Hey, I’m Kelsie! I’ve been making sugar flowers (and baking cakes) since at least 2007. I run a boutique studio called Sugar Flowers by Kelsie Cakes, and I help cake decorators make stunning wedding cakes without losing your mind to burnout, broken tools, or edible glitter that’s… not actually edible. And I’ve bought lots and lots of cake decorations online plus I run an e-commerce shop where I sell my sugar flowers!

(I don’t bake cakes anymore, I like to say that I’m retired lol. But I still like to share my cake knowledge! And making sugar flowers specially for wedding cakes is definitely easier to do since I understand all the little nuances that need to happen for the flowers to look good on the cakes!)

How to Navigate the World of Online Cake Decorations Like a Pro

Let’s face it— ordering the perfect cake decorations online can feel like wandering through your kitchen trying to find a size 00 piping tip with the lights off.

(Good luck with that)

There are thousands of options, varying quality, and flashy deals that seem too good to be true (because uhhhh… sometimes they are).

But don’t worry. I’m gonna walk you through some super helpful tips and resources to save you some trouble! You’ll find some smart, stress-free advice so you can shop with confidence and go make something gorgeous.

Understand Your Cake Goals (and Avoid Impulse Buys)

Before running into the digital cake aisle to buy everything you need for this ordr, pause for a second. Ask yourself:

• What’s the theme of your cake?
• Are you working with a specific color palette?
• Do you need edible decorations (like sugar flowers or fondant toppers) or non-edible ones (like acrylic toppers, ribbon, or paper florals)?
• Or do you need tools to make the decor (like silicone molds, cookie cutters, or modeling tools)?
• And how long can you wait until the order arrives (like how last minute are we talking)?

Getting specific keeps you from rage-buying a rose gold unicorn-dinosaur topper at 1am

Quality Over Quantity (Yes, It Matters)

Your cake deserves more than knockoff décor and mystery molds.

What to look for when buying edible decorations

• Check the ingredients. If it says “non-toxic” instead of “edible”? Well, make sure you’re not putting it directly on the cake.
• And check for allergens, too!

I don’t think “disco dust” is as popular as it once was, but it was often marketed in the same section as sprinkles and food coloring dusts. The problem is that disco dust is for decoration only and not for eating! Since the popularity of disco dust, more palatable options have appeared on the market. And by palatable, I mean safe for eating. Try these brands for cake-safe glitter:

• Diamond Dust by The Sugar Art
• Hybrid Sparkle Dust by Roxy & Rich
• Tinker Dust by Bakell
• Bakery Bling Sprinkles

What to look for when buying tools + materials

Here’s what you need to watch out for:

• Check that the material is actually food safe (some molds can be used for candle making or clay, so make sure they also say ‘food safe’)
• Buy molds directly from the designer where possible to avoid buying cheap knockoffs
• Look for sizing information so you don’t buy a 1” cutter instead of a 4” cutter

Vet those Amazon listings like your cake depends on it. Because it kinda does.

And if you’re able to buy directly from cake decorating supply stores (like this list of some of my favorites!) then you know the products have already been vetting by a cake pro in the field!

Vet the Seller Like a Detective

Whether you’re shopping from Amazon, Etsy, or an indie shop:

• Check the reviews. Not just star ratings—read the comments.
• Are there real photos from buyers?
• Do they list actual dimensions and materials?
• Bonus: message the seller with a question. If they respond thoroughly and kindly, that’s a good sign.

P.S. I started my shop on Etsy. There are tons of amazing sellers on there! But like any marketplace platform, some listings are misleading. So double-check before you click “add to cart.”

Compare Prices, But Don’t Be Cheap

A $2 cake topper might look like a win… until it melts, cracks, or arrives 3 weeks late in a bag that smells like a tire fire.

Cheap can cost more in the long run. You deserve better than “fast and sketchy.” Especially if this is for a wedding or client order.

Product Descriptions Are Everything

Photos are cute, but the description is where the truth lives.

• Dimensions
• Materials
• Food safety info
• Shipping estimates
• Words like “handmade,” “edible,” or “ready-to-ship”

If it’s vague or sounds like it was written by AI in 2017? (AI has come a long way since then lol) Skip it.

Know the Return and Refund Rules

Even the best sellers and companies have off days. Before you order, find out:

• Can you return or exchange?
• Do they offer refunds for damage?
• Who pays return shipping?

Knowing this stuff before something goes sideways will save you from a meltdown later.

Since we’re dealing with foodstuffs, many times returns aren’t possible for food safety reasons. But most sellers are willing to be flexible if your order arrived totally wrong or totally ruined. So even if there’s no return policy, check to make sure they have some kind of process for troubleshooting!

Stay Inspired and Experiment

Yes, practicality matters—but don’t forget to have fun with it! Online shopping can be a goldmine of cool textures, new trends, and weird stuff you didn’t even know existed (hello, pressed flower wafer paper).

Want to learn the real sugar flower fundamentals? My ebook Gumpaste Basics is a crash course in sugar flower sanity—perfect if you’re ready to learn the good stuff without burning out.

Or grab my free guide: Essential Sugar Flower Tools. It’s the no-fluff list of tools I actually use (and trust).

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This (and I’ve Got You)

You don’t need to do it all alone. You don’t need to make every flower from scratch or DIY every part of your cake setup. You just need good info, trustworthy tools, and maybe a floral artist who’s been there (hi!).

So go shop smart. Skip the sketchy vendors. Vet your glitters. And go make something beautiful that feels like you.

If you need sugar flowers that arrive ready to go, look stunning on camera, and don’t cause a buttercream meltdown? You’re in the right place. I got you.