Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Flower Power

Two of the best things about weddings--flowers and cakes--get even better when paired together.
But be careful: take steps to make sure the flowers don't wilt and avoid poisonous flowers (ask your florist).

While you're planning, give some thought to the overall look of your cake table. A little bit of effort will ensure that a beautiful cake isn't lost in a sloppy set up. Some of these pictures are great examples of how to use flowers to dress up the cake and table. I know flowers can be expensive; cheaper options include candles, nicely draped fabrics, and decorative cake stands.



Photo by Andrea Polito Photography. Cushions of flowers like this placed around the base of the cake not only add to the romance, but also lead to a more polished look. No one likes to see an immaculate cake set atop nothing more than some metallic cardboard.







Cake by TribecaRooftop. Without the flowers, this cake would be nothing to write home about. But the flowers take it to a better level adding elegance and grace.












NOT RECOMMENDED. This is just a cautionary picture. Don't let flowers take over a small cake. Mostly, this is avoided by selecting both a bakery and a florist with good reputations and strong portfolios. Make sure you look not just at the style of a baker's work, but also at the quality. Is the piping sloppy? Is the fondant smooth?











These next three cakes show a great way to make a small cake look more grand. Flowers layered between tiers add color and height. Perfect for a bride on a budget who doesn't want to give up the impressive aesthetic of a large cake.











































Make sure to take extra care with hydrangeas, they are notorious for wilting very easily. Nothing ruins a cake faster than dead or dying flowers--not the symbolism you're going for at the beginning of your marriage. Consider silk hydrangeas instead.







Cake by Angel's Food Cakes. The yellow orchids here really brighten up the cake--a cheerful color for a cheerful occasion.












Cake by Rosebud Cakes. These flower clusters provide pops of color and dress up the cake without overwhelming it the way a cascade of flowers might.










Cake by Mrs. Goodman's Baking Company. Peonies might be my favorite wedding flower, and they make a perfect topper here.












If you want a floral look but are working under a budget, petals are a nice choice. Soft rose petals strewn over anything carry a romantic feel.











Cake by Renaissance Cakes. What a stunning color palette! I love the contrast of the bright pink flower petals with the green of the ribbon and orchids. This one is my pick of the day. Although, the buttons and borders aren't as clean as they could be.

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