Wedding Cake Flowers: Choosing The Perfect Blooms

Flowers are a timeless addition to any wedding cake, whether it's a single-tier or towering multi-tiered creation. From fresh blooms to handcrafted sugar flowers, there are endless ways to incorporate florals into your big day confection. But with the recent concern over the use of fresh flowers due to food safety regulations, it's important to know which flowers are safe to use.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) in the UK has introduced new guidelines that will become law in 2024, banning certain fresh flowers from being used on cakes. This has left many bakers and florists unsure of which flowers are safe to use. While the list of banned flowers includes gypsophila, lilies, and eucalyptus, there are still many options available.

Fresh flowers that are safe to use on wedding cakes include organically grown roses, herbs, bay, dahlias, peonies, jasmine, and marigolds. These flowers need to be correctly taped, free from chemicals or pesticides, and non-toxic. Sugar paste flowers are also a popular choice but require a lot of skill and time to create. Silk or fabric flowers are another option but can be more expensive and may not match the wedding bouquets perfectly.

When using fresh flowers, it's important to wrap the stems with floral tape to prevent any fluids from leaking into the cake. Bubble tea straws can also be used to secure flowers at an angle or on the sides of the cake. Another innovative method is to use a cardboard cake round on top of the frosted cake, creating a barrier between the flowers and the cake.

So, whether you're going for a rustic, elegant, or simple wedding cake design, flowers can definitely elevate the look and make it feel extra special. Just be sure to choose flowers that are safe and follow the proper preparation techniques to ensure a beautiful and food-safe creation.

Fresh flowers

The benefit of using fresh flowers, other than the cost, is that they will identically match the rest of the wedding flowers. However, the downside is that if they are weak-stemmed, they are prone to wilting, especially if the weather is warm. Therefore, it is best to add fresh flowers to a cake no more than 24 hours in advance, ideally the morning of the wedding.

To ensure the flowers do not come into direct contact with the cake, you can wrap the stems with floral tape and insert them into a food-safe posey pick. Alternatively, you can place a cake board on top of the cake and add flowers on top of that. This allows you to create a gorgeous flower "top" without worrying about the flowers touching the cake.

Sugar flowers

Some popular types of sugar flowers include peonies, roses, dahlias, magnolias, hydrangeas, and cherry blossoms. These flowers can be purchased in a variety of colours, such as white, pink, red, and burgundy, and arranged in cascades or bouquets on the cake.

Wafer paper flowers

One of the main advantages of using wafer paper for wedding cake flowers is its lightweight nature, especially when compared to fondant or gum paste. This means that even a large, multi-tiered cake won't be weighed down by the decorations. Wafer paper is also less prone to breakage and holds up better in humid conditions than other options, making it a more durable choice for a long day of celebrations.

The realistic look of wafer paper flowers is another drawcard. With the right techniques, wafer paper flowers can closely resemble real blooms, adding a natural and whimsical touch to the wedding cake. This is achieved through a combination of cutting, shaping, and colouring techniques. For example, cake artist Anna Astashkina uses a mixture of glycerin, distilled water, and airbrush colours to shape and colour wafer paper, resulting in breathtaking floral arrangements.

The versatility of wafer paper is another benefit. It can be used to create a wide range of designs, from ultra-modern ruffles to intricate floral arrangements. Cake artists can cut out any shape they desire, from tiny letters to detailed leaves, making it a creative and flexible choice.

Overall, wafer paper flowers offer a unique and sought-after option for wedding cakes. They combine durability, realism, and versatility, all while being lightweight and cost-effective. It's no wonder that wafer paper is gaining popularity among cake decorators and is set to be a key trend in the wedding cake world.

Silk flowers

When choosing silk flowers for a wedding cake, it is important to select high-quality flowers, as cheap options can detract from the overall appearance of the cake. The variety and colour options of silk flowers are slightly limited, so it is essential to plan ahead and source the desired flowers well in advance.

When using silk flowers on a wedding cake, it is important to ensure that they are food-safe and non-toxic. While they may not be placed directly on the cake, they should still be cleaned and treated to prevent any potential contamination.

Edible flowers

To ensure food safety, it is recommended to wrap the stems of the flowers with floral tape to prevent any fluids from leaking into the cake. Additionally, you can use bubble tea straws to secure the flowers at particular angles and to help keep them in place. Another option is to place a cake board on top of the cake and add flowers to it, creating a flower "top". This way, you don't have to worry about wrapping stems or using only edible flowers, and you can easily remove the flowers before cutting the cake.

Fresh flowers on a wedding cake make it feel special and timely. However, it is important to add them to the cake no more than 24 hours in advance, as they need water to stay fresh and prevent wilting.

So, if you're looking for a way to elevate your wedding cake, consider using edible flowers! With some careful selection and preparation, you can create a stunning and safe display that will impress your guests.

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