What type of flowers can I have on my wedding cake?

How Flowers Can Transform Your Wedding Cake...

Photo: Beth Beresford Photography

If you’re dreaming of a wedding cake that feels romantic, elegant, or just a little bit extra - flowers might be the perfect finishing touch. As a cake designer who specialises in cake florals, I’ve seen just how powerful they can be. Whether fresh, sugar, silk, or dried, the right blooms can take your cake from lovely to unforgettable.

In this blog, I’m sharing everything you need to know about using flowers on your cake - from style inspiration to safety tips, and even how I work with your florist to ensure a seamless, stunning result.

Why Choose Flowers for Your Wedding Cake?

Flowers add so much more than decoration.

They can completely transform your cake by:

• Tying the design into your overall wedding style (bouquet, centrepieces, venue)

• Adding texture, height, and shape

• Creating that 'wow' moment without overwhelming the design

• Setting the tone: soft and romantic, modern and minimal, wild and organic

• Telling a story through colour, bloom choice, or even symbolic meaning

Tip: If your florist is already working with statement flowers like peonies or dahlias, why not carry those through to your cake too?

Fresh Flowers: The Classic Choice

Fresh flowers are a timeless option, especially for semi-naked cakes. They add softness, movement, and that natural, just-picked feel. Fresh flowers will last the whole day, they do not need to be placed in water.

BUT... when it comes to using fresh flowers on cakes, it’s essential to do it safely.

Here’s how I make that happen:

• I liaise directly with your florist to ensure the blooms are non-toxic and suitable for cakes. Most florists are delighted to collaborate, many even say they wish all cake designers were this careful!

• I personally apply all flowers on the day of your wedding to ensure they’re styled securely and look their absolute best

• I use professional food-safe techniques to make sure the flowers don’t come into contact with the cake itself

• There are some flowers and foliage that I strictly do not use on my cakes, due to their toxicity levels.

• I will come up with other ways we can use any toxic varieties, such as decorating the cake table, the cake stand or using bud vases.

Gypsophila, eucalyptus and ruscus are common varieties used at weddings, but I will not use these on your wedding cake.

Sugar, Silk, or Dried? Other Gorgeous Options

If fresh flowers aren’t quite right for you, there are other equally beautiful choices:

• Sugar flowers: Delicate, hand-crafted, and forever keepsakes. I can colour match them to your bouquet for a truly cohesive look.

• Silk flowers: Great for allergy-friendly weddings, warm venues, or destination celebrations. They also look lovely on minimalist or modern designs.

• Dried flowers: Perfect for boho, rustic or autumn weddings. These add texture and warmth, and they last brilliantly. These are treated the same way as fresh flowers, as some varieties will still not be allowed to use on cakes.

Each style can elevate your cake in a different way, and you can have as many or as little flowers as you please.

My Role as a Cake Flower Specialist

I’ve spent years perfecting the art of floral cake design, and I even teach other cake makers how to work with flowers safely.

That means when you book with me, you’re getting someone who truly understands how to:

• Choose and place flowers for maximum impact

• Work in harmony with your florist and other suppliers

• Ensure your cake looks just as breathtaking in real life as it does in the photos

If florals are your thing, you’re in safe hands here.

The Art of Flower Placement

Beautiful flowers deserve beautiful placement. I use many of the same techniques a florist would, like grouping in odd numbers, balancing colours, and creating natural movement - but with an added layer of cake specific knowledge.

I carefully consider the structure and stability of each tier, ensuring every stem is positioned safely and securely, without damaging the cake. Whether it’s a cascading arrangement, a simple cluster, or delicate accents between tiers, the placement is always intentional -designed to compliment the overall cake design and hold up perfectly throughout your day.

Need Some Help Choosing the Right Flowers?

If you’re not sure what style to go for, I’d love to help. I can offer suggestions based on your wedding colours, flower preferences, venue, and overall aesthetic. And we’ll make sure your cake feels like an extension of your love story.

Just drop me an email or book a quick call - we’ll create something beautiful together.

Contact Me

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