Paper Flowers: A Wedding Cake's Blooming Delight

Flowers are a beautiful and elegant way to decorate a wedding cake. While fresh flowers are a popular choice, paper flowers are an upcoming trend that can be kept as a memento of the special day. Paper flowers can be made from tissue paper or wafer paper, and they can be made to match the wedding decor. They are also a more durable option than fresh flowers, which can wilt within a few hours. Paper flowers can be placed on top of the cake or inserted into the cake at specific angles.

Choosing the right paper flowers

Colour

You can opt for classic white paper flowers, or choose a colour that matches your wedding theme or the bride's bouquet. If you want to get creative, you can make the paper flowers any colour to match the wedding decor. Using coloured paper or dyeing the paper yourself can help you achieve the perfect shade.

Type of Paper

The type of paper you choose will impact the overall look of the flowers. Tissue paper, for example, is lightweight and can be easily cut and shaped, making it ideal for creating delicate petals. Crepe paper, on the other hand, has a textured surface that can add depth and dimension to the flowers. It is also flexible and can be used to create realistic-looking petals and leaves. Wafer paper is another option that is gaining popularity for cake decorations. It is thin and delicate, giving the flowers a light and airy appearance.

Size

Consider the size of the flowers in proportion to the cake. For a small cake, opt for smaller flowers or a single statement bloom. Larger cakes can accommodate bigger flowers or a fuller bouquet.

Style

Paper flowers can range from simple and minimalist to intricate and detailed. If you want a more whimsical and relaxed look, go for a looser, less structured style. For a more elegant and sophisticated feel, choose flowers with well-defined shapes and intricate details.

Skill Level

Creating paper flowers requires time and patience, and the level of difficulty will depend on the style and type of flower you choose. Some paper flowers are relatively simple to make, while others require advanced techniques and a higher level of skill. If you are a beginner, opt for easier designs or consider seeking help from a professional or experienced friend.

Durability

Consider the durability of the paper flowers, especially if you plan to display them for an extended period. Some paper flowers can be stored and reused for future special occasions or even framed as a keepsake. Choose a sturdy type of paper and avoid placing the flowers in a humid environment to prevent them from becoming damaged or discoloured.

Preparing the flowers

The first step in preparing paper flowers for a wedding cake is to choose the right type of flowers. Fresh flowers are a popular choice as they are beautiful, budget-friendly, and can be matched perfectly with the wedding flowers. However, they need to be correctly taped, free from chemicals or pesticides, and non-toxic. Examples of suitable fresh flowers include organically grown roses, herbs, bay leaves, some dahlias, peonies, jasmine, and marigolds. It is important to note that fresh flowers with weak stems may wilt, especially in warm weather, so they should be used within a few hours of preparation.

Another option is silk or fabric flowers, which are generally more expensive and less environmentally friendly than fresh flowers. They do not wilt and are non-toxic, but the variety and colour options may be limited. It is important to choose high-quality silk flowers as cheap ones can detract from the overall appearance of the cake.

Wafer paper flowers are a newer option in cake decorating and are gaining popularity. They are handmade, so they are more expensive than fresh or silk flowers, but they are lightweight, airy, and whimsical. Wafer paper flowers can be stored and reused, and they don't wilt, making them a good choice for a wedding cake.

Sugar or gumpaste flowers are the most expensive option, but they are also the most luxurious and impressive. They are completely food-safe and can be made to match any variety or colour of flower. However, they are fragile and time-consuming to create, as each petal must be hand-rolled, cut, shaped, dusted, and taped into place.

Once you have chosen the type of flowers you want to use, it is important to prepare them properly. If you are using fresh flowers, let them hydrate overnight in clean water. Then, cut the stems to approximately 2-3 inches in length and cover them with floral tape to create a barrier between the stem and the cake, preventing any leakage of flower secretion. For paper flowers, you can follow a similar process of attaching the petals and leaves to a toothpick with glue and wrapping the base with fringe paper.

It is recommended to decorate the cake with flowers as close to the event as possible to ensure they look their best. A cake with fresh flowers can last at least one day without refrigeration, but it is important to be careful when placing it in the fridge, as the flowers can sweat.

Arranging the flowers on the cake

Now that you have your paper flowers ready, it's time to arrange them on the wedding cake! Here are some tips and steps to help you create a beautiful and elegant display:

Before you begin, ensure that your paper flowers are crafted from food-safe materials and are not treated with any chemicals or pesticides. Paper flowers made from wafer paper or tissue paper are popular choices for wedding cakes. You can also create a barrier between the flowers and the cake by using tools such as bubble tea straws, clear plastic straws, or floral tape.

Step 1: Prepare the flowers:

If you are using paper flowers with stems, cut the stems to the desired length, approximately 2-3 inches long. Wrap the stems with floral tape to create a barrier and prevent any fluids from leaking onto the cake. You can also use plastic wrap as an alternative to floral tape. This step is especially important if the stems will come into direct contact with the cake or frosting.

Step 2: Choose your arrangement style:

You can choose to place the flowers directly on top of the cake, or you can insert them at an angle into the sides of the cake. If you want to add flowers to the sides, consider using bubble tea straws or clear plastic straws. Insert the straws into the cake at the desired angle, and then slip the flower stems into the straws. This method provides stability and ensures that the flowers are securely attached to the cake.

Step 3: Create a cohesive design:

When arranging the flowers on the cake, consider the overall design and colour scheme. You can choose to place the flowers symmetrically or asymmetrically, creating a balanced and cohesive look. Play around with different flower types, sizes, and colours to achieve the desired effect. You can also add greenery or foliage to enhance the arrangement and create a natural, whimsical look.

Step 4: Final touches:

Once you have arranged the flowers, take a step back and assess the overall appearance. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure the flowers are secure and the arrangement is visually appealing. Remember that the flowers should complement the cake and enhance its beauty.

By following these steps, you can create a stunning and elegant display of paper flowers on your wedding cake. Remember to use food-safe materials, be mindful of any potential toxins, and get creative with your arrangement!

Pros and cons of paper flowers vs fresh flowers

Paper flowers are a beautiful addition to a wedding cake and can be placed on the cake in a variety of ways. Paper flowers can be made from wafer paper or sugar/gumpaste. Wafer paper flowers are a relatively new trend in cake decorating and are a fantastic, luxury option. Sugar flowers are completely food-safe and can be kept as a memento of the special day.

When it comes to choosing between paper flowers and fresh flowers for a wedding cake, there are several pros and cons to consider.

Paper Flowers Pros:

• Don't wilt
• Can be made to match the wedding decor
• Can be kept and reused for other special occasions
• Showcase the cake artist's skill

Paper Flowers Cons:

• Higher-end budget option
• Varieties/colours may be limited depending on the cake artist's skillset

Fresh Flowers Pros:

• Beautiful
• Budget-friendly
• Match wedding flowers perfectly
• Elevate the look of the cake
• Make the occasion feel special

Fresh Flowers Cons:

• Prone to wilting, especially in warm weather
• Toxic varieties limit options
• Seasonality means that certain varieties are unavailable at certain times of the year
• May have been treated with pesticides
• May need to be wrapped to prevent fluids from the stems seeping into the cake

Alternatives to paper flowers

If you're looking for alternatives to paper flowers for your wedding cake, here are some ideas:

Fresh Flowers

Fresh flowers are a beautiful and elegant way to decorate a wedding cake. They can be a cheaper option than sugar flowers or paper flowers, as you are not paying for the custom work that goes into those alternatives. When using fresh flowers, it is important to select flowers that are not toxic, such as common wedding flowers like sunflowers and roses. It is also a good idea to use pesticide-free arrangements and ensure that the flowers are not in direct contact with the cake. Fresh flowers may not be ideal for hot days, as they can wilt quickly.

Dried Flowers

Dried flowers are a trendy alternative to fresh flowers and can be used for a variety of wedding styles, including romantic, industrial, modern, and boho. They are fragile, so they may not be suitable for a wedding bouquet or buttonholes, but they can work well as centrepieces or stand-alone decorations.

Artificial Flowers

Artificial flowers, such as silk flowers, are a great choice for off-season weddings. They look and feel like real flowers, but without the risk of wilting. Silk flowers are also less sensitive to weather conditions and do not pose any risk of toxicity or allergies. They can be more expensive than real flowers, especially if you opt for high-quality silk flowers. However, they do not have a floral scent, so they may not be the best choice if you want your cake to have a subtle aroma.

Wafer Paper Flowers

Wafer paper flowers are made from potato starch, oil, and water, and they are the newest craze in the cake world. They are edible and dissolve in your mouth, but they may contain inedible elements like wires, so it is best to assume they shouldn't be eaten. Wafer paper flowers are lightweight, flexible, and less breakable than sugar flowers. They can be stored for a long time after the wedding if kept correctly.

Sugar Paste Flowers

Sugar paste flowers are an art form of their own and can be time-consuming and challenging to create. They require custom work, which can increase their cost compared to other options. While they can be stunning, they may not be able to match the beauty of a perfectly bloomed natural flower.

Other Cake Alternatives

If you want to forgo flowers altogether, there are many other creative alternatives to a traditional wedding cake. You could consider a crepe cake, cupcakes, a croquembouche (a tower of cream puffs), doughnuts, a chocolate chip cookie cake, French macarons, a cheesecake, or even a cheese cake made from stacked wheels of cheese. These options can still be decorated with flowers, fruit, or other classic toppings to create a unique and elegant display.

Frequently asked questions