Elegance and Fun: Top 6 Edible Flower Petals for Your Wedding Cake

Two of the most important elements in any wedding are the stunning flower arrangements and the delectable cake. But have you ever considered combining them?

We're not talking about carrying a bouquet of cupcakes down the aisle -- although, come to think of it, that's a pretty fantastic idea too. No, we are talking about edible flower petals used as a stunning, unusual decoration for your wedding cake!

Keep reading for the scoop on six varieties of edible blossoms and the beauty they will impart to your big day!

First, A Few General Tips for Decorating Your Cake with Flowers

While you can always ask the baker to incorporate edible flowers into your wedding cake decoration, we also want to let you in on a little secret. Since real petals are so easy to use -- way easier that making flowers out of frosting! -- this is one area where you can slash your budget and still make a splash.

Rather than paying through the nose for a lavishly decorated cake, simply order a basic one with a smooth frosting finish. Then add the flower petals yourself. Do this as close to ceremony and reception time as possible, to lessen the risk that they will wilt.

Be sure to choose food-grade flowers so that they are safe for consumption; you can't just take a walk in the park and pick any old blossom. Naturally, you'll also want to select species that will not only taste good, but that will complement the cake flavor.

Steer clear of alliums like chive blossoms, or any plant whose flavor profile leans toward the savory. Nasturtiums, for example, have a peppery taste. They might not be the best choice for starting your marriage off on a sweet note!

Lastly, if you or a member of your bridal party are planning on creating the cake yourself, consider the frosting. American buttercream hardens, so your blossoms might not stay where they're put. Swiss meringue buttercream is a better choice.

Now, on to the flowers!

1. Hibiscus 

With a perfect balance of sweet and tart and a stunning scarlet color, hibiscus petals lend incredible brightness and pizzazz to a wedding cake. Some people say that hibiscus flowers taste like cranberries, and that comparison isn't inaccurate.

However, it is much more complex, bringing to mind sweeter berries, such as strawberries and blueberries.

Hibiscus flowers can also be incorporated into the cake batter itself, for an extra burst of fruity flavor. A few ingredients that complement hibiscus flavor include coconut, honey, buttermilk, and lemon.

2. Roses

You really can't go wrong using rose petals to decorate a wedding cake. After all, no other flower is such an enduring symbol of love and passion. The fact that they are also delicious is -- well, icing on the proverbial cake!

Would it surprise you to know that roses are related to almonds, apples, apricots, peaches, pears, plums, and cherries? It's true. Rose buds, rose petals, and rose hips are all edible and nutritious. In fact, rose hips have more Vitamin C than oranges!

To encourage your guests to eat the roses with which you decorate your cake, keep them on the small side, or use only the petals. Munching down on the entire flower might be a bit much for some folks. Or opt for rose buds, which pack a flavorful punch in a small package.

3. Lavender

If you enjoy the calming, herbaceous, earthy scent of lavender, you will enjoy this beautiful blossom's taste, too. Lavender brings to mind the serenity and grace of an English countryside in springtime, and is a wonderful addition to any wedding with a romantic and old-fashioned theme.

Lavender has an affinity for dairy, so it is perfect to use in buttercream. Other flavors that match well with lavender include vanilla, honey, mint, and chocolate. And of course, its absolutely gorgeous pale-purple hue is perfectly suited to a wedding aesthetic.

4. Violets

Another option for anyone whose wedding has a color scheme involving purple? Violets! These small, sweet, and humble flowers come in a wide array of hues from the palest lavender to the richest indigo -- and every beautiful shade in between.

Violets are sweeter than most other edible flowers. If you or your intended have a true sweet tooth, however, consider using candied or sugared violets. They're not difficult to make at home, although they do require a gentle touch. You can make candied violets with egg whites and superfine sugar, or dunk them delicately in a simple syrup.

5. Pansies

Much like violets, pansies are a simple, down-to-earth bloom with bohemian appeal. They are perfect for flower lovers who want to incorporate the beauty of nature into their wedding, but without showiness or drama.

What do pansies taste like? Their flavor is perhaps best described as fresh, grassy, and even slightly minty. Some varieties have a stronger minty or wintergreen flavor than others, so be sure to do a taste test.

Rich but straightforward flavors like French vanilla and dark chocolate are your best bet for pairing with pansies. You can candy pansies as easily as violets, too, if a sweeter profile is desired.

6. Micro Orchids

Rounding out our list of edible floral decorations for your cake is micro orchids. About the size of a nickel, these tiny blossoms nevertheless pack a big punch! They come in beautiful bright shades of yellow, orange, red, purple and pink.

Micro orchids have a fresh, cucumber-melon taste -- just perfect for a spring or early summer wedding.

Final Thoughts on Edible Flower Petals

We hope you've enjoyed -- and been inspired by -- this beginner's guide to the wonderful world of edible flowers! When choosing the edible flower petals for your cake, bear in mind that you want a combination of aesthetic appeal, delicious taste, and sturdy staying power.

Have you ever tasted any flowers? Which flowers do you plan to use in your bridal bouquet or table arrangements? Share your thoughts on edible blooms in the comment section below!