Wave Flowers On Wedding Cakes: A Beautiful Trend Explained

Flowers have become a common decoration for wedding cakes, with their use possibly dating back to Roman or Egyptian times. They are a great way to elevate the appearance of a cake, making it perfect for special occasions. Fresh flowers are readily available, affordable, and can complement the cake's colour palette. They also add a wonderful fragrance to the cake. However, it is important to ensure that the flowers used are safe for consumption and free from harmful chemicals. Some popular choices for wedding cakes include roses, peonies, orchids, and chrysanthemums.

Fresh flowers are a beautiful and elegant way to decorate a cake

When choosing flowers for a wedding cake, it is important to consider the style of the cake and the wedding colours. For a traditional wedding cake with multiple tiers and white frosting, roses are a popular choice, with greenery added for contrast. "Naked cakes", which have a more rustic and earthy feel, can be decorated with warm-coloured flowers such as ranunculus, peonies, posies, dahlias, and chrysanthemums. Bohemian-style weddings may feature cakes decorated with daisies, lilacs, mini wildflowers, eucalyptus, zinnias, amaryllis, and orchids, along with berries or succulents.

It is important to note that not all flowers are safe to use on cakes. Some flowers, such as daffodils, baby's breath, and poppies, are poisonous and should be avoided. It is also important to wrap the stems of the flowers to prevent any bitter-tasting fluids from leaking into the cake.

To create a cascading effect on a three-tiered cake, flowers such as garden roses, spray roses, Juliet roses, and passion flowers can be positioned down the sides in a cascading pattern. Another popular trend is "flowerfetti", where edible flower petals are scattered like confetti over the cake, adding colour, texture, and flavour.

Fresh flowers are a lovely way to elevate the appearance of a wedding cake and make it feel like a special occasion. They can add colour and shape to the cake, creating a glamorous and elegant look.

Flowers are a traditional decoration, dating back to the reign of Elizabeth I

Flowers are a traditional decoration for wedding cakes, with the tradition of decorating cakes dating back to the reign of Elizabeth I. During this time, food was becoming more exotic and extravagant, with culinary discoveries being brought back from around the British empire. Banquet centrepieces were introduced to amaze and delight noble guests.

The first wedding cakes were baked as tiny separate cakes, more like buns with a sticky coating of almond paste. These were piled up and the bride and groom were expected to kiss over the pile of cakes to bless them with prosperity and children.

When Charles II returned from exile in France in 1660, he brought with him French chefs who suggested covering the piles of almond buns with a crust of sugar and adorning them with trinkets. This was the origin of icing and the start of wedding cakes as we know them today.

In the 1800s, Queen Victoria decorated her wedding cake with pure white royal icing. As refined sugar was so expensive, this was the ultimate sign of status and also served as a nod to the bride's purity.

Today, flowers are still used to reinforce the wedding theme and colour palette, with couples opting for fresh flowers, candied flowers, or intricate petals painted with cake-safe watercolours, buttercream, or fondant.

Flowers are generally easy to access and look beautiful throughout the day

Flowers are a timeless emblem of love and beauty, and their use in weddings dates back thousands of years. Flowers are generally easy to access and can add a special touch to weddings, with their elegance and beauty captivating guests in bouquets, arches, centrepieces, and more.

Flowers are versatile and can complement a variety of wedding themes, from rustic celebrations in a barn to sleek city events in a hotel. They can reinforce a wedding's theme and colour palette while also elevating the design of the big-day treat. For example, wildflowers and rusty foliage would suit a rustic celebration, while monochrome orchids would be perfect for a sleek city event.

Flowers are also versatile in terms of their availability. While some flowers, like peonies, have a very short growing season and are only available for a few months in spring, other flowers, like roses, are cultivated in greenhouses and available all year round. Additionally, some flowers, like tulips, are available from December to April, making them a good choice for winter weddings.

Flowers are also a good choice for weddings because they can be used in a variety of ways. Fresh blooms can be used, of course, but there are also handcrafted sugar flowers, candied flowers, and petals painted on with cake-safe watercolours, buttercream, or fondant. Flowers can be used as centrepieces, added to cakes, or even displayed around the dessert to create a "cake meadow."

Flowers are a classic choice for weddings because they are beautiful and can be tailored to the couple's unique style and preferences. Whether used in bouquets, arches, or centrepieces, flowers add a touch of nature, colour, and elegance to any wedding celebration.

You can use fresh flowers, sugar flowers, or a combination of both

Flowers are always a popular choice when it comes to wedding cake decorations. While fresh flowers are a classic option, sugar flowers are an increasingly popular alternative. Sugar flowers are crafted from edible materials and can be made to look incredibly realistic, with delicate petals and intricate details. They are also customisable, allowing couples to choose any flower they desire, regardless of the season. Here are some advantages and considerations of using fresh flowers, sugar flowers, or a combination of both for your wedding cake:

Fresh Flowers

Fresh flowers can add a natural, relaxed, and loose look to your wedding cake. They are a simple and inexpensive way to elevate a simple cake, especially if you are working with a tight budget. Fresh flowers can be matched to your wedding flowers, creating a cohesive look for your celebration. However, it is important to note that fresh flowers may not always be food-safe. They may have been treated with pesticides or contain dirt or insects, especially if they are not organically grown. To use fresh flowers on your wedding cake, they must be properly cleaned, treated, and wrapped to prevent direct contact with the cake. Even then, there is a risk of sap secretion and pollen shedding, which can affect the appearance and safety of your cake.

Sugar Flowers

Sugar flowers, on the other hand, are food-safe and made specifically for use on cakes. They offer endless customisation options, allowing you to choose any flower in any colour to match your wedding theme. Sugar flowers are also season-less, so you can have your favourite flowers on your cake regardless of the time of year. They are highly technical and delicate creations, requiring a skilled cake designer experienced in food safety. Sugar flowers can be costly due to the time and craftsmanship involved in their creation. However, they last forever and can be kept as a keepsake to remember your special day.

Combination of Fresh and Sugar Flowers

Combining fresh and sugar flowers on your wedding cake can offer the best of both worlds. Fresh flowers can add a natural, organic feel, while sugar flowers provide intricate details and ensure food safety. This combination allows for more dynamic designs and can be a cost-effective option if you want to include a variety of flowers. However, it is important to carefully consider the placement and arrangement of the flowers to ensure they complement each other and do not overwhelm the cake.

In conclusion, the choice between fresh flowers, sugar flowers, or a combination of both ultimately depends on your personal preference, budget, and desired look for your wedding cake. Fresh flowers offer a natural and inexpensive option, while sugar flowers provide customisation and food safety. Combining both allows for dynamic designs and a unique visual impact. Whichever option you choose, your wedding cake is sure to be a stunning and memorable part of your special day.

If you use fresh flowers, you must ensure they are safe to eat and wrap the stems to prevent bitter-tasting fluids from leaking into the cake

Flowers are a timeless addition to any wedding cake, and fresh flowers are a popular choice for many couples. However, it is crucial to ensure that the flowers used are safe for this purpose and will not cause any contamination. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you safely incorporate fresh flowers into your wedding cake:

Selecting the Right Flowers

Before you begin, it is essential to choose flowers that are safe for use on cakes. Not all flowers are suitable, as some may be toxic or contain pesticides. Here are some guidelines to help you select the right flowers:

• Opt for edible flowers: These flowers are not only safe to eat but have also been grown under food-safe conditions. Examples include snapdragons, lavender, pansies, sunflowers, roses, and hibiscus.
• Choose non-toxic flowers: These flowers are either edible but grown under non-food-safe conditions or are not meant to be eaten but are still safe for contact with food. Examples include freesia, gerbera, lisianthus, and camellia.
• Avoid toxic flowers: Stay away from flowers like lily of the valley, daffodils, hydrangeas, and calla lilies, as they can be harmful if consumed.

Preparing the Flowers

Once you have selected the appropriate flowers, it is crucial to prepare them properly to ensure they are clean and safe for your cake:

• Clean the flowers: Gently wash the flowers under cold running water to remove any dirt or bugs.
• Trim the stems: Decide on the desired length and cut the stems at an angle. Keep the stems submerged in water for a few seconds after cutting to ensure they stay fresh.
• Dry the flowers: Use a paper towel to carefully pat the flowers and stems dry.
• Wrap the stems: Use floral tape to wrap the stems, especially the cut ends. This creates a barrier between the stem and the cake, preventing any bitter-tasting fluids from leaking into the cake.

Decorating the Cake with Flowers

Now that your flowers are ready, it's time to add them to your cake:

• Create a barrier: If desired, you can use boba straws or fondant balls to create an extra layer of protection between the flowers and the cake.
• Arrange the flowers: Place the flowers on the cake according to your desired arrangement. You can insert the covered stems directly into the cake or use the boba straws/fondant balls as a base.
• Store appropriately: Fresh flowers on a cake will typically last 6-8 hours in the refrigerator and a few hours at room temperature. It is best to add the flowers as close to the event as possible to ensure they look their best.

Alternative Options

If you are unsure about using fresh flowers or want to explore other options, here are some alternatives:

• Place flowers around the cake: You can create a garland or use vases to display flowers near the cake without placing them directly on it.
• Use foam between cake tiers: If you have a multi-tiered cake, you can add flowers to a piece of foam between the layers, ensuring that the petals are safe for food contact.
• Opt for fake, fondant, or buttercream flowers: Artificial flowers, fondant flowers, or buttercream flowers are a great way to achieve the floral look without worrying about food safety.

Final Thoughts

Using fresh flowers on a wedding cake can be a beautiful and elegant choice. However, it is crucial to prioritize food safety and select, prepare, and handle the flowers correctly. By following the instructions and tips provided, you can ensure that your wedding cake is not only stunning but also safe for your guests to enjoy.

Frequently asked questions