Choosing Greenery For Your Wedding Cake: Natural Elegance

Wedding cakes decorated with foliage and greenery are very on-trend. While some people opt for artificial foliage, others prefer fresh flowers and leaves. If you're going to use fresh foliage, it's important to make sure that it's food safe and won't affect the flavour of the cake. Examples of food-safe foliage include bay leaves, sage, thyme, rosemary, citrus leaves, fig leaves, and olive leaves.

Fresh vs. artificial greenery

There are a few factors to consider when deciding between fresh and artificial greenery for a wedding cake. While fresh greenery can add a natural and elegant touch to the cake, artificial greenery can offer a more convenient and safe alternative. Here are some detailed insights to help you make an informed decision:

Fresh Greenery:

• Pros: Using fresh greenery on a wedding cake can create a stunning and organic look. Fresh greenery pairs well with rustic, semi-naked, and nature-inspired cakes. It also allows for a wide range of options, including herb leaves like bay leaves, sage, thyme, and rosemary, as well as citrus leaves, fig leaves, and olive leaves. Fresh greenery can be easily sourced from florists or even your own garden, ensuring that it matches the rest of your wedding decor.
• Cons: One of the main concerns with fresh greenery is food safety. Some types of greenery, such as eucalyptus, are toxic to humans. Even non-toxic greenery can pose health risks due to bacteria in the storage water. It is crucial to thoroughly research food-safe options and properly wash any fresh greenery before placing it on the cake. Additionally, fresh greenery may release sap or leak into the cake, affecting its taste and appearance.

Artificial Greenery:

• Pros: Artificial greenery eliminates the risk of introducing toxins or bacteria to the cake. It is a convenient option, as it can be purchased or crafted from materials like sugar paste, fondant, or silk leaves. Artificial greenery also provides more control over the design, allowing for precise colour matching and the ability to cover any imperfections on the cake.
• Cons: While artificial greenery is generally considered safe, it is important to ensure that it is properly cleaned before use. Fake flowers and leaves can be dusty or contain colour dyes that may bleed into the frosting. Additionally, artificial greenery may not have the same natural beauty and freshness as fresh greenery, and it may be more expensive to purchase high-quality faux options.

Ultimately, the decision between fresh and artificial greenery depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you opt for fresh greenery, be sure to consult with your florist or baker to choose food-safe options and ensure proper handling and placement on the cake. If you choose artificial greenery, look for high-quality options that can be cleaned and will complement the overall aesthetic of your wedding cake.

Food safety considerations

When choosing greenery for a wedding cake, it is important to consider food safety to ensure that the decorations do not spoil the cake or cause harm to those consuming it. Here are some food safety considerations to keep in mind:

Choose Food-Safe Greenery

Not all types of greenery are safe to use on cakes. Some common garden plants and flowers are toxic and should be avoided. For example, eucalyptus is often used for decoration but is toxic to humans. Other types of toxic greenery include laurel, mistletoe, privet, yew, horse chestnut, broom, laburnum, cherry tree leaves, plum tree leaves, peach tree leaves, and elder leaves. Be sure to research food-safe options and avoid any plants that are known to be poisonous.

Wash and Prepare Fresh Greenery

If you choose to use fresh greenery, it is important to thoroughly wash the stems and leaves to remove any dirt, pesticides, or bacteria. You can also wrap the stems in food-safe tape or place them in a food-safe floral spike to prevent direct contact with the cake. Additionally, consider using edible glaze spray on the foliage as a barrier between the greenery and the cake.

Avoid Cross-Contamination

When handling fresh greenery, it is important to prevent cross-contamination. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the greenery, and avoid touching the leaves or stems with your bare hands. Use gloves or kitchen tongs to place the greenery on the cake, and ensure that the cake itself is protected by a layer of fondant or icing.

Consider Artificial Greenery

Artificial greenery is a safe alternative to fresh foliage. It eliminates the risk of toxic plants and bacteria. However, artificial flowers and greenery can be dusty and may bleed colour onto the frosting. Therefore, it is important to wash artificial greenery before use and ensure that it is safe for food contact.

Be Mindful of Allergens

Some guests may have allergies to certain types of plants or flowers. Even if the greenery is not intended to be consumed, there is a risk of sap leaking onto the cake or cross-contamination during cutting. Inform your guests about the type of greenery used and provide an ingredient list to avoid any allergic reactions.

Greenery types and sizes

When selecting foliage and greenery for cakes, it's common to overestimate the leaf size needed. Smaller leaves often complement cakes better. Herb leaves, such as bay leaves, sage, thyme, and rosemary, are edible, food-safe, and aesthetically pleasing. Citrus leaves, like those from a lemon tree, as well as fig and olive leaves, are also edible, food-safe options that can last for hours without water.

If you're looking for edible leaves to create a boho-style cake, consider Peruvian marigold, pineapple sage, purple sweet potato, mint, fennel, lemon verbena, or blackcurrant leaves. These leaves can be inserted into the cake by first poking a hole with a cocktail stick, then wrapping the stems in plastic wrap before insertion.

While eucalyptus is a popular choice for its appearance and affordability, it is not considered food-safe due to its poisonous black sprays of "berries." However, you can use non-berried eucalyptus if you wash the stems and leaves and spray them with edible glaze. Alternatively, you can opt for high-quality faux eucalyptus stems. Lamb's Ear and Dusty Miller are similar in colour but are also not food-safe, so either use the same technique as with eucalyptus or opt for artificial stems. Common ivy is another non-edible option that can be used with these precautions.

Remember to avoid certain toxic types of greenery, such as laurel, mistletoe, privet, yew, horse chestnut, broom, laburnum, cherry tree, plum tree, peach tree, and elder leaves.

If you prefer artificial greenery, you can find high-quality options that resemble real foliage. These can be purchased or custom-made through online stores like Etsy.

Florists and bakers working together

Florists and bakers can work together to create beautiful and safe wedding cakes adorned with greenery. While artificial flowers and foliage are a popular choice for wedding cakes, fresh flowers and foliage can also be used if certain precautions are taken.

Firstly, florists and bakers should communicate about the type of greenery being used. Some types of greenery, such as eucalyptus, laurel, mistletoe, and privet, are considered toxic and should not be used on cakes. Florists should provide organic, food-safe options and ensure that the greenery is free of any dyes or other harmful substances. Bakers, on the other hand, should be aware of any potential allergens that the greenery may contain and take the necessary precautions.

Secondly, it is important to ensure that the greenery is properly prepared before being placed on the cake. All fresh flowers and foliage should be thoroughly washed, and any pollen or sap-producing parts should be removed to prevent contamination. If using fresh flowers, consider using a water-filled stem holder or inserting the stems into the cake after poking a hole with a cocktail stick and wrapping them in cling film. For artificial flowers, it is important to remove dust and ensure they are free of any colour-bleeding dyes that may affect the taste and appearance of the cake.

Finally, florists and bakers should collaborate on the design and placement of the greenery. Bakers can advise florists on the appropriate size and amount of greenery needed, ensuring it complements the cake's design without overwhelming it. Florists can provide guidance on arranging the greenery to create a visually appealing display.

By working together and following these guidelines, florists and bakers can ensure that the wedding cake is not only beautiful but also safe and enjoyable for the happy couple and their guests.

Greenery alternatives

Greenery is a popular choice for wedding cake decorations, especially in the winter months when flowers are out of season. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind when choosing greenery for a wedding cake. Firstly, it is essential to ensure that any greenery used is food-safe and non-toxic. While real greenery can be used, it should be thoroughly washed and handled with care to avoid introducing bacteria or toxins into the cake. An alternative option is to use artificial greenery, which can be purchased or made from materials like sugar paste, fondant, or icing. These decorations can look incredibly realistic and eliminate the risk of contamination.

• Herb leaves: Bay leaves, sage, thyme, and rosemary are edible and safe to use on cakes. They also have the advantage of being durable and long-lasting out of water.
• Citrus leaves: Leaves from lemon trees, as well as fig and olive leaves, are considered food-safe and make beautiful decorations.
• Jasmine: Little white jasmine flowers and foliage are a safe and elegant choice for wedding cakes.
• Edible leaves: Peruvian marigold, pineapple sage, purple sweet potato, mint, fennel, lemon verbena, and blackcurrant leaves are all edible and perfect for creating a boho-style pressed flower cake.
• Artificial eucalyptus: While fresh eucalyptus is not food-safe, high-quality artificial eucalyptus stems can be purchased online and used after being sprayed with an edible glaze.
• Lamb's Ear and Dusty Miller: These types of foliage are popular with wedding florists for their beautiful grey-green colour. They are not food-safe, but they can be used on cakes if sprayed with an edible glaze or purchased as artificial stems.
• Gumpaste foliage: This technique involves creating foliage from sugar paste or fondant, which can then be used to decorate the cake. It allows for more intricate and detailed designs while still being food-safe.
• Icing: Another option is to create greenery directly on the cake using icing. This ensures food safety and can be a creative way to add decorative elements.

Frequently asked questions