Tying The Knot: Wedding Cake Ribbons

Adding a ribbon to a wedding cake is a great way to add a touch of elegance and incorporate the wedding colours. It can also be used to hide any imperfections in the cake's edge. There are a few ways to tie a ribbon on a wedding cake, depending on the type of cake and icing used. For buttercream cakes, it is important to prevent the ribbon from touching the cake to avoid staining from the oils in the frosting. This can be done by lining the cake with parchment paper before wrapping the ribbon around it. For fondant cakes, a double-sided satin ribbon backed with waxed paper can be used, and glued with small dabs of royal icing.

Using ribbon to complement the wedding colours

Using ribbon is a great way to complement the wedding colours and add a finishing touch to your wedding cake. You can add them to each cake layer or to the cake board. It is a good way to add colour without using food colouring.

When choosing a ribbon, consider the width of the ribbon in relation to the height of the cake. A wide ribbon is best for a tall cake, while slimmer ribbons can be used for smaller cakes. If you want to cover the entire side of the cake, choose a broad ribbon. Satin ribbon is a popular choice for wedding cakes as it adds an elegant and luxurious look. However, you could also try grosgrain, organza, twine, or lace ribbon.

When attaching the ribbon, it is important to ensure that it does not come into direct contact with the cake, especially if the cake is a buttercream cake, as the ribbon will quickly start to stain from the oils in the frosting. One way to prevent this is to line the cake with a strip of parchment paper before wrapping the ribbon around it. You can also iron wax paper onto the back of the ribbon before applying it to the cake.

Ensuring the ribbon doesn't touch the cake

To ensure that the ribbon doesn't touch the cake, you must first measure out the correct length of ribbon needed for your cake. Once you have the correct length, you can then prepare the ribbon to be attached to the cake.

To prepare the ribbon, you must back it with a non-absorbent paper such as waxed paper or contact paper. This will act as a food-safe barrier between the ribbon and the cake, preventing any grease or moisture from soaking into the ribbon and causing stains. You can iron the waxed paper onto the back of the ribbon, or use double-sided tape to attach the waxed paper.

Once the ribbon is backed with waxed paper, you can then wrap it around the cake. It is recommended to first line the cake with a strip of parchment paper, which will ensure that the ribbon doesn't touch the cake. The parchment paper should be slightly shorter than the ribbon so that it doesn't show. Use cello tape to adhere the parchment paper to itself, and then wrap the ribbon over the top, adhering it to itself with a non-toxic glue stick.

For buttercream cakes, it is best to wait until just before delivery to apply the ribbon, as this will prevent the ribbon from absorbing any grease or moisture from the frosting. Keeping the cake cold will also make it easier to apply the ribbon without messing up the frosting.

Using waxed paper to prevent grease stains

To prevent grease stains on a wedding cake ribbon, you can use waxed paper. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Waxed Paper and Ribbon

Place a sheet of waxed paper on a flat surface, waxed side up. Take your ribbon and lay it on top of the waxed paper, with the side that will touch the cake facing down. Ensure the ribbon is smooth and flat, without any wrinkles or creases.

Step 2: Iron the Ribbon and Waxed Paper

Set your iron to a low or medium heat setting. Carefully run the iron over the ribbon, making sure the waxed paper is between the iron and the ribbon at all times. The heat will melt the wax, causing it to stick to the ribbon. You can also try ironing the ribbon between two strips of waxed paper, so the wax transfers to both sides of the ribbon.

Step 3: Test and Adjust

Before applying the ribbon to the cake, test it by wrapping a small section of the cake with the waxed paper. Place the ribbon over it and observe if the wax is effective in preventing grease stains. If necessary, re-iron the ribbon or apply an additional layer of wax.

Step 4: Apply the Ribbon to the Cake

Once you're satisfied with the wax application, carefully wrap the ribbon around the cake, ensuring it doesn't touch the cake directly. Secure the ribbon in place with a non-toxic adhesive, such as a small dab of frosting or a food-safe glue stick.

Step 5: Final Touches

If there are any visible seams or joins in the ribbon, you can cover them with decorations such as flowers or bows. Keep the cake refrigerated until it's time for delivery, as this will help prevent excessive grease from seeping through the wax and onto the ribbon.

Using a glue stick to adhere the ribbon

To start, measure the ribbon to fit the circumference of the cake, with an additional two-inch overlap to allow for adhering the ribbon to itself. If using a buttercream cake, it is recommended to wait until just before delivery to apply the ribbon, as the cold temperature of the cake will make it easier to handle.

Next, take a non-toxic glue stick and apply a small amount to one end of the ribbon. This will be used to secure the ribbon in place by adhering it to itself. You can then carefully wrap the ribbon around the cake, ensuring it is straight and taut. Once you reach the other end, use another small amount of glue from the glue stick to secure the ribbon in place.

The glue stick method is a simple and effective way to attach a ribbon to a wedding cake. It is important to work carefully and precisely to ensure the ribbon is secure and straight. This method can be used for both fondant and buttercream cakes, providing a elegant finish that complements the wedding colour scheme.

The advantages of using a satin ribbon

A satin ribbon is a popular choice for wedding cakes, and for good reason. Here are some advantages of using a satin ribbon on your wedding cake:

Elegant and Luxurious Look

Satin ribbons have a shiny and smooth surface that creates an elegant and luxurious aesthetic. They are perfect for adding a touch of sophistication and glamour to your wedding cake. The ribbon's lustrous finish will beautifully complement the delicate icing or fondant of the cake.

Incorporating Wedding Colours

Satin ribbons come in a wide range of colours, making it easy to incorporate your wedding colours or theme into the cake design. This is especially advantageous if the bride has a specific colour palette in mind or wants to include a unique shade that might be difficult to achieve with icing alone.

Adding Texture and Dimension

The smooth and silky texture of satin ribbons can add subtle texture and dimension to your wedding cake. It can provide a beautiful contrast to the soft, fluffy icing or the smooth surface of fondant. This combination of textures will make your cake more visually appealing and create a memorable design.

Ease of Use and Customisation

Satin ribbons are generally easy to work with and can be customised to fit your cake perfectly. They can be cut to the desired length and width, and their flexibility allows them to be wrapped smoothly around the cake tiers. Satin ribbons can also be layered or combined with other types of ribbons for a more intricate and personalised look.

Safe and Non-Toxic

When applied correctly, satin ribbons can be a safe and non-toxic way to decorate your wedding cake. By using parchment paper, waxed paper, or non-toxic glue, you can ensure that the ribbon does not come into direct contact with the cake itself, preventing any potential contamination.

Frequently asked questions