Helping couples choose the best options for their big day.

The union of two people marks one of the most important events in a person’s life. The day needs to be as perfect as possible, and it is because of this that destination weddings have become more popular. The uniqueness of these locations and settings allows couples to curate a memorable experience for themselves and their guests.

In addition to the setting, flowers also play an important role in wedding design and are often used for various parts of the event, like cakes, table settings, and decor.

The dilemma of using fresh flowers for destination weddings includes factors such as logistical and practical challenges, especially when planning from a distant location. This can be solved with a creative solution: sugar flowers. 

Common challenges when using fresh flowers

• Climate and Weather: On the wedding day, fresh flowers can end up wilting, fading, and losing their vibrancy, especially when faced with a tropical or outdoor location. In addition to this, there are also growing environmental concerns about using fresh flowers instead of alternatives. 
• Logistic Hurdles: Transporting fresh flowers from out of state is both difficult and costly. They need to be carefully packed and temperature-controlled for the journey. There are also requirements like customs delays, import restrictions, extra charges, and timing for perishable blooms. 
• Seasonal and Local Availability: The choices can be limited due to the availability of certain flowers and the locations they are from. Sometimes the flower chosen may incur high costs, or couples may have to make sudden substitutions due to supply issues.
• Food Safety: Using fresh flowers on cakes and other food items can be a problem as the bloom may not be food safe, or it may be treated with pesticides
• Unpredictability: Stress for couples and planners if there are any last-minute issues like delayed shipments,  damaged flowers, or unexpected weather changes.

Sugar Flowers and Wedding Design

Sugar flowers are hand-crafted and food-safe decorations that are mostly edible, and they are designed to look like real flowers. They are usually made from sugar paste or gum paste, and have been a part of cake artistry for many years.

How They Are Crafted

Sugar flowers require a lot of artistry, skill, and attention to detail to create. They are created from the bud, and the paste for the flowers is rolled and cut into petal shapes. Different practitioners have different styles for texturing and thinning the petal shapes to create lifelike patterns. 

The petals are colored using edible petal dust, airbrushing, or food gels for shading and realism. Once the petals are dried, they are attached to the flower centre to build up the bloom. Thereafter, they are added to the stems or base to create individual flowers or bouquets for centerpieces or other decorative purposes, such as eyecatchers on buffet tables.

The flowers are made individually to allow for customization and more detailed pieces. The visual appeal of sugar flowers is due to their realism and ability to mimic flowers, both real and imagined.  

Solving the Challenges of Fresh Flowers

• Climate Proof: Sugar flowers are usually unaffected by the heat, humidity, and travel conditions. Even if you are having your event in an outdoor venue, like the one seen on Breezit’s Hilltop Banquet Hall, these flowers will last the trip to California and the weather conditions of the region. 
• Logistics: These flowers can be made weeks or months in advance and shipped early. There is less concern about perishability as it doesn’t need refrigeration. They can be delivered directly to the planner, baker, or venue, so the client doesn’t have to worry about traveling with the flowers themselves. 
• Availability: Any flower in any color can be made, irrespective of the season. It can be highly personalized and customized to the wedding couple’s specifications. 
• Food Safety: They are mostly edible and free from pesticides or contaminants, and they can be used on cakes, desserts, and as part of food displays or plating. They are suitable for meals that are sweet pastries, and ice-cream; however, dishes like summer salads,  Maine lobster, cream soups, or wagyu beef steaks can be served with herb garnishes instead.
• Longevity: They can be a keepsake or a memento after the wedding, as they don’t need to be discarded after the event, like with fresh flowers.
• Flexibility: The best part of these flowers is that they can match any wedding theme, palette, and both classic and bold styles.

Comparing the Two

Appearance: 

• Fresh Flowers: They are naturally beautiful, they are fragrant, and they have textures. However, there is a high risk of them wilting or fading due to climate, handling, and time.
• Sugar Flowers: They are not affected by the climate, handling, or time. They are highly realistic and customizable. Skilled artists can mimic almost any flower, color, and style. While there is no natural fragrance, the appearance remains consistent and pristine.

Longevity:

• Fresh Flowers: They are short-lived and last for a few hours to a few days, especially in hot or humid environments. They begin to wilt quickly after being cut. 
• Sugar Flowers: These flowers can last for months to years if stored properly.

Food safety: 

• Fresh flowers: There are possible pesticides and toxins that can affect the food and guests, especially if they are placed directly on cakes or desserts. 
• Sugar Flowers: Are always food safe, and save for stems, they are edible. They are safe for direct contact with cakes and desserts.

Preparation: 

• Fresh Flowers: Require last-minute sourcing, arranging, and setup to ensure freshness. They are also sensitive to transport and temperature. They need to be ordered, seasonality affects the blooms you can get. 
• Sugar Flowers: Can be made weeks or months ahead of time, and can be shipped and stored easily without any last-minute rushing. They are customizable, and any flower can be made.

Versatility

• Fresh Flowers: Limited by season and local availability. Some varieties may be difficult or expensive to source at certain destinations.
• Sugar Flowers: Unlimited options for type, color, and design. Any flower can be made, regardless of season or location.

Cost

• Fresh Flowers: Prices fluctuate depending on season, location, and availability. Importing flowers to remote destinations can increase costs.
• Sugar Flowers: Generally, they are a fixed cost based on complexity and quantity. It may be more cost-effective for remote or international weddings due to reduced logistical challenges. 

Tips for Couples

• How to decide: Think about destination, climate, logistics, personal style, and convenience before making the final decision.
• Working with vendors: Communicate vision early and ask for samples and sketches. Choose professionals who have experience with destination weddings.
• Budgeting and timeline: Consider factors like the cost of shipping, setup, and potential backup plans. Plan ahead so there is ample time for design, creation, and delivery.

Conclusion

There are many advantages and benefits of using sugar flowers instead of fresh flowers, which will make your celebration both beautiful and stress-free celebration. Sugar flowers are mostly edible and can withstand factors like temperature, humidity, and traveling to a variety of destinations without compromising the integrity of the blooms. They tend to have a longer lifespan and can be kept as keepsakes following the wedding, for the bridal couple and guests to reminisce on.