Choosing The Perfect Faux Flowers For Your Wedding Cake

Flowers are a long-standing tradition at weddings, and many couples choose to decorate their cake with them. There are three main options for flowers on a wedding cake: silk, real, and sugar. Silk flowers are artificial flowers made from silk or other materials, real flowers are fresh flowers, and sugar flowers are edible flowers made from gumpaste or fondant. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice will depend on the couple's budget, preferences, and the availability of flowers.

Sugar flowers are a popular choice for wedding cakes, but they can be expensive

Sugar flowers are a beautiful and realistic option for wedding cakes. They are made from edible materials, with the exception of the wires that hold the petals in place, so there is no risk of cross-contamination and they are always food-safe. Sugar flowers can be customised to any colour scheme and are available all year round. They can also be kept as a keepsake for as long as you like, provided they are stored in a cool, dry place.

Sugar flowers are crafted by hand, petal by petal, which is a time-consuming process and this is reflected in the price. Larger flowers can range from $12 to $25 each, depending on the type of flower and the skill of the artist.

If you are working with a tight flower budget, real flowers are a more affordable option than sugar flowers. However, certain flowers are toxic when ingested, even in small amounts, and some flowers will begin to wilt and die almost immediately after being cut. Real flowers are also more high-maintenance than artificial alternatives and may not be suitable for outdoor or humid weddings.

Silk flowers are another option for wedding cakes. They have become increasingly realistic in recent years and are very affordable, with a huge variety to choose from. However, silk flowers can still appear cheap and it may be difficult to find flowers in the exact colours you need to match your decor.

Real flowers are a good option if you want your cake to match your other wedding florals

Real flowers are a great option for wedding cakes if you want your cake to match your other wedding florals. Using real flowers on your cake can add a layer of freshness to your wedding treat. If you plan on using real flowers elsewhere in your celebration, adding a few to your cake can tie everything together.

If you have a favourite flower that is out of season, you may want to opt for an artificial flower instead. However, if your flower budget is limited, real flowers are the least expensive option.

There are a few downsides to using real flowers. Certain real flowers, like baby's breath and hydrangeas, are toxic when ingested. Common wedding flowers, like sunflowers and roses, are safe to consume, but you should always make sure to use pesticide-free arrangements. Real flowers are also not ideal for outdoor or humid weddings, as they will likely wilt before the reception begins.

If you are set on using real flowers, be sure to coordinate with both your florist and your cake designer. Typically, you or your florist will need to send the fresh selection to the cake designer when they are adding the finishing touches, a day or two before pick-up.

Silk flowers have become more realistic and are a very affordable option

Silk flowers are an excellent option for wedding cakes, offering a range of benefits that make them a very attractive choice. Firstly, they have become increasingly realistic in their appearance, depending on the brand and colours chosen. This means you can find silk flowers that closely resemble real flowers, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to your wedding cake.

Another advantage of silk flowers is their affordability. They are usually very budget-friendly, especially when compared to sugar flowers, which can be extremely costly due to the custom work involved. With silk flowers, you can often find a wide variety of options at local stores or online, and you may even be able to use coupons to get additional discounts.

Silk flowers are also low-maintenance and do not require the same level of care as real flowers. They won't wilt or droop, ensuring your cake looks fresh and beautiful throughout the entire reception. Additionally, silk flowers are less sensitive to weather conditions, so you don't have to worry about them getting damaged or ruined on a hot or humid day.

When choosing silk flowers for your wedding cake, it's important to select high-quality flowers that look realistic. Avoid cheap options, as they may stand out for the wrong reasons. It's also a good idea to wash the flowers before placing them on the cake to ensure hygiene and food safety.

Overall, silk flowers offer a cost-effective, convenient, and aesthetically pleasing option for wedding cakes. They provide a versatile and worry-free way to decorate your cake, ensuring it looks stunning on your special day.

Wood flowers are unique but can be difficult to attach to a cake

Wood flowers are a unique option for wedding cakes, but they can be difficult to attach. They are made from recycled wood, and while they are stunning and one-of-a-kind, they pose an adhesion challenge.

If you're set on using wood flowers, there are a few methods you can try to get them to stick to your cake. One option is to use a "glue" made from icing. You can find recipes for this type of glue online. This method will help the flowers adhere, but it may not be the most secure option, especially if your cake needs to be transported.

Another option is to use flower spikes, which are plastic casings designed to hold flowers on cakes. These spikes typically have a pointed end for insertion into the cake and an opening at the other end to insert the flowers. However, flower spikes are usually too wide for a single flower stem, so you may need to group your flowers together or pad the insides of the spike with tissue to tightly secure the flowers.

Bubble tea straws or regular drinking straws can also be used as a cheaper alternative to flower spikes. For individual flowers, regular-sized drinking straws work well, while bubble tea straws are ideal for grouping flowers together. However, keep in mind that the flower stems will still come into contact with the cake through the bottom opening of the straws, so it's essential to wrap the stems with cling wrap or foil first.

If you want to avoid direct contact between the wood flowers and the cake, you can try using lollipop sticks. These are thin enough that they won't overcrowd the cake, even with just one flower per stick. For very thin floral wires, you can bend the wire at different points and then straighten it back out, creating tiny bends that will help hold the wire in place in the lollipop stick.

Lastly, you can try wrapping the wires of the wood flowers with cling wrap or foil before poking them into the cake. This method is similar to the one used for fresh flowers, and it will ensure that the wires don't come into direct contact with the cake.

While wood flowers can be a unique and beautiful addition to a wedding cake, they do require some extra effort and creativity to attach securely.

Gumpaste flowers are another alternative to real flowers

Gumpaste flowers can be more expensive than real or silk flowers, as they are handcrafted and highly detailed. However, they offer a level of customization that is not possible with other types of flowers. If you are looking for a specific type of flower that is out of season or difficult to source, gumpaste flowers may be the best option.

When choosing gumpaste flowers for your wedding cake, it is important to consider the skill of the artist creating them. Gumpaste flowers can range in price depending on the type of flower and the artist's expertise. Larger flowers can cost anywhere from $12 to $25 each.

Gumpaste flowers are a great option for couples who want the look of real flowers without the worry of wilting or cross-contamination. They can be a beautiful and unique addition to your wedding cake.

Frequently asked questions