Greenery Guide: Safe Wedding Cake Decorations

The use of greenery on wedding cakes has become an increasingly popular trend, adding a touch of rustic elegance to the dessert table. However, not all greenery is safe for use on cakes, and it's essential to distinguish between herbs and foliage when choosing decorations. While herbs like mint, thyme, and basil can enhance the flavour of the cake, foliage such as eucalyptus and ruscus are primarily used for their decorative qualities. When selecting greenery, it's crucial to avoid toxic plants and consider the potential impact on the cake's flavour and overall appearance.

Safe Greenery for Wedding Cakes

Safe vs toxic greenery

The use of greenery on wedding cakes has become a popular trend, adding a touch of rustic elegance to the dessert table. However, it is important to distinguish between safe and toxic greenery to ensure the health and safety of the wedding guests. Here is a detailed breakdown of the do's and don'ts of greenery for wedding cakes:

Safe Greenery Options:

Herbs such as mint, thyme, basil, and rosemary are excellent choices for wedding cakes. They offer a bonus of flavour and aroma, enhancing the overall sensory experience of the cake. Their bright green leaves and needle-like shapes create a beautiful rustic look. Bay leaves, sage, and lemon tree leaves are also considered safe and can last for hours out of water, making them convenient for cake decoration.

Citrus leaves, fig leaves, and olive leaves are other good options, providing a unique and refreshing touch to the cake's design. Little white jasmine flowers and foliage are a beautiful and safe choice, often used in combination with pressed flowers for a boho-style cake.

Peruvian marigold leaves, pineapple sage leaves, purple sweet potato leaves, fennel, lemon verbena, and blackcurrant leaves are also edible and perfect for creating a whimsical and colourful look, especially for a spring or summer wedding.

Toxic Greenery to Avoid:

It is crucial to avoid toxic plants that can be harmful when ingested. Yew, holly, ivy, laurel, mistletoe, privet, horse chestnut, cherry tree leaves, and elder leaves are some common offenders that should be completely avoided. These plants contain components that can cause nausea and other health issues.

Even if some plants are non-toxic, they might still negatively impact the cake's flavour. For example, lavender (non-cooking variety) can be overpowering, and bitter almond leaves can give an undesirable taste.

Practical Tips for Using Greenery:

When using safe greenery, it is important to prepare and place it correctly on the cake. Always wash the greenery thoroughly and dry it completely before use. Trim long stems and consider poking a hole in the cake with a cocktail stick before inserting them.

Using edible flowers alongside greenery can add a pop of colour. For instance, pairing eucalyptus leaves with bright edible flowers like pansies or nasturtiums creates a whimsical and vibrant look.

When in doubt, consult with a professional baker or florist who can advise on safe options and help bring your rustic elegant vision to life without compromising the health and safety of your guests.

Artificial greenery

Using artificial greenery on wedding cakes is a safe and low-maintenance option. It is a popular choice among couples as it eliminates the risk of introducing toxic or unsafe foliage onto the cake. Artificial greenery is also a more convenient option, as it does not require coordination with a florist or the additional step of washing and preparing the foliage.

When selecting artificial greenery, it is essential to choose high-quality options that resemble real foliage. Etsy, for example, offers a wide range of artificial greenery, including eucalyptus, lamb's ear, and Italian ruscus. These faux leaves and stems can be easily incorporated into your wedding cake design without worrying about food safety issues.

Another advantage of artificial greenery is its durability. Unlike fresh foliage, which can wilt or lose its vibrancy over time, artificial greenery will maintain its appearance throughout the event. This is especially beneficial if you want to display your wedding cake for an extended period or have it photographed.

While artificial greenery offers convenience and safety, it is important to consider potential drawbacks. Some couples may prefer the natural beauty and fragrance of fresh foliage. Additionally, if not carefully selected and arranged, artificial greenery may appear less elegant than its fresh counterpart.

To ensure the best results when using artificial greenery, it is recommended to choose high-quality options and carefully arrange them on the cake. Combining artificial greenery with fresh flowers, provided by a florist, can also enhance the overall aesthetic.

Greenery placement

• Balance: Aim for an even distribution of greenery across the cake. Avoid clustering too much greenery in one area, and instead, spread it out to create a harmonious and elegant look.
• Layering: Create visual interest and depth by using greenery at varied heights and layers. Play with different types and sizes of foliage to add dimension to your cake design.
• Trailing Greenery: Consider using trailing or hanging greenery for a whimsical and romantic effect. This style works well with tiered cakes, adding a touch of movement and elegance.
• Strategic Placement: Use greenery to accentuate the existing design elements of the cake. Place greenery to enhance the cake's character rather than overwhelm it. A few sprigs of rosemary or mint leaves can be a delicate and rustic addition.
• Greenery Garland: Create a garland or wreath of greenery to frame the cake or a particular tier. This can be a stunning way to incorporate greenery without placing it directly on the cake.
• Tiered Cake Accents: If you have a tiered cake, consider placing greenery at the base of each tier or wrapping it around the tiers to define their shape. This adds texture and interest while also bringing a natural touch.
• Top it Off: Add a statement greenery piece or arrangement at the very top of the cake. This could be a large leaf, a sprig of herbs, or a small bouquet of edible flowers and greenery.

Safety Precautions for Greenery Placement:

• Wash and Dry: Before placing any greenery on the cake, thoroughly wash it to remove any dirt or residues. Then, completely dry the leaves to prevent excess moisture from melting the frosting or damaging the cake's surface.
• Trim Stems: If using herbs or sprigs with long stems, trim them to an appropriate length. Be careful when inserting them into the cake, and avoid piercing more than one tier unless you're using a supporting structure.
• Food-Safe Barriers: If you're concerned about the safety of the greenery touching the cake directly, use food-safe floral spikes or wrap the stems in food-safe tape. Another option is to place the greenery on a protective barrier, such as wax paper, to prevent any potential contamination.
• Avoid Toxic Plants: Stay away from toxic plants such as yew, holly, ivy, laurel, mistletoe, and eucalyptus berries. These plants can be harmful if ingested, so it's important to choose only food-safe options.

Greenery preparation

Selecting the Right Greenery:

• Choose food-safe and non-toxic greenery: Some popular options include bay leaves, sage, thyme, rosemary, citrus leaves (such as lemon tree leaves), fig leaves, olive leaves, mint, and jasmine. Avoid toxic plants like yew, holly, ivy, laurel, mistletoe, privet, horse chestnut, and cherry tree leaves.
• Distinguish between herbs and foliage: Herbs like mint, thyme, and basil add flavour and aroma to the cake, while foliage like eucalyptus and ruscus are mainly decorative.
• Consider edible flowers: Pairing greenery with edible flowers like pansies, nasturtiums, and violets can create a vibrant and elegant look.
• Source from reputable providers: Always source your greenery from providers specializing in edible plants to ensure freshness and safety.

Preparing the Greenery:

• Wash thoroughly: Gently rinse the greenery under cool running water to remove any dirt or residues. You can also use a soft brush to clean the leaves and stems.
• Soak in vinegar solution: After rinsing, soak the greenery in a water-vinegar solution for a few minutes to kill bacteria. Then, rinse again with cool water.
• Dry completely: Pat the greenery dry with a clean kitchen towel. This step is crucial, as excess moisture can melt frosting or damage the cake's surface.
• Trim stems: If using herbs or sprigs with long stems, trim them to a suitable length. Long stems can be inserted directly into the cake, but be careful not to pierce more than one tier.
• Wrap stems: If inserting stems into the cake, wrap them well in plastic wrap/cling film before placing them into the cake.
• Avoid direct contact: If using artificial greenery, place it on a protective barrier like wax paper to prevent any chemicals from leaching into the cake.

Design and Placement:

• Balance: Distribute greenery evenly across the cake for a harmonious look.
• Layering: Use varied heights and layers of foliage to create visual interest and depth.
• Naked cake presentation: Opt for a cake without frosting to showcase the natural beauty of the layers and greenery.
• Less is more: Generally, a few strategically placed sprigs of greenery create a more elegant and contemporary look.

Remember to always research food-safe options and communicate your vision clearly to your baker or florist. With the right preparation and placement, your wedding cake will be a stunning and safe centerpiece.

Edible flowers

When it comes to wedding cakes, edible flowers can be a beautiful and safe way to incorporate greenery. Here are some tips and suggestions for using edible flowers on wedding cakes:

Choosing Edible Flowers:

Firstly, it's important to know that not all flowers are safe to consume. Some popular choices for edible flowers include:

• Nasturtiums (flowers and leaves)
• Gladiolus flowers
• Squash blossoms
• Campanula
• Borage flowers
• Japanese magnolia blooms
• Pansies
• Columbine
• Stock
• Violets
• Dahlia petals
• Bachelor's button
• Orange cosmos
• Snapdragons
• Roses

Herbs with flowers, such as rosemary or thyme, are also a great option, adding a unique flavour to your cake. However, some flowering herbs like chive blossoms or flowering cilantro have a strong savoury taste, which may not pair well with certain cake flavours.

It's also important to note that while some flowers are edible, they may not taste pleasant. For example, globe amaranth can be used as a natural food dye but may not be enjoyable to eat. Similarly, flowers like elderflower, jasmine, or anise hyssop are better for infusing flavour rather than consuming whole. Sunflowers, gerbera daisies, and zinnias are edible but have inedible centres, so it's best to use them solely as decorations.

Food Safety Considerations:

When selecting flowers for your wedding cake, food safety is a top priority. Here are some guidelines to ensure your floral decorations are safe:

• Avoid toxic flowers: Some flowers, such as lilies, delphiniums, yellow jasmine, and foxglove, are highly poisonous and should be avoided altogether. Other toxic flowers include oleander, hydrangeas, anthuriums, and azaleas.
• Source flowers carefully: Do not use flowers from a regular floral bouquet, as they may be treated with chemicals that are unsafe for consumption. Instead, source edible flowers from local farmers or growers who specialise in organic, chemical-free blooms.
• Wash flowers thoroughly: Before placing any flowers on a cake, ensure they are thoroughly washed to remove any potential bacteria or contaminants.
• Wrap stems: If inserting flower stems into the cake, wrap them in food-safe tape or cling film to prevent sap or other contaminants from leaking into the cake.
• Remove before serving: Even if using edible flowers, it's best to remove them before serving the cake to avoid accidental ingestion of non-edible parts.

Artificial Flowers:

If you're concerned about food safety or want a more long-lasting option, artificial flowers made from sugar paste or icing can be a beautiful alternative. These can be purchased or handmade and offer a wide range of creative possibilities.

Frequently asked questions