Fresh flowers on wedding cakes are a timeless and elegant touch, adding romance and natural beauty to your dessert table. But while they may look delicate and harmless, not all flowers are safe for use on food. Many blooms from large wholesalers are treated with pesticides, fungicides, and preservatives that aren’t meant to come in contact with something you’ll eat. That’s why it’s crucial to know where your flowers come from and choose blooms that are organically grown or safely sourced. Let's learn how to safely use flowers on your wedding cake.
Why Flower Sourcing Matters
The floral industry, especially large-scale wholesale suppliers, often relies on chemical treatments to preserve flowers for long-distance shipping. These flowers may contain residues of:
• Pesticides and herbicides
• Growth regulators
• Chemical preservatives to extend their vase life
While these chemicals help flowers stay fresh for floral arrangements, they are not food-safe and should never be placed directly on a cake.
Safe Flowers for Wedding Cakes
If you want to include flowers on your cake, it’s essential to work with your florist (or a trusted grower) to source safe options. Some of the best choices include:
• Organic or Locally Grown Flowers – Flowers from a trusted local farm or organic grower are less likely to be treated with harsh chemicals.
• Edible Flowers – Some flowers, like violas, pansies, nasturtiums, calendula, and roses, are both beautiful and safe to eat.
• Untreated Blooms – Even if a flower isn’t edible, it can still be used as decoration as long as it is grown without harmful sprays and placed correctly on the cake.
Flowers to Avoid
Some flowers are naturally toxic and should never be used on cakes, even if they’re organic. These include:
• Lily of the Valley
• Foxglove
• Delphinium
• Daffodils
• Hydrangea
Always check with your florist or cake designer before selecting flowers to ensure they are safe.
Best Practices for Decorating Cakes with Flowers
Once you’ve selected safe flowers, it’s important to apply them correctly:
1. Use a Barrier – Place flowers on a piece of parchment paper or use food-safe floral picks to prevent direct contact with the cake.
2. Wash Thoroughly – Even organically grown flowers should be gently rinsed before use.
3. Ask Your Baker for Advice – A professional baker will know how to place flowers safely and securely on your cake.
The Benefits of Choosing Local & Safe Flowers
Beyond safety, there are many reasons to source flowers from a local grower:
• Better Freshness – Locally grown flowers don’t spend days in transit.
• Eco-Friendly – Fewer chemicals and less shipping mean a smaller environmental footprint.
• Supporting Small Farms – Choosing local helps sustain flower farms and growers in your community.
Final Thoughts
Fresh flowers can be a stunning addition to your wedding cake, but it’s important to choose blooms that are both beautiful and safe. By sourcing from a local, trusted flower farm, you can ensure that your cake is decorated with fresh, chemical-free flowers—making your wedding both stylish and safe.
Looking for locally grown, safe flowers for your wedding? [Insert your farm’s info here] offers fresh, pesticide-free blooms perfect for cake decorating and all your floral needs!
Photographer: Aly Kaufman Photography
Cake: Bakes and Cakes by Brie
Coordination: Moments by Allie and Ashley
Catering & Cake Cutting: Kopper Kitchen
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