The Controversy of Fresh Flowers for Cake Decoration
Fresh flowers on wedding cakes can be a stunning addition, adding a touch of natural beauty and elegance. However, this trend comes with its own set of controversies and considerations. Let's delve into the appeal, cost, safety concerns, and ultimately, whether fresh flowers are the right choice for your cake.
The Appeal of Fresh Flowers
Fresh flowers can transform a simple cake into a breath-taking centrepiece. They offer:
Natural Beauty: Fresh flowers provide a vibrant, organic look that artificial decorations often can't match.
Customisation: With a wide variety of flowers available, you can choose blooms that match your wedding theme and colours. At Sensational Cakes and Desserts, we offer a range of customisation to our fresh flower cake decoration.
Scent: Some flowers add a subtle, pleasant fragrance to your cake display.
Cost Considerations
The cost of using fresh flowers on your cake can vary widely depending on:
Type of Flowers: Exotic or out-of-season flowers can be expensive.
Quantity: The more flowers we use in your decoration, the higher the cost.
Florist Fees: Professional arrangement and placement by a florist can add to the expense.
While fresh flowers can be more costly than other decorations, they can also be a worthwhile investment for the visual impact they provide.
Safety Concerns: Poisonous or Safe?
One of the biggest controversies surrounding fresh flowers on cakes is safety. Not all flowers are safe for consumption, and some can be toxic. Here are some key points to consider:
Edible Flowers: Flowers like roses, violets, and marigolds, hibiscus, pansies, lilac, lavender, rose, calendula, dahlia, violas and borage are safe and commonly used on cakes.
Toxic Flowers: Flowers such as lilies, hydrangeas, poppies, bluebells, foxgloves, oleander, clematis, rhododendron, Lily of the valley, oleanders and daffodils are toxic and should never be used on cakes.
Pesticides: Even edible flowers can pose a risk if they have been treated with pesticides. Always ensure flowers are organic and pesticide-free.
To mitigate risks, it's crucial to consult with us to ensure only safe, edible flowers are used. At Sensational Cakes and Desserts, we only use safe fresh flower. Also, when we use fresh flowers in our cake decoration, we avoid direct contact of the flower stalk with the cake by covering it with a cling film or foil paper. This way, we ensure there is no contamination of the cake from the fresh flowers.
Recommendation
Given the appeal and potential risks, here are some recommendations if you decide to use fresh flowers on your cake:
Choose Edible Flowers: Opt for flowers that are known to be safe and edible.
Source Responsibly: Ensure flowers are organic and free from pesticides.
Consult Professionals: Work with a knowledgeable florist and cake designer to safely incorporate fresh flowers.
Consider Alternatives: If safety or cost is a concern, consider using high-quality artificial flowers or sugar flowers, which can provide a similar aesthetic without the risks.
Conclusion
Fresh flowers can add a beautiful, natural touch to your wedding cake, but it's essential to weigh the costs and safety concerns. By choosing edible, pesticide-free flowers and consulting with professionals, you can enjoy the beauty of fresh flowers while ensuring your cake is safe for all your guests. Ultimately, the decision should reflect your personal style and priorities for your special day.
