Using Live Flowers On Your Wedding Cake

Flowers are a beautiful addition to any wedding cake, but it's important to be aware of the potential risks. Some flowers are toxic or contain pesticides, which could be dangerous to your guests. To avoid this, you can use edible flowers that haven't been treated with pesticides, or wrap the stems of your chosen flowers in floral tape to prevent fluid from leaking into the cake. You can also use straws or toothpicks to avoid inserting the stems directly into the cake. It's also a good idea to add the flowers as close to the event as possible to prevent wilting.

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

When choosing flowers to put on a wedding cake, it is important to select food-safe, non-toxic flowers. While many flowers are beautiful, not all are safe to use on something edible. Toxic flowers such as hydrangeas and baby's breath are often used in bouquets but should be avoided for wedding cakes.

Opting for edible flowers such as carnations, roses, and lavender is a safer choice. Carnations, or Dianthus caryophyllus, have a rich history and were originally found in the Mediterranean region. While some carnation varieties are cultivated for their visual appeal, certain types are considered edible. The "Clove Pink", "Wild Carnation", and "Cheddar Pink" are commonly consumed edible carnations. Carnations offer a range of potential health benefits due to their phytochemicals and antioxidant properties. They can be used as an attractive garnish, candied, or to infuse syrups and spirits.

Roses, which are in the same plant family as apples (Rosaceae), are another popular choice for decorating wedding cakes. They offer a range of colours and flavours, from pink and red to coral and crimson, with notes of fruits like green apple or strawberry. Rose petals can be used to garnish cakes and pastries or added to salads and soups. They can also be dried and used to make tea.

Lavender, a flowering herb in the mint family, has been celebrated for its potent fragrance for over 2,500 years. While most lavender is technically safe to eat, it is important to use culinary lavender, which is typically cultivated from Lavandula angustifolia plants. Culinary lavender has a sweeter, more palatable flavour and can be used to make lavender sugar or ground and added to cookies and cakes.

When choosing flowers for a wedding cake, it is important to select flowers that are organically grown and not treated with pesticides or other harmful chemicals. Fresh, organically grown flowers from your garden, a farmers market, or a local florist are ideal choices.

Using herbs: Herbs like thyme and rosemary make for beautiful, edible greenery

When using herbs, it is important to source them from a reputable organic supplier of edible varieties. Many flowers and leaves are poisonous and can cause serious symptoms if ingested. Even if you don't plan to eat the herbs, it is wise not to attach them directly to the cake in case they are mistaken for being edible when they are not. The sap or fine hairs could also leech onto your cake and cause irritation.

When adding herbs to your cake, you can use the toothpick method. Cut the stem off the herb right at the base and insert a toothpick where the stem was. Then, carefully stick the toothpick into the cake so that the base of the herb is not touching it. This method leaves a much smaller hole in the cake and ensures that no part of your fresh herb has to go into your cake.

If you are using buttercream, you can press the herbs directly into the frosting. However, keep in mind that edible leaves and herbs work best when added to the cake on the day of the wedding. As with all fresh produce, they will dry out if exposed to the sun or placed in a draughty area for too long.

Insertion methods: Use toothpicks, straws, or tape to secure flowers without damaging the cake

When it comes to inserting flowers into your wedding cake, there are a few methods you can use to secure them without damaging the cake. Here are some detailed instructions for using toothpicks, straws, or tape:

Toothpicks

Toothpicks are a great way to secure flowers to your wedding cake without leaving large holes. First, cut the stem off the flower at the base of the bloom. Then, insert a toothpick into the flower where the stem was, and carefully stick the toothpick into the cake, ensuring that the base of the flower doesn't touch the cake. This method works well for minimal and asymmetrical cake designs.

Straws

Using straws is a popular method to secure flowers on cakes. You can use bubble tea straws or regular drinking straws. If you want to group flowers together, bubble tea straws are a good option. For individual flowers, regular drinking straws work well. Cut the straws to the desired length (around 1.5"-2" or a few inches) and insert them into the cake at the desired angle. Then, place the flower stem into the straw. If using this method, it is recommended to wrap the flower stems with cling wrap or foil to prevent any fluid from the stems leaking into the cake.

Tape

Floral tape is a special type of tape that sticks to itself and is usually found in different shades of green. To use this method, wrap each individual flower stem tightly with floral tape, twisting the end to prevent any fluid from leaking into the cake. This method is useful if you plan to add flowers to the sides of your cake or want them positioned at particular angles.

Timing: Add flowers to the cake just before the event to prevent wilting and discolouration

Timing is crucial when it comes to adding live flowers to a wedding cake. To prevent wilting and discolouration, it is best to add the flowers to the cake just before the event. Here are some tips to ensure the flowers stay fresh and vibrant:

• Flowers need water to stay fresh, so it is essential to add them to the cake as close to the event as possible. Adding them the day before will result in wilted flowers.
• If possible, add the flowers to the cake at the venue, just before the event starts. This ensures they are as fresh as possible and reduces the risk of damage during transportation.
• If the cake is being delivered, it is best to do so a few hours before the event and add the flowers to the cake on-site. This way, you can ensure the flowers are in their best condition.
• When transporting a cake with live flowers, be extremely careful. Even a short journey can cause damage to the flowers or the cake itself.
• If the flowers are wrapped or taped, they will last a few hours outside of the fridge. However, for the best results, it is recommended to prepare and place the flowers at the last minute, even on-site at the event, to ensure the freshest blooms.
• Fresh flowers will usually last around eight hours in the refrigerator and a few hours outside of it.
• If you are using a florist, communicate your timeline to them so they can provide flowers that will be in their prime during your event.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your wedding cake with live flowers looks beautiful and stays fresh throughout the event.

Flower preparation: Cut stems, wrap them, and use food-safe wax or plastic wrap to prevent leakage

To prepare flowers for a wedding cake, you'll need to cut the stems, wrap them, and use food-safe wax or plastic wrap to prevent leakage. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Cut the flower stems:

Cut the stems at a length that allows the flowers to be securely placed on the cake without being too close to the surface. The ideal length may vary depending on the type of flower and the size of the cake.

Wrap the stems:

• Use floral tape, food-safe wax, or plastic wrap to cover the stems. This will prevent any fluid from the stems leaking into the cake or frosting.
• Floral tape is a special type of tape that sticks to itself and usually comes in different shades of green. Tightly wrap each individual stem with floral tape and twist the end to secure it.
• Alternatively, you can use food-safe wax or plastic wrap to cover the stems. This creates a barrier between the stems and the cake.

Insert the flowers into the cake:

• There are a few methods you can use to insert the flowers into the cake without directly placing the stems into the cake batter:
• Using straws: Insert a straw into the cake at the desired angle, then slip the flower stem into the straw. Clear bubble tea straws are recommended as they are thick and almost invisible once pressed into the cake.
• Using toothpicks: Cut the stem off the flower at the base of the bloom and insert a toothpick in its place. Carefully stick the toothpick into the cake so that the base of the flower does not touch the cake.
• Using a cake board: Place a cake board or cardboard cake round on top of the frosted cake and add flowers on top of it. This method keeps the flowers completely separate from the cake, eliminating the need to wrap the stems.

Remember to always choose flowers that are safe and non-toxic. Avoid any flowers that have been treated with pesticides or harmful chemicals. It is also important to ensure that the flowers do not come into direct contact with the cake or frosting, as even edible flowers can have bitter-tasting stems.

Frequently asked questions