Then, insert a toothpick into the base of each flower. You can use royal icing or melted chocolate to secure the toothpick if needed.

Once your flowers are ready, carefully stick the toothpicks into the cake, ensuring that the base of the flower does not touch the cake. Adjust the angle and position of the flowers as needed.

If you are adding multiple flowers, create small bunches of flowers and foliage before inserting them into the cake. This will help create a cohesive look and reduce the number of holes in the cake.

When inserting the flowers, be mindful of the weight and size of the flowers. Heavy or large flowers may require additional support, such as floral wire or a bubble tea straw inserted into the cake.

Additionally, always use food-safe materials and avoid toxic flowers. Opt for edible flowers or non-toxic decorative flowers that are safe to be placed near the cake.

Using toothpicks is a simple and effective way to add fondant flowers to your wedding cake, enhancing its beauty and elegance.

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Use melted chocolate to attach flowers

When it comes to attaching fondant flowers to a wedding cake, one method is to use melted chocolate. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Prepare the Flowers

Before you begin, ensure your fondant flowers are completely dry. This can take up to 24 hours at room temperature. To speed up the process, you can place them in front of a fan set on low to medium speed. Once dry, store the flowers in an airtight container at room temperature until you're ready to use them.

Prepare the Chocolate

For attaching fondant flowers, you can use candy coating, also known as chocolate bark, compound chocolate, or candy melts. Melt the candy coating in the microwave in short intervals to avoid burning. Start with 30 seconds, then stir and repeat in smaller time increments until the chocolate is almost completely melted. Continue stirring until it's smooth and fully melted. If you want to tint your chocolate, use an oil-based candy colouring gel. Water or colouring gels for frosting and fondant will cause the chocolate to seize.

Attach the Flowers

Using a small brush or spoon, apply a small amount of melted chocolate to the back of each fondant flower. Gently press the flower onto the desired spot on the cake. You can also use a piping bag to apply the melted chocolate with more precision. If you need to attach flowers to the side of the cake, hold them in place for a few seconds until the chocolate sets.

Additional Tips

To make your chocolate accents, simply create your desired shapes, chill them for a few minutes to set, and then place them on your cake. If you're working in a warm environment or the chocolate is taking too long to set, you can use freeze spray to help it dry faster.

When attaching flowers to the top of the cake, consider using a cake board. Place some icing on the cake, smooth it out, and then place the board on top. Pipe icing around the edges of the board to conceal it. Heap the board with icing and then place your flowers, starting from the outside and working your way in.

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Use fondant or buttercream to stick flowers on

If you're using fondant flowers to decorate a wedding cake, you'll need to decide whether to stick them onto a fondant or buttercream base. If you're using a buttercream cake, you can attach the flowers with a bit of buttercream if they're small and lightweight. For larger flowers, use floral wire to stick them into the cake.

If you're attaching fondant flowers to a fondant cake, you can use a small amount of buttercream or melted candy melts. If you're using really tiny flowers, you can also use candy melts or royal icing.

If you're using medium-sized flowers, you may be able to get away with using melted candy melts, but this method works better on fondant than on buttercream. If you've made your fondant flowers on toothpicks instead of wires, you can insert them directly into the cake, which is especially good if you're doing a cascade floral design.

Another option is to use bubble tea straws to insert the flowers into your cake. First, cut the straws to the right length, making sure they're not longer than the wires on your flowers. Insert the straws into the cake, then add a small amount of melted candy melts or chocolate inside the straw. Grab the stem of your flower arrangement with a pair of needle-nose pliers and push the flower into the straw.

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Use floral wire for larger flowers

When it comes to attaching fondant flowers to a wedding cake, it's important to consider the size and weight of the flowers. While small and lightweight flowers can be attached using buttercream frosting, larger flowers will require a different approach to ensure they stay securely in place. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use floral wire for larger fondant flowers:

Step 1: Plan Your Arrangement

Before you start, it's essential to plan how you want your flowers to be arranged on the cake. Do you want to create a cascading effect, or perhaps a single elegant bunch at the top corner? Once you've decided on the arrangement, gather your flowers and wrap their stems with floral tape. This will help to secure the flowers together and create a neat bunch.

Step 2: Prepare the Stems

Use wire cutters to trim the stems of your flowers and leaves to ensure they are not longer than the height of your cake. This step is crucial for both aesthetics and stability. You don't want the stems protruding from the cake, and a shorter stem will also reduce the weight of the flower arrangement.

Step 3: Choose the Right Straws

For inserting the flowers into the cake, you'll need straws. Regular straws work well for smaller flower arrangements, but for larger flowers, it's best to opt for bubble tea straws, which have wider openings. Ensure the straws are slightly longer than the flower stems to provide stability.

Step 4: Mark the Placement

Play around with the placement of your flower arrangements on the cake, and lightly mark the desired spots with a toothpick or similar tool. This will guide you when inserting the straws and flowers.

Step 5: Insert the Straws

Insert the straws into the marked spots on the cake. You can do this one at a time or all at once, depending on your preference and the complexity of your arrangement. Adjust the angle and depth of the straws as needed.

Step 6: Prepare the Flowers

Before inserting the flowers, bend the stems to achieve the desired shape and angle. Using needle-nose pliers can make this step easier and reduce the risk of accidentally breaking the flowers.

Step 7: Secure the Flowers

As an optional step, you can add a small amount of melted candy melts or chocolate inside the straws to create a stable base for the flowers. Then, using the needle-nose pliers, hold the flower stem close to the base and push it firmly into the straw. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure the flowers are secure and arranged as desired.

Step 8: Final Adjustments

Once all the flower arrangements are in place, take a step back and review your work. Make any final adjustments to ensure the flowers are positioned correctly and securely attached.

Step 9: Warnings and Precautions

It's important to keep in mind a few warnings to ensure the stability of your cake and the safety of your guests. Avoid making heavy flower arrangements, as they can pull on the cake and cause it to rip. Additionally, try to minimise the number of holes in the cake by grouping flowers into bunches before insertion. Always remember to leave a note or card listing the non-edible elements of the cake, such as wires and straws, so they can be removed before serving.

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Use floral tape to group flowers together

Floral tape is an essential tool when it comes to grouping fondant flowers together for a wedding cake. It helps to create beautiful, cohesive arrangements that will impress your guests and elevate the overall presentation of the cake. Here's a step-by-step guide on using floral tape to group fondant flowers:

Before you begin, it's important to plan the arrangement of your flowers. Decide on the types and colours of flowers you want to use, as well as the size of the bunches. Remember, you don't want to make the bunches too heavy, as this can affect the stability of the cake.

Start by gathering a few fondant flowers together with their stems. If you're using leaves, tape several leaves together first and create small bunches. Pull the floral tape to activate its stickiness before you start wrapping. Wrap the wires of the leaves together with the floral tape, going all the way down to the bottom of the stems. You can use wire cutters to snip off the ends of the wires for a neat finish.

Repeat this process with your fondant flowers. Wrap the floral tape around the wires, covering the entire length of the stems. Ensure that the stems are not longer than the height of your cake. You can cut the stems to the desired length using wire cutters.

Once you have your flower and leaf bunches ready, it's time to combine them. Attach the leaves to the flowers by bending the leaves out slightly and wrapping floral tape around the wires to secure them together. You can add more flowers or leaves to create a fuller arrangement, being mindful of the weight and size of the bunch.

After creating your floral bunches, you'll need to prepare them for insertion into the cake. Ensure that the stems are not too long, cutting them to a suitable length if necessary. You want the stems to be long enough to provide stability, especially if your flowers are heavy.

Using bubble tea straws or regular straws, insert the straw over the flower bunch stem to gauge the length. The straw should be slightly longer than the wire stem. Cut the straw to the desired length, and then insert it into the cake where you want your flowers to be placed. You can play around with the placement to find the perfect spot.

Now, it's time to insert your fondant flowers into the cake. Hold the stem of your floral arrangement with a pair of needle-nose pliers, grasping it close to the base of the flowers. Carefully push the flowers into the cake using the pliers, being mindful of the placement of other floral bunches if you have multiple arrangements.

You can adjust the flowers once they are inserted to achieve the desired look. If needed, bend the flower stems before inserting them to create a natural, flowing effect. Additionally, you can add a small amount of melted candy melts or chocolate inside the straw before inserting the flowers to create a stable base and prevent the wires from coming into direct contact with the cake.

Remember to leave a note or card listing the non-edible elements of the cake, including the floral tape and wires, so that they can be removed before serving.

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