Elegant Ribbon-Wrapped Wedding Cake: A Step-By-Step Guide

Adding ribbon to a wedding cake is a great way to add colour and elegance to your celebration. It can be a simple task when you know how to do it. The first step is to measure the circumference of your cake and cut your ribbon to size. You can then use a non-toxic glue, small dots of royal icing, or a strip of fondant to attach the ribbon to your cake. If you're using buttercream, it's important to prevent the ribbon from touching it directly, as the oils can cause staining. To avoid this, you can use strips of baking paper or parchment paper between the ribbon and the cake. You can also seal the edges of the ribbon with a flame to prevent fraying and add decorations like fondant figures or crystals to enhance the overall look.

How to put ribbon around a wedding cake

Using ribbon with buttercream

There are several methods to consider when adding ribbon to a buttercream wedding cake. Firstly, it is important to measure the circumference of your cake to ensure you have the right length of ribbon. To do this, simply multiply the diameter of the cake by pi.

One method to ensure the ribbon doesn't stain is to use a double-sided satin ribbon that has been backed with a non-absorbent paper such as waxed or contact paper. You can also try a textured ribbon, as these do not show signs of absorbing moisture or grease. If you are using a satin ribbon, iron the back with waxed paper before attaching to prevent staining.

Another method is to use strips of parchment or wax paper. Cut the paper to the same length as your ribbon, and wrap it around the cake before applying the ribbon on top. You can use a non-toxic glue stick to adhere the ribbon to itself, or thin buttercream to 'glue' the ribbon to the paper.

If you are concerned about the ribbon staining, you can also try wetting the ribbon, squeezing out the liquid, and then placing it on the cake. Alternatively, you can grease the ribbon with a small amount of shortening before placing it on the cake.

Some bakers also suggest using a plastic-backed or waterproof ribbon to prevent staining.

Using ribbon with fondant

Choosing the Right Ribbon

Select a ribbon that complements the theme and colour scheme of your wedding. The width of the ribbon should be between 25mm and 38mm to give a good base for decorating. You can opt for a double-sided satin ribbon, backed with non-absorbent paper like waxed or contact paper to prevent grease stains. Alternatively, a textured ribbon can be easier to work with and won't show signs of absorbing moisture or grease.

Preparing the Ribbon

Before attaching the ribbon to the fondant, measure and cut the ribbon to fit the circumference of each cake layer. Seal the edges of the ribbon by carefully using a lighter or candle flame to prevent fraying. If using a satin ribbon, iron the back with waxed paper to prevent grease absorption.

Attaching the Ribbon

There are several methods to attach the ribbon to the fondant cake:

• Royal Icing: Use small dabs of royal icing to attach the ribbon to the fondant. You may need to do this a few inches at a time.
• Fondant and Water: Roll two small pieces of fondant and attach them to the back of the cake using a dot of water. Wrap the ribbon around and secure it with another dot of water on the second piece of fondant.
• Buttercream or Piping Gel: Use a thin layer of buttercream or piping gel to attach the ribbon. However, be cautious as it may show through light-coloured ribbons.
• Edible Glue: Use edible glue sparingly to attach the ribbon, ensuring it doesn't seep out.
• Water: Dip the ribbon in water, squeeze out the excess, and attach it to the cake. As the ribbon dries, it will stick to the fondant.

Decorating with Ribbon

You can wrap the ribbon around the base of each cake layer or create a ribbon waterfall effect with strands of ribbon draped between the layers. Secure the ribbon with sugar paste or fondant and add other decorations like fondant figures or crystals. You can also make ribbon roses for an extra special touch.

Attaching ribbon to the cake

Attaching ribbon to a wedding cake is a great way to add colour and elegance to the cake without using food colouring. It is also a way to incorporate the wedding colours, especially if the bride has a specific ribbon in mind.

There are several ways to attach ribbon to a cake, depending on the type of icing used. For buttercream cakes, it is important to prevent the ribbon from coming into direct contact with the icing, as the oils will cause staining. One way to do this is to use a non-toxic glue stick to adhere the ribbon to itself, wrapping it around the cake. To prevent the ribbon from fraying, seal the edges carefully with the flame of a lighter or candle. For a buttercream cake, it is also recommended to keep the cake cold when applying the ribbon, as this will make it easier to handle.

Another method is to use a double-sided satin ribbon, backed with a non-absorbent paper such as waxed or contact paper. Iron the back of the ribbon with waxed paper before attaching. For a buttercream cake, use small dabs of royal icing to attach the ribbon, a few inches at a time. For a fondant cake, use small dots of water to attach the ribbon.

When using a ribbon on a fondant cake, some decorators prefer to use a strip of fondant instead of ribbon, as it is easier to work with and will mould slightly to the cake. To attach a fondant ribbon, roll out two small pieces of fondant and use a small dot of water to attach the first piece to the back of the cake. Wrap the ribbon around and place the second piece of fondant on top, adhering the ribbon together.

To ensure the ribbon is applied evenly and smoothly, some decorators use dressmaker's pins to hold the ribbon in place while they work. Others use small dots of royal icing or a thin strip of non-toxic glue to attach the ribbon to the cake itself.

Measuring ribbon for different-shaped cakes

When it comes to measuring ribbon for a wedding cake, the shape of the cake will indeed play a crucial role. Here is a detailed guide on how to measure ribbon for different-shaped cakes:

For a round cake:

The most common shape for wedding cakes is round. To measure the ribbon for a round cake, you will first need to measure the circumference of the cake. This can be done by using a piece of string or a flexible measuring tape. Wrap the string or measuring tape around the base of the cake and mark the length. Then, cut your ribbon to be slightly longer than this measurement to allow for overlap and seams at the back of the cake.

For a square or rectangular cake:

If your wedding cake is square or rectangular, you will need to measure both the length and width of the sides. Again, add a few extra inches to your measurement to account for overlap. Cut your ribbon into pieces that match these measurements, allowing for a seam at the back of the cake. You can also cut a single long piece of ribbon to wrap around the cake, in which case you will measure the circumference as you would for a round cake.

For a multi-tiered cake:

Multi-tiered wedding cakes present an additional challenge. You will need to measure each tier separately, following the instructions for round or square cakes, depending on the shape of your tiers. Cut your ribbon into pieces that fit each tier, or opt for longer pieces that drape down between the tiers for a waterfall effect.

For all cake shapes:

Regardless of the shape of your wedding cake, there are a few general tips to keep in mind. First, always cut your ribbon a few inches longer than your measurements to ensure that you have enough to work with. Second, consider using a double-sided satin ribbon, which can add a touch of elegance to your cake. Finally, remember to seal the edges of the ribbon to prevent fraying, either by using a flame or with a non-absorbent paper backing.

Finishing touches

The ribbon is a great way to add a finishing touch to your wedding cake. It can be used to complement the wedding theme and colours. The ribbon can be added to each layer of the cake or to the cake board.

Firstly, measure the circumference of your cake. For a round cake, multiply the diameter of the cake by pi. For a square cake, multiply the side length by 4. For a rectangular cake, multiply the long side by 2, and the short side by 2, and add the two results together. Cut your ribbon to the desired length, allowing for a little extra to be on the safe side. You can use a lighter or candle to carefully seal the edges of the ribbon to prevent fraying.

If you are using a buttercream cake, chill it in the fridge for 15-30 minutes before applying the ribbon. This will make the cake easier to handle and prevent staining from the oils in the buttercream. Take the cake out of the fridge and apply a small amount of buttercream to the area where the ribbon will be placed. You can also use a strip of parchment paper or baking paper to line the cake before adding the ribbon. This will prevent the ribbon from coming into direct contact with the cake and avoid any staining.

Use a non-toxic glue, such as a glue stick or small dots of royal icing, to attach the ribbon to the cake. You can also use pins to hold the ribbon in place until the glue dries. For a ribbon waterfall effect, cut strands of ribbon to match the length of your cake, allowing extra length for draping. Secure the ribbon at the top of the cake with sugar paste and let the strands drape down each layer.

With these tips, you can add the perfect finishing touches to your wedding cake with ribbon!

Frequently asked questions