Welcome to the Cake Decorators Q&A

Hi, has anyone made the round exploding parcel cake without using the polystyrene?  Is it possible to simply put the decorations into the cake? Thanks! Nancy

Hi Nancy

Decorations which are wired cannot be placed directly on cakes. What you could do is put them in very small posy picks and then insert them in, that way wires are not in contact with the cake. There is a really good answer already on how to use posy pick. Just put in the search box ‘attaching heavy flowers to a wedding cake’, and the advice given may be of help to you too.

Thank you so much for your helpful answer Madeitwithlove.  I’ll give it a go. I’ve tried to search for “attaching heavy flowers to a wedding cake”, but nothing came up.  Are you thinking of the answer for “wiring flowers”? Thanks again!

As well as post pics you could also use thin drinking straws to put your wires into x

As well as posy picks you could also use thin drinking straws to put your wires into x

Hi Nancy

I must have given you the the title of the question wrong, here it is again : ‘attaching heavy gumpaste flowers to weddings cakes’. When you scroll right down the page click on 8 and you should be able to see the answer. Providing no one else has contributed to that page it will remain put.

Unfortunately unless the question is asked exactly the search doesn’t always respond. I think all these teething troubles are being addressed.  Paul Doffman the site IT wizard is on the case, and I know it will be sorted. Apologies Nancy, hope you find it this time. x

Hi madeitwith love, I have found it! Thank you so much!! Having read your answer, I have just thought of another question which I think you will be able to help me with.  I need to attach bride and groom figurines on a wedding cake, but the groom is really unstable.  He can’t balance on his feet.  What is the best way to secure the figurines to the cake?  I have been told that royal icing would work, but the figurines are made of clay, so they are really heavy.  I am worried that if I use royal icing, the figurines will topple over before they have had a chance to dry.  I am also worried that if I use royal icing, the figurines might topple over during transportation. Your thoughts would be really appreciated.  Thanks again! x

Hi Nancy

I have no experience with clay figures and whether or not they are food safe to stand on a cake, but you must have done it before so you will know. My solution to your ‘drunken groom’, (shame on him!!), would be to put him and his long suffering lady, on a small decorated board. This way you can use quite a lot of Royal icing to secure both the figures with out spoiling the cake. Once dried (in the airing cupboard) place them on the cake. If they are really heavy, and if you decide to stand them on a separate board, I would be inclined to dowel as for a cake tier.  I am assuming the figures are now too dry to have any supports inserted into them, other wise I would have suggested doweling the  groom. I would also look to see whether there was a way stablising the feet by building up the area causing the unstability. I realise the figures are made of clay but it may be possible to use pastillage or gum paste in small quantities to rectify the imbalance. I fear I have not been of much help here, but I’m happy to throw ideas around. How long before requirement?

The wedding is this Friday! I assume the clay figurines care food safe as they are advertised as being for cakes. My client actually got them herself. I guess the lesson I have learnt is that that is not a good idea! Your ideas are really good. I think I will try a combination of sticking and gum paste to support the figures. Thanks for ur help!

Fingers crossed, all goes well x