Weddings are all about celebrating elegance and beauty. It’s normal to want a wedding cake that looks amazing and unique. Floral cakes are a popular trend in the wedding industry today because they’re elegant, natural, and fresh. But can you put real flowers on a wedding cake? This is a common question that we will be answering in this post.
Is It Safe to Put Fresh Flowers on a Wedding Cake?
The first question that comes to mind while deciding to decorate your wedding cake with real flowers is whether it is safe or not. Yes, it is absolutely safe to put real flowers on a wedding cake. Fresh flowers can be used as an elegant and beautiful decoration on a wedding cake provided that they are sourced from certified organic farmers.
Organic flowers haven’t been sprayed with chemicals, pesticides, or harmful fertilizers that can make them unsafe to ingest. This is why it’s crucial to ensure that you source your flowers from trusted farms or reputable florists who specialize in supplying organic flowers for cakes.
Which Flowers Are Safe for Wedding Cakes?
While choosing flowers for your wedding cake, it’s important to note that not all flowers are edible. Eating some flowers can be poisonous and cause unpleasant reactions. Hence, you need to be careful and selective while choosing flowers for your cake decoration.
Here are some safe and popular flowers used for cake decorations:
- Roses – Beautiful and elegant, roses are the most popular choice for decorating cakes.
- Peonies – These lovely flowers come in a variety of colors and add a romantic touch to your cake.
- Ranunculus – With their fluffy petals, ranunculus is a charming addition to a cake.
- Lisianthus – These delicate flowers are available in a variety of soft pastel colors and add an elegant touch to any cake.
- Sweet peas – These pretty, dainty flowers come in many colors and can be paired with larger blooms, such as roses, for a gorgeous floral enhancement.
When designing your cake, it’s essential to choose flowers that match the theme of your wedding and the style of your cake. Additionally, coordinate with your florist and cake artist to choose colors, styles, and types of flowers that will blend in perfectly with your wedding theme.
How to Decorate a Cake with Fresh Flowers
Decorating a cake with fresh flowers is a simple process, but it requires proper techniques to ensure that the cake remains safe and beautiful. Here’s how to go about it:
Step 1: Choose organic flowers
As mentioned earlier, always choose organic flowers sourced from trusted farms or certified organic florists.
Step 2: Clean the flowers
Wash the flowers gently to remove any dirt or debris that may be present. Dry the flowers completely in a well-ventilated place.
Step 3: Prepare the flowers
Remove the stem and stamen from the flowers. If the flowers have pollen, make sure to remove it as it can stain the cake. You can also ask your florist for help with preparing your flowers for the cake.
Step 4: Place flowers on your cake
Once your cake is constructed and ready to decorate, place the flowers on top of the cake. Be sure not to add too many flowers, as they can overwhelm the cake’s beauty. Use floral tape or wires to attach the flowers to the cake securely. You can also use toothpicks or straws as a base.
Conclusion
A wedding cake topped with fresh flowers is a beautiful addition that can add a touch of elegance and beauty to your big day. Fresh flowers are safe to use on cakes, provided they’re organic and free of harmful chemicals. When choosing flowers for your cake, select flowers that complement your wedding theme and style.
Ensure that you clean and prepare the flowers well before placing them on your cake, and be sure to use safe methods to attach the flowers to the cake. By following these simple steps, you can create a stunning cake that will wow your guests and make your special day even more memorable.
FAQ
What flowers should not be on a wedding cake?
When it comes to decorating a wedding cake, floral arrangements are a popular and beautiful choice. However, not all flowers are suitable for use on a wedding cake due to potential toxicity or other harmful effects. There are several flowers that should be avoided when decorating a wedding cake, including Lily of the Valley, Daffodil, Poinsettia, Azaleas, Calla Lily, Hyacinth, Oleander, Wisteria, Rhododendron, Hydrangea, Mistletoe, Holly, and Sweet Pea.
Lily of the Valley, despite its delicate appearance, can be extremely poisonous if ingested. Even a small amount of the plant can cause serious health problems, so it’s best to avoid using it on a wedding cake altogether. Daffodils are another flower that should be avoided for the same reason. They contain toxic compounds that can cause vomiting, stomach pain, and even heart problems if ingested.
Poinsettias may be a popular choice for holiday decorations, but they should not be used on a wedding cake. These flowers are also toxic and can cause serious gastrointestinal distress if ingested. Similarly, Azaleas, Calla Lily, Hyacinth, Oleander, Wisteria, Rhododendron, and Hydrangea contain toxic compounds that can cause stomach pain, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and other health problems if ingested.
Mistletoe and Holly, while not necessarily toxic, are best avoided due to their association with the holiday season and traditional beliefs about marriage. Using these flowers on a wedding cake could be seen as overly festive, distracting from the elegance and simplicity of the cake.
Finally, Sweet Pea may seem like an innocuous choice, but it can actually be harmful if ingested. These flowers contain a compound called amino acid L-dopa, which can cause muscle tremors and convulsions if ingested in large quantities.
There are several flowers that should be avoided when decorating a wedding cake. While these flowers may be beautiful, their potential toxicity or other harmful effects make them an unsuitable choice for use in such an important event. To be safe, it’s always best to consult with a florist or cake decorator to determine which flowers are safe and appropriate for use on a wedding cake.
What fresh flowers are safe to put on a cake?
If you’re looking to add a special touch to a cake, edible flowers are a great way to do so. Not only do they look beautiful, but they can also add a subtle flavor that can complement the flavors of the cake. However, not all flowers are safe for consumption. In this article, we’ll explore what fresh flowers are safe to put on a cake.
Before using any flowers on a cake, it’s important to make sure they’re edible. Many flowers are treated with pesticides and other chemicals that make them unsafe for consumption. If you’re purchasing flowers from a florist or nursery, be sure to ask if they’re intended for use in cooking or baking. Alternatively, you can grow your own flowers (without pesticides) or purchase edible flowers from a specialty grocery store or online retailer.
Here are some of the top fresh flowers that are safe to put on a cake:
1. Hibiscus: The large petals of hibiscus flowers are perfect for decorating cakes. Not only do they look beautiful, but they also have a tangy, citrusy flavor that can complement the sweetness of the cake.
2. Pansies: Pansies come in a range of colors, making them a great choice for adding a pop of color to a cake. They have a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
3. Lilac: The delicate purple flowers of lilac have a floral, slightly bitter flavor that can add complexity to the flavor of a cake.
4. Lavender: Lavender is a classic choice for decorating cakes. It has a strong floral flavor that pairs well with lemon, vanilla, and chocolate.
5. Rose: Roses come in many different colors and have a subtle, sweet flavor that can complement a variety of cakes.
6. Calendula: Calendula, also known as pot marigold, has a bright orange color and a slightly spicy flavor that can add interest to a cake.
7. Dahlia: The large petals of dahlias come in a range of colors, making them another great choice for adding visual interest to a cake. They have a mild, slightly earthy flavor.
8. Violas: Like pansies, violas come in a range of colors and have a mild, slightly sweet flavor that can complement a cake without overpowering it.
When using fresh flowers on a cake, it’s important to make sure they’re clean and free of any dirt or insects. Rinse them gently with cool water and pat dry before use. You should also remove any stems, as they can be tough and unpleasant to eat.
There are many fresh flowers that are safe to put on a cake, but it’s important to make sure they’re edible and free of pesticides and other chemicals. Hibiscus, pansies, lilac, lavender, rose, calendula, dahlia, and violas are all excellent choices that can add color and flavor to a cake.
What can you use instead of floral tape on a cake?
When it comes to decorating cakes with real flowers, floral tape is often used to attach the flowers to the stems and keep them bundled together. However, if you find yourself without floral tape, there are a couple of alternatives you can use.
One option is to wrap the ends of the stem with plastic wrap. This will help keep the stems and flowers hydrated and prevent them from coming into direct contact with the cake. It’s important to note that you should only use flowers that are safe for consumption and have not been treated with any chemicals or pesticides.
Another option is to use boba straws. These large, sturdy straws can be cut to the appropriate length and used to create a barrier between the cake and the flower stems. Simply insert the stems into the straws and arrange the flowers as desired on the cake.
It’s important to take extra precautions when using real flowers on a cake, as they can potentially pose a health risk if not handled properly. Be sure to thoroughly wash and inspect the flowers for any signs of pests or damage before using them. Additionally, avoid using flowers that have been sprayed with any sort of chemical or pesticide. By taking these precautions and using alternative methods such as plastic wrap or boba straws, you can successfully decorate a cake with real flowers without the use of floral tape.