Real Flowers Adorn Wedding Cakes: A Guide

Flowers can add a beautiful pop of colour to a wedding cake, but it's important to ensure that any flowers used are safe and won't spoil the cake. There are several methods for safely adding fresh flowers to cakes, including using toothpicks, floral tape, and food-safe barriers such as plastic wrap or a posy pick. It's also crucial to choose flowers that are non-toxic or edible and to avoid certain varieties that may be poisonous or contain toxic chemicals. When in doubt, it's best to consult with a professional florist or cake decorator to ensure the safety and stability of the cake.

Using Real Flowers on Wedding Cakes

Choosing flowers: Opt for non-toxic flowers like carnations, roses, and spray roses

When choosing flowers for a wedding cake, it's important to select non-toxic varieties to avoid any health risks to your guests. Luckily, there are several beautiful options to choose from, including carnations, roses, and spray roses. These flowers are non-toxic, meaning they won't cause any serious harm if they come into contact with or are accidentally ingested by your guests.

Carnations, with their ruffled petals and variety of colours, can add a touch of elegance and charm to your wedding cake. They are widely considered safe for use on cakes, as long as they are properly prepared. Be sure to wash and thoroughly dry the flowers before use, and wrap the stems in florist tape to create a barrier between the flower and the cake.

Roses, known for their romantic appeal and delicate fragrance, are another excellent choice for wedding cakes. Again, it's important to ensure they are properly cleaned and dried before use. You can create a stunning display by combining different types of roses, such as Tibet roses and Geraldine roses, or using spray roses to add texture and fullness to your arrangement.

When using any type of flower on a wedding cake, it's crucial to follow food safety guidelines. In addition to wrapping the stems, you can insert them into a straw or posy pick to ensure they don't come into direct contact with the cake. This will help prevent any leakage of flower secretion into the cake and minimise the risk of contamination.

By choosing non-toxic flowers like carnations, roses, and spray roses, and following the proper preparation techniques, you can create a stunning and safe floral display for your wedding cake.

Timing: Flowers should be added to the cake as close to the event as possible

Flowers are a beautiful addition to a wedding cake, but it's important to add them as close to the event as possible to ensure they look their best.

If you're working with a florist, they will be able to advise you on how long the flowers will last, but it's generally recommended to cut the flowers no more than a day or two in advance. Store them in a cool place with water, but do not add any plant food to the water.

Ideally, you should prepare and insert the flowers into the cake on the morning of the wedding. This will ensure the flowers are fresh and vibrant for the event.

If you're unable to add the flowers on the day of the wedding, there are a few things you can do to keep them looking their best. Firstly, make sure you wrap the stems with floral tape to create a barrier between the flowers and the cake. This will prevent any leakage from the stems and keep your cake food-safe.

You can also place the flowers in a vase or container with water and arrange them around the cake, rather than directly on it. This way, you can still enjoy the beauty of fresh flowers without worrying about them wilting or affecting the cake.

Remember, fresh flowers will only last a few hours without refrigeration, so it's important to time their addition to the cake carefully.

Flower preparation: Cut stems, clean flowers, and wrap them in food-safe tape or plastic wrap

Flower preparation is a crucial step in ensuring the safety and aesthetics of your wedding cake. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

Cut Stems

The first step is to cut the flower stems to the desired length. The ideal length depends on the type of flower and the design of your cake. For most flowers, a stem length of 2-3 inches is appropriate. However, for flowers with easily bendable stalks, like daisies, you may want to leave the stems slightly longer for more secure attachment. On the other hand, sturdy-stalked flowers like roses can be cut shorter.

Clean Flowers

Once you've cut the stems, it's time to clean the flowers gently with cool, soapy water to remove any dirt or bugs. Rinse the flowers under running water, taking care to clean the petals and stems thoroughly. After washing, gently pat the flowers dry with a paper towel or a clean cloth. This step ensures that your flowers are not only aesthetically pleasing but also free from any contaminants that could affect the cake.

Wrap Stems

Now, it's time to wrap the stems. Start by cutting a piece of food-safe tape or plastic wrap, about 2-3 inches long. Begin wrapping the tape or plastic wrap at the base of the bloom, pulling it taut as you work your way down the stem. Ensure you cover the entire stem, especially the cut end, to create an effective barrier. This barrier will prevent any flower secretion or stem juices from leaking into the cake, keeping it food-safe and delicious. The wrapping also helps retain moisture in the stems, keeping your flowers fresh for longer.

You can wrap the flowers individually or in groups, depending on your arrangement plan. If you're using floral tape, remember to twist the end of the tape to secure it. Alternatively, if using plastic wrap, you may want to add an extra layer or secure it with a small rubber band to ensure it stays in place.

Following these steps will ensure that your flowers are ready to be elegantly arranged on your wedding cake, adding a beautiful and natural touch to the celebration.

Placement: Insert flowers into the cake using toothpicks, straws, or water picks to avoid direct contact with the cake

When inserting flowers into a wedding cake, it's important to avoid direct contact between the flowers and the cake itself. This is because flowers may have been treated with pesticides or other toxic chemicals, which can leak into the cake and cause food safety issues.

One way to avoid this is by using toothpicks, straws, or water picks. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to insert flowers into a wedding cake using these tools:

• Prepare your flowers by cutting the stems to the desired length. Remove any dead or wilted petals and foliage.
• If using toothpicks, cut the flower stems very short, leaving just enough to insert a toothpick. Insert the toothpick into the base of the bloom, and then carefully stick it into the cake, ensuring that the flower doesn't touch the cake.
• If using straws or water picks, wrap the stems with floral tape, plastic wrap, or foil to create a barrier. You can also use water picks, which are plastic casings designed to hold flowers on cakes. These usually have a pointed closed end for insertion into the cake and an opening at the other end to hold the flowers.
• Insert the covered stems into the straws, water picks, or directly into the cake, depending on your chosen method.
• Arrange the flowers on the cake as desired, being mindful not to overcrowd the cake or insert too many stems, which can affect the stability of the cake.

By using these methods, you can ensure that your wedding cake is not only beautifully decorated but also safe for consumption.

Alternatives: Consider using edible flowers, sugar flowers, or artificial flowers as safer options

While real flowers can be a beautiful addition to a wedding cake, there are several safer alternatives that can achieve a similar effect. Here are some options to consider:

Edible Flowers

Edible flowers can be a great way to add a pop of colour and a unique flavour to your wedding cake. Some popular edible flower options include roses, lavender, pansies, sunflowers, and hibiscus. When choosing edible flowers, it is important to ensure they are grown in food-safe conditions and are free from harmful pesticides. You can source edible flowers from specialty culinary sites or local flower farms, where you can inquire about their growing practices.

Sugar Flowers

Sugar flowers are a popular choice for wedding cakes as they are entirely safe to come into contact with food. These flowers are typically handmade from sugar paste or gum paste and can be customised to match your desired colour scheme. Sugar flowers can be purchased from bakeries or specialty cake decoration suppliers, offering a wide range of styles and designs to suit your cake.

Artificial Flowers

If you want the look of real flowers without the risk of contamination, artificial flowers are a long-lasting and low-maintenance alternative. Artificial flowers come in a variety of styles and colours, allowing you to find the perfect match for your wedding cake. They can be easily sourced from cake decoration suppliers or craft stores. While they are not edible, they provide a stunning visual element that can be safely inserted into your cake.

Additional Tips

When using any type of flower alternative on your wedding cake, it is important to keep food safety in mind. Ensure that the flowers are clean and free from any potential contaminants. You can also use boba straws or floral tape to create a barrier between the flowers and the cake, providing an extra layer of protection.

Frequently asked questions