Preserving Wedding Cake Flowers: Tips For Longevity

Flowers are a beautiful addition to a wedding cake, but it's important to know how to store them to avoid ruining the cake. If you're using sugar flowers, you'll need to carefully remove them from the cake, dust off any excess icing, and allow them to air dry before placing them in a container with silica gel packets to keep humidity levels down. If you're using fresh flowers, you'll need to choose non-toxic flowers and insert them into the cake using toothpicks or floral tape to avoid any toxic chemicals from leaching into the cake.

Wrapping flowers in plastic and floral tape

Step 1: Prepare the Flowers

Before you start wrapping, carefully remove the flowers from the cake using your hands or needle-nose pliers. Place them on a paper towel or a protected surface. Sugar flowers are delicate, so handle them with care to avoid breakage. It is recommended to hold them by their stems rather than the petals. If there is any excess icing or frosting on the flowers, gently brush or wipe it off using paper towels or a soft brush. Do not use water, as it can damage the flowers.

Step 2: Inspect and Dry the Flowers

Once you have removed the excess icing, inspect each flower for any signs of damage, such as cracks, breaks, or missing petals. If there is only minimal damage, you can still use the flower as a keepsake. After inspection, ensure that the flowers are completely dry before storing or displaying them. Place them on a clean, dry surface in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. You can also use desiccant packets to help absorb any remaining moisture.

Step 3: Reinforce the Stems (Optional)

If the stems of your flowers are thin, you may want to consider reinforcing them with thicker floral wire. This step is optional but can help provide more support for your flowers, especially if you plan to display them. Simply wrap the thicker wire around the existing stem and secure it with floral tape.

Step 4: Gather Your Materials

You will need plastic wrap, floral tape, and scissors or a cutting tool. Choose a plastic wrap that is specifically designed for food contact and will not stick to the flowers. The floral tape should be waterproof and have a strong adhesive. It is typically made of cloth fibers and is flexible and stretchable. You can find floral tape in various colours, such as dark green, which blends well with natural leaves.

Step 5: Start Wrapping

Now, you can begin wrapping your flowers. Cut a piece of plastic wrap large enough to cover the flower. Start by wrapping the flower gently but tightly with the plastic wrap. Ensure that all parts of the flower are covered, including the stems. You may need to use multiple layers of plastic wrap to ensure a secure covering. Once the flower is wrapped in plastic, cut a piece of floral tape and start wrapping it around the stems. Stretch and pull the tape gently as you wrap to activate its adhesive properties. Continue wrapping the stems until they are completely covered in floral tape.

Step 6: Store or Display

Once your flowers are wrapped in plastic and floral tape, you can choose to store or display them. If storing, place the wrapped flowers in an airtight container with silica gel or desiccant packets to absorb any moisture. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If displaying, you can create arrangements by attaching the flowers together with floral wire and tape or placing them in a vase or shadow box. Remember to keep them away from direct sunlight and moisture to extend their lifespan.

Keeping flowers in water until use

Choose the Right Flowers

When selecting flowers for your wedding cake, opt for those that are in season and available locally. This ensures they are at their freshest. Choose a variety of large and small flowers, as well as some leaves, to create a full and beautiful arrangement.

Keep Flowers Hydrated

Flowers typically come with flower vitamins that you can mix with water to help preserve their freshness. Follow the instructions on how to prepare this solution and keep your flowers immersed in it until you are ready to use them. This will help prevent wilting and browning.

Store Flowers in a Refrigerator

If you are keeping your flowers in water until the day of your wedding, it is best to store them in a refrigerator to maintain their freshness. This is especially important if your wedding is taking place during warmer months or in a region with a humid climate.

Use a Hydration Box

Some florists provide flowers in hydration boxes, which are specifically designed to keep them fresh. This can be a convenient option if you are ordering flowers in advance and want to ensure they remain hydrated.

Timing is Key

While it is important to keep your flowers in water to maintain their freshness, do not add them to your wedding cake too far in advance. Flowers on a cake need to be added as close to the event as possible, ideally the same day, to prevent wilting.

By following these steps, you will be able to keep your wedding cake flowers fresh and beautiful until it is time to use them. Remember to handle the flowers gently and, if possible, leave the placement of the flowers on the cake to the baker or a professional florist.

Using a toothpick to secure flowers

Firstly, choose the right flowers for your cake. Some popular choices for decoration include carnations, mums, roses, and spray roses, which are inexpensive, non-toxic, and readily available. If you are looking for edible flowers, options include roses, nasturtiums, borage, calendula, chamomile, chrysanthemums, fuchsias, gardenias, marigolds, pansies, mint, sage, violets, sunflowers, hibiscus, gladioli, and lilacs. It is important to avoid flowers that are poisonous, such as azaleas, crocuses, and belladonna.

Once you have selected your flowers, it is time to prepare them for the cake. Cut the stems off the flowers at the base of the bloom, ensuring that you remove the entire stem. This is important to prevent any part of the stem from touching the cake, as it can leave a bitter taste.

Now, take a toothpick and insert it into the hole where the stem was, creating a pick. Be careful not to let the toothpick touch the flower's base. This step ensures that the flower is securely attached to the toothpick.

Finally, carefully insert the toothpick into the wedding cake, making sure that the base of the flower does not touch the cake. This method ensures that the flower is securely attached to the cake without any risk of it falling off.

It is important to note that fresh flowers can last 6-8 hours with refrigeration and a few hours without it once they are placed on the cake. Therefore, it is recommended to add the flowers to the cake as close to the event as possible to ensure they look their best.

By following these simple steps, you can securely attach flowers to a wedding cake using toothpicks, creating a beautiful and elegant display.

Choosing non-toxic flowers

Understanding the Risks of Commercial Flowers

"Commercial flowers", or flowers grown for the mass market and sold in supermarkets and most florists, are often treated with a combination of organic and inorganic fertilisers, herbicides, fungicides, pesticides, preservatives, and dyes. These chemicals are used to maximise profit and prolong shelf life. However, they pose a health risk when used near food products, as they can contaminate the petals, leaves, or stems and leach into the cake. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid using these "commercial flowers" for your wedding cake.

Sourcing Flowers Grown Without Chemicals

To ensure the safety of your wedding cake, opt for flowers grown without any chemicals. This can be achieved by either sourcing organic flowers or working directly with a local grower who can assure you of their growing practices. Organic certification allows for the use of chemicals only as a last resort and restricts them to a small list of naturally derived pesticides. While some of these approved chemicals may still be questionable, they are generally safer than those used in conventional flower production.

Knowing the Right Sources

The best place to find flowers for a wedding cake is directly from British growers or local farmers' markets. While they may not advise you on specific safe varieties, they can provide transparency about their growing methods and assure you that no chemicals have been used. The British Flower Collective is an excellent resource for finding local growers. Additionally, if you're in the North Hampshire area, Bramshill Flowers is known for its naturally grown offerings.

Identifying Non-Toxic Flower Varieties

When selecting flowers for your wedding cake, it's crucial to choose non-toxic varieties. While most flowers are non-toxic and safe to be around food, there are certain toxic flowers you should actively avoid. These include Craspedia (Billy Ball), Frangipani (Plumeria), Lilies (including lily of the valley), and Daffodils, among others. A comprehensive list of toxic flowers can be found in online sources.

Prioritising Food Safety

Even when using non-toxic flowers, it's essential to prioritise food safety. Wrap the stems in florist tape and insert them into a straw or a posy pick. Stems should never be inserted directly into the cake, even if they have been wrapped. Additionally, wash and thoroughly dry the flowers before use to remove any dirt or bugs.

Considering Edible Flowers

If you want to take it a step further, you can opt for edible flowers grown by organic farmers without any chemicals or pesticides. Common edible flower options include roses, pansies, and herbs such as basil, mint, and rosemary. However, when serving, it's recommended to remove the petals from the flowers and serve them alongside the cake slices, as the general advice is to consume only the petals of edible flowers.

In summary, choosing non-toxic flowers for your wedding cake involves understanding the risks of commercial flowers, sourcing flowers grown without chemicals, identifying non-toxic varieties, prioritising food safety, and even considering edible flowers. By following these steps, you can create a beautiful and safe wedding cake for your special day.

Drying sugar flowers

Sugar flowers are a delightful addition to any wedding cake, and with the right care, they can be preserved for years. Here are some detailed instructions on drying and storing sugar flowers:

Preparing the Sugar Flowers:

Before drying, carefully remove the sugar flowers from the cake. If the stems are tightly bunched, needle-nose pliers may be needed to gently detach them. It is recommended to wear gloves and handle the flowers by their stems, as the petals are delicate and can easily break. Place the flowers on paper towels or a protected surface. If there is any excess icing or buttercream, gently wipe it off with a paper towel. Be sure not to use water, as it can cause the sugar to melt. You can also use a high-ABV alcohol-soaked cloth to clean the petals, but be cautious as alcohol may remove glazing or colour.

Drying the Sugar Flowers:

Allow the sugar flowers to air dry completely before storing or displaying them. Place them in a well-ventilated area, on a clean, dry surface, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. This process can take several days, depending on the climate. To speed up the drying process, consider using a dehydrator or the lowest heat setting on your oven, leaving the oven door slightly ajar to let out moisture. Alternatively, you can place the flowers under an anglepoise table lamp or use silica gel sachets to absorb moisture.

Storing the Sugar Flowers:

Once the sugar flowers are completely dry, it is crucial to keep them in a dry environment. Moisture is the enemy of sugar flowers, as it can cause them to wilt or melt. Use silica gel or desiccant packets to maintain low humidity levels during storage. Place the packets near the flowers or tucked away in the storage container. Store the flowers in an airtight container or a deep shadow box with a glass front to protect them from dust and damage. Keep the container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

Long-Term Care:

To maintain the beauty of your sugar flowers for years to come, regular dusting with a soft brush or compressed air is recommended. Avoid touching the flowers with bare hands, as dust or grease can cause discolouration. Additionally, avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause the colours to fade, especially for purple, blue, and white flowers. Periodically inspect the flowers for any signs of damage or deterioration, and take appropriate action if needed.

Frequently asked questions