Cake Flowers: What to use and what to avoid

Feb 22

When envisioning the details of their wedding, many couples focus on elements like attire, stationary, signage, and of course, the cake. But have you considered the flowers that adorn your cake? Beyond aesthetics, you need to make sure to consider the health and safety of you and your guests.

Safe Floral Varieties:

When it comes to selecting flowers for your cake, safety is paramount. Opt for blooms that are completely safe when grown without harmful pesticides to ensure the health and well-being of you and your guests. Choose flowers that are known to be non-toxic and have been grown in organic or pesticide-free environments to minimize any potential risks associated with consumption. Our picks here -

    
            Snapdragons
            Strawflowers
            Thistle (eryngium)
        
            Lavender
            Sunflowers
            Pansies
        
            Zinnias
            Peony
            Lisianthus
        
            Scabiosa
            Stock
            Waxflower
        
            Foliage from any kitchen herbs

The method you use to insert these stems can make your beautiful cake safe to consume afterwards!

Flowers to Avoid:

Certain flowers pose serious health concerns if ingested and should never be used on cakes. Ingesting these flowers can lead to severe illness or even be fatal. It's essential to be aware of these dangerous flowers and avoid using them in any food preparation. Included but not limited to:

    
            Foxglove
            Lillies (all kinds!)
            Daffodils (eryngium)
        
            Tweedia
            Anthurium
            Delphinium
        
            Anemome

Exercise Caution with Certain Varieties:

While some flowers aren't immediately deadly, they're not entirely safe for consumption. Consuming certain flowers can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, allergic reactions, or other adverse effects. It's crucial to be cautious and informed when selecting flowers for your cake decorations to ensure the safety of you and your guests.

    
            Baby's Breath
            Roses
            Eucalyptus
        
            Italian Ruscus
            Tulips
            Ranunculus
        
            Billy balls
            Queen Anne’s Lace
            Alstroemeria
        
            Clematis

Creative Insertion Methods:

If you're set on using flowers that aren't food-safe, explore creative insertion methods to ensure they don't come in direct contact with the cake. Consider cutting the cake portion with flowers away before serving, inserting flowers into a faux cake while serving a flower-free cake, or covering flower stems with melted beeswax or white chocolate before insertion.

Faux Flowers are also a great option for cakes

Alternatives

If you're concerned about the safety of using fresh flowers on your cake, there are plenty of alternatives to consider. Faux flowers provide a beautiful and worry-free option, offering the same aesthetic appeal without any health risks. Another creative alternative is to create a "cake meadow" around your cake. This creative cake display concept surrounds your cake with an arrangement of blooms and fresh foliage, creating a meadow-like arrangement. Some variations even extend the florals from the cake to the stand itself, transforming a simple cake into a stunning centerpiece adorned with lush greenery and blossoms.

Seek Professional Assistance:

Your wedding day is a celebration of love, and every detail should reflect your style and values. With careful consideration and expert guidance, you can adorn your cake with stunning blooms that elevate the sweetness of your special day while prioritizing the health and safety of you and your guests. If this seems like a lot to coordinate- hire a florist that you trust to know the info and execute it safely & beautifully! Your wedding day is an important day where aesthetics and safety matter, so find a florist who cares deeply about both!

Sam Kenan