When your wedding theme calls for a floral cake design, you have a few options: edible sugar flowers, real flowers, or a mix of both. “Sugar flowers are definitely a signature feature of my artful designs. Thus, my biased opinion is, of course, to pick them,” says Sahar Masarati, a cake artist and owner of the Los Angeles-based studio Sugar Alkymi. “However, they’re not always the right fit, and some couples should prefer fresh flowers instead.” Read on as Sahar shares her insights into the pros and cons of each option.
MEET THE EXPERT
Sahar Masarati established the cake art studio in Los Angeles in 2018 under the name Sugar Alkymi. As a cake artist, Sahar draws inspiration from her clients’ stories and the emotions they evoke. She believes in the poetic and romantic nature of creating customized edible art, transforming her clients’ narratives into exquisite couture creations.
With a passion for modern surreal art, Sahar seeks to infuse her designs with captivating tones, textures, and romantic patterns. She envisions beauty in the imperfect lines and aged surfaces adorned with a garden of exquisite sugar flowers.
Photo: Robert Paul
In this article about sugar and real flowers:
My signature design—storytelling cake art—is best achieved with sugar flowers.
Two Main Groups of Flowers for Cake Decorating
Floral cakes can generally be divided into two enchanting categories: cakes with sugar and real flowers. All cakes below are decorated with sugar flowers.
Sugar Flowers:
Sugar flowers are handmade decorations crafted from gum paste (also known as sugar paste or fondant) or starch-based rice paper. These edible creations can be designed to look incredibly realistic. Customizable to match any color palette or style, sugar flowers are a beloved choice for creating cakes that exude elegance and intricate detail, transforming each confection into a work of art.
Real Flowers:
Real flowers used in cake decorating can be further divided into edible and non-edible categories.
Edible Flowers: These flowers are safe to eat and often used to add a natural touch to cakes. Popular choices include pansies, violets, nasturtiums (flowers and leaves), gladiolus (flowers), marigolds, campanula, cornflower, snapdragons, and roses. These flowers are typically organic and pesticide-free.
Non-Edible Flowers: Some real flowers are used solely for their aesthetic appeal and are unsafe to eat. These include hydrangea, daffodil, delphinium, azalea, calla lily, lily of the valley, oleander, foxglove, and others. While some decorators use floral tape to wrap the stems and create a barrier between the cake and the toxic flowers, it’s still risky. Even with precautions, there’s a chance someone could accidentally ingest a poisonous flower, so it’s often best to avoid using non-edible flowers altogether.
Comparing Sugar and Real Flowers for a Wedding Cake
The decision between sugar flowers and real flowers can be a challenging one. Both options offer unique advantages and bring their own charm to your cake. Let’s explore the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed choice. We’ll use a strategy from Sahar Masarati, focusing on three main factors: Affordability, Availability, and Accessibility (AAA) and three extra points.
Affordability
Creating one-of-a-kind sugar flowers elevates your wedding décor to an exclusive production level. The artful work and meticulous attention to detail make these flowers look remarkably realistic. This level of artistry mass-produced factory versions can never achieve, and you are better off using fresh, in-season flowers instead. They can be pretty affordable. Because the goal is still to create a captivating wow factor for your guests, especially if they haven’t experienced it before.
While the initial cost may appear high due to the time and labor involved, sugar flowers are genuinely worth it as they are an integral part of custom-made, fine art wedding design. They also eliminate the risk of needing expensive out-of-season flowers.
Availability
Fresh flowers are widely available. If the desired flowers are out of season, it can limit your choices or increase costs if they need to be imported. On the other hand, sugar flowers can be made specifically for your wedding at any time of the year. They can be customized to match any color or style you desire. However, keep in mind that creating sugar flower production can be time-consuming. For large or intricate designs, it can take weeks, if not months, to complete, so proper scheduling and planning ahead are essential.
Accessibility
Creating exquisite fine art sugar flowers requires a rare set of skill sets and expertise. Hence, finding cake artists specializing in couture sugar flowers is not easy and may require more effort. Shipping them can be challenging and has its own issues and boundaries. It also requires careful packaging to prevent damage. Your venue location and seasonal limitations, including weather, will affect your choice. Real flowers can be easily sourced from florists, supermarkets, farms, and home gardens.
When designing a fine art wedding, every detail needs to be cohesive, and custom-made elements are essential to fit your vision. While real flowers bring a touch of nature's beauty, nothing captures the essence of couture like artisanal cakes adorned with meticulously crafted edible florals, transforming each bite into a work of art.
Health and Edibility
Made from edible materials, sugar flowers are safe to eat, although their primary allure lies in their decorative splendor rather than their flavor.
On the other hand, real flowers vary widely in their edibility. As previously noted, not all blossoms are suitable for consumption; some are toxic and should never be in contact with food. It raises crucial concerns about potential cross-contamination when using poisonous or non-organic flowers, an issue that designers sometimes overlook. Additionally, allergies are another essential consideration when incorporating real flowers into cake decorations.
Durability and Nostalgia
Sugar flowers possess an enduring beauty–they won’t wilt or lose shape, maintaining their pristine look throughout your wedding day. Fresh flowers can wilt, especially in warm or humid conditions, potentially losing their visual appeal throughout your event.
Sahar suggests refraining from consuming sugar flowers. Instead, cherish them as nostalgic keepsakes of the magical day, or use them as enchanting giveaways for your guests to remember the celebration.
Appreciation for Art
For couples who appreciate artistry and craftsmanship, sugar flowers represent the epitome of edible art. Each petal and detail is lovingly handcrafted with skill and care, transforming a wedding cake into a masterpiece. This handmade sugar art much better represents the storytelling of your journey.
Imagine the delight on your guests’ faces when they realize that the intricate floral details on your wedding cake are entirely edible. Sugar flowers look stunning and offer a delightful surprise when enjoyed.
Ultimately, the choice between sugar and real flowers for your wedding cake depends on your preferences, budget, and desired aesthetic. Whichever you choose, both options can contribute to creating a stunning and unforgettable centerpiece for your special day.
To see more floral wedding cakes, check out Sugar Alkymi’s Instagram or visit her website for an inquiry to transform your story into artisanal edible art.
