Yes, you can technically eat the sugar flowers, aside from the wires etc. that they are constructed on. So, I would err on the side of caution, as they are really for keepsake/decoration. Other than the artistry behind them and the excitement they bring to a party, the main benefit of sugar flowers is their food safety. The sugar flowers are made from edible sugar dough, hence they are safe next to an edible product like your cake, unlike many inorganic, dirty, or poisonous fresh florals.
Overall, the sugar flowers are meant to be kept as a keepsake and are not to be consumed! However, a wily guest (and maybe even a bride ;)) has been known to try a petal or two! You should keep them! I love when brides and clients keep their sugar flowers and figures. It breaks my heart if they are thrown away! If kept in an airtight container, out of sunlight and dust, the sugar flowers will keep indefinitely. Problems may be encountered in a humid environment, as the petals can re-moisten themselves in humidity. Over time, there could also be some fading in color, but in general, if kept in correct conditions, they will keep indefinitely. Some families save a flower or element from each important celebration cake and tuck them away to incorporate into their child’s future wedding cake.
All of my brides keep them and find creative ways to display them. Although, not all displays are entirely kept from sunlight or airtight, there are many ways to enjoy the sugar flowers. One couple built shadow boxes and brings up one shadow box of sugar flowers on each anniversary, each box representing one year together. This is added to the overall display of anniversary sugar flower shadow boxes, an ever-growing collection and representation of their married life together. Some re-arrange them under tall domes. On the cakes with large amounts of sugar flowers, I’m sure there are many creative ways to display these wedding day keepsakes. I love seeing how they are displayed, so please send me your images. I would love to see them!
← • Can you eat the sugar flowers? Are they food safe? Can I keep them? What do other brides do with them after the wedding?